7 of the Top European Train Travel Itineraries

Eurail's European Highlights route, which starts in Paris and ends in Barcelona, offers a highlights reel of everything this continent does best, from Rome’s age-old attractions such as the Colosseum, to Paris’ Eiffel Tower. It's also one of the most versatile on a year-round basis: you'll see brightly-lit Christmas markets in the winter, enjoy scenic boat rides and street food markets in the summer, and witness glorious foliage during spring and fall.

It's also a top choice for culture, music, food, and architecture, stopping in destinations like Prague, Salzburg, and Venice, where you're free to admire each country's most emblematic sights.

The 2-week, foodie-specific train adventure allows you to feast upon an endless stream of amazing dishes throughout three European countries. A train trip you'll enjoy most during the summer months (think: a balmy evening sipping wine with a backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, Sagrada Familia, or Roman ruins), this tour takes you through the gastronomical capitals of the continent.

Some of the best spots to savor en route? Barcelona's La Boqueria Market is a haven for tapas, while Lyon's main market, Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, is one of the top spots for enjoying fine dining at an affordable price.

This eye-opening history train route is best experienced in spring or early summer before each country reaches peak tourism levels and the weather becomes a little too warm.

Admire sights like the Roman Colosseum, the majestic Pantheon, Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii, The White Town of Ostuni, Olympia, and the Acropolis, among many others.

You’ll be out and about walking and exploring during this trip, so pack multiple layers of clothing, and don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes.

If you have limited time in Europe, your best bet is to choose destinations that don't require endless train changes or hours spent getting from A to B.

The Highlights of Western Europe train route takes you through the classical delights of Paris, past the awe-inspiring, mountainous backdrops of Switzerland (one of the most beautiful parts of Europe to explore by train), along the architecturally-beautiful Austria, and across to Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium.

If you're more into mountains than beaches, you’re in luck when it comes to European train travel. The Switzerland Itinerary makes it easy to explore Europe’s most iconic mountains, the Swiss Alps, without having to drive a car along precipitous curves and sharp switchbacks. Start in Zurich and ride the rails through Interlaken, to Bern, then end in Geneva.

This particular itinerary can be enjoyed during any season—see the Alps' snowy peaks, covered in wildflowers, or among the fall foliage. This trip is also ideal for those without a time crunch to enjoy slowly, as the views on the trains are just as scenic as the adventures on land.

Related: 7 Reasons Why You Should Go to the Swiss Alps This Summer

A versatile itinerary that's just as great for history fans as it is for foodies or nature lovers, the Highlights of Eastern Europe is especially apt for budget travelers, as countries in eastern Europe are often more affordable. While the trip requires a little more forward planning (some of these countries use their own currencies rather than the euro), getting off the tourist track may just be worth it.

While you're here, stroll across Prague's Charles Bridge, take a dip in Budapest's thermal Szechenyi Baths, check out Dracula's Bran Castle in Brașov, admire Croatia's Adriatic coast, and take a boat trip on Lake Bled in Slovenia.

If sunshine is the priority during your European train adventure, create your own itinerary from Italy to Greece. One option is to start in northern Italy (Milan is a popular point that’s easily accessible via its two airports or large train terminal) before getting a train to Ancona, then catching a boat to Igoumenitsa and on to Athens.

Or, start from Rome and hit up Bari before making the same route across to Greece. Another trip that's best during the summer months, you can also extend your trip with an island-hopping adventure around the Greek Islands.