Scenic Trips
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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 -
Slovenia’s Scenic Adventure – The Bohinj Railway Motorail 🇸🇮
Excerpt
Slovenia’s motorail service links Nova Gorica and Bohinjska Bistrica along the scenic Bohinj railway. Travelling on this train offers more than A to B, with its open windows and onboard museum. The service operates five daily departures, making it an efficient and enjoyable way to transport vehicles and passengers alike.
11–16 minutes -
The best train through the Alps? Zurich🇨🇭 to Graz 🇦🇹 on the EuroCity Transalpin
Excerpt
The EuroCity Transalpin could well be regarded as a tourist train with its stunning scenery through the Alps. Without the price tag, this train offers reasonable fares, a restaurant carriage and a range of accommodation to choose from.
12–19 minutes -
Optima Express – Europe’s Longest Train Journey from Villach 🇦🇹 to Edirne 🇹🇷 (Part 2: The Experience)
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. Part 2 is all about the journey experience…
13–19 minutes -
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.
14–20 minutes -
KTX-Cheongryong: South Korea’s Brand New High-Speed Train in 2024
Excerpt
The KTX-Cheongryong, launched in April 2024, is South Korea’s fastest train, reaching speeds of 320 km/h and covering the Seoul-Busan route in 2 hours 17 minutes. Despite its sleek design and charging options, the train’s comfort and class differences are disappointing compared to the older KTX-I, making it a less appealing option.
8–12 minutes -
Norway’s Innovative Night Train: Oslo 🇳🇴 to Bergen 🇳🇴 with Vy!
Excerpt
A comfortable alternative to the scenic daytime route from Oslo to Bergen – the Vy overnight sleeper train. The train offers an impressive and well considered range of accommodation options from private sleeping cars, accommodation for groups and the innovative PlusNight. Read about my experience and to learn about each accommodation option.
9–14 minutes -
A Transylvanian trip of endurance? New route from Cluj Napoca 🇷🇴 to Budapest 🇭🇺
Excerpt
Due to long term engineering works, the once daily train from Cluj Napoca to Budapest has become an endurance test with the already-slow journey times extended to over eleven hours! Join me on a trip on the InterCity Claudiopolis and see why the duration wasn’t everything and the journey turned out to be an enjoyable…
10–15 minutes -
An 18-hour European Epic! Vienna 🇦🇹 to Bucharest 🇷🇴 in the Dacia Express sleeping car
Excerpt
The Dacia Express operates a convenient overnight direct connection from Vienna to Bucharest with delightful scenery on offer. The train provides various accommodation, including sleeping cars with en-suite bathrooms and a dining car with Hungarian dishes. However, travellers should be prepared for potential delays and the lack of breakfast service.
15–22 minutes -
Busan 🇰🇷 to Seoul 🇰🇷 on the KTX – South Korea’s original high speed train!
Excerpt
South Korea’s original high-speed train, the KTX, is celebrating 20 years since its launch in 2004, providing much needed capacity between Seoul and Busan. The train, based on the French TGV, offers First and Standard Class accommodation with unique features.
7–11 minutes -
Europe’s lesser-known international train – Kosice 🇸🇰 to Budapest Keleti 🇭🇺 by EuroCity
Excerpt
The EuroCity Hornád train provides a convenient and scenic connection from Košice, Slovakia to Budapest, Hungary. Despite the absence of catering, it offers good value fares. The journey promises picturesque views and a relaxing travel experience.
5–7 minutes -
Villa Opicina (Trieste) 🇮🇹 to Rijeka 🇭🇷 – the inaugural run of the new direct train from Italy to Croatia!
Excerpt
Italy and Croatia are now connected with a brand new, direct train. Take a trip with me on the inaugural train from Villa Opicina (Trieste) to Rijeka operated by the ground-breaking Stadler FLIRT of the Slovenian Railways. Expect great views and Slovenian hospitality onboard.
6–9 minutes -
Europe’s best First Class carriage? Onboard the Swiss EuroCity train along the Rhine! 🇩🇪🇨🇭
Excerpt
The Swiss Federal Railways’ panorama carriage, featured on the EuroCity 8/9 train, offers a unique and delightful travel experience but is it the best in continental Europe? Alongside the Swiss Dining Car, it makes for a perfect choice for travel through Switzerland and Germany!
6–9 minutes
