Train Routes

You are in a comfortable, climate controlled coach bus meandering down the hills of Tuscany. Surrounded by vineyards and while comfortably in your seat, you bask in the calm atmosphere. A half an hour later you stop outside a small village marketplace. Your tour guide gives you some handy tips on where to go, you grab a snack, maybe some wine and take a little bit of the country’s glow in for yourself. Then it’s back to the comfortable coach bus, and on to another stop.

This pattern repeats itself for a few more stops, and next thing you know, you are in Rome. Your bus stops outside the Coliseum and your tour guide informs you that you will be seeing this one as a group. However, instead of just wandering around, and maybe getting a tour that runs periodically, your guide has set up a special tour just for your group. You spend the afternoon enjoying ancient buildings, and retiring back to the bus just before dusk. Then it is on to a stunning hotel with a room that you could never afford without the group rate that was arranged in advance, and perhaps a visit to a gourmet restaurant or whatever other eating establishment meets your approval. Imagine this stress free bliss for your entire vacation. Imagine having all of Europe just outside the door of your bus, and an experienced guide who knows all of the destinations just waiting to reveal the secrets of the cities you will visit.

On an escorted tour through Europe you can expect to see cities such as Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Paris, Marseille, Madrid, Rome and countless others. You may spend a day or two at each destination, and time will be given for you to enjoy the thrills as either a group or on your own. During that day you will have access to your tour guide. He or she will be able to tell you more than just the basics. It’s pretty well understood that if you are going to London, then you will want to see Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. But your guide can reveal for you all of the lesser known attractions that the city offers. The location truly does get unlocked by your travel operator, and you are given access to so many things that you otherwise would either not know about, or not be able to afford.

Speaking of that aspect, affordability is the best part about the escorted tour of Europe. Traveling in a group is one benefit that makes an escorted tour of Europe affordable. While in Europe, your tour will visit many different locations. Your operator is able to negotiate group rates for almost anyplace you may eat, sleep or visit.

Another feature to expect on a European tour is the number of transportation options. The ample supply of railroad tracks and water routes allows tour guides to be more creative in their methods of transportation. River cruises and train trips are common. Indeed, they can be some of the most popular escorted tours offered. Imagine floating through Europe’s major rivers, and in the process enjoying all of the cities that you pass by along the way. River cruises can truly be vacation bliss. When visiting Italy, your tour guide will provide you with a ride on a gondola. The gondola is an important aspect of Italian culture which was widely used in the 18th century. A gondola ride is very relaxing and allows you to experience the rivers of Venice, Italy.

All in all there is one thing you can expect to see of more than anything else on an escorted tour of Europe. That sight is the continent itself. You will not spend your days wasting away over maps. You won’t be constantly staring at the road in front as you try and navigate through areas that you don’t know. Instead, you will be free to experience Europe to its fullest under the watch and care of an experienced, well informed guide. On an escorted tour of Europe you will actually get to relax and enjoy your destinations. That, in and of itself, makes the prospect of an escorted European tour an attractive one.

At one time, traveling by railroad was the best way for a first-class experience. Today, fewer people ride the rails, as it is often easier and more luxurious to fly. Did you know, though, that you can still find complete sightseeing vacation packages that have you travel via private railcar? These experiences can be quiet rewarding, allowing you to actually see the countryside and interesting tourist destinations without having to drive yourself. If you are interested in a private railcar journey, check out the following options for a unique travel experience:

The Orient Express

Contrary to its name, the famous Orient Express was actually a trans-Europe journey to the gateway of Asia: Istanbul, Turkey. You may be familiar with the romanticized tale of this famous journey from novels and movies such as Bram Stoker’s Dracula or Agatha Christie’s 1934 Murder on the Orient Express. Travellers could start in London, cross the English Channel and board the train in Paris, travelling through Munich, Vienna, and Budapest, Hungary. From Budapest they could choose the route from Belgrade (Serbia) to Athens, or alternately, through Bucarest, Romania, to Constantinople – what is now Istanbul, Turkey. From Turkey or Greece, world leisure travelers could opt to continue their journey by boat or other trains to destinations in the Middle East, India and beyond.

