Traveling by rail across Europe is a classic method to take in the history, cultures, and landscapes of the continent. Europe has a vast train network that connects its beautiful towns and big cities, providing countless opportunities for amazing travel experiences. Here are 20 fascinating itinerary suggestions to help you make the most of your time traveling by rail across Europe if you’re organizing a 10-day trip.
1. Paris to Amsterdam
Start your adventure in the enchanting city of Paris, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower. Savor delectable French fare at charming bistros and cafés prior to catching a fast train to Amsterdam. Discover the delightful city of Amsterdam’s lively nightlife, world-class attractions like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, and stroll along its lovely canals flanked by historic buildings.
2. Barcelona to Nice
Beginning your journey in the energetic city of Barcelona, you may take in the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, two of Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces. Saunter along Las Ramblas’ busy streets, savor tapas at neighborhood restaurants, and enjoy the sun on the city’s stunning beaches. Travel to Nice from Barcelona by picturesque train along the Mediterranean coast. Here, you can explore the Old Town, meander through vibrant markets, and unwind on the immaculate French Riviera beaches.
3. Vienna to Budapest to Prague
Take a trip from Vienna to Budapest to Prague to discover the rich cultural legacy of Central Europe. Start your journey in Vienna, where you can take in classical music performances, indulge in Viennese sweets, and tour lavish palaces like the Hofburg and Schönbrunn Palace. Proceed to Budapest, where you may take a Danube River cruise, tour the ancient Buda Castle District, and unwind in thermal springs. Travel to Prague at the end of your journey to explore the Old Town’s cobblestone streets, take in Prague Castle’s medieval architecture, and eat traditional Czech food.
4. Rome to Florence to Venice
Start in Rome, the Eternal City, then travel through the cultural gems of Italy. Admire the artwork in the Vatican Museums, explore historic sites like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain for good fortune. Visit Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, to see works of art by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli, and to climb the Duomo for a sweeping view of the city below. In Venice, where you can enjoy a romantic gondola ride down the canals, see the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, and eat delicious seafood in the lively Rialto Market, you may cap off your vacation.
5. London to Edinburgh
Take a train ride from London to Edinburgh and explore the splendor of the British Isles. Begin your journey in London, where you may see well-known sites including Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace. Experience the magnificent city skyline from the top of the London Eye, and indulge in top-notch dining and shopping in areas like Covent Garden and Soho. After taking a train to Edinburgh, you may explore the city’s Royal Mile, see Edinburgh Castle, which is positioned on an extinct volcano, and trek to Arthur’s Seat to get sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
6. Zurich to Interlaken to Lucerne
Take a train ride over the Swiss Alps to appreciate the country’s natural splendor. Start in Zurich, where you may visit the Swiss National Museum, meander around the quaint old town, and take a leisurely stroll along Lake Zurich’s shoreline. Visit Interlaken, which is tucked away between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, to engage in outdoor pursuits like skiing, paragliding, and hiking while taking in the stunning landscape of the mountains. Proceed to Lucerne, a city renowned for its picturesque lake, medieval architecture, and well-known monuments including the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument.
7. Berlin to Prague to Vienna
Take a trip from Berlin to Prague to Vienna to experience the rich history and dynamic culture of Central Europe. Commence your journey in Berlin, where you can explore the world-class museums on Museum Island, learn about the turbulent history of the city at the Berlin Wall Memorial, and take advantage of the vibrant nightlife in areas like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. Proceed to Prague, where you can explore the Old Town’s narrow alleyways, ascend Prague Castle for sweeping city views, and have authentic Czech beer in a former brewery. Come to the conclusion of your trip in Vienna, where you may see a show at the Vienna State Opera, meander through Schönbrunn Palace’s gardens, and have apple strudel and Wiener schnitzel.
8. Madrid to Seville to Granada
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Take a trip from Madrid to Seville to Granada and discover the rich culture and history of Spain. In Madrid, where you can explore the exquisite Retiro Park, take in world-class art at the Prado Museum, and enjoy sangria and tapas at bustling neighborhood tavernas, begin your tour. Visit the magnificent Seville Cathedral, explore the recognizable Alcázar palace, and take in a flamenco performance in the city’s ancient Triana quarter when you visit Seville, the capital of Andalusia. Proceed to Granada, where you can explore the Albaicín neighborhood’s winding alleyways, take in the breathtaking Alhambra castle complex, and unwind in the Generalife Gardens.
