We say, You say

• You say about Trains

  Make sure you are on time, because the trains are!

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about France | Paris

  Café Flore and Les Deux Magots are two classics - expensive, but worth experiencing.

  Rachida, Paris Office

• You say about Switzerland | Zurich

  We ate our way through a chocolate factory…loved the markets

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about France | Paris

  Although the Paris Metro is brilliant, many stations do not have full sets of lifts and escalators

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Spain | Barcelona

  Park Guell is free

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about England | United Kingdom | London

  Buy London Eye tickets in advance to avoid queuing.

  Julie, Paris Office

• You say about Netherlands | Amsterdam

  Comes alive after dark - a great place to spend New Year’s Eve!

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Italy | Rome

  Be very patient: even with prebooked tickets it can take time to get into places

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Switzerland | Zurich

  Go to Zurich for the atmosphere and to hang out, rather than for sightseeing.

  Alexis, Paris Office

• You say about Passes

  Plane travel can be inexpensive, but taxis to airports are costly. A Rail Pass which enables rail travel from airports to the centre of cities is convenient

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Belgium | Benelux | Brussels

  I loved Magritte’s house - the links between his life and art are interesting.

  Catherine, Paris Office

• You say about Night and Hotel Trains

  Use night trains to get between major cities to maximise daytime sightseeing.

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Netherlands | Amsterdam

  I love walking in the Jordaan, along the canals.

  Emilie, Paris Office

• We say about Switzerland | Zurich

  If you’re in Zurich in December, there are Christmas markets: try some gluhwein or spiced cake.

  Xavier, Paris office

• You say about Italy | Florence

  Buy museum entries before you leave and avoid the lines

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Belgium | Benelux | Brussels

  Brussels is famous for its beer: visit La Mort Subite or Le Falstaff and try a selection.

  Julie, Paris Office

• You say about Italy | Florence

  Day trips to Venice, Pisa and Sienna are all very do-able

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about France | Paris

  You should climb the Grand Arc of La Defense for a stunning view of the city

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about France | Paris

  The Marais is a good place to visit on Sundays, when much of Paris is closed. Brunch there is a tradition.

  Florence, Paris Office

• You say about Spain | Madrid

  Photograph the decorative street signs, the Museo del Jamon, the cathedral doors

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Italy | Rome

  The food markets at Campo dei Fiori every morning are a real Roman experience.

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about France | Paris

  The bateaux mouches are a tourist classic: a great way to see the city.

  Christel, Paris Office

• You say about Italy | Venice

  Try to stay near a vaporetto stop and get a vaporetto ticket for the duration of your stay

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Swiss Pass | Switzerland | Zurich

  Zurich is a beautiful and clean city with few cars and great trams. If you have a Swiss Pass, local transport is included

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Belgium | Brussels

  Great seafood, and lots of English-speakers

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about England | London

  The highlight for me was the art galleries and cathedrals

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Italy | Rome

  You pay 5 times as much to sit down and drink your coffee - stand at the bar instead’.

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Italy | Rome

  If you’re there in Autumn, eat mushrooms (funghi porcini) and artichokes (carcioffi). Rome has an excellent selection of the different regional cuisines.

  Xavier, Paris Office

• You say about

  Arrive early at the train stations as the details of arrivals and departures are difficult to understand in a foreign language. Go for it!

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about France | Paris

  Cheap meals are possible: have a picnic on the Pont des Arts, visit the rue des Rosiers for felafel, or enjoy the best crepes in Paris at the Breizh Café opposite the Musee Picasso.

  Florence, Paris Office

• We say about England | United Kingdom | London

  Bath and Brighton are both worth a day trip.

  Rachida, Paris office

• We say about Netherlands | Amsterdam

  The College Hotel (Roelof hartstraat 1) is staffed by hospitality students, so you get 4* amenities for 3* prices. Within walking distance of the major museums and very atmospheric.

  Catherine, Paris Office

• You say about France | Paris

  Coffee at Les Deux Magots, wandering down the rue des Rosiers in the Marais, sitting in the sun in the Place des Vosges….so many things to do!

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Spain | Madrid | Spain : RENFE

  We took a trip to Toledo. What a wonderful place!

