- Sep 17, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 8, 2025
We've been conducting a lot of research.
Train travel has a lot to recommend itself. Yes, it might not be the quickest way to hop around Europe, but it has carriage loads of qualities. I delight in the prospect of a train journey. Small bottles of wine, carefully crafted picnics, long conversations with friends, all while the countryside rushes past. There aren’t many forms of travel that make one feel more optimistic about the holiday ahead (that being said, I do love a ferry).
With all this in mind, we crafted a list of the journeys that we would like to take and, with them, where we would dream of staying, eating and, of course, sourcing.
There are quite a few suggestions, so give it a click to read the whole article.
London - Amsterdam
Amsterdam's charm is as vast as its network of canals. Cycling along waterways lined with slender, gabled houses provides an easy injection of joy. The city's rich art scene is one of the best in Europe; you have the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk Museum. Cafes hum with gezelligheid, fostering cosy camaraderie. Here, history, culture, and modern vibrancy dance together, celebrating life's pleasures.
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London - Bruges
Bruges, a medieval masterpiece, is a haven of peace with its dreamy canals and ancient cobbled streets. Marvel at the lace-like architecture, indulge in rich Belgian chocolate and explore the vibrant Markt Square. The timeless beauty of this fairy-tale town offers a perfect escape into Europe's cherished history.
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Things To Do
Basilica of the Holy Blood, Groeninge Museum, Canal Trip
Restaurants
Markets
Bruges Zandfeesten - June 2 from 6:00 am. to 6 p.m.
London - Marseille
Marseille, a vibrant port city, pulses with life. Its multicultural tapestry comes alive in the bustling Vieux Port, the scent of bouillabaisse wafting through the air. The rugged Calanques beckon adventurers, while the sun-kissed beaches offer leisurely delight. Marseille is a city where French charm meets the exotic.
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Marseille Antiquities - The Village, Les Puces de Marseille *Chez Richard, The Craft Market (Le Marché des Croisiéristes)
London - Barcelona
London St. Pancras International - Lille Europe - Lyon Part Dieu - Barcelona Sants, 11hr 30m, 2 Changes, £283.50 approx.
Barcelona vibrates with Gaudí's architectural wonders, from the spellbinding Sagrada Família to the whimsical Park Güell. The Gothic Quarter's narrow streets whisper ancient stories, while the city's beaches offer sun-drenched relaxation. Here, tapas and lively markets fuse with vibrant street art, embodying the spirited heart of Catalonia
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London - Budapest
Budapest, the heart of Hungary, offers a tapestry of delights. From the architectural grandeur of Buda Castle to the romantic ambience along the Danube River, every corner is filled with historic beauty. Soak in thermal baths, savour rich Magyar flavours, and lose yourself in vibrant, ruined pubs.
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London - Avignon
Avignon beckons with its medieval allure, whereas the Palais des Papes is a testament to its papal legacy. Wander cobbled streets, embrace the arts at the Festival d'Avignon, and bask in the Provençal sun. History and culture converge here, offering a serene retreat into France's enchanting past - and that’s not even mentioning the markets, they are mighty fine.
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Markets
Avignon Antiquites - Chemin des Felons, Villeneuve les Avignon- Flea Market, Avignon Flower Market (Saturdays)
London - Lake Como
Lake Como, a jewel of Italy, mesmerizes with serene blue waters and verdant mountains. The tranquillity of lakeside villas, the quaint charm of cobbled lanes, and the elegance of Italian cuisine offer a slice of paradise. Here, one finds relaxation and luxury, embraced by nature's grandeur and historical opulence.
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Things To Do
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Markets
Cernobbio Market, Piazza San Fedele Antiques And Handicraft Markets, Hobby, Antiques and Vintage Street Market
London - Bordeaux
London St. Pancras International - Paris Nord - Paris Montparnasse - Bordeaux-St-Jean, 6hrs 40mins, 1 Change, £202 Approx
Bordeaux, the wine capital, seduces with vineyard-covered landscapes and neoclassical elegance. Sip world-renowned wines, explore the Place de la Bourse, and stroll along the Garonne River. The city's rich bouquet of culture, gastronomy, and storied architecture offers an intoxicating experience for connoisseurs of fine living.
Hotels
Les Sources de Caudalie, Air Bnb - Apartment Gare Saint Jean, Air Bnb - Chez Jeanne - Beautiful Apartment
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London - Normandy
Normandy unfolds with rugged coastlines, poignant WWII sites, and the ethereal beauty of Mont Saint-Michel. Its lush countryside is dotted with apple orchards and dairy farms, producing famed cider and Camembert. From the tapestry of Bayeux to the cliffs of Étretat, Normandy offers a rich tapestry of history, nature, and culinary delight.
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