You won’t believe the views on these European train routes!
Trying to figure out your next trip? Well, we’ve got just the ticket…literally! Get ready to embark on a journey of wonder and awe as we unravel the enchanting world of European train routes.
Just picture this: charming villages, breathtaking landscapes, and iconic cities, all seamlessly connected by the extensive web of European train routes.
Must See Places is taking you on a virtual tour of the most jaw-dropping train routes that will make you believe in the magic of train travel.
Whether you’re a daydreaming enthusiast or a seasoned globetrotter, these European train routes will ignite your sense of adventure.
So, grab your metaphorical passport, and let’s dive into a world where the journey is as extraordinary as the destination…all aboard our 5 favorite mesmerizing European train routes!
European Train Route: Krakow–Wroclaw–Dresden–Berlin
This European train route takes you through some of Poland and Germany’s most stunning and exciting cities and lets you see some lesser-known yet impressive corners of Central Europe.
Featuring historical sites, beautiful nature, and hip spots, the itinerary is suitable for anyone interested in culture and history but also wants to venture beyond the expected. Begin your journey in Krakow, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
You need at least two days to see all the main sights, starting with the Wawel Castle and the Old Town, the riverside and Kazimierz.
Krakow is a perfect base for side trips, the most popular being the UNESCO-listed salt mine in Wieliczka and the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
Both are easily reached by train. From Krakow, continue by direct train to Wroclaw, one of the main cultural capitals of Poland. Set aside a day to see the city, exploring the colorful Market Square.
From Wroclaw, you can easily explore part of the Lower Silesia region, probably Poland’s most exciting partland. Easy train trips include beautiful Swidnica, its spectacular 17th-century Church of Peace, the stunning Ksiaz Castle, numerous charming towns, and the Sudety mountains.
From Wroclaw, continue by train toward Dresden but stop in Goerlitz, the city divided by the Polish-German border. It’s one of the prettiest and best-preserved German cities, and you’ll surely recognize it from many movies, including Inglourious Basterds and The Grand Budapest Hotel.
The train trip from Wroclaw to Dresden takes about 3 hours. Even though the city was severely ruined during WWII, it has some of Europe’s most impressive Baroque architecture.
You’ll need two days to see everything, but the city’s main highlights are conveniently located in the center. Finish your trip in the relaxed and vibrant capital of Berlin, Germany, where you can enjoy various attractions, from historical monuments to mementos of 20th-century world events.
European Train Route: Milan–Verona–Padua–Venice–Trieste
This European train route takes you to some of the most famous cities in the world, plus a few underrated sites. Begin in Milan. Spend two nights here to eat, drink, shop, and see the highlights: the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, The Duomo, and the Castello Sforzesco.
Next, take either the train to Verona. This city’s biggest claim to fame is the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. So you MUST visit Juliet’s balcony while here.
But there’s much more to it than that! Climb the Castel San Pedro for a fantastic city view, visit Castelvecchio, and go to the opera at the historic Arena. After two nights in Verona, board the train to Padua, which is noticeably less touristy than Milan or Verona.
As one of the oldest cities in Italy, it features a beautiful city center. Visit the Botanical Gardens, the Cathedral, and the Prato della Valle. After dinner, it’s time to take a train to Venice, 30 minutes away.
This is when you check into your hotel and rest up for three sightseeing days. Aside from the highlights, like Doge’s Palace, Ponte Rialto, and Piazza San Marco, leave some time to explore the streets and alleyways. A day trip to Murano and Burano is also worth the effort.
From Venice, hop on a train to Trieste. This underrated city is close to Italy’s borders with Slovenia and Austria, and both influences can be felt in the culture, food, and architecture.
It’s the perfect place to slow down and relax at the beach. Finish your trip around Northern Italy by visiting Miramare Castle and the Castello di San Giusto.
European Train Route: London–Bath–Cardiff–Liverpool–Edinburgh–York–London
This ten-day European train route is the perfect way for first-timers to explore some of the most popular cities across Britain. Besides visiting the three capitals, it includes a trio of England’s most beautiful and exhilarating smaller towns.
To begin, explore the capital’s landmarks, sights, and attractions. A guided tour is the best option to make the most of your trip. After which, head to the city of Bath. The main highlights include Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths, and the Royal Crescent.
Jump on the train to Salisbury and Stonehenge on your third day. After spending two nights in Bath, travel to the Welsh capital, Cardiff. There, stroll the centenary walk, visit the castle, or join a Dr Who-themed tour.
Travel from Cardiff to Liverpool and spend an afternoon exploring the city’s main sights, including Albert Dock. You can also take a Beatles tour and visit the childhood thehomes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
The Scottish capital, Edinburgh, will take up days 6-7. Over those days, you’ll want to see Edinburgh Castle, shop on Princes Street, walk the Royal Mile, and enjoy the views from Arthur’s Seat.
Then, travel along the Northumberland Coast and through Newcastle and Durham before arriving in York. Walk the city walls, visit York Minster, and learn about the city’s history at the Jorvik Viking Centre.
For the best afternoon tea, head to the iconic Bettys Tea Rooms before returning to London on day 10 to complete the loop.
European Train Route: Madrid–Toledo–Cordoba–Seville–Granada
This European train route focuses on the southern part of the country: the culturally distinct and utterly bewitching Andalusia region. If it’s your first visit, stay for a day or two to visit the most important landmarks in Madrid before boarding a train to Toledo.
A mere half hour later, you’ll find yourself wandering the streets of one of Spain’s most historical and magical cities. For the remainder of your Spain trip, we recommend dividing your time between Cordoba, Seville, and Granada.
Each of these three Andalusian cities has its distinct charms and fair share of awe-inspiring landmarks, most notably the Mezquita in Cordoba, the Alcazar in Seville, and obviously, the Alhambra in Granada.
And if you happen to have more time, finish off this European train route with a few days on the coast or head west to Lisbon to continue traveling around Portugal by train.
European Train Route: Rotterdam–Den Haag–Amsterdam
This European train route brings you to three gorgeous Dutch cities within an area of the Netherlands known as “The Randstad, the most developed part of the country. You’ll experience the best Dutch architecture, culture, history, and food on this European train route.
Travel times between cities are short and direct, making this an easy itinerary with maximum time to explore every destination you reach. The route begins with three days in Rotterdam. During WWII, it was wholly wiped out by bombing.
But the city has since been reconstructed and is now a modern metropolis chock-full of art, history, fantastic food, and incredible architecture. While here, check out the city’s famous cube houses, to walk among the blocks and see the Show Cube Museum.
You’ll also want to check out the Van Nelle Factory, the Erasmus Bridge, and the Market Hall, where you can enjoy Dutch food and art all in one place. Now, take a quick train ride from Rotterdam to Den Haag, a.k.a. The Hague.
It’s home to the 16th-century Noordeinde Palace and the Gothic-style Binnenhof complex. You’ll also find plenty of churches, museums, and restaurants.
Next, take an hour-long train ride from Den Haag to the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, to learn about the elaborate canal system, artistic heritage, and iconic narrow houses.
You’ll want to spend four days visiting famous attractions and experiencing alternative things to do: You can visit the Rijksmuseum to see the work of the Dutch masters and the Anne Frank Museum to learn her story a bit more… even if you HAVE read her diary!
But don’t forget to stop by Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis to try some traditional Dutch pancakes!
Have you ever been on any of these European train routes? If so, be sure to share your experiences with our readers, especially if you have any tips!
And if you’re not quite ready to travel overseas yet, how about taking an adventurous train ride in our own backyard? Check out 6 Magnificent Train Tours In The US You “MUST-SEE”