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about France | Paris

  The view from the top of the Pantheon is the best in Paris

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Belgium | Benelux | Brussels

  I recommend a trip to Bruges in Spring or Autumn - definitely lives up to its name as ’the Venice of the North’.

  Philippe, Paris Office

• We say about France | Paris

  The Luxembourg Gardens are great for keeping small children entertained.

  Catherine, Paris office

• We say about Netherlands | Amsterdam

  As an ex-Dutch colony, there are lots of excellent Indonesian restaurants in Amsterdam.

  Xavier, Paris Office

• You say about Netherlands | Amsterdam

  The Anne Frank house is a must

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Italy | Rome

  They call it the Eternal City because once you’ve been, you’ll spend the rest of your life wanting to go back!

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about England | London

  I recommend M&S sandwiches - relatively inexpensive for London!

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about England | United Kingdom | London

  If you’re on a budget, head to the Tate Modern (it’s free) for an incredible view of the city and St Paul’s Cathedral.

  Catherine, Paris Office

• We say about France | Paris

  I love having mint tea at the Institut du Monde Arabe, or strolling down the Canal St Martin.’

  Catherine, Paris Office

• We say about England | United Kingdom | London

  The Electric Cinema in Notting Hill has seats with footstolls or sofas. Nothing like a multiplex.

  Catherine, Paris Office

• You say about Italy | Venice

  Gondola rides starting from St Marks are more expensive than starting from other locations

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about England | United Kingdom | London

  Don’t miss Covent Garden (particularly around 7 Dials), Selfridges and Oxford Street for a range of shopping. The new Westfield shopping mall is huge. Don’t forget a pilgrimage to Top Shop in Oxford Circus.

  Florence, Paris Office

• You say about Eurostar

  On the Eurostar from London to Paris, you can buy tickets for the Paris Metro and avoid queuing on arrival.

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Spanish Trains | Elipsos Trenhotel | Spain | Barcelona | Spain : RENFE

  The Elipsos trains to/from Barcelona have showers in the first class cabins, and a good restaurant car.

  Julie, Paris Office

• You say about Italy | Venice

  A dream come true

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about France | Paris

  Fete de la Musique on 21st June is an all night music concert throughout the city

  Xavier, Paris Office

• You say about Italy | Rome

  The food is excellent, prepared with pride. And great people

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about France | Paris

  If you’re on a budget, take Bus Line 42 for a cheap tour of Paris.

  Richard, Sydney Office

• You say about England | BritRail Central Scotland | BritRail | London

  Good day trips out of London: Stonehenge, Bath, Hampton Court Palace

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about

  Take luggage you can lift and store overhead - there are luggage racks at the end of the carriage, but it’s nice to have it in sight.

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about

  Spend the money and go First Class - it’s worth it!

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Italy | Florence

  The street food sausages are fabulous and spicy to boot

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Italy | Florence

  Soak up the architecture.

  Arnaud, Paris Office

• You say about Netherlands | Amsterdam

  Cruise up the canals by boat for the best views of the beautiful houses

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Italy | Venice

  Explore the backstreets for better prices and more interesting shops

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about England | London

  I loved attending an Evensong service at St Paul’s Cathedral - beautiful’.

  Rail Europe Traveler

• You say about Netherlands | Amsterdam

  B&Bs are excellent value, but have steep staircases - if you have difficulty with stairs, ask for a ground floor room.

  Rail Europe traveller

• We say about France | Friends/Families | Child | Paris

  Disneyland Paris is a short ride away - your children will thank you!

  Christel, Paris Office

• You say about Italy | Florence

  My highlight was walking across the Ponte Vecchio and seeing the clusters of locks attached by couples to declare their love, a Florentine tradition

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Italy | Florence

  A great city for walking

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about England | United Kingdom | London

  Camden Market shows you the melting pot of London. Great photos and diverse, cheap food.

  Michel, Paris Office

• You say about

  It was great booking here in Australia as I didn’t have to worry about queuing…it was easy to jump on a train that I already had a ticket for.

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Spain | Barcelona

  Carrer de la boqueria is a good street for late night tapas.

  Fred, Paris office

• You say about Spain | Madrid

  Don’t miss the Prado Museum and the Sofia Reine Museum

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about England | London

  3 days wasn’t enough to see everything

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Spain | Barcelona

  For the best view of the city, get on the cable car from the harbour.