Today you can relive a taste of the past through at least one company that operates service along some of the same rail lines in restored vintage rail carriages. The Venice-Simplon Orient Express offers regular trips from London to Venice and less frequent trips between Venice and Istanbul. The same travel company also offers similarly-themed rail vacations in Malaysia/Thailand and across Australia.

The Trans-Siberian Railway

Another Europe to Asia rail journey is the Trans-Siberian Railway. This is the longest continuous rail line in the world, running over six thousand miles. You can start your seven-day journey in Moscow and see the countryside and a number of Russian and Asian cities on your way to Vladivostok, or you can opt for a much longer trip, with stops in locations like Irkutsk and Lake Baikal. Most people tend to think of a vacation as a trip to somewhere warm and sunny, but this railcar journey takes you into a beautiful winter paradise instead.

The Blue Train, Africa

Luxurious fine dining and unique African scenery come together on The Blue Train. Running through South Africa, this train is all about five-star luxury. The private cars are perfect for guests who like the finer things in life, and the dinner service, complete with fine local wines, is second to none. You can, of course, expect to pay more for a journey on The Blue Train, but overall, the experience is well worth the money.

Canada and the Canadian Rockies

VIA Rail of Canada likes to boast of “The Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World,” and they might be right. If you choose the full cross-continent journey across the world’s second largest country, you will experience a wide range of terrains from forests and farmland, rolling prairies and lake sides, to the majestic Canadian Rockies. On some trips you sleep on the train, while others you ride the train by day and stop for land tours and then stay overnight in a luxury hotel. The full-blown Coast to Coast vacation is 16 nights and 17 days – but well worth it if you have the time. Canada offers a rich variety of natural wonders and hospitality as well.

South America and the Andes

PeruRail is one of the highest railroad lines in the entire world, and these routes take travelers to a variety of destinations, including Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, and the historic city of Cuzco. The spectacular views from your railcar alone are worth the trip, and if you love culture, this is a great way to explore the ancient world of the Incas.

Almost all countries in the world, including India, Canada, Spain, Mexico, and, of course, the United States, offer railway tours. While some, like the Tran-Siberian and others listed above, can take up your entire one to two week vacation, others are great for simple day trips, or even just afternoon trips. For example, the scenic Stroudsburg Railroad on the east coast of the United States takes you into Pennsylvania farm country over just a short afternoon ride. Opportunities like this are available around the world. So, even if you do not want to spend your entire time on a train, you can add a railcar journey as part of your vacation.

When booking a trip by rail, keep in mind that not all trains offer private options. If you plan to make this the bulk of your journey, make sure that the railcar you are booking will allow for you to have a bit of privacy with your travel companions. Some trains only offer traditional seating, which can be uncomfortable and cramped on longer trips. Also, make sure you check on the accommodations for sleeping and eating. Although many lines offer eating and sleeping facilities, for some, this is about function not comfort. If you want a luxury vacation, make sure you do your research and choose a true five-star option.

The world is changing. With our fast-paced daily lives, most people are looking for the quickest way to get from point A to point B. Sometimes, though, the actual travel is the best part of the vacation. Do not overlook rail travel when planning your next vacation. If you are not sure which rail journey is right for you, work with a travel agent. Although we typically think of a travel agent as someone who plans cruises and resort vacations, they can also help you book a private railcar journey. These train trips can help you make memories that last a lifetime.

Adventure tours offer a level of excitement and exploration quite different from an ordinary vacation. This type of vacation typically involves a well planned out tour of not just one city or vacation destination, but several. Also, an adventure tour highlights cultural and historical sites and can involve at least some level of physical exertion; everything from coping with off road exploration to rafting and climbing. There are few continents on Earth which are more fascinating and diverse than Europe. For this reason, among others, there are few locations which are better to experience an adventure tour on than in Europe. Considering the amount of history which took place between European nations, there is much to be discovered. Also, the fact that Europe is comprised of incredible landscapes which are as distinct as the peoples who occupy them, a European adventure tour is truly an unforgettable experience.

An adventure tour on the European continent allows you to walk the very lands where so many of the adventures in ancient stories took place. If you are looking for an experience that will provide you with fond memories for years to come, you might want to consider some of the following tour destinations.

Scotland

Many people have a love affair with Scottish culture and history, so Scotland can be a wonderful destination for an adventure tour. When touring Scotland you can walk the highlands and the lowlands like the Scots of old, either camping in the wild or staying at a different Scottish inn each night. For those wishing to get in touch with Scottish culture, a Scottish adventure tour can be a dream come true.

France

If you don’t want to visit Scotland, France might be a better option. You might consider hiking the Haute Route, a mountaineering route that was designed to link Chamonix and Zermatt (which are two of the most well-known and beloved mountaineering areas in all of Europe.) You might also wish to go canoeing on the rivers of southwestern France, moving along rivers bathed in history as you can see castles and other historical sites from your seat in the canoe. There are tours that will take you through the Christmas markets of France, as well as the breathtaking cities of Paris, Lyon and Nice.

Italy and the Netherlands

If canoeing and hiking is not exactly what you’re looking for, consider taking a bike tour of Italy or the Netherlands. Both of these countries have centuries of history and culture for you to take in while enjoying the freedom of biking under your own power. Adventure tours are designed to take you through beautiful and culturally-important regions of the country, and are generally arranged so that you will have luxurious lodging each night to help you relax from the rigors of riding all day. Bike tours allow you to cover more ground each day than hiking tours do, so you will generally get to see more of the country as you continue your tour.

England and Ireland

If you are planning on visiting England, you might consider taking one of the hiking tours along Hadrian’s Wall. This wall stretches across the Pennines and is considered one of the feats of Roman engineering. By taking a tour along the wall you will be able to marvel at the length of it as you consider that it was built by hand… all while enjoying the beauty of the hillsides of northern England. Similar tours can also be taken in Ireland, where you can see the old rock walls that in many places are still maintained by the descendants of those who built them.

Greece

Should you want an adventure tour that doesn’t involve quite as much hiking, head to Greece or other locations in the Mediterranean where cruises are offered to let you experience the historic coastlines that helped to shape so much of Europe’s civilization. Unlike cruise lines which have you cruising on massive luxury ships, many of the Greek and Mediterranean cruises use smaller ships built in a more classic style so that you will know the feel of those ancient ships while learning about the culture that surrounded them. Adventure tours taken in this area can include visits some of the most beautiful islands and ancient locations in the world, such as Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes, Heraklion and Santorini.

European Adventure Tours by Train

Other popular European tour options involve tours by train. Most of Europe is connected by a railway system, and with a EuroPass you can take a train easily from one country to the next so as to enjoy the cultural and historical significance of each. You can visit the vineyards of France, the castles of Germany, and the markets of Italy with nothing but a train ride in between. Tours which are centered around train transport generally include your EuroPass in the price of the tour package.

Regardless of the type of adventure tour that you want to take, make sure that you spend a little time exploring the offerings of different tour coordinators so that you can find exactly the tour package that’s right for you. In addition to getting ideas for additional things that you would like to do while in Europe, you may be able to save money on the adventure tour that you take as well.

A vacation need not be the same every year. Here are some simple ideas for an extraordinary vacation.

1. Accommodation Fun

You need not always head for a hotel for your vacation. Stay overnight at the zoo with the zoo’s snooze program. Zoo Snooze Programs usually include an up-close animal encounter, craft activities, night tours and games. Alternatively, join the aquarium’s overnight program ! It is a rare chance to explore the aquarium after hours, and you can get to participate in a variety of activities organised by the staff. With an expert guide, you may get to visit the aquarium’s behind-the-scenes areas and the food-preparation area to learn how the animals are cared for and fed. If you love animals, why not plan for a farmstay ? Have yourself engaged in interesting farm activities such as milking the cows, collecting eggs, feeding out the hay, riding on a tractor and watching sheep dogs at work. Your hosts may also bring you for a farm walk or organize some sidetrips, guided tours or fun activities for you such as scuba diving, trekking and forest walks. Don’t forget to bring a little gift to thank your hosts for their warm and kind hospitality.

2. Great Rail Journeys

There are many great rail journeys around the world. Sit back and relax. Enjoy the spectacular and breathtaking scenery which the trains will happily bringing you. Worth a trip is the Tranzalpine train in New Zealand which runs between Christchurch and Greymouth. The entire four and a half hour journey takes you through the wonderful fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River, passing through 16 tunnels, and 5 viaducts. Also, noteworthy is the Canadian, which crosses the scenic lakelands of northern Ontario, the western plains of the Prairies and the Canadian Rockies, and completing its journey on the Pacific coast of British Columbia. Switzerland is another playground of wonderful rail journeys. Its timely, clean and efficient transport infrastructure makes rail vacation a memorable experience. The Swiss Travel System includes rail, lake steamers and city transportation lines. Journey through the Alps, St. Moritz, Lugano, Zermatt and more with its user-friendly travel pass. Its famous rail journeys include the Chocolate train, the Glacier Express, the GoldenPass Line, the Bernina Express and the William Tell Express.

3. Scenic Adventures

Do you know that there are many scenic places which are part of the UNESCO sites ? Take time off to admire the beautiful creation of God, who is the maker of heaven and earth for your next vacation. Some of these sites include the Tasmanian Wilderness, the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island and the greater Blue Mountains in Australia; the Great Wall in China; the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Yosemite National Park and the Grand Canyon National Park in the United States. You will also love the unimpeded panoramic views at many mountains of Switzerland such as the Schilthorn/ Piz Gloria, Mount Pilatus, Mount Titlis, and Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe (the highest railway station in Europe) – definitely a UNESCO site ! Also, highly recommended are the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks in Canada with its Jasper highlands, Banff Sulphur Mountain, Mount Robson, Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefield, located on the boundary of Banff and Jasper National Parks. If you love trekking, the Tongariro Crossing is a spectacular one-day trek across New Zealand’s Tongariro National Park World Heritage Area, from Mangatepopo to Ketetahi. It is one of New Zealand’s best one-day treks. Not to forget are the many memorable treks at Mount Cook and Milford Sound.

4. Embracing history

Make an effort to visit some UNESCO sites for your next vacation. Europe has a wealth of UNESCO sites for you to explore. In Austria, you must visit the historic centre of the City of Salzburg and the City of Graz and the historic centre of Vienna. Head onto Czech Republic for her historic centre of Prague. Visit the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape and the gardens and castle at KromYíž. If you are in Hungary, stroll along the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue in Budapest. Not forgetting Poland, her Cracow’s historic centre, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Auschwitz Concentration Camp, and the historic centre of Warsaw are sites not to be missed. For a comprehensive list of the UNESCO sites, you can visit the UNESCO website for more details.

5. Learning Journeys

Vacations are great learning journeys. Take the opportunity to acquire new knowledge or learn a new skill during your next vacation. You can learn to dive with sharks at the aquariums in United States, learn how to snorkel or surf in Australia, learn about wildlife in New Zealand or find out more about cheese and jam making in Furano, Hokkaido. If you are not satisfied, go for the ginger factory and honey factory in Brisbane, Australia.

6. Enjoying Festivals

Every country has her own festival celebration. By being part of the celebration, it allows you to gain a better understanding of the diversities of cultures and their practices. Why not plan your vacation to coincide with some of the festivals of your desired destination ? Should you love arts festivals, New Zealand or Australia should be your destination.

7. Appreciating Nature

Even if you are not a flower lover, you will not be able to resist a landscape of flowers blooming in their smiles. The sakura blooming season usually falls between end of March till early April. You can see these lovely flowers in Korea and Japan. If you love sunflowers and lavenders, then you must visit Hokkaido between July and August. The flowers and hills in Furano and Biei will be greeting you. Japan and Korea are great destinations to view autumn’s foilage too. You can also treat yourself to a series of 12 magnificent gardens located from Windsor to Halifax when you travel by the Canadian Rail – VIA Rail Garden Route, where the amazing flower gardens of Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes will leave you with an everlasting impression.

The above are just some simple ideas for an extraordinary vacation. There are definitely more places for you to explore and discover a new adventure for yourself. Have a happy and blessed vacation.