Comfortable, convenient, affordable, eco-friendly and sometimes just downright wonderful, the train is the obvious choice for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of Europe this winter.
Explore the diverse cultures and landscapes of the Old Continent by train using one of the five carefully selected itineraries below. You’ll see some of France’s most enchanting cities, succumb to Amsterdam’s canalside charms and rub shoulders with fashionistas in Milan. You’ll step off the train in Switzerland and go for a leisurely stroll along the banks of Lake Geneva, before escaping southwards to the sultry cities of Marseille and Barcelona, the garrulous capital of Spain’s Catalonia region. Happy travel.
Itinerary 1 > Frankfurt – Paris – Barcelona
Frankfurt
Frankfurt-am-Main is Germany’s fifth-largest city and a major European financial hub. And yet, with its thriving art and culture scene, museums and immaculately restored Old Town, Frankfurt is ranked among the top 10 of the world’s most desirable cities to live in. Note that most of Frankfurt’s museums are closed on Mondays.
Paris
From Frankfurt to Paris, the fabled city of lights, it’s a little over three hours by train. Average fares between the two cities are 55 euros Second Class, or 70 euros First Class, with train operator DB-SNCF.
Barcelona
Finally, Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is not to be missed. This balmy city lies on the Mediterranean coast, making it the perfect destination for travellers who want to see both the city and the beach. Whether you’re wandering down the famous ramblas, basking on Barceloneta beach, admiring modernista Gaudi architecture or exploring the city’s colourful barrios, you’ll love every minute of your time here. The city can be reached by train from Lyon in 4 hrs 55 minutes, or directly from Paris in 6 hrs 19 minutes, with the France Spain High Speed service. Average train fares between Barcelona and Paris are 39 euros if you’re travelling Second Class and 49 euros if you’re travelling First Class.

Itinerary 2 > Amsterdam – Paris – Milan
Amsterdam
Amsterdam comes alive in the summer, and it’s a great city to explore from the water – or by bicycle, for that matter. A boat trip along the city’s maze of canal networks is a fine way to keep cool as you pass under picturesque, flower-laden bridges and admire the stately canalside mansions built in the 17th and 18th century by well-to-do merchants. For art lovers, of course, no visit to Amsterdam would be complete without a visit to the Van Gogh museum, or the Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands.
Paris
If you’re travelling from Amsterdam to Paris by train, the journey takes barely over three hours with train operator Thalys, so there’s no excuse not to spend some time in the fabled City of Lights. With its world-famous museums, elegant parks, romantic Hausmannian façades, haute cuisine and designer shopping, there’s something for everyone in the French capital.
Milan
From Paris, it’s just over 7 hrs by train to the chic city of Milan, the capital of Italy’s northern Lombardy region and home to “The Last Supper”, Lenoardo da Vinci’s epic masterpiece. Average train fares from Paris to Milan with train operator SVI are 49 euros travelling in Second Class and 59 euros travelling in First Class.
“An anthem sung in stone, a poem wrought in marble…” If Mark Twain’s words of praise for Milan’s cathedral are anything to go by, you may or may not want to make this your first stop while visiting Milan. Keep in mind that the Duomo di Milano is the city’s main attraction, so if you’re planning on going inside, or climbing up to the cathedral roof, make sure you get there early in the day (or book in advance) to avoid the queues. However, it’s well worth the climb up to the terraces for spectacular views of the city and a close-up look at the cathedral’s spires and pinnacles.
If you have time for a day trip, Milan is within easy reach of the mountains and lakes of northern Italy and provides a perfect base for exploring this part of the country. Just one and a half hours out of the city by train you’ll find the crystal-clear waters of Lake Garda, a popular holiday location on the edge of the Dolomites.
Itinerary 3 > Geneva – Paris – Cologne
Geneva
From Geneva, it’s a 3 hr 3 min train ride with TGV Lyria to the sunkissed, sultry city of Marseille in France. Referred to by some as “the secret capital of France”, and by others as “the anti-Paris”, Marseille is France’s oldest city with its own melting-pot heritage and its own tales to tell. Wander through the city’s historic fishing port and you’ll see boats leaving regularly for the prison island of Château d’If, which featured in “The Count of Monte Cristo”, Alexandre Dumas’ famous novel. The city serves as a gateway to the Calanques, a 20km stretch of stunning coastline between Marseille and the nearby fishing village of Cassis, offering glorious opportunities for climbing, swimming and hiking. It’s not too difficult to reach the Calanques on public transport, but access to the region might be limited in the summer months, so check with the Calanques National Park before you go.
Paris
From Geneva to Paris, the fabled city of lights, it’s a little over three hours by train. Train tickets start at 45 euros Second Class, or 55 euros First Class, with train operator Alleo.
Cologne
Cologne, a 2,000-year-old city spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, is the region’s cultural hub. A landmark of High Gothic architecture set amid reconstructed old town, the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral is also known for its gilded medieval reliquary and sweeping river views.