Europe is full of fascinating countries. The trouble is there is too much to see and not enough time to see it. However, if you want to take a bite size chunk out of just a few of the countries, it’s possible to do it all on the train. Best of all, you can often find cheap European train fares to enjoy moving from country to country on a budget. The trick is to pick countries that are close to each other, and make the most of the cities you arrive in (for just a few hours)!
The first stop of your whirlwind European tour should be Scotland, in the United Kingdom. Edinburgh is an incredible city. It’s full of entertainment, exhibition and comedy as well if you turn up during the Fringe week. There is an airport fairly near to the city that can serve you from almost anywhere in the world. Once you land, head toward the city and enjoy views of castles, monuments, and a city that is absolutely buzzing!
Next, hop on a train to London – the trains run frequently. As soon as you arrive, you will be in the heart of things. Grab a bus or use the London Underground subway system to take you to Buckingham Palace. Or try Covent Garden or Leicester Square for an incredible night out. London is one of those cities that could keep you entertained for a month, so choose wisely what you want to see during your short stop here.
The Eurostar is the high-speed train that heads out from London to Paris or Brussels. Choose Paris for a view of the Eiffel Tower and the best cuisine in the world. Stop for an hour at a cafe to enjoy the view of Paris. Or head to the gorgeous art galleries and museums that make Paris the most cultured city of this tour. Alternatively, don your travel clothing, and take a stroll along the banks of the river. See Parisian life at a more leisurely pace.
Instead of Paris, it’s easy to head into Brussels in Belgium. This tiny country packs a punch when it comes to interesting shops and restaurants, though. Enjoy a local beer, and an incredible variety of music from Jazz to Folk to Classical. After a tasty Continental breakfast, grab the first train into Amsterdam for some Dutch cheese, and a very chilled night out.
Amsterdam is the city of cycling, so hire a bike and take a ride to see a little more of the surrounding countryside. There are fields not too far out that have beautiful flowers and tulips growing. The real tulips of Amsterdam are grown under controlled conditions. But you may be able to hop on a tour bus to enjoy a horticultural tour of the area for an afternoon.
The final stop is Berlin in Germany. Here you can sample a huge range of beers and sausages. Berlin has a very rich and often sombre history, but it is definitely worth you taking the time to visit the museums here. Flights back home are easy from the local airports, but why not stay a while? The rest of Europe is just a train ride away!
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