The Greatest European Rail Journeys |
Posted: March 5, 2014 |
In a world where instant gratification has become almost expected, it’s easy to forget the value of a journey. Carefully preparing food, eagerly anticipating a movie or travelling leisurely to a beautiful city is often just as pleasurable as the end goal —but with people rushing to order takeaways, download films and minimise travel times, the journey is all but forgotten. We spoke to Matt Davies of Direct Rail, who, as a great lover of beautiful trains and beautiful scenery, was kind enough to share his favourite European rail journeys: The Bernina Express
The Bernina express runs across the alps, starting in St Moritz in Switzerland and arriving at Tirano in Italy around four hours later. ‘The carriages are virtually all window, so you have this stunning panoramic view of the alps,’explains Davies. ‘You can listen to the audio guide, but I prefer to shut that out with ambient music and just take in the view. The Bernina Express is all about the journey, and that’s pretty rare nowadays.’ The train goes through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, and reaches a vertiginous high of 7391 ft. Madrid to Oviedo
‘Summer backpackers would be crazy to travel through Spain without riding the train from Madrid to Oviedo,’says Davies. ‘It’s an opportunity to see a side of Spain that I feel is really underrepresented in the media. It’s so peaceful and quiet.’
The train takes you from the capital, and passes through the Picos de Europa mountains as it approaches the north coast. ‘It’s only a four-hour trip. If you can plan your journey so the sun sets just as you’re reaching Oviedo, you’re in for a real treat.’ Glasgow to Mallaig
‘Hands down, the West Highland line is my favourite in Britain,’says Davies. ‘The castle ruins, the mountains, the lakes…it’s eye-opening to see all this natural beauty. We often joke about Britain being wet and miserable. It definitely can be wet, but it’s actually incredibly awe-inspiring, too.’
With a journey time of around an hour and a half, the train from Fort William to Mallaig is perfect for those with less time to spare. Poor weather can compromise the view, so picking a bright, clear day is certainly advisable. The Orient Express
The Venice Simplon Orient Express runs from London to Venice, and at two days and one night, is a mini-break all in itself. ‘You must have known this would be on my list,’says Davies. ‘With the vintage carriages and the cosy sleepers, it’s so iconic, and it’s so romantic. Unlike the other journeys I’ve mentioned, the on-board experience is what makes this one special.’ This 1,200 mile journey is perfect for a special occasion like a wedding anniversary, milestone birthday or retirement. ‘It’s not cheap,’admits Davies, ‘but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime treat, and the memory will stay with you forever. You’ll be able to tell your kids, and your grandkids. It’s an incredible experience, and ultimately, I think that’s what a journey should be.’
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