  Dominic, Paris Office

• You say about Italy | Venice

  Ask your hotel for a room that backs onto a canal

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about France | Paris

  Try a lot of the fabulous French pastries

  Rail Europe traveller

• We say about England | United Kingdom | London

  St Christopher’s Place is a haven from the bustle of Oxford Street. A good place for a mint tea, or a crepe.

  Florence, Paris Office

• You say about Spain | Madrid

  The architecture is so different to the rest of Europe

  Rail europe Traveller

• We say about Spain | Barcelona

  Visit Montjuic - you need to be fit to get up there by foot, but there’s transport up too.

  Rachida, Paris office

• We say about France | Paris

  I love boating in the Bois de Vincennes.

  Rachida, Paris office

• You say about France | Paris

  Take your walking shoes!

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about France | Paris

  Take a 1 day Batobus pass and stop at all the points of interest along the way, throughout the day.

  Martine, Paris Office

• We say about Switzerland | Zurich

  If you’re on a budget, buy Bratwurst (veal sausage) from a street vendor.

  Xavier, Paris Office

• We say about England | United Kingdom | London

  Go Harry Potter hunting at King’s Cross Station!

  Charles, Paris Office

• We say about England | United Kingdom | London

  Meals don’t have to be expensive: try Mother Mash on Carnaby Street or Brick Lane for a curry.

  Julie, Paris Office

• We say about England | United Kingdom | London

  Be aware that certain monuments and museums don’t allow photography, despite the entry fee.

  Michel, Paris Office

• You say about Italy | Venice

  As you walk around - look up! The facades are wonderful’.

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about England | London

  The best tip is to have a clear idea of what you want to see, and don’t try to do too much

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Belgium | Benelux | Brussels

  The St Gery area is good for going out in the evening.

  Julie, Paris Office

• You say about Italy | Florence

  A ’Friends of the Uffizi’ ticket gives unlimited access to the Uffizi and other museums and galleries.

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Netherlands | Amsterdam

  I like the Café Stevens (Koningsstraat 3hs) which has a great view of the Waag and the Nieuwmarkt.

  Emilie, Paris Office

• We say about Italy | Florence

  Hire a scooter and go off to visit the local vineyards, which are really close by.

  Xavier, Paris Office

• We say about Italy | Rome

  The Baths of Caracalla were really impressive, and aren’t so well known.

  Emilie, Paris Office

• You say about Switzerland | Zurich

  So beautiful - a great base for visiting the surrounding lakes and mountains

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Netherlands | Amsterdam

  Buy some thinly-sliced cheese from a cheese shop and try the local specialities.

  Xavier, Paris Office

• You say about Italy | Venice

  A 72hr Vaporetto pass lets you hop on and off whenever and wherever you like

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Italy | Venice

  Don’t forget a map: it’s easy to get lost in the narrow streets

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Italy | Rome

  The Spanish Steps at sunset are spectacular

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about England | London

  Book afternoon tea somewhere traditional, like the Ritz: very expensive, but great fun.

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about England | London

  Have a drink in a pub whenever England is playing Australia - and cheer for Australia

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Belgium | Brussels

  The Brussels Card is excellent value for money - free public transport, free entry to heaps of galleries, museums and attractions

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about France | Paris

  The Rodin Museum isn’t too big or crowded and has a lovely garden with a café

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Spain | Barcelona

  Explore the historic centre ’El Born’ by foot and taste some excellent tapas.

  Martine, Paris Office

• We say about France | Paris

  If you’re in Paris in October, La fete des vendanges in Montmartre is good fun.

  Xavier, Paris Office

• You say about ICE | Germany | Germany : DB

  Look out for the Hotspot logo on your train: this means that Wi-Fi is available onboard.

  Laurent

• We say about France | Paris

  In summer, you can dance the tango in the open air at Quai d’Austerlitz.

  Charles, Paris Office

• We say about Belgium | Benelux | Brussels

  Be aware that, unlike in many European cities, you can still smoke in bars in Brussels.

