Travelling by train used to be referred to as the Golden Age of Travel, and it’s not hard to see why – when the alternative means you are faced with cramped airline seats, airport delays and air turbulence. Instead of fighting the hoards heading to the airport, why not experience Europe by one of the many European train tours? You’ll quickly become an advocate for European train travel – and why it really is the best way to travel. Here is our suggestion of the top European train tours on offer:
European train tours
Indulge in Switzerland’s Chocolate Train
What better way to experience the beauty of Switzerland than by a train trip on Switzerland’s Chocolate Train that takes you from Montreux to Broc and promises travellers the very best that Switzerland has to offer. On this nine-hour return journey you can stop and enjoy the medieval town of Gruyeres and tour a local cheese factory and the local castle. Then get on the train and continue to Broc where you will be bussed to the Cailler-Nestlé chocolate factory for free samples before making the return trip home.
The many routes of the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The Orient Express is a famous train and today you can travel from London to Venice or any of its other 26 routes and experience the true luxury of train travel that harks back to the Golden Age of Travel. Travel back in time and enjoy grand suites, a champagne bar, private bathrooms and an elegant dining cart. When it comes to luxury, this train has it all!
The flavours for France – from Paris to Bordeaux
The French National Railroad is a high-speed train that connects Paris to Bordeaux and if you are a food lover and wine lover then it’s a trip you have to take. Hop on the train in Paris and in just two hours you will be in Bordeaux enjoying the gourmet food that this region is famous for.
Lisbon to Madrid on wheels
Leave Lisbon at night and wake up in Madrid! This 10-hour train journey winds through beautiful rural scenery and offers its travellers all the luxury of a grand hotel – from a delicious meal to a club lounge and en-suite facilities.
The green hills of Ireland on The Grand Hibernian
The Belmond Grand Hibernian is Ireland’s first luxury sleeper train and runs two, four and six-night journeys throughout the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Every cabin on the train is named after different Irish counties and is decorated in matching tartans. Take the journey to enjoy everything Ireland has to offer from the ancient castles of Blarney, Ashford and Ross to the beautiful green countryside of the Emerald Isle.
The epic journey across Russia
The Trans-Siberian Railway will take you from Moscow to Vladivostok and takes an epic 19 days. This magnificent journey crosses eight time zones and you can mingle on board with foreigners, locals and the rich and famous who are all here to experience this truly special rail experience. As you travel you have the opportunity to stop off and enjoy city tours – and even scuba diving and of course the vodka that Russia is famous for!
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