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summer 2012
IRELAND
to Denmark
UK
Kiel Hamburg
Gda sk n
Lbeck
HOLLAND
Amsterdam Utrecht Dordrecht Essen Maastricht
Bremen
POLAND
Bydgoszcz Hannover Magdeburg Berlin Pozna n Warsaw Terespol Leipzig Bebra Dresden Ld Riesa Lublin Wroclaw Czstochowa to Moscow
Osnabrck
Kassel
GERMANY
BELGIUM
Lige Luxembourg
Frankfurt Wrzburg Mannheim Nuremberg Regensburg Ulm Freiburg Basel Singen Zrich Innsbruck San Candido Calalzo Trento Milan Verona Genova Augsburg Munich Salzburg Linz Vienna Prague Cheb Katowice Ostrava Perov Krakw Przeworsk
Disneyland Paris
CZECH REPUBLIC
FRANCE
Nevers
Remiremont Colmar Dijon Mulhouse Besanon Belfort Neuchatel Bern Bourg-en -Bresse Lyon Geneva Lausanne
S L O VA K I A
Bratislava
Koice
La Rochelle
SWITZERLAND
AUSTRIA SLOVENIA
Rijeka
Graz
Budapest
La Corua Santiago de Compostela Oviedo Vigo Braga Porto Miranda Gijn Santander Len Bilbao Biarritz Hendaye Irun Vitoria Dax Lourdes Bordeaux
Brive
Clermont -Ferrand
Maribor Zagreb
HUNGARY
Pcs Kelebia Arad Timisoara
Ourense
Valence Montauban Tarbes Toulouse Nmes Montpellier Carcassonne LHospitalet Figueres Narbonne Cerbre Avignon
C R O AT I A
Otarije Vinkovci
Osijek
ROMANIA
to Bucharest
P O R T U G AL
Coimbra
Palencia Valladolid
Burgos Logroo
Pula Bologna
Belgrade
BOSNIA
Split
Medina del Campo Segovia Guadalajara Cuenca Alczar de San Juan Teruel
Zaragoza
ANDORRA
Lerida
Marseille Toulon
Siena
S E R BIA
BULGARIA
Sofia
Pescara
SPAIN
I TA LY
MONTENEGRO
Foggia
to Istanbul Skopje
Valencia Albacete Crdoba Faro Huelva Seville Bobadilla Cdiz Ronda Mlaga Algeciras Almeria Granada Murcia Linares
MACEDONIA
Bari
Alicante
Discover Europe and explore more with an InterRail Pass. For great value train travel, InterRail Passes give you flexible travel options around one or multiple countries. With more pass options than ever before, you can tailor your holiday and travel plans to suit you! A One Country Pass starts from 32. Go to page 12 for more information.
Salerno
Key Capital city City/Town Major high speed train routes Faster routes opening December 2012 Other major train routes Major overnight train routes
Villa San Giovanni to Sicily Paola Crotone
Brindisi Lecce
ALBANIA
GREECE
Below: Beach on the Amalfi Coast, Italy Bottom: Half-timbered buildings, Alsace, France
and more!
Rail Europe can not only book the following rail services for you, we are also happy to advise on the route, the ticket or the pass which will suit you best. Its all part of the service. InterRail and European Passes High speed rail travel across Europe Eurostar Overnight trains Ski trains Local and regional trains AutoTrain
contents
Travelling by Train French Cities AutoTrain InterRail Spanish Cities Italy The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Austria 4 6 8 10 14 16 18
when to book?
For summer 2012, you can book now for travel through to September on selected European journeys. Visit our website, call us or pop into our travel centre for more details.
SNCF is a registered trademark of SNCF. All rights of use and reproduction reserved.