  Alexis, Paris Office

• You say about Belgium | Brussels | Belgium : NMBS/SNCB

  It’s easy to take a train to Ghent or Bruges

  Eurostar Traveller

• We say about Eurostar | France | England | London | Paris

  The doors between carriages on Eurostar close automatically. Lift the handle to open, and don’t worry about closing them.

  Xavier, Paris Office

• You say about England | London

  You can travel by boat from Westminster u to Hampton Court

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Switzerland | Zurich

  Take a picnic down to the lakeside.

  Florence, Paris Office

• We say about France | Paris

  I like taking a picnic to the Canal St Martin in Spring or Summer.

  Charles, Paris Office

• You say about

  Be sure to validate your ticket before travelling.

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Belgium | Brussels

  A charming mix of old and new…Bruges is only a day trip away…we overdosed on waffles

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Spain | Barcelona

  You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the Maritime Museum - it’s great.

  Emilie, Paris Office

• We say about France | Paris

  I recommend La Musee de la vie Romantique in the summer: pretty location and a nice tea salon.

  Rachida, Paris Office

• You say about Spain | Barcelona

  Visit the tapas bars, then go out dancing!

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about France | Paris

  My most interesting day was in the Pere Lachaise cemetery

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Italy | Rome

  Try to see the many beautiful areas on Rome’s outskits - the Villa Adriana, for example.

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Italy | Rome

  You need at least three days in this beautiful city

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Italy | Rome

  A 3 day pass for most of the tourist spots will halve the cost of admission

  Rail europe Traveller

• You say about ICE | TGV

  TGV and ICE deliver passengers very close to the city centre, unlike airports.

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Switzerland | City Night Line

  On Switzerland’s CNL trains, book a sleeper on the new second level carriages where there are panoramic style windows.

  Richard, Sydney Office

• You say about Switzerland | Zurich | Switzerland : SBB/CFF/FFS

  Frequent trains around the Lake. Super shopping, beautiful and well positioned

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Spain | Barcelona

  I liked the Puerto Olimpico for bars and restaurants in the evening.

  Alexis, Paris Office.

• We say about France | Paris

  ’Have afternoon tea and cakes at Fauchon or Laduree.

  Julie, Paris Office

• You say about

  Book as soon as the booking window opens to get the best value

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about France | Paris

  The Le Bourget Air & Space Museum doesn’t feature much in the guidebooks, but is a MUST if you’re interested in the subject

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about England | London

  I recommend travelling with an umbrella and using the underground!

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Passes

  Passes don’t guarantee seats. Booking a seat gives you peace of mind that you’ll have a guaranteed spot.

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Italy | Florence

  Wonders unfold when you walk the backstreets

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Switzerland | Zurich

  A boat trip on the lake is an enjoyable experience

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Spain | Barcelona

  if you fancy heading out of town, Monserrat is amazing too

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about England | United Kingdom | London

  London doesn’t have to be expensive: there are lots of cheap tickets to be had for the National Theatre or Royal Opera House, if you book early.

  Catherine, Paris Office

• We say about Italy | Florence

  Visit the vinerie - buy a bottle of wine to take away, or have a glass there as an aperitif.

  Xavier, Paris Office

• We say about Switzerland | Zurich

  Niederdorfstrasse has a youthful atmosphere, with lots of terrasses, shops and restaurants.

  Xavier, Paris Office

• We say about Italy | Rome

  There isn’t much information inside the Coliseum, so you may want to take up the offer of one of the American students who will give you a guided tour - for cash.

  Michel, Paris Office

• You say about Netherlands | Amsterdam

  If you visit in summer, spend time enjoying cake and coffee in the street cafes

  Rail europe Traveller

• You say about France | Paris

  Good day trips are Versailles, or Monet’s garden at Giverny

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Switzerland | Zurich | Switzerland : SBB/CFF/FFS

  If you’re taking a train out of Switzerland, allow enough time for a passport check at the station.

  Richard, Sydney Office

• You say about TGV | France | France : SNCF

  If you have time to visit the Loire Valley, Chambord and Chenonceau are magnificent castles

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Spain | Madrid

  If you’re there in September, take part in ’the night madrid doesn’t sleep’ - look out for proud parents following school bands

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about

  Plan your route from the train station to your hotel before you get there.

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Italy | Florence

  Climb every campanile!

