Are you looking for a more environmentally friendly, greener way to travel? Or perhaps you don’t particularly like flying and want an alternative? Rail travel is one such alternative. One of the greenest ways to travel, rail travel creates a much smaller carbon footprint when compared to flying.
Travelling on Trains
Rail holidays give you the chance to slow down and enjoy the journey as well as your chosen destination. When we fly or drive how many of us actually sit back and relax? Not many I would guess, they are simply a means of getting to our destination, when our holiday can begin. But with rail travel you can take in your surroundings and the ever-changing scenery as you get swept along in comfort. Train travel harks back to a golden era of travel, one of romance and glamour. Relive that romance with rail holidays.
Europe’s wide reaching rail network means it is easy to hop across to France, Italy, Germany – your choice of destinations is endless.
To Europe & Beyond by Rail
The beautiful city of Florence set in the Italian region of Tuscany is easily accessible by rail from the UK and makes an ideal holiday destination. Located on the banks of the River Arno against a backdrop of lush Tuscan hills, this stunning city is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and was the European centre of medieval trade. Immerse yourself in the city’s cultural and architectural delights and sample the delicious local cuisine.
Begin your rail holiday strolling through the beautifully restored St Pancras station before boarding the Eurostar to Paris. Watch the British countryside speed past as you head towards the French capitol. Once you have arrived in Paris, continue by high-speed TGV train through France into Switzerland to the pretty lakeside city of Zurich. Why not spend a couple of days exploring this charming city and its impressive collection of churches, including St Peterskirche with Europe’s largest clock face.
Next, take the comfortable Euro City service along the spectacular Gotthard route, past stunning mountain peaks and picturesque scenery into Italy.
Milan’s striking art-deco station welcomes you to Italy. For the final part of your journey board the Eurostar Italia Frecciarossa which will whisk you to Florence. There is much to see in Florence such as the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery one of the oldest art museums in the Western world, or the Ponte Vecchio medieval bridge over the Arno River which still contains shops inside this famous structure. The Palazzo Pitti, a vast Renaissance palace, used by Napoleon as a base in the late 18th Century is just a short walk away from the Ponte Vecchio bridge and is now a large art gallery. The iconic Duomo domed cathedral dominates the Florence skyline and is another must-see. Enjoy the culinary delights of the city and be sure to try some Italian gelato!
If you fancy venturing further afield and exploring the surrounding areas, Pisa with its world-famous leaning tower and the eternal city of Rome are both easily accessible by train.
Benefits of a rail holiday:
- You can take in a number of different countries all in one rail holiday.
- The high-speed line from St Pancras has shortened journey times to the Continent considerably.
- No long check-in queues and delays at the airport.
- No airport security to go through.
- You can keep your baggage with you.
- Bring your own food and drink for the journey.
- Arrive relaxed at your destination.
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