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ticket types
There are a number of different ways to receive your tickets when you book your train travel with Rail Europe. We can send them to you in the post, or on certain routes we can email them for you to print at home or collect at the station. Postal tickets We will send them to you in the post as soon as we have completed your booking. eTickets (Print at home) On selected routes you have the option to print your own tickets at home. Once you have completed your booking you will receive confirmation by email of your itinerary and you can download and print your ticket(s). Tickets on Departure (TOD) If you have chosen to collect your ticket at the station you will need to print and collect your ticket(s) from one of the self-service machines before you board the train. Eurostar TOD tickets can be printed from the self-service machines found in any Eurostar terminal. French rail (SNCF) TOD tickets can be printed from any of 1,400 self-service machines in stations across the French network.
go green
Travel by rail and arrive with a clearer conscience. Did you know that the train is by far and away the greenest way to travel? Trains only produce 10-20% of the carbon emissions of a plane (per passenger). That means, as an individual, you can make a positive impact by your choice of transport method. We asked sustainability consultants Best Foot Forward to calculate the carbon impacts of travelling from London to one popular French city by train, car and plane. The figures shown here are pretty startling. Travel from London to Avignon 15.21 112.56 101.08
Carbon emissions per passenger (KgCO2e) Assuming 2 passengers per car Published April 2012
want to know more? For more information about the train types visit: www.raileurope.co.uk/trains
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French Cities
Lille
Leave after breakfast, arrive in time for lunch. Lille may be just 1 hour 20 minutes from the centre of London, but it is quintessentially French. The cobbled streets, wide squares, strong renaissance architecture and elegant facades exude a heavy Gallic charm, while the restaurants, museums, art galleries and one of Europes largest shopping centres put all those essential French treats firmly within reach. Lille has a strong Flemish influence too, and nowhere is this better felt than in the Place General de Gaulle or Grand Place. The citys main square is flanked by impressive Flemish buildings and is a great place to relax, soak up the sun and watch the world go by. Journey: London St Pancras to Lille Journey time: 1 hour 20 mins Return fare: 69 More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/lille
Reims
Reims is just under 4 hours from central London, and with its four UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites, vibrant cultural scene and celebrated Champagne houses, it is a wonderful city for a weekend away. The Cathedral of Notre Dame is one of the most beautiful buildings from the Middle Ages in Europe. This is where most French kings were crowned for almost a thousand years, lending the city its other name; City of Coronations. World-famous Champagnes Veuve Clicquot, Piper Heidsieck, Taittinger and Pommery all hail from Reims, and you can tour, try and buy from their famous cellars while you are there. Journey: London to Paris, then high speed TGV to Reims Journey time: 3 hours 45 mins Return fare: 89 More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/reims
Dijon
Dijon is a pretty university city in the east of France. Famous for its mustard and its wine, Dijons most impressive building is its 13th-century Cathedral of Notre Dame. La Chouette, a little owl carved in one of the cathedrals pillars, has become Dijons mascot - stroke it for good luck. The owl can also be seen along the Parcours de la Chouette, a sightseeing walk marked by little gold owls embedded in the pavement. Dont forget to book a tour of the surrounding Burgundy countryside and its famous vineyards. Most culminate in a cellar visit with wine tasting the perfect way to spend a summers day! Journey: London to Paris, then high speed TGV to Dijon Journey time: 4 hours 30 mins Return fare: 89 More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/dijon
Lyon
Lyon, situated in the east of the country, is the second largest city in France. With more restaurants per square metre than anywhere else in Europe, what else could it be but Frances capital of gastronomy? But like so many other French cities, theres a strong supporting cast of lovely architecture, worldclass museums, fine art galleries and a lively club scene. Early summer is a wonderful time to visit Lyon, particularly during the Nuits de Fourvire. This annual festival of music, dance, circus shows, opera and theatre is staged in the citys Roman theatres, and this year it will take place from 5th June to 31st July. Journey: London to Lille, then high speed TGV to Lyon Journey time: 4 hours 55 mins Return fare: 109 More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/lyon
Avignon
There are so many reasons to visit Avignon: its lovely setting on the banks of the Rhone, its rich architectural legacy, its long Papal history, its bridge But in summer theres another reason altogether. For three weeks the city plays host to one of the oldest and most famous theatre festivals in the world, with many performances staged in its historic chapels, cloisters and theatres. Even if you dont get tickets to these events, the streets are buzzing with theatre troupes, buskers and entertainers. This year Avignons It festival will take place from 7th until 28th of July dont miss it! Journey: London to Lille, then high speed TGV to Avignon Journey time: 5 hours 50 mins Return fare: 119 More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/avignon
