Traversing Europe by train is fast becoming one of the most popular ways of experiencing the continent. It is extremely comfortable, leisurely and convenient, as well as being well-priced. InterRail, for example, is immensely popular with students (particularly travel bloggers) who are looking to explore Europe, from the beaches of Normandy to the vodka-ridden pubs of Eastern Europe, on a budget. In addition, many modern trains provide superb amenities and reasonably friendly service, often putting them on par with some of the best hotels. Some even have en-suite toilets and showers and private cars.
Because of the transport co-operation between many European countries, travel between one city and another city in another country is made easy. It is possible, for example, to travel from West to East Europe and barely leave a train carriage! If anyone is interested, below I have listed two routes which are rather popular (plus I have had the honour of riding on both of them!)
Photo: shannon kringen
Budapest to Warsaw
This train holiday starts at Nyugati Station, Budapest. It then closely follows the Danube, taking you toward Bratislava. If you decided to stop off here, then you must visit the marvellous Visegrad Castle, Old Town.
Your journey through Europe will then take you through the beautiful Moravian countryside until you reach Cracow, the jewel of Poland. Once here, why not take a coffee in the Market Square, which is enveloped on all sides by medieval buildings.
Photo: Lars K. Jensen
Chopping through the plain to Malbork (the one-time home of the Teutonic Knights), this trip – undoubtedly one of Europe's best train holidays – takes its next stop at Gdańsk, and then finally comes to a halt at Wschodnia Station in Warsaw.
Istanbul to Budapest
This train holiday begins amid the vibrant cityscape of Istanbul, at Sirkeci Station. The next stop, as you choo-choo towards the Bulgarian border, is Plovdiv, where you can immerse yourself in the intriguing history of the Roman Amphitheatre.
Photo: Arian Zwegers
Before long, you'll find yourself in one of Europe's most ancient cities: Sofia. A highlight of your stop here will undoubtedly be the Alexander Nevski Cathedral. As you pass through Serbia, taking time to relax at Freedom Square and Novi Sad, you will soon arrive at Hungary, home to the largest natural grasslands in Europe.
These two train holidays are just a taster of some of the amazing journeys on offer. Don't just take my word for it, book up a holiday today
Comments
I've just came back from train trip - started in Shanghai, ended up in Petersburg. When I was moving closer to Europe, the journey was less interesting. Step by step - in China it was crazy - I don't know Chinese but tried to talk to people, it was fun and different manners (sometimes really annoying like children pissing everywhere, one of them even pissed on my friends' backpack...). On Chinese-Russian border - more European, but still you could see some strange manners such as buying tires and trying to travel with few of them in train (some people had to sleep with tires, because they didn't have enough space under bed). And closer to Irkutsk or Moscow - it was like regular European train - just few people drunk vodka, but not many. If you're interested, you can see some pictures here: http://choosetravel.pl/2012/09/01/pogromcy-mitow-kolej-transsyberyj... (scroll down to see gallery)