Five star review
“As a first-time traveler to Italy, this book gave me the confidence to use the trains without hesitation.”
Touring Italy by Train
Amazon Verified Purchase · USA
France · Paris
Explore Europe by Rail
Travel EuropeIndependentlyWith Confidence
Discover authentic rail journeys, insider knowledge and practical travel guides designed for independent travellers.
The library of discovery
Featured travel guides
View all guidesBuilt on local expertise and years of independent travel, our guides bring together carefully researched rail itineraries, practical advice and authentic experiences to help you discover more of Europe.
Touring Italy by Train
From Renaissance cities and Tuscan landscapes to Alpine lakes and the Amalfi Coast, discover Italy through flexible, rail-led journeys.
Touring France by Train
From Paris and Provence to Atlantic shores, vineyards and the Riviera, explore the extraordinary diversity of France by rail.
Touring Switzerland by Train
Master Switzerland’s remarkable rail network, from legendary panoramic trains and Alpine passes to lakeside towns and mountain villages.
Touring Spain by Train
From Andalucía and the Mediterranean to the Basque Country and Galicia, discover Spain’s great cities, coastlines and hidden gems by rail.
Tried, tested & travelled
What Our Readers Say
From planning the route to experiencing the journey, discover what readers are saying about Real Travel Guides.
Five star review
“As a first-time traveler to Italy, this book gave me the confidence to use the trains without hesitation.”
Touring Italy by Train
Amazon Verified Purchase · USA
Five star review
“I’ve done the guided tour thing before, but this time I wanted more freedom and this book gave me exactly that.”
Touring Italy by Train
Amazon Verified Purchase · USA
Why Real Travel Guides
Expertise behind every guide
We bring together specialist expertise, local insight and practical planning to make independent rail travel simpler — giving you the confidence to explore Europe your way.
Independent travel specialists
Created by experienced travel professionals and rail specialists who simplify the planning and help you shape a journey around your time and interests.
Local insider knowledge
Discover must-see highlights alongside local favourites, hidden gems and authentic experiences that connect you more deeply with the places you visit.
Flexible rail itineraries
Recommended 5, 7, 10 and 14+ day routes, with the best bases, realistic time in each place and easy day trips and onward journeys by rail.
Everything planned, your way
Know where to stay, what to see and do, and what needs booking ahead — from trains to popular attractions — then tailor the journey to suit you.
Smarter rail travel, better value
Practical train advice, booking tips and travel hacks — from tickets and rail passes to reservations and cheaper fares — helping you travel confidently and get more for your money.
Travel freely, travel sustainably
Skip restrictive tours and stressful car hire. Explore independently by rail, at your own pace, for a more authentic and sustainable way to travel.
Travel Inspiration
Discover Something New
View All JourneysOur latest journeys, seasonal escapes and inspiring places to discover across Europe by rail.
France
London to Zürich by Train: Take the Long Way via Strasbourg and Lake Constance
19 min read
Italy
Cycling Around Lake Trasimeno: A Perfect Car-Free Day in Umbria
15 min read
Spain
Madrid to Bordeaux by Train: 5 Days Across Spain and France
16 min read
Italy
Baroque Palermo: Three Extraordinary Spaces Most Visitors Miss
12 min read
Italy
Autumn is the perfect time for a balloon ride over Tuscany. Plan your car-free getaway.
15 min read
Switzerland
Milan to Zurich by Train: Across the Alps on the Bernina Railway
17 min read
Scenic Routes
London to Madrid by Train: Five Days Across Europe Without Flying
16 min read
Scenic Routes
Paris to Venice by Train: Across Switzerland and the Alps
15 min read
Where We'll Take You
Explore by Country
Four countries, endless possibilities. Discover inspiring rail journeys, unforgettable places and new ways to explore Europe.
Scenic Rail Journeys
Take the Scenic Route
Explore Scenic JourneysHand-picked scenic routes across Europe, carefully researched with practical advice to help you discover some of the continent's most memorable rail journeys.