Strasbourg
Capital of Alsace, seat of the European Parliament and home of the largest university in France, Strasbourg is a cosmopolitan fusion of French and German, with a few other influences thrown in! An extravagantly pretty city, its centre the Grand Ile was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988, the first time an entire city centre has ever received such an honour. It truly is a breathtaking place with its beautiful half-timbered buildings, elegant Gothic spires and monumental sandstone cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. Take a canal cruise for fairytale views of the city simply unforgettable. Journey: London to Paris, then high speed TGV to Strasbourg Journey time: 5 hours 15 mins Return fare: 99 More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/strasbourg
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France by AutoTrain
UK
London Calais
Paris
FRANCE
Bordeaux
Bordeaux in the sunshine is a sight to be seen with its breathtaking classical and neo classical architecture. It boasts no less than 350 classified and listed Historic Monument buildings including three World Heritage churches. The entire historic centre is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, which describes it as an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble. People dont just visit to admire the architecture - Bordeaux is the capital of the world wine industry. Driving round this beautiful part of France, stopping off at the odd vineyard to try, and buy, makes for a perfect summer holiday. Your car: Paris to Bordeaux on AutoTrain Return fare: from 182 Your Journey: High speed TGV from Paris to Bordeaux Journey time: 3 hours 25 mins Return fare: from 37 More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/bordeaux
Biarritz
Biarritz may be one of the most uber-cool destinations in France but its a cultural force to be reckoned with too. So, as you collect your car from the AutoTrain, your dilemma will be what to do first! You could go straight to the beach: six whole kilometres of glorious golden sand sloping down to the Atlantic, which rolls in with a force that has made Biarritz the surfing capital of Europe. Alternatively, head out of town into Basque Country or drive just a little further and cross the border into Spain. You could even visit the Guggenheim in Bilbao, and stop for tapas in San Sebastian as you head back into France. Your car: Paris to Biarritz on AutoTrain Return fare: from 182 Your Journey: High speed TGV from Paris to Biarritz Journey time: 5 hours 25 mins Return fare: from 46 More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/biarritz
Nice
Nice, Cannes, Monaco a driving holiday on the French Riviera puts all these evocative and supremely stylish locations firmly on your summer itinerary. Pick up your car from the AutoTrain in Nice, capital of the Cote dAzur, and then set off on the ultimate scenic drive. The road hugs the coast much of the way and the views are stunning: mountains soaring skyward on one side and the great blue expanse of the Mediterranean on the other. These coastal routes can be busy in high summer but you can always steer off the beaten track and find a place to just soak up some atmosphere and drink in the views. Your car: Paris to Nice on AutoTrain Return fare: from 182 Your Journey: High speed TGV from Paris to Nice Journey time: 5 hours 40 mins Return fare: from 46 More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/nice
Toulon
Toulon basks in the southeast of Provence, making it the ideal starting point for a driving holiday in this famously beautiful part of France. Marseilles, Aix-en-Provence and Saint Tropez are all within a couple of hours drive, but dont forget to venture out into the countryside to explore the ancient Provencal villages that pepper the region. Many visitors take the cable car to the summit of MontFaron Hill, for birds-eye views of the town, coast and hinterland. The views from the cable car are impressive, but you can drive up there and the road is impressive too! Summer is a lively time, particularly in July, when Toulon hosts an annual jazz festival and stages free concerts all over town. Your car: Paris to Toulon on AutoTrain Return fare: from 182 Your Journey: High speed TGV from Paris to Toulon Journey time: 3 hours 55 mins Return fare: from 46 More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/toulon
Toulouse
If you love French cuisine, youll adore Toulouse. Known as the Ville Rose for the way sunlight reflects off the brickwork, this is one of South West Frances most important gastronomic regions, producing; wine, foie gras, cheese and of course cassoulet the Toulousain dish par excellence. The city lies in the heart of the Midi-Pyrenees, half way between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, so arriving here with your car puts this corner of France within your reach. This is a little visited part of France, but the landscapes are unspoilt and you can reach cities such as medieval Carcassone, beautiful Bordeaux or even the Spanish border in just a couple of hours. Your car: Paris to Toulouse on AutoTrain Return fare: from 182 Your Journey: High speed TGV from Paris to Toulouse Journey time: 5 hours 45 mins Return fare: from 46 More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/toulouse
when to book
You can now book AutoTrain up to 6 months in advance for summer 2012. Just call 0844 848 4080 with your vehicle make, model and registration number and we'll check it's suitable for the AutoTrain. Passenger journeys need to be booked separately, and you can do so up to 3 months in advance of travel.
