With high-speed modern rail services whisking travellers from city centre to city centre at speeds of up to 320km per hour, exploring Europe by train has never been easier. It’s also eco-friendly (around 10 times lower carbon emissions than travelling by plane) and much easier to book tickets than you think. In fact Voyages-sncf, Europe’s leading rail ticket agency have teamed up with us and several other bloggers for #TheEasyWay campaign to show you just how hard it could potentially be – to find out watch the fun video at the end of the post! So all you have to do now is choose your city destination. Not a fan of crowded capitals? Try these lesser known cities in mainland Europe instead…
Perpignan, France
Despite its beautiful location in the foothills of the Pyrenees, this Southern France town is often overlooked as a tourist destination. It’s also located near Spanish border meaning it has flavours of both Spain and France with a little North African thrown in for good measure. Head past the sprawling suburbs and go straight to the old town where you’ll find palm tree lined cobbled city squares, a warren of shady alleys and the majestic Mallorcan kings’ 13th century palace. With over 320 days of a sunshine, the nearby beach (only a 10-minute bus ride away) is a good option too.
Ghent, Belgium
This is our favourite city in Belgium. While most head for Bruges, this small but perfectly formed city is probably Europe’s best kept secret. Once one of the most powerful cities in Europe, today it’s a laid back place with a faint bohemian air. With its collection of Michelin-starred restaurants, quirky boutique stores, picture perfect canal-side medieval architecture, and a rich calendar of cultural events, it makes a perfect place to kick back for a day or two.
Lugano, Switzerland
This city is so popular with the rich and famous it’s sometimes known as the Monte Carlo of Switzerland. Located near the border of Italy, Lugano is blessed with a warm climate, beautiful Alpine scenery and a large natural mountain lake – perfect for a spot of waterskiing or boating. The historic town centre is traffic-free and filled with Lombardy style buildings, alfresco cafes and a packed calendar of cultural events. If you time your visit around springtime, the beautiful camellia flowers will be out in full bloom.
Koblenz, Germany
Although this is one of the most beautiful and oldest towns in Germany, 2000 year old Koblenz is vastly underrated. It occupies a beautiful position on the banks of the romantic River Rhine just where it meets the River Mosel. Surrounded by a backdrop of four mountain ranges, vineyards and forests this part of Germany is arguably one of the most picturesque. Also home to a superb collection of grand town houses, beautiful churches, castles and palatial residences it’s an ideal place to stop and explore.
Benicassim, Spain
This under-the-tourist-radar beach resort (located in the province of Castellón) is home to an annual music festival that draws thousands of rockers and ravers from all corners of the world. Although if you’re planning to explore just the place itself then we’d recommend avoiding the month of July (accommodation around festival time can be booked up for months in advance). Other reasons to visit include the six kilometres of sandy beaches surrounded by beautiful high mountains, the fine sunny weather and the historic centre complete with a Neoclassical 18th century church.
Turin, Italy
Despite being surrounded by green hills and Alpine peaks, Turin isn’t always the first city on people’s minds when they plan their trip to Italy – the city’s industrial car making past tends to deter the tourist masses. Although it’s a city that’s starting to change with the aid of a handful of gorgeous design hotels, impressive contemporary galleries and exhibition centres. Make sure you also head for Turin’s historic centre, home to beautifully preserved baroque palaces, art nouveau mansions, time-warp coffee houses and a labyrinth of shady arcades lined with designer stores.
How to get there
When it comes to booking your European rail tickets you could either take the #TheHardWay or #TheEasyWay. This fun video will show you all the options (watch out for the scary tiger in the cage!) Personally we’d recommend #TheEasyWay by using Europe’s leading rail ticket agency, Voyages-sncf newly streamlined website.
Competition
Those lovely people at Voyages-sncf are also running a competition where 12 pairs of train tickets from London to Avignon, Barcelona, Geneva or Milan will be up for grabs. Here’s how to enter..
This post is brought to you as part of a campaign created and managed by iambassador and Voyages-sncf. All our opinions are our own.
23 Comments
Franca
26 August, 2014 at 9:48 pmWe liked Ghent too, we were there for the 10 days festival during July and it was imply crazy! We traveled by train very easily in Belgium, everything is so close that journeys are very short 🙂
Scott
30 May, 2014 at 8:35 pmGhent is my favourite, got to love the Belgium beer and chocolates!
Becky Moore
3 June, 2014 at 4:03 pmHa ha very true!
Els
30 May, 2014 at 11:41 amI’m from Belgium originally and completely agree with your choice for Ghent! Interesting post, thanks for sharing!
Becky Moore
3 June, 2014 at 4:03 pmThanks we heart Ghent 🙂
Kelly
29 May, 2014 at 6:00 pmLove Turin! Such a great Italian city and they have so many chocolate shops – it’s a girls chocolate eating paradise! x
Becky Moore
3 June, 2014 at 4:04 pmVery true loved those old fashioned sweet shops!
Lipgloss and a Backpack
19 May, 2014 at 3:37 amI am so in love with Turin! I spent almost two years there shortly before the Olympics and will always consider it my Italian home. If any of your readers heed your good advice and decide to visit, here are a few of my favorite things to see and do around town!
http://lipglossandabackpack.com/2012/06/destination-turin/
Becky Moore
20 May, 2014 at 5:52 pmThanks yes we enjoyed Turin too, definitely a surprising city!
Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans
16 May, 2014 at 6:08 pmI went to Koblenz years ago and really enjoyed its charm. I’m also a big fan of Bruges, so now I’m curious to check out Ghent.
Becky Moore
20 May, 2014 at 5:53 pmIf you liked Bruges, there’s definitely a good chance you’ll love Ghent too!
Claire @ ZigZag On Earth
15 May, 2014 at 10:11 pmI had never heard of Lugano. It looks great.
Plus I love taking the train!
Becky Moore
16 May, 2014 at 1:18 pmThanks Claire, one to add to the list 😉
Agness
15 May, 2014 at 2:34 amI must visit Ghent this summer. I fell in love with Bruges and Brussels so I will love this city as well!
Becky Moore
16 May, 2014 at 1:18 pmYou will love Ghent Agness, it’s gorgeous!
Emma
14 May, 2014 at 4:32 pmWhat a great choice of places, some I have to admit I’ve never heard of! I love the look of Lugano, what a beautiful lake!
Becky Moore
14 May, 2014 at 4:53 pmThanks Emma!
Rosa
14 May, 2014 at 4:24 pmSome really nice places to see, Koblenz is a really nice place to explore,
Becky Moore
14 May, 2014 at 4:54 pmWe agree! 🙂
Lauren Meshkin
14 May, 2014 at 6:03 amI’ll be in Belgium for about a week this summer and am looking forward to exploring Ghent. I need to write down these other places as well. I barely remember visiting Koblenz when I was younger but I do remember its beauty. Thanks for sharing!
Happy travels 🙂
Becky Moore
14 May, 2014 at 4:54 pmGhent is beautiful, looking forward to reading your blog posts about it!
Katie
13 May, 2014 at 5:27 pmI’ve had brief visits to both Koblenz and Ghent – both lovely and worth a longer stay than I had time for! I love the rail system in Europe!
Becky Moore
14 May, 2014 at 4:55 pmThanks Katie and if plan another trip don’t forgot to take the #TheEasyWay 😉