9. Milan to Lake Como to Cinque Terre
Travel to Lake Como and the Cinque Terre from Milan to experience the splendor of northern Italy. Begin your journey in Milan, where you can view Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper, and marvel at the Gothic magnificence of the Duomo di Milano. You can also shop for upscale fashion in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Visit Lake Como, a charming resort region renowned for its verdant gardens, gorgeous homes, and tranquil lakeside communities like Varenna and Bellagio. Proceed to Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of five vibrant fishing communities positioned along the craggy Ligurian coast. Here, you may enjoy delicious seafood and pesto pasta while hiking beautiful coastal trails and swimming in pristine waters.
10. Budapest to Vienna to Salzburg
Take a trip from Budapest to Vienna to Salzburg to witness the splendor of Central Europe. Begin your journey in Budapest, where you can take in the breathtaking vistas from Fisherman’s Bastion, marvel at the neo-Gothic Parliament building, and unwind in the therapeutic thermal waters of the Széchenyi Baths. Visit Vienna, Austria’s cultural center, to have Sachertorte and Viennese coffee at a typical café, take a stroll through Schönbrunn Palace’s gardens, and see a classical music performance at the Vienna State Opera. Your trip will come to an end in Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, where you may explore the ancient old town, go to the composer’s boyhood home, and take a beautiful Salzach River boat ride.
11. Amsterdam to Bruges to Brussels
Travel by train from Amsterdam via Bruges to Brussels and take in the picturesque cities of Belgium and the Netherlands. Start your journey in Amsterdam, where you can take in well-known attractions including the vibrant Dam Square, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House. After visiting the well-known flower market and taking a leisurely stroll along the charming canals, board a train to Bruges. Known as the “Venice of the North,” Bruges offers visitors the chance to explore its well-preserved medieval alleyways, take in the stunning architecture of the Belfry of Bruges, and savor delectable Belgian chocolates. Lastly, visit Belgium’s capital, Brussels, where you may take in the magnificent Grand Place, discover the eccentric Atomium, and sample mouthwatering Belgian waffles and beers.
12. Florence to Pisa to Cinque Terre
Take a train ride from Florence via Pisa to Cinque Terre to witness the splendor of Tuscany and the Italian Riviera. Start your journey in Florence, the home of the Renaissance, where you can see works of art like Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery, ascend the famous Duomo for sweeping views of the city, and take a leisurely stroll over the landmark Ponte Vecchio bridge. Visit Pisa, the location of the renowned Leaning Tower, to discover the city’s rich architectural and historical legacy as well as to take the ideal tourist picture at the Piazza dei Miracoli. Lastly, travel to the Cinque Terre, a collection of five vibrant seaside towns tucked away along the craggy Ligurian coast. Wander along beautiful paths that provide views of the Mediterranean’s blue waves, relax on picturesque beaches, and savor fresh seafood and local wines in charming seaside cafes.
13. Munich to Salzburg to Innsbruck
Take a train trip from Munich to Salzburg to Innsbruck to explore the stunning scenery and extensive history of Austria. Commence your journey in Munich, where you can tour famous sites like the Marienplatz and the imposing Nymphenburg Palace and enjoy authentic Bavarian food in beer halls and gardens. Visit Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and the location of “The Sound of Music,” where you can take in the breathtaking Old Town, visit the famous Hohensalzburg Fortress, and wander through the Mirabell Gardens for sweeping city views. Lastly, travel to Innsbruck, which is tucked away in the Austrian Alps and offers breathtaking mountain views, a visit to the iconic Golden Roof, and the chance to engage in outdoor pursuits like hiking, skiing, and snowboarding in the surrounding Tyrolean countryside.