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InterRail Pass
Antwerp Central Station
freedom of Europe
Theres a whole continent of choice with InterRail! Europe has so much to offer, from classical art and architecture to food, fashion, beaches, shopping - and everything in between. An InterRail Pass gives you the freedom to explore Europe at your leisure. You choose where and when you travel and for how long, giving you total freedom, and great value for money too!
IRELAND NORWAY
Helsinki Oslo Stockholm
FINLAND
SWEDEN
travel tip!
Save on hotel bills. Save money and travel overnight. Take the sleeper train after 7pm and (providing it arrives after 4am) it will be included in your following days allowance.
Ready
First decide where you want to go. If its only one country, a One Country Pass will be fine. If its more, go for a Global Pass.
Go!
Once youve got your pass you can make reservations on our website or at the station book ahead if you want to reserve seats at the best price. After that, just pack your passport and youre free to go.
Dublin
DENMARK
Copenhagen
UK
London
HOLLAND
Rotterdam Amsterdam Berlin Warsaw
Steady
How many days do you want to spend travelling? InterRail Passes are flexible and there are a range of passes to choose from. You can even go First Class! Remember youll need your passport details when you book your InterRail Pass.
GERMANY
Prague
POLAND
CZECH REP.
SLOVAKIA
Vienna Bratislava
Luxembourg
FRANCE
Bern
SWITZERLAND
AUSTRIA
VeniceSLOVENIA
Como
Ljubljana
HUNGARY
Budapest
Global Pass
Why not have your own sporting adventure this summer? First stop Nantes, hop on a bike and explore Europes Green Capital 2012. Head south to Biarritz, Frances Basque coast, for a spot of windsurfing. Cross the border and head for Madrid, take a guided tour of the impressive Bernabeu stadium (time it right and be a spectator!). Next stop Barcelona. Head for the Olympic Stadium, home to the 1992 Olympic Games and visit the Sports Museum nearby. Back across the border and cross France into Italy bound for Como, where you can take a cruise on the lake. Finish your adventure in the French Alps, with a few days hiking in Chambery. Nantes Biarritz Madrid Barcelona Como Chambery Global Pass from 155
Lisbon
PORTUGAL
Bilbao
Biarritz
Chambery
Milan
Zagreb
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
Verona
ROMANIA
Belgrade Bucharest Sofia
CROATIA
Sarajevo
Salamanca
Podgorica
MONTENEGRO NEGRO
SERBIA
BULGARIA
Skopje Ankara
SPAIN
Seville Granada
ITALY
ALBANIA
travel tip!
Avoid reservation fees. Slower trains or less direct routes often dont need reservations - and you might just discover somewhere wonderful on the way!
