• Absorb the scenery at a slower pace

• Reduce your carbon footprint

• Take the stress out of your holiday with no need to drive

• Experience the romance of travel on a luxury train

• Tick off bucket list experiences

Earlier this year I embarked on a rail holiday through Austria and Germany, experiencing both the lively city life and the charming Austrian mountains. We began with a stay in Vienna, before continuing to Salzburg, Zell am See and finally Munich! Arriving into the heart of each city and choosing hotels close to the station, it couldn’t have been easier. If you're interested in a similar trip to my own, why not take a look at our Austria's Imperial Cities by Rail holiday?

Following this exciting rail adventure, I can’t wait to experience more of this fantastic continent from the tracks, with the following incredible rail journeys high on my bucket list.

Glamour and romance… these trains truly capture the essence of luxury train travel exuding timeless elegance and only the finest levels of comfort.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train: The icon of train travel. Few trains are as globally recognised with famous novels such as Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express immortalising it to become legend. The Orient Express first launched in 1883, connecting Paris with Istanbul and now the Venice Simplon-Orient Express continues that legacy, boasting vintage carriages that channel the grandeur of the 1920s. The routes have expanded too, with destinations now including Istanbul, Venice, Rome and Cannes.

La Dolce Vita Orient Express: The name itself blends the romance of Italy with the myth and intrigue of the Orient Express. Connecting the magical landscapes of Italy, from north to south, find yourself indulging in Michelin-starred cuisine and sipping on champagne whilst listening to the ambient tones of the grand piano as majestic scenery passes your window.

The Golden Eagle Luxury Trains: This opulent sleeper train offers spectacular journeys with a refined level of comfort and class. Connecting famous cities and hidden gems, this train truly offers it all. Perhaps admire the historic castles and scenery across Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary or travel through the fascinating Balkan capitals?

Bernina Express, Switzerland: Climbing mountains and crossing rivers, this icon of Switzerland defies expectations, navigating impossible landscapes to treat travellers to the most breathtaking views possible, with panoramic domed carriages ensuring you don’t miss a thing!

Oslo to Bergen, Norway: Starting in Norway’s capital, this incredibly picturesque journey takes you past rolling hills, rugged mountains and magnificent glaciers, before arriving into Bergen, the city among fjords. You can take the direct stretch from Oslo to Bergen, or perhaps take the popular detour via the Flam Railway, covering some of Norway’s most spectacular scenery.

Rome to Sicily, Italy: From Italy’s glittering capital, hop on board your train for a scenic journey south to the cultural city of Naples. Perhaps spend some time on the famed Amalfi Coast before heading down to the tip of Italy’s boot. In a unique passage, the whole train is ferried across the Strait of Messina as passengers watch the approaching shores of Sicily come into view over the sea.

With so many high-speed routes, train travel across Europe is extremely convenient, arriving in the heart of each destination in no time. With countries battling it out to boast the fastest trains in Europe, the competition is constantly changing, however it is currently France that grabs the trophy, with Italy right on its tail.

Perhaps reach each of Italy’s most iconic cities in a flash by train? Spain operates the longest high-speed network in Europe and Portugal’s fast and sleek Alfa Pendular connects the country, from its historic northern cities to its sunny southern Algarve. Say goodbye to the idea of thinking a flight might be quicker than a train journey as these well-connected countries prove otherwise.

Travel further than you might think without the need to take to the skies. With no airport queues in sight, this is the perfect way to travel Europe in comfort and ease. The Eurostar provides an easy connection from London to Paris, Amsterdam, Lille, Brussels and Cologne. From these cities it’s easy to join other rail networks to hop between iconic landmarks, charming villages and beautiful landscapes in every corner of the continent.