14. Barcelona to Valencia to Madrid
Take a train trip from Barcelona to Valencia to Madrid to witness the colorful culture and breathtaking architecture of Spain. Begin your adventure in Barcelona, where you can take in the wacky architecture of Antoni Gaudí, unwind on the stunning beaches, and indulge in mouthwatering Catalan food. Visit Valencia, a city renowned for its colorful street markets, modern City of Arts and Sciences complex, and mouthwatering paella. Travel to Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, where you can explore renowned museums like the Prado and Reina Sofia, meander through the refined Retiro Park, and savor authentic Spanish wines and tapas at bustling local markets and tavernas.
15. Zurich to Bern to Geneva
Take a train trip from Zurich to Bern to Geneva to experience the splendor of Switzerland. Initiate your journey in Zurich, where you may enjoy a picturesque boat ride on Lake Zurich, tour the quaint old town, and pay a visit to the Swiss National Museum. Visit the renowned Bear Park, marvel at the magnificent Bern Cathedral, and meander through the medieval Old Town of Bern, the capital of Switzerland. Travel to Geneva, which is located on the shores of Lake Geneva, where you can see the famous Jet d’Eau fountain, learn about global organizations like the Red Cross and United Nations, and unwind in lovely parks and gardens with views of the lake and the neighboring Alps.
16. Paris to Brussels to Amsterdam
Take a train from Paris to Brussels to Amsterdam to see the best of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Begin your journey in Paris, where you can sample delectable French pastries and cuisine in addition to exploring famous sites like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. Visit the fascinating Atomium, marvel at the magnificent Grand Place, and indulge in delectable Belgian waffles and chocolates when you travel to Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Travel to Amsterdam at last, where you can take a leisurely sail down quaint canals, explore renowned museums like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, and enjoy the lively nightlife of this enchanting city.
17. Vienna to Salzburg to Munich
Take a train trip from Vienna to Salzburg to Munich to experience the breathtaking scenery and rich history of Austria and Germany. Begin your journey in Vienna, where you can take in classical music performances, tour lavish palaces like the Belvedere and Schönbrunn Palace, and eat delicious Viennese pastries. Visit Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and the location of “The Sound of Music,” where you can take in breathtaking vistas of the Alps and historical sites like the Hohensalzburg Fortress and Mirabell Palace. Travel to Munich, the capital of Bavaria, where you can visit famous sites like Marienplatz and Neuschwanstein Castle and enjoy authentic Bavarian food in beer halls and gardens.
18. Rome to Naples to Sorrento
Take a train ride from Rome via Naples to Sorrento to experience the splendor of Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Begin your journey in Rome, where you can marvel at works of art in the Vatican Museums, tour historic sites like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and cast a penny into the Trevi Fountain for good fortune. Visit Naples to savor real Neapolitan pizza, stroll through the ancient streets of the Spaccanapoli neighborhood, and see the ancient wonders of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Travel to Sorrento, a quaint seaside town renowned for its mouthwatering limoncello liqueur, lovely old town, and breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples.
19. Edinburgh to Glasgow to Inverness
Take a train ride from Edinburgh to Glasgow to Inverness to witness the untamed splendor of Scotland. Begin your journey in Edinburgh, where you can visit famous sites like the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. You can also trek to Arthur’s Seat to get sweeping views of the city and surrounding countryside. Visit Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, to take in the world-class museums and art galleries, lively neighborhoods like Merchant City and the West End, and live music in legendary venues like the Barrowland Ballroom. See historic castles like Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness, take a magnificent train ride on the West Highland Line, and finally make your way to Inverness, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands and explore the rugged landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park.
20. Oslo to Bergen
Take a train ride from Oslo to Bergen to take in Norway’s breathtaking scenery. In Oslo, the capital of Norway, begin your journey by seeing the stunning Vigeland Sculpture Park, visiting renowned museums like the Viking Ship Museum and the Munch Museum, and taking in expansive city views from the top of the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. Visit the historic Bryggen wharf, enjoy a picturesque boat ride through the UNESCO-listed fjords, and walk to sweeping overlooks like Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken when you visit Bergen, which is located on Norway’s western coast. Lastly, take in Bergen’s dynamic cultural scene, which includes exciting music festivals, bustling markets, and mouthwatering seafood restaurants that serve local fresh fish and shellfish near the North Sea.