DESTINATIONS RAIL HOLIDAYS | EUROPE
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Emerald Isle Explorer in Monasterevin, Ireland; Tuscany, Italy; Bernina Express, Switzerland; Rome, Italy PICTURES: Dave Collier; Michelangelo Oprandi; Shutterstock/Vlas Telino Studio
ICONIC journey
Switzerland’s iconic
Bernina Express celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The Bernina line, which runs from St Moritz to Tirano in northern Italy, crosses the stunning Landwasser
Viaduct, offering panoramic views 65 metres above the river, and can be enjoyed on Fred Holidays’ Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, with
prices starting at £1,999. This eight-night tour also includes a trip on the GoldenPass Express which, since
December, has been able to travel uninterrupted between Montreux and Luzern thanks to new technology that allows it to automatically change tracks at Zweisimmen.
several filming locations for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, which will be released in June. It can be booked from £2,965 for a May 9 departure. Those looking for something a bit special can consider riding La Dolce Vita, a new train that forms part of the legendary Orient-Express. With carriages inspired by 1960s and 70s European travel – think gold-framed mirrors and sleek wooden side tables – it is set to welcome passengers later in 2023 and is taking pre-reservations. A return journey between Rome and Montalcino can be booked with Luxury Train Tickets from £1,750.
ON THE RIGHT TRACK The Steam Dreams Rail Company, known for its UK day trips aboard classic steam locomotives, is branching out into Ireland with its first Emerald Isle Explorer tour. Covering tracks connecting Dublin, Galway, Killarney and Kilkenny, it also takes in scenic sites including the Ring of Kerry and the River Shannon as well as offering a chance to enjoy “the only onboard railway bar serving draught Guinness”. There are three seating, dining and accommodation options, with packages for the nine-day tour ranging from £1,995 for rail travel and accommodation to £3,995 for superior accommodation and a dining package, both with a May 3 departure. After rail specialist Arena Travel became part of Leger Shearings, the group’s head of retail sales, Ashley Dellow, says “much of its rail holiday growth is
planned to come through trade partners”. It has a new Historic Cities and Railways of Poland tour built around the charming old towns of Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan and Wroclaw, with prices starting at £1,995 for a September 23 departure, including flights from Heathrow.
FUTURE SERVICES As well as new trade-bookable product, there are a host of improvements on their way to rail networks across Europe. London will be connected to Berlin via Brussels on a new European Sleeper service in May, while Italy’s state-owned network operator intends to spend €110 billion over the next 10 years, including cutting travel times by up to half on routes such as Turin-Genoa and Palermo-Catania. A new undersea rail and road tunnel is also being built between Germany and eastern Denmark, cutting travel times to Copenhagen and Sweden. The Nightjet between Vienna and Paris is set to launch
upgraded trains this summer – expect wireless charging stations, private en-suite compartments and storage for bikes and winter sports equipment – and Spain has had new high-speed services linking Madrid with Barcelona and Valencia since November. The future of train travel in Europe is certainly looking bright. And right now – whether clients want to wind past snow-tipped mountains, chug through quaint villages or ride an iconic route – there is plenty to suggest to those in search of a holiday on the rails.
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16 MARCH 2023
travelweekly.co.uk
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