GREECE
Athens
TURKEY
Madrid beckons, a melting pot of high culture and hip nightlife, and then its off to Salamanca with its old-world elegance. Lastly Bilbao, dynamic and sophisticated, with its rich Basque culture and world famous Guggenheim museum. Barcelona Valencia Granada Seville Madrid Salamanca Bilbao One Country Spain Pass from 109
masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery. Venice, the exquisite Floating City, never fails to impress, whilst Verona with its elegant medieval squares, was the setting for Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet, and in Milan you can shop til you drop in the fashion design capital of the world. Rome Florence Venice Verona Milan One Country Italy Pass from 109
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FINLAND NORWAY
Helsinki Oslo Stockholm
SWEDEN
IRELAND
Dublin
DENMARK
Copenhagen
UK
London
HOLLAND
Amsterdam Brussels
Berlin
Warsaw
BELGIUM
GERMANY
Prague
POLAND
Paris
Luxembourg
CZECH REP.
Vienna
Bratislava
SLOVAKIA
Swiss Pass
Switzerlands fantastic travel system is yours to explore with a Swiss Pass. You can pretty much hop on and off local and regional trains as the feeling takes you boats and buses too. And your travel is covered on many of the countrys scenic railways - including The Glacier and Bernina Express trains running through breathtaking routes to Alpine destinations like Davos and St Moritz. Swiss Passes start from 148. For more information on the pass, visit www.raileurope.co.uk/swisspass
FRANCE
Bern
SWITZERLAND
AUSTRIA
Ljubljana
SLOVENIA
Budapest
HUNGARY
Zagreb
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
ROMANIA
Belgrade Bucharest
ITALY
PORTUGAL
SPAIN
Madrid Rome
CROATIA
Sarajevo
Podgorica
MONTENEGRO NEGRO
SERBIA
Sofia
BULGARIA
Skopje Ankara
ALBANIA
GREECE
Athens
TURKEY
Adventure of a lifetime
InterRailing is the budget conscious, savvy way to experience Europes vibrant cities and stunning countryside. A Global InterRail Pass is your ticket to travel across 29 European countries, allowing you to experience the Continent in all its thrilling diversity. Or, if you really want to get under the skin of your favourite country, choose a One Country Pass.
price level 3
choose one of the following: Benelux**, Denmark, Finland, Greece Plus, Ireland or Switzerland youth std class 3 days within 1 month 4 days within 1 month 70 87 adult std class 106 133 178 216 adult first class 162 204 273 330
price level 5
choose one of the following: Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia or Turkey youth std class 3 days within 1 month 4 days within 1 month 6 days within 1 month 8 days within 1 month 32 46 64 73 adult std class 50 69 94 114 adult first class 77 105 145 174
seat reservations
Your InterRail Pass gives you free travel on most local and regional rail services across Europe. However, to travel on high speed services and overnight trains it is likely youll need to make a seat reservation. You can make a reservation at the time of booking, via our website or at the station - but remember, plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Flexi options
Choose the days you want to travel. standard class youth adult 5 days within 10 days 155 237 338 10 days within 22 days 228 senior 214 304
price level 2
choose one of the following: Austria, Italy, Norway*, Spain or Sweden youth std class 3 days within 1 month 109 4 days within 1 month 128 6 days within 1 month 155 8 days within 1 month 182 adult std class 161 182 237 276 adult first class 246 278 362 422
price level 4
choose one of the following: Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia or Slovenia youth std class 3 days within 1 month 4 days within 1 month 6 days within 1 month 8 days within 1 month 46 55 74 86 adult std class 69 85 113 132 adult first class 105 130 173 202
Continuous options
Travel every day for 15 or 22 days or one month. standard class 15 days continuous 22 days continuous 1 month continuous youth 264 292 374 adult 374 438 565 senior 337 394 509
Child passes, for those aged 4-11, are available in first and standard class and are half the price of an adult pass. If you are under 26, you qualify for a youth pass. For a Senior Global InterRail Pass you must be 60 or over. You must have been resident in an InterRail participating country for at least six months to buy an InterRail Pass. You cannot buy an InterRail Pass for your country of residence. You must have your passport details at time of booking. InterRailers may be required to pay reservation fees and/or supplements for seats and sleeping accommodation on certain trains. These can be paid for in advance when you buy your pass or at the station and are subject to availability at the time of purchase. *First class is not available on a Youth Global Pass or a Norway One Country Pass. **Benelux is Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg and counts as one country. A Greece Plus (price level 3) Pass is available, allowing free travel on Attica Ferries between Italy and Greece.
