Europe comes alive in the summer. There’s an energy and vibrancy that radiates through much of the continent when the sun reappears after a long winter. Whether you’re looking for that ultimate beach holiday or just to soak up the summery atmosphere of your favorite cities, it’s a great time to board a train with your rail pass and head off to make brand new memories. Here are 5 places for an unforgettable summer in Europe. Summer in Europe 1. Porto, Portugal Porto’s moderate climate makes it possible to have an enjoyable visit year-round. But when the temperatures rise between May and ..read more

Lauterbrunnen is an idyllic Swiss village located in an impossibly beautiful valley in the Alps. Towering snow-capped peaks, high-altitude waterfalls and rough valley sides mean you seldom have to move to take in a truly breathtaking view. It’s surprisingly accessible by train, and there’s a wide range of things to do in Lauterbrunnen. The unspoilt village is popular throughout the year. But if you head there in the spring or summer, you’ll get the best of both worlds – snowcapped peaks and an endless array of scenic hikes and walks. When winter blows in, the deep green meadows turn ..read more

When Amsterdam and London get too grey and rainy, sunlight in Scandinavia becomes a rare sight, and the weather in the Swiss Alps becomes too cold for anything bar skiing with 4 layers of clothes on, it’s probably time to admit to yourself that it’s time to take a vacation in warm and sunny Spain. And if you’re at it, why not go to the warmest part of Spain? With its very distinct character shaped by the blend of Moorish and Spanish culture, Andalusia is known for its spectacular palaces, sunny beaches, fantastic food and medieval cities located at the foot of imposing hills and mountains. How ..read more

Europe is about more than beautiful cities and fascinating history. It also has some of the best hiking territory in the world. Exhilarating cliffs, stirring views and constantly shifting landscapes make for incredible walks for novice and experienced trekkers alike. Most are also easily accessible from nearby towns, and with a rail pass in hand you’ll be able to get close to the trailhead and out into the wilderness with only a small amount of planning. Here are five of the best towns for scenic day hikes in Europe. Day hikes in Europe 1. Zillertal, Austria Austria is one of the best co ..read more

The Greek islands are among Europe’s most revered destinations. With its deep blue seas, whitewashed buildings, fresh seafood, late night parties, remote beaches, and seemingly endless sunshine, there’s a LOT to love. Just because you’re planning an epic rail adventure, it doesn’t mean you have to skip the islands! Here’s how you can get a taste of the Greek islands with Eurail. Seeing the Greek islands with Eurail Order the Eurail Greek Islands Pass The Eurail Greek Islands Pass is your ticket to paradise. Previously called the Attica Pass, it allows you to discover the G ..read more

If the thought of relaxing on a tranquil, isolated beach with a good book sends shivers down your spine, then fear not. Europe’s packed with some of the world’s most exhilarating places for adventure and extreme sports. Whether you’re looking to fall from a plane, hurtle down class V rapids, or launch yourself off a sheer cliff, one of these places will have you covered. Extreme sports in Europe Interlaken, Switzerland Switzerland’s stunning Interlaken stands out as the adventure and extreme sports capital of Europe. There’s no shortage of activities in the region designed to get your heart r ..read more

It’s easy to spend 2 weeks in Portugal by train. Its location on the Iberian Peninsula, with only Spain as its neighbor, has influenced many aspects of life. Fresh seafood, pristine beaches, fine ports and wines, interesting maritime history, and a young, creative population combine to make for fascinating adventures. It’s well set up for train travel, particularly if you combine it with a rail trip through Spain. If you’re arriving by plane, then you’ll probably start and end in Lisbon. If you’re arriving from Spain, then you should follow a north-south or south-north itinerary. But eith ..read more

Spain is perfectly set up for train travel. It may be a large and diverse country, but it always feels as if you’re a scenic high-speed train ride away from the next big adventure – whether you’re devouring pintxos in Basque Country, or marveling at the white villages of Andalucía. And with a Eurail Pass in hand, train travel in Spain can be done with ease and efficiency. Each region offers something unique, whether it’s in the food, scenery, language or culture. And while many visitors jet in to Madrid or Barcelona for a few days and then head off, there’s really only one way to get to t ..read more

Vienna has somehow got the reputation of being a predictable, musty, glamourous, boring city. It has this historical Central European side, certainly, but this prejudice leaves out all the unexpected fun to be had and quirkiness to be enjoyed here if you look just a little more closely. These tips by our Vienna locals might just convince you that Vienna’s worth visiting even if you don’t care for history and pretty buildings. The art of memory Photo by Julia Heiligenbrunner Supersense combines a passion for preservation through photos and audio recordings. They also have a café and restauran ..read more

Towel? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Eurail Pass? Check. Surprise: you can easily reach incredible beaches in Europe by train! From refuges outside of Barcelona and Amsterdam to hidden coves on the Dalmatian Coast, here are 5 coastal areas to seek out seaside bliss – without dealing with traffic. The South of France Nice Beaches in Europe | Nice, France You might think of the Côte d’Azur as a summertime playground where celebrities preen on yachts while paparazzi lurk under palm trees. Yet, don’t forget that this part of France is lovely all year round. Well into autumn, cafes serve up champagne ..read more