  Rail europe Traveller

• We say about England | United Kingdom | London

  The champagne trolley at Harvey Nichols department store - need I say more?

  Richard, Sydney Office

• We say about England | United Kingdom | London

  A walk along the Thames from Tower Bridge to the London Eye shows you well known monuments from a different perspective.

  Michel, Paris Office

• We say about England | United Kingdom | London

  On a clear day, head out to Richmond Park to see the deer grazing and views of the city.

  Catherine, Paris Office

• You say about France | Paris

  There’s no better underground system than the Paris Metro and the buses and RER are also easy to use

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Eurostar | France | England | London | Paris

  Make time for a glass of champagne in the St Pancras Champagne Bar before checking in for your Eurostar departure.

  Catherine, Paris Office

• You say about England | London

  I recommend Borough Market under Southwark Station for fantastic organic food. Good coffee, too’.

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Italy | Florence

  I loved the view from the Boboli Gardens.

  Fred, Paris office

• We say about France | Paris

  There’s an open air cinema at La Vilette during the summer

  Raphaele, Paris Office

• We say about France | Paris

  Watch the petanque players on summer days along the Canal de l’Ourcq. You can hire a set from the Bar d’Ourcq and join in.

  Alexis, Paris Office

• We say about France | Paris

  There’s a weekly roller-blading procession: Sunday for beginners, Friday for the more experienced. It’s in costume at Christmas!

  Rachida, Paris office

• We say about Spain | Barcelona

  Don’t miss the fresh food produce market of the Ramblas: the best coffee in Barcelona plus amazing produce and lots of sweets.

  Richard, Sydney Office

• We say about France | Paris

  People think of Paris as very classical, but areas like the 13th arrondissement, where there’s a big Chinese community, give a different flavour. I recommend ’Fleur de Mai’ (61 avenue de Choisy) for excellent soups.

  Michel, Paris Office

• We say about Netherlands | Amsterdam

  Visit the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.

  Julie, Paris Office

• You say about England | London

  Hampton Court Palace is a must if you love Tudor history

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about France | Paris

  The Guides outside Pere Lachaise will adapt their tour according to what interests you.

  Rachida, Paris Office

• You say about TGV | France | Paris | France : SNCF

  From Paris, it’s easy to get to Normandy and well worth the trip

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Italy | Venice

  Get up early to avoid the crowds and walk around in peace

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about England | United Kingdom | London

  Take afternoon tea at Sketch (9 Conduit Street) for excellent pastries and the ambience.

  Florence, Paris Office

• You say about England | London

  Stroll around the Serpentine on a sunny spring morning and watch the mad Poms swimming and the yellow irises blooming

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Netherlands | Amsterdam

  Go to the Rijksmuseum, wait a day - and go back again

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Eurostar | England | BritRail Central Scotland | BritRail | London

  Russell Square is a fantastic location to stay in: easy to walk to lots of places including St Pancras/Kings Cross, from where we caught trains to Paris and Edinburgh

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about France | Paris

  Printemps offers a concierge service for overseas visitors which can get you tickets for a show, entrance into clubs.

  Richard, Sydney Office

• You say about Belgium | Brussels

  Take some time to sit down and relax with a cup of hot chocolate and some Belgian chocolates!

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about England | London

  The all-time greatest city

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Italy | Rome

  At the Campo dei Fiori market, there’s a good wine merchant. The locals keep them cool by resting them in the fountains whilst they chat.

  Xavier, Paris office

• We say about Italy | Rome

  Go up Il Gianicolo hill to see the sun rise over Rome and the most magnificent views.

  Xavier, Paris Office

• We say about Netherlands | Amsterdam

  Don’t miss Queen’s Day on 30th April each year - what a party!

  Arnaud, Paris Office

• We say about Belgium | Benelux | Brussels | Belgium : NMBS/SNCB

  Anvers is only a short distance away and great for diamond shopping (as is the Jewish Quarter in Brussels).

  Rachida, Paris office

• We say about Italy | Rome

  Trastevere is my favourite area, with its cobbled streets and the magnificent mosaics in Santa Maria del Trastevere.

  Emilie, Paris Office

• We say about France | Paris

  Get a Berthillon ice-cream on Ile de la Cite - a Parisian tradition.

  Charles, Paris Office

• You say about Netherlands | Amsterdam

  My highlight: walking down narrow streets in the evening, under the Christmas lights

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about France | Paris

  The Eiffel Tower after dark, with the lights flashing, is a must-see

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Netherlands | Amsterdam

  Try an Indonesian restaurant - a local speciality

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Netherlands | Amsterdam

  Hire a bike and go for a ride around town, just like the locals!

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Belgium | Brussels

  Pommes frites with mayonnaise!

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Spain | Barcelona

  The Festes de la Mercè at the end of September each year are great fun - look out for the Castellers (human pyramids).

  Rachida, Paris office

• We say about Belgium | Benelux | Brussels

  Visit the Galerie de la Reine arcade - you can be excellent chocolates here.

  Alexis, Paris Office

• You say about Belgium | Brussels

  Great city, fabulous restaurants and cafes. The beer is excellent and the cholates divine. Very friendly people

  Rail Europe traveller

• You say about Italy | Rome

  The entire city is a museum

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about France | Paris

  The centre of Paris is such a reasonable size, you can see a lot of sights in 4 days

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Spain | Barcelona

  Las Rambla and the fruit and veg market next to it - try the freshly squeezed juices

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Italy | Florence

  The view of Florence from the Forte di Belvedere, a pretty uphill walk about 20mins from the centre of town, is stunning. Take a picnic lunch (stock up on cured meats and cheeses at the Mercato Centrale) and grab one of the shady benches. Bliss!

  Catherine, Paris Office

• We say about Italy | Rome

  If you go in August, be aware that there won’t be any Romans there - more peaceful, but not the same atmosphere.

  Florence, Paris office

• You say about Netherlands | Amsterdam

  The best city for air and rail connections to the rest of the continent

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Italy | Venice

  Blown glass demonstrations are very cool. The craftsmen are amazing to watch and they make this hard task look effortless

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Italy | Rome

  In the area around the Vatican, it’s possible to stay in converted monasteries - very atmospheric.

  Catherine, Paris Office

• You say about Spain | Barcelona

  If you’re into art, visit the Tourist Office and pick up the Barcelona Articket to beat the queues

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Belgium | Benelux | Brussels | Belgium : NMBS/SNCB

  Explore the surrounding area: Spa is a lovely town.

  Julie, Paris Office

• You say about France | Paris

  Time your visit for the first Sunday of the month. All the museums are free, including the Louvre

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about France | Paris

  The best city in the world! Try to communicate in French

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Spanish Trains | Spain | Barcelona | Spain : RENFE

  Barcelona is only 1hr from Sitges - gay capital of the region.

  Rachida, Paris office

• You say about Italy | Florence

  Michelangelo’s David is spectactular - you can see the veins under the skin

  Rail Europe traveller

• We say about Switzerland | Zurich

  Walk along the banks of the Limmat and the lake - have a picnic at Zuerichhorn, and take a dip in the Uto-Quai swimming pool.

  Xavier, Paris Office

• You say about Spain | Barcelona

  Gaudi’s unfinished cathedral is a must

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about France | Paris

  The Chateau de Versailles is a must: take the train line Versailles-Chateau-Rive Gauche which follows the Seine and arrives close to the Chateau for a more scenic route.

  Martine, Paris Office

• We say about England | United Kingdom | London

  Walk: through the many parks, along the Thames.

  Catherine, Paris Office

• We say about Lyria | TGV

  On TGV Lyria, pre-book a meal at your seat.

  Richard, Sydney Office

• You say about France | Paris

  The Zingarra Circus - gypsy music, dance, costumes, horses, smoke from the open fires and vin chaud

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about TGV

  Book TGV trips in advance. Try to get a seat on the upper deck, and bear in mind that luggage space is limited.

  Rail Europe Traveller

• We say about Italy | Florence

  Visit Piazza Santa Croce for wine and cheese tastings. Have a hot chocolate so thick the spoon stands up in it (una cioccolata).

  Xavier, Paris Office

• You say about Italy | Rome

  Try the ice-cream: it’s the best in the world!

  Rail Europe Traveller

• You say about Switzerland | Zurich

  Too often underestimated, this gem of a city should not be missed. A great city to visit any time of year’.

  Rail Europe Traveller

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