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Spanish Cities
In summertime, Spain seems to sizzle with energy and colour. Its a fantastic time to go, and what better way than by high speed TGV or onboard Europes very own moving hotel, Elipsos. Youll arrive right in the heart of some of Europes most hip and happening cities where you can enjoy fine art and breathtaking architecture, or get out and explore the Spanish countryside.
Elipsos Trenhotel
Thinking of going to Spain this summer? Travel overnight from France on the Elipsos Trenhotel and you can transform your journey into a real highlight. Combining the glamour and the romance of rail's glory days and the mod cons of the 21st century, this is the ultimate way to travel from Paris to Madrid or Barcelona. Europe's very own moving hotel offers three-course a la carte dining in the elegant restaurant car, a glamorous full length bar and cosy comfortable compartments. For an added touch of quality, go Gran Class and you'll have your own private shower and toilet. For more information on Elipsos Trenhotel, visit www.raileurope.co.uk/elipsos
Madrid
Madrid is a mesmerising city, whether you go to indulge a passion for people-watching in its fabulous parks and plazas or to admire the fine art in its Golden Triangle of Art (the world famous Museo del Prado, the Museo ThyssenBornemisza and the Museo Nacional Centro de Art Reina Sofia). Its an easy place to explore on foot, and in the summer you can stroll the streets and admire the architecture, stopping to enjoy tapas and some warm Spanish sunshine before heading out in the evening to the restaurants, bars, clubs and cafs that keep Spains capital partying all night. Journey: London to Paris, then overnight Elipsos Trenhotel to Madrid Journey time: 18 hours Return fare: 205 More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/madrid
Girona
Its proximity to Barcelona means Girona is often overlooked by visitors to this part of Spain, but theyre missing a trick. History rules in the City of 1000 Sieges, whose Old Town boasts one of Catalonias most evocative historical centres with its narrow twisting lanes and ornate carved archways. The grand Gothic cathedral, the ancient city walls, the stunning Jewish Quarter, the Moorish bathhouse there is so much to discover here. And as the dazzling Catalan capital is just two hours away by train, you can easily hop away for a day trip while you are here. Journey: London to Paris, then overnight Elipsos Trenhotel to Girona, or high speed TGV (by day) to Figueres then a local train to Girona Journey time: 10 hours 15 mins by day, 13 hours 30 mins overnight Return fare: from 176 by day, 205 by night More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/girona
Figueres
If you have an interest in 20th-century art, surrealism and in particular Salvador Dali, Figueres is the place to go. Birthplace of the artist, the towns main attraction is the TeatreMuseu, which was designed by the man himself and which houses the single largest and most diverse collection of his work, much of it from his own collection. In fact Dali is buried here, in the crypt in the basement of the museum. Across the road from the museum is the church of Sant Pere, place of Dalis baptism, first communion and funeral, and you can also see the house where he was born. Art aside, this is great base for exploring Spains beautiful Costa Brava. Journey: London to Paris, then overnight Elipsos Trenhotel to Figueres or high speed TGV (by day) to Figueres Journey time: 9 hours 30 mins by day, 13 hours 5 mins overnight Return fare: from 159 by day, 205 by night More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/figueres
Barcelona
Spains most cosmopolitan city and the buzzing capital of Catalonia, Barcelona astounds at every turn. The old centre of the city has one of the greatest concentrations of Gothic architecture in Europe, yet just a few blocks away youll find some of the worlds most bizarre architectural creations, culminating in Antoni Gaudis out-ofthis-world Sagrada Familia. You can see more of Gaudis work - whilst soaking up some sunshine at Parc Guell with its enchanting gingerbread houses, famous ceramic-clad lizard and curvy mosaic bench, or head out of town and enjoy the fabulous sandy beaches and Montserrat mountain range that lie just outside the city boundaries. Journey: London to Paris, then overnight Elipsos Trenhotel to Barcelona, or high speed TGV (by day) to Figueres then a local train to Barcelona Journey time: 11 hours 30 mins by day, 15 hours overnight Return fare: from 186 by day, 205 by night More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/barcelona
en cooperacin / en coopration
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Italian Cities
inspirational Italy!