Scenic Journeys
London to Zürich by Train: Take the Long Way via Strasbourg and Lake Constance
19 min read
Scenic Journeys
Milan to Zurich by Train: Across the Alps on the Bernina Railway
17 min read
Scenic Journeys
London to Madrid by Train: Five Days Across Europe Without Flying
16 min read
Scenic Journeys
Paris to Venice by Train: Across Switzerland and the Alps
15 min read
Scenic Journeys
Around Mount Etna by Train: Sicily's Most Extraordinary Railway Journey
6 min read
Scenic Journeys
Discover Oeschinensee by Train: Switzerland's Most Beautiful Alpine Lake
5 min read
Scenic Journeys
Marseille to Ventimiglia by Train: One of Europe's Most Beautiful Coastal Rail Journeys
5 min read
Scenic Journeys
Bellinzona to Lucerne: Across Switzerland on the Historic Gotthard Route
7 min read
Scenic Journeys
Exploring Lake Geneva by Train: The Lavaux Vineyards, Vevey, Montreux and Chillon
15 min read
Scenic Journeys
Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel by Train: How to Do It Properly
12 min read
Scenic Journeys
Erice by Train and Cable Car: Sicily's Most Magical Hilltop Town
8 min read
Scenic Journeys
Mount Pilatus by Train: Lucerne’s Most Spectacular Mountain Day Trip
11 min read
Scenic Journeys
Crossing Spain by Train: From Barcelona to San Sebastián
9 min read
Scenic Journeys
Spain's Most Spectacular Day Trip by Train: Barcelona to Montserrat
5 min read
Scenic Journeys
Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela by Train: Spain's Most Underrated Rail Journey
7 min read
Scenic Journeys
Milan to Palermo by Night Train: Crossing Italy and Sailing to Sicily
8 min read
Scenic Journeys
Zurich to Rome on the Nightjet: Crossing the Alps Overnight
6 min read
Scenic Journeys
Paris to Nice by Night Train: The Civilised Way to Reach the Riviera
7 min read
Scenic Journeys
Interlaken by Train: A Spring Escape Into the Heart of the Swiss Alps
4 min read
Scenic Journeys
Bern, Switzerland – A Perfect Spring City Break by Train
3 min read
Scenic Journeys
The GoldenPass Line in Spring: Switzerland’s Most Elegant Scenic Rail Journey
4 min read
Scenic Journeys
Italy’s Great Scenic Rail Journeys: Milan to Tirano in Spring
4 min read
Scenic Journeys
Walking the Amalfi Coast in Spring: Best Hikes, Where to Stay & Travel Tips
4 min read
Scenic Journeys
A Spring Journey into the Pyrenees: Toulouse to Latour-de-Carol by Train
4 min read
Scenic Journeys
The Glacier Express: What It’s Really Like (And Is It Worth It?)
4 min read
Scenic Journeys
Cinque Terre by Train in Spring: Best Places to Visit, Travel Tips, Walks & Where to Stay
5 min read
Scenic Journeys
The Bernina Express: Europe’s Most Beautiful Train Ride?
3 min read
Scenic Journeys
7 Reasons Switzerland Is the Best Country to Explore by Train
1 min read
Scenic Journeys
The Cevennes Line by Train: A Scenic Rail Journey from Clermont-Ferrand to Nimes
4 min read
Scenic Journeys
The Yellow Train ( Train Jaune ): France's Most Dramatic Mountain Railway
2 min read
Scenic Journeys
The Bernina Line from Italy: One of Europe's Most Spectacular Rail Journeys
2 min read
Scenic Journeys
Milan to Bolzano by Train: A Scenic Rail Journey into the Dolomites
3 min read
Scenic Journeys
Cinque Terre in September: Travel by Train for Fewer Crowds & Perfect Weather
2 min read
Culture & Experiences
Discover More by Rail
Explore Culture & ExperiencesExplore historic cities, local traditions, food, festivals and unique experiences — with practical advice on getting there and exploring independently by train.
Culture & Experiences
Baroque Palermo: Three Extraordinary Spaces Most Visitors Miss
12 min read
Culture & Experiences
Madrid to Sigüenza by Train: A Medieval Escape into the Heart of Castile
9 min read
Culture & Experiences
Discovering Cádiz by Train: Spain's Ancient Atlantic City
29 min read
Culture & Experiences
A Summer Weekend in Paris by Train: How to Experience the City Like a Local
11 min read
Culture & Experiences
Córdoba by Train: The Easiest Day Trip from Seville and One of Spain’s Greatest Historic Cities
12 min read
Culture & Experiences
Madrid to Granada by Train: From Royal Spain to Moorish Spain in Just a Few Hours
7 min read
Culture & Experiences
Hospices de Beaune: Burgundy's Most Remarkable Building and the Perfect Rail Day Trip
6 min read
Culture & Experiences
Palermo Beyond the Obvious (Part 1): Palazzo Butera — A Hidden Palace of Art, Silence and Surprise
3 min read
Culture & Experiences
Lille by Train: France’s Most Underrated Weekend City
6 min read
Culture & Experiences
The Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel, Palermo: Sicily’s Most Extraordinary Interior
6 min read
Culture & Experiences
Is This the World’s Most Beautiful Cathedral? Discovering Monreale Cathedral Above Palermo
