5 unmissable European rail journeys

06 May 2026

Travelling by train isn’t just a more responsible way to explore - it’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and cultures of Europe. Forget queueing at airport security or worrying about baggage weight; with rail journeys, you can sit back, stretch your legs, and watch the world go by. What makes many of these journeys even better is they begin in London with the Eurostar, making it easier than ever to skip the airport altogether.

Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and Nice

Experience the charm of southern France on this sun-soaked rail adventure. Start your journey in London with a seamless Eurostar trip to France, before exploring the cobbled streets of Aix-en-Provence, known as the ‘town of water and art’. Next, walk through history in Avignon, where medieval streets and the famous Pont d’Avignon beckon. Finally, finish in the glittering coastal city of Nice, where the French Riviera dazzles with its crystal-clear waters, fancy beach clubs, and delicious seaside dining.

A grand tour of Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest

Discover the heart of Central Europe on this ultimate imperial rail tour. After setting off from London, your holiday begins in Berlin, where history and modernity collide in a city rich with culture. From there, traverse stunning countryside to Prague, home to breathtaking Gothic architecture and Old Town charm. Then, it’s on to Vienna for its opulent palaces and vibrant coffeehouse culture, before finishing in Budapest, a city celebrated for its thermal baths and dramatic skyline along the Danube. This trip seamlessly connects four iconic capitals while reducing your carbon footprint compared to multiple short-haul flights.

Experience the Arlberg Pass: Zurich, Salzburg, and Vienna

If mountain peaks, verdant valleys, and alpine lakes catch your eye, this rail adventure will leave you spellbound. This itinerary promises every passenger a front-row seat to some of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes. Starting in Zurich, Switzerland’s cosmopolitan hub, you’ll spend the week travelling the majestic Arlberg Pass—a route that winds through the Austrian Alps. Once in Salzburg, the baroque city of Mozart, explore its musical history and romantic streets, while your next stop in Vienna acts as the magnificent finale, where art, history, and world-famous strudel are around every corner.

Ride the Flåmsbana and witness the fjords of Norway

On this epic ten-night adventure, you’ll get to experience Norway’s Flåmsbana Railway, hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys. Start by boarding the Eurostar in London before making your way to Northern Europe where your journey truly begins. This trip takes you through dramatic fjords, cascading waterfalls, and lush valleys with stops in beautiful Bergen and trendy Oslo. You’ll also visit quaint villages in the countryside and the fjord cruises are a truly magical experience, offering unparalleled views of crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering cliffs, making this an ideal getaway for nature lovers thanks to its perfect mix of train journeys, boat rides, and outdoor exploration, far removed from the conventional tourist trail.

The iconic Belmond Royal Scotsman Highland Journey

Prepare for luxurious travel on one of the world’s most exclusive trains. Departing from Edinburgh, the Belmond Royal Scotsman whisks you deep into the breathtaking Scottish Highlands for a memorable adventure. Along the way, expect majestic landscapes of misty lochs, rugged cliffs, and sprawling glens with you enjoy gourmet dining onboard paired with faultless service and opulent cabins to rest in after a busy day exploring. Your time off the train is just as incredible with plenty of amazing things to do and see, including sampling a dram of whisky at Strathisla Distillery, a private tour of Culloden Battlefield, and skip-the-line tickets to Edinburgh Castle.

To book your European rail adventure, contact your Travel Counsellor today.

Six eco-lodges for a quiet escape in nature

06 May 2026

Travel is one of the most meaningful ways to connect with the world, and these magnificent lodges can help you do just that amongst some of the world’s most arresting scenery. What’s more, these lodges are all actively contributing to the preservation of the landscapes you’ve travelled to enjoy. These aren’t just places to stay, they’re destinations that inspire, whether through their endemic wildlife or unique cultural practices. From the rugged coastlines of South Africa to the serene valleys of Bhutan, here are six exceptional eco-lodges to add to your ‘must-visit’ list.

How to spend 48 hours in Rome

04 May 2026

Italy’s capital city rewards a short break done properly. With two full days, you can cover the big sights, eat exceptionally well, and still leave space to get pleasantly lost between piazzas. Base yourself somewhere central so you can explore largely on foot and dip back to your hotel when you need a pause. Here’s a well-paced way to spend your time in Rome, with ideas for what to see, where to eat, and where to stay.

Go beyond the safari and see another side of Africa

04 May 2026

Africa is often introduced through safari, but that’s only one part of a much wider experience. Across the continent, you’ll find coastlines, cities, mountains, and food scenes that feel completely different from one another. South Africa is a good example of this variety, where you can move from beaches to vineyards to historic sites within a relatively short distance. It’s a destination that works just as well for a multi-stop trip as it does for a single base with day trips.