Discover Italy by overnight and high speed trains Italy and in particular Milan and Rome is synonymous with high fashion and style. But its also a cultural treasure chest containing the artistic jewels of the Italian Renaissance and the crowning glories of the Roman Empire. This is a nation of superlatives, so what better way to arrive than on an ultra fast, ultra stylish high speed train?
Milan
Love clothes? Love fashion? Milan is the fashion design capital of the world, rivalling Paris for its shopping. Head to the Quadrilatero dOro (Golden Quad) for the flagship stores of Armani, Versace, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and many more or to the citys discount outlets which sell seconds, samples and last seasons cast-offs at bargain basement prices. But Milan has other must-dos too. La Scala is one of the worlds best known opera houses, and the city is also home to one of the most famous works of art in the world: Leonardo da Vincis The Last Supper, at Santa Maria delle Grazie, a UNESCO World Heritage listed church and Dominican convent. Journey: London to Paris, then overnight to Milan or high speed TGV (by day) to Milan Journey time: 10 hours 30 mins by day, 13 hours 10 mins overnight Return fare: from 115 by day, 187 by night More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/milan
Florence
Florence is a famously beautiful city. This was the jewel of Renaissance Italy, a focus for some of the most sublime architecture in Europe, and once a canvas for masters such as Michelangelo, da Vinci, Donatello, Giotto and Botticelli. At the Uffizi Gallery you can see work such as Botticellis The Birth of Venus and da Vincis The Adoration of the Magi, while The Accademia Gallery houses Michelangelos masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture, David. Another Italian icon is an easy train ride from Florence the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Its certainly an extraordinary sight, and its just one of three Romanesque treasures on Pisas Piazza dei Miracoli, one of Italys most beautiful squares. Journey: London to Paris, overnight to Milan then high speed to Florence Journey time: 16 hours 5 mins Return fare: from 285 More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/florence
Rome
Rome is monumental in every sense of the word. Its history spans 2,500 years and whether youre here for three days or three weeks, you won't see everything in this open-air museum. The Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, the Vatican the city is an A-list of historic and cultural attractions, and your only problem will be deciding what to see first! Sightseeing mustnt be the only thing on your itinerary: one of the greatest pleasures in Rome is to just stroll around, enjoying the sun on your face, taking far too long over lunch or just lazing outside a caf watching the world go by. Journey: London to Paris, overnight to Milan then high speed to Rome Journey time: 17 hours Return fare: from 354 More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/rome
Naples
Situated in the south of Italy, with its ancient streets and buildings clustered around the bay, Naples is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. This is a vibrant, sunny, sassy city with bags of attitude and an explosive history. Mount Vesuvius, the volcano responsible for the destruction of the Roman cities Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79AD, dominates the skyline...a visit to these ancient, evocative ruins is an absolute must. Sightseeing done, treat yourself to one of Italy's most famous culinary creations: pizza, which originated here in Naples in the 16th century. Journey: London to Paris, overnight to Milan then high speed to Naples Journey time: 17 hours 10 mins Return fare: from 371 More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/naples
Amalfi
Magnificent Amalfi lies at the foot of Monte Cerreto, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and facing the wide blue Mediterranean. Its a quintessentially Italian town of alleys, steps, squares and white houses and the focal attraction on Italys famed Amalfi Coast. This is a great base from which to explore this iconic coastline, as well as the other well-known towns along its shore such as Positano and Ravello. Two summer festivals attract lots of visitors to Amalfi each year: the Feast Days of Saint Andrew (25-27 June) and the Byzantine New Years Eve (31 August) when carnivals, parties, parades and fireworks take over the town. Journey: London to Paris, overnight to Milan, then high speed to Naples. From here take a bus to Amalfi Journey time: 17 hours 10 mins to Naples Return fare: from 371
Venice
The Floating City, City of Masks, Queen of the Adriatic Venice is all this and more. The New York Times described it as undoubtedly the most beautiful city built by man and it is certainly one of the most romantic cities in Europe. Venice straddles 117 islands laced by 409 bridges in the Venetian Lagoon in Northeast Italy. Its panorama is instantly recognizable, whether its a gondola gliding along the Grand Canal, the impossibly romantic Bridge of Sighs or the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. With more artistic masterpieces per square kilometre than anywhere else in the world, it never fails to impress. Journey: London to Paris, then overnight to Venice Journey time: 16 hours 50 mins Return fare: from 216 More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/venice
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There isnt a major city in Europe you cant reach by train. Its easier and more direct than flying, and it can be quicker too. Holland and Belgium are especially easy to get to by high speed train. Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the whole of Eastern Europe are also within easy reach by rail.
