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Cruising on the Rhône River in Provence
If you ever have the chance to visit France, you should try cruising down the Rhône River from Lyon to Avignon. Instead of rushing to explore, choose to enjoy the leisurely pace of a river cruise, allowing the beauty of Provence to gradually unfold along the way.
Along the Rhône River from Lyon to Avignon
As the boat glides past vineyards and lavender fields, passengers can almost sense the aroma of Tain-l'Hermitage's renowned rosé wine, where they stop to sample local wines and cheeses. Medieval villages along the riverbanks feel like stepping into another world. Every moment on deck, with the chirping of cicadas and the shimmering sunset on the water, deepens the feeling of romantic France.
Peaceful moments on a sunset ferry in Istanbul.
Watch the spectacular sunset from the ferry in Istanbul.
The best way to experience, see, and enjoy Istanbul is to travel on the public ferries that run across the Bosphorus Strait, connecting the two sides of the city – one side in Europe, the other in Asia. Sit outside if possible, on a simple wooden bench, enjoy a freshly brewed cup of tea, and ideally, have a sesame bread roll.simitEnjoy the scenery as the ferry glides along. You can check the ferry route departing from Eminönü, near the Golden Horn, to Üsküdar at sunset, when the Blue Mosque and the city skyline are bathed in the fiery twilight.
Magical moments on the train in Northumberland
Amidst the vast landscape of Northumberland
A cruise on Serenity's Sunset Cruise in Northumberland allows visitors to watch the sunset as the ship circles the stunning coastline near Bamburgh. If you're lucky, you might spot seals and local dolphins swimming and playing around the boat.
Train sightseeing in Sicily
Port of Sicily
Traveling from Palermo to Messina by train is a fantastic way to see the spectacular coastline of Northern Sicily. You can board the train from Palermo Centrale station and stop midway for lunch in Cefalù – one of Italy's most beautiful coastal towns. Getting to Messina by train is easy thanks to the Trenitalia line's frequent departures. Stopping in Messina and watching the sunset over Porto di Messina will show you that this trip was well worth it.
Relax in Rotterdam and Utrecht
A street corner in Rotterdam and Utrecht
Take the Eurostar train from London to Rotterdam for a leisurely Dutch getaway. The ideal route is to explore the modern, convenient, and friendly center of Rotterdam before catching a train (approximately 30 minutes) to the beautiful city of Utrecht. Here, you can travel by canoe or small boat on the network of canals winding through the streets, flanked by historic buildings with flower-covered facades. Another option is to cycle and explore the surrounding area at your leisure. Utrecht is fortunate to have a park near the city and a network of bike paths leading to it. Consider visiting Amelisweerd, where you can swim in the river, hike in the forest, or visit a museum, before cycling back to the city.
From snow-capped mountain ranges to sun-drenched vineyards visible through the train window.
The Bernina train runs across the Landwasser Bridge in Filisur, Switzerland.
The Bernina Express train from Chur, Switzerland to Tirano, Italy offers a breathtaking journey through the Alps. The train travels slowly, and the large windows provide panoramic views, allowing passengers to easily enjoy the majestic natural scenery: glaciers, meadows, and the famous Landwasser Viaduct. As you cross the border from Switzerland to Italy, you'll witness a dramatic change in landscape, from snow-capped mountain peaks to sun-drenched vineyards.
The poetic slow pace of life in Poland
Wrocław Glowny Station, Poland
The slow pace of local trains in Poland is quite normal. The train route from Wrocław to Jelenia Góra spans over 122 km, with 27 stops. In the poemThe Whitsun WeddingsLarkin's poem says, "All sense of urgency vanishes," and that's exactly the feeling passengers experience when the train slows down shortly after leaving one stop to make its next. Some passengers disembark, others board, as if participating in a slow relay race with extra luggage. There are no weddings there, but there are plenty of flowers—an indispensable gift for tourists visiting Poland—carried by young girls and elderly women on the train.
Munich - Venice overnight train
Venice is connected to other cultural sites in Europe by rail.
Taking an overnight train from Munich to Venice, travelers will arrive early in the morning, before the temperature rises. Here, you can stroll along the narrow alleys to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum and admire its unique collection of works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Mondrian, and Rothko. Lunch is ideally served at one of the open-air restaurants. Afterward, an afternoon train to Milan will allow you to explore this magnificent city both day and night.
Vineyards and volcanoes near Naples
From Malfa harbor, Salina gazed out at the Aegean islands.
Salina Island is located in the middle of the Aeolian Islands. In the evening on the island, visitors can enjoy wine.Malvasiafrom the vineyards and gaze out at the distant Stromboli volcano. The ferry ride back to Naples is a delightful experience: watch the sunset behind you, illuminating Lipari island and the mainland as the ferry glides across the calm, mirror-like Tyrrhenian Sea. You'll relax at sea and wake up the next morning to arrive in bustling yet beautiful Naples, ready for a full evening at the San Carlo Theatre.
A train adventure in Asturias, Spain
The fishing village of Cudillero in Asturias, northern Spain.
The Feve narrow-gauge train is the best-kept secret of northern Spain. Finding schedules online is difficult; travelers must rely on notices displayed in the small ticket booth windows for departure times. The quiet stations are a highlight of the journey as the train navigates curves, bridges, and bends, with dizzying ravines on either side. The train runs from Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, northeast to Ribadesella, with its stunning beaches, walking trails, and seaside pubs. Another route leads to the beautiful Cudillero region, where houses are stacked around the harbor, steeped in the aroma of fish and cider. Asturias truly is a place worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