7 min read
Culture & Experiences
Pisa & the Tuscan Coast by Train: A Slower Spring Escape in Italy
4 min read
Culture & Experiences
A Spring Weekend in Montpellier: Sun, Sea Air & Southern French Energy by Train
4 min read
Culture & Experiences
A Perfect Day Trip to Florence by Train: Art, History & Authentic Tuscan Flavours
5 min read
Culture & Experiences
A Spring Weekend in Basel: Art, River Walks & Hidden Corners
4 min read
Culture & Experiences
Rouen in Spring: A Historic Normandy Escape by Train
4 min read
Culture & Experiences
Ravenna in Spring: Mosaics, Quiet Streets & Adriatic Walks by Train
4 min read
Culture & Experiences
A Perfect Spring Weekend in Lucerne — Without a Car
5 min read
Culture & Experiences
Nantes & the Atlantic Coast in Spring: A Perfect Car-Free Escape
4 min read
Culture & Experiences
Aix-en-Provence: Sunlit Streets and Provençal Elegance
2 min read
Culture & Experiences
Genoa: Italy’s Grand Maritime City of Palaces and Hidden Streets
4 min read
Culture & Experiences
Toulouse: France’s Rose-Coloured City of History and Innovation
4 min read
Culture & Experiences
Lucca: Explore Tuscany’s Perfect Walled City
2 min read
Culture & Experiences
Turin: Italy’s Elegant Northern Capital of Chocolate, Cafés and Royal Palaces
3 min read
Culture & Experiences
Poitiers: A Medieval Jewel in Western France
3 min read
Culture & Experiences
Orvieto: Italy’s Dramatic Hill Town Above the Umbrian Plains
4 min read
Culture & Experiences
A Perfect Weekend in Nantes by Train: Creative Energy, River Light & Atlantic Flavours
2 min read
Culture & Experiences
5 Easy Day Trips from Venice by Train
2 min read
Culture & Experiences
Cefalù by Train from Palermo: Sicily’s Seaside Escape in Under an Hour
4 min read
Culture & Experiences
Perfect Weekend in Tours by Train: Loire Valley Castles, Markets & Riverfront Walks
2 min read
Culture & Experiences
Escape the Carnival Crowds: A Quiet Morning at San Nicolò dei Mendicoli, Dorsoduro
4 min read
Culture & Experiences
The Perfect Day Trip to Padova (Padua) by Train: Giotto, Grand Basilicas, Riverside strolls & some of the Veneto's best food
5 min read
Culture & Experiences
5 Easy Day Trips from Paris by Train reachable in under an hour!
4 min read
Culture & Experiences
Perfect Winter Weekend in Lecce by Train: Baroque Beauty, Quiet Streets & Southern Light
3 min read
Culture & Experiences
A Perfect Weekend in Avignon by Train: History, Wine & Provençal Charm
2 min read
Culture & Experiences
5 Easy Day Trips from Naples by Train
2 min read
Culture & Experiences
Perfect Weekend in Orléans by Train
3 min read
Culture & Experiences
5 Easy Day Trips from Milan by Train
3 min read
Culture & Experiences
A Perfect Weekend in Marseille by Train: Coastline, Culture & Mediterranean Food
4 min read
Culture & Experiences
A Weekend in Arles by Train: Roman Ruins, Provencal Charm & Van Gogh Landscapes
3 min read
Culture & Experiences
The Piero della Francesca Trail: Art & Hill Towns from Arezzo
2 min read
Culture & Experiences
A Weekend in Naples: Culture, Chaos & Culinary Magic
1 min read
Culture & Experiences
Genoa: Italy’s Underrated Maritime Gem
1 min read
Culture & Experiences
Murano, Burano & Torcello: Venice’s Island Day Trip
1 min read
Culture & Experiences
Day Trip to San Marino: Europe’s Oldest Republic by Train & Bus
1 min read
Culture & Experiences
Venice in Autumn at the Biennale 2025: Where to Eat & Stay Near the Pavilions
3 min read
Culture & Experiences
Roman Ruins by Train from Naples: Pompeii, Herculaneum & Beyond
2 min read
Culture & Experiences
Caserta Palace by Train: Day Trip from Naples to the Reggia
1 min read
Culture & Experiences
Pisa Day Trip by Train from Florence: Tower, Squares & Riverside Walks
2 min read
Culture & Experiences
Paestum Day Trip: Ancient Greek Temples & Mozzarella Farms by Train from Salerno
1 min read
Culture & Experiences
Summer in Rome: Hidden Gems & Cool Escapes!
2 min read
Culture & Experiences
Hidden Day Trips from Venice by Train – Explore the Veneto this Autumn!
2 min read
Culture & Experiences
Secret Corners of Florence to discover this Autumn!
2 min read
Culture & Experiences
24 Hours in Turin by Train – An Elegant Overnight Itinerary in Italy’s Most Underrated City
2 min read
Culture & Experiences
From Venice to Rimini by Rail – A Coastal Escape via Ravenna & Cesenatico
2 min read
Culture & Experiences
Festivals Around the Amalfi Coast: Summer Highlights by Train & Ferry
2 min read
Culture & Experiences
Summer Festivals in Tuscany & Umbria (July–August) — All Reachable by Train!
2 min read
Culture & Experiences
Experiencing the Palio di Siena by Train: What to Know Before You Go
2 min read