Salzburg cityscape
Venlo
Floriade is an international festival of flowers and gardening held every 10 years in the Netherlands. Its a huge event, this year taking place in Venlo between 5 April 7 October, and a must-do in the diary of gardeners, garden lovers and horticulturalists around the world. But its not only about gardening: Floriade is a dazzlingly colourful event covering 66 hectares with five themed areas entitled Environment, Green Engine, Relax & Heal, Education & Innovation and World Show Stage. Also on offer is the biggest cable car ride in the country, and there will be daily displays of dance, song, acrobatics and a spectacular light show at night. Journey: London to Brussels, high speed Thalys to Rotterdam, then a local train to Venlo Journey time: 6 hours 10 mins Return fare: from 161
Berlin
Two decades ago Berlin was a darkly entrenched communist city, but today its a vividly colourful place that really comes alive in the summer. Its open-air movie theatres, fabulous festivals, shady beer gardens and 600-acre Tiergarten Berlin (the park at the heart of the city), bring tourists and locals alike out to play, while its world class restaurants, vibrant creative scene and hip nightlife keep the city alive long after dark. Theres even a string of man-made beaches along the banks of the Spree the river that snakes through the city centre - where you can top up that tan. Journey: London to Brussels, then overnight CityNightLine to Berlin or high speed Thalys to Cologne then a local train to Berlin (by day) Journey time: 11 hours 25 mins by day, 14 hours 40 mins overnight Return fare: from 318 by day, 159 by night More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/berlin
Ghent
Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp these are Belgiums big three but there are other, less crowded destinations that are well worth seeking out. Ghents quaint cobbled streets and genteel canals are lined with fine Flemish architecture and if you visit between the 12th of May and 16th of September, you might be surprised to find art and installations dotted around the city centre. This is the world-famous TRACK exhibition, when 30 international artists are invited to work at indoor and outdoor locations around the city. If you fancy heading for the coast then head for Ostend, less than an hour from Ghent by train. It's Belgiums City by the Sea and offers miles of sandy beaches, fabulous restaurants, a lovely long promenade and even a theme park perfect for a summer holiday. Journey: London to Brussels, then a local train to Ghent Journey time: 3 hours Return fare: from 89 More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/ghent
Salzburg
Salzburg is a spectacular, almost theatrical, city. Its most famous associations are with Mozart and the Sound of Music. You can explore both on various tours highlighting the places and locations that are linked to the worlds most loved composer and the 20th-centurys best known movie. There is more to the city than movies and music. Great shopping, fantastic open air events, hiking in the mountains Salzburg is wonderful at any time of year but in the summertime, sitting outside a caf enjoying coffee and some of the best pastries, cakes and chocolate in Europe, it takes some beating. Journey: London to Paris, overnight CityNightLine to Munich, then a local train to Salzburