Visual Wanderings – Issue 4
“On the rails from England to Romania”
Train Travel Inspiration from across the World
Publications
Journey Experiences
First-hand insights from handpicked journeys across Europe and beyond by train
Featured Journey Experiences
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Optima Express – Europe’s Longest Train Journey from Villach 🇦🇹 to Edirne 🇹🇷 (Part 1: What to Expect)
Excerpt
The Optima Express is now one of the only ways to travel across the Balkan region of Europe with a unique non-stop journey through six countries linking Austria to Türkiye. Though primarily serving Turkish expats, it offers a unique slow travel experience with couchettes and onboard dining. In Part 1 we will showcase the amenities…
11–17 minutes -
RailJet ‘New Generation’: Munich 🇩🇪 to Northern Italy 🇮🇹 on the scenic Brenner Railway
Excerpt
A full review of the brand new RailJet, operated by the Austrian Federal Railways featuring the scenic Brenner Pass route. The new train features an impressive range of accommodation and catering options, which are all featured.
Alpine, Austria, Dining Car, European Train Travel, Germany, High Speed, Italy, Scenic Trips, Train Travel
14–20 minutes -
EuroCity Hungaria: Budapest 🇭🇺 to Hamburg 🇩🇪 via four capitals – a European adventure!
Excerpt
One train, one day and four capitals. This trip across Europe promised to be a exciting adventure but what was it like and did it live up to expectations? Find out as I took the all day train in First Class.
Czechia, Dining Car, European Train Travel, Germany, Hidden Gems, Hungary, River Valleys, Scenic Trips, Slovakia, Train Travel
6–10 minutes -
Amtrak Empire Builder: Seattle 🇺🇸 and Portland 🇺🇸 to Chicago 🇺🇸 – the cross-country route that has it all!
Excerpt
Connecting the Pacific Northwest with the vibrant city of Chicago is the Empire Builder – one of Amtrak’s ‘ultra-long distance’ rail services running across the north of the country. This journey was a feast for the eyes, and that wasn’t just the food in the onboard Dining Car, with the varied landscapes made this trip…
11–16 minutes
Latest Journey Experiences
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Europe’s Most Luxurious? Italy’s High Speed Frecciarossa in Executive Class 🇮🇹
Excerpt
Arguably the most luxurious seat on a regularly scheduled European train, I booked a seat on Italy’s flagship high-speed train in Executive Class on the Frecciarossa 1000 – with just ten seats, restaurant-style dining and attentive onboard service.
9–13 minutes -
Retro Istria Express: A Nostalgic Night Train from Budapest 🇭🇺 to Koper 🇸🇮
Excerpt
I boarded the Retro Istria Express, Hungary’s seasonal summer night train to the Adriatic. The 1960s-era carriages lived up to the “Retro” label, with wood panelled sleeping cars, pink curtains, and a sense of nostalgia running throughout. Accommodation ranged from basic seated compartments to four-berth couchettes, and my private sleeping-car compartment. All with great views…
10–15 minutes -
EuroCity Sava: A Trip Back in Time from Ljubljana 🇸🇮 to Zagreb 🇭🇷
Excerpt
As new trains transform Slovenia’s railways, only a few classic locomotive-hauled services remain -including the EuroCity Sava. This cross-border train offers a rare glimpse of old-style travel along the scenic Sava river. I boarded it this summer to experience the journey before it potentially changes for good.
9–13 minutes -
Trondheim 🇳🇴 to Oslo 🇳🇴 – a winter escape across Norway on the Dovre railway!
Excerpt
Norway’s Dovre Railway, linking Oslo with Trondheim offers travellers picturesque landscapes. After a bridge collapse in 2023, part of the line was closed until May 2024 but travel was still possible. This report details both the loco-hauled and Class 73 trains on the route, offering a comfortable travel environment, scenic views, and onboard amenities.
11–16 minutes