Written on : 23 November 2020 By : Laura Wendy Harders López
1) Glacier Express Switzerland
Journey: Zermatt to St Moritz (290 Km-- 7. 5 hours)
The Glacier Express is known to be the slowest train journey in the world-- yet who needs to rush when you'll be able to fully take in the spectacular views of this breathtaking journey?
In 7.5 hours, this railway train traverses through the Alps, linking two of Switzerland's best ski resorts, crossing 91 tunnels and 291 bridges. It weaves through an oeuvre of snowcapped mountains, craggy valleys, and densely lush alpine forests.
Also, be prepared to be travelling across the seriously towering Landwasser viaduct, and don't forget to call the waiter and request a lovely glass of Valais wine!
Odontotos is no simple train-- its journey from Diakopto to Kalavrite makes up for one of Greece's most unique attractions. Built in 1895, this is Greece's surviving narrow gauge lines. What also makes this journey so impressive, is its jaw-dropping Peloponnese canyon you'd be touring across. The trip starts from the seaside town of Diakopto-- climbing up to the rail's summit of the mountain-town of Kalavrita.
Odontotos is waiting for you!
3) Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy
Journey: Landquart to Tirano (163 km; 3 hours). Runs between May and October.
The stunning Bernina Express is a narrow-gauge train with jaw-dropping panoramic scenery-- recently declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it journeys between snowy Switzerland and sunshiny Italy.
If you like to feel teetered over towering hills and indulge in dizzying views, then this is the ride for you! What's more, is that you'll get more bang for your buck-- as this journey has extended an additional 50 km while remaining at the same price.
4) Mariazell Railway, Austria
Journey: St Pölten to Mariazell (78 Km; 2.5 hours)
When travelling through Austria by the Mariazell Railway train-- you might imagine that the landscapes are beautiful artistic creations to be contemplated through the train-window. The procession of mountains, rivers with rapids and waterfalls, dark-blue lakes, lush green meadows and quaint villages, will leave an indelible mark upon your memory. You'll get the chance to traverse through one of the most remote regions of the Austrian Alps. The journey splits into two contrasting areas-- the valley region and the mountain region. In the former, you'll be crossing through St Pöllen to Frankenfels, where you'll be able to get on and off to enjoy the charming town and the beautiful meadow views. And in the latter, you'll go weaving through the Erlauf gorge which is an extensively mountainous region which also includes a stop at Ötscher-Tormäwer Naturpark.
5) Trenino Verde, Sardinia Italy
Journey: Palay to Tempio (59 Km); Sindia to Bosa (33 Km); Mandas to Laconi (37 Km); Mandas to Sadali (58 Km); Arbata to Gairloch (62 Km) --- Times and duration vary.
Whether as a family getaway or as an adventure trip to discover Sardinia's beautiful ecosystem, the journey on the Trenino Verde is worth a whole day of leisure. It is the longest tourist line in Italy, which travels along the beautiful Sardinian coast. Are you ready for some fun island adventures? This trip is ideal for pootling around the picturesque towns and villages it stops by.
6) La Ligne des Cévennes, France
Journey: Clermont- Ferrand to Nîmes (304 Km; 6.5 hours)
Experience the gallic splendour travelling on the second-longest railway journey in France. While the longest one is La ligne de l´Aubrac --- La Ligne des Cévennes line is considered to be busier and even more spectacular. It goes along a twisting line of 106 tunnels, 1000 bridges, and superbly lofty viaducts-- such as the impressive Chamborigaud viaduct-- which makes up for a staggering scene-stealer. Also, this trip will take you rolling across extensive colourful vineyards of Auvergne, and through the chestnut forests of Cévennes National Park.
By the way, the best time to experience this train journey is in springtime! As you will get the chance to eye-indulge an array of blossoming trees and flowers, which will surely lull you into a soothing mirage as you gaze over the train-window.
7) Linha do Douro, Portugal
Journey: Porto to Pocinho (160 Km; 3.5 hours)
The railway line of Linha do Douro, is considered to be one of the most picturesque railway journeys in Europe. You will get the chance to contemplate the beautiful scenery of northern Portugal, which also captures the essence of mountainous and rugged landscapes of its neighbouring country. You will be fascinated by the long stretches of valleys and beautiful vineyards from where they produce Portugal's famous port wine. Also, the train climbs up the towering gorge around Régua.
Also, do not forget to view Pinhao Station, which is one of the most charming stations in Europe. What's so distinctive about it, is its intricate blue ceramic tiling.
8) Transcantábrico Clásico, Spain
Journey: León to Santiago de Compostela (643 Km; 4-8 days).
Travel through northern Spain in sophisticated luxury on the Transcantábrico Clásico, and immerse yourself in an indulging pilgrimage to Santiago. This classy railway train crosses the Atlantic and lush side of Spain known as "La España Verde"; passengers get the chance to make various stops at iconic landmarks, dine in regional restaurants, and visit the best museums of the different areas.
Get ready for this wondrous pilgrimage adventure to Santiago with the comfort of a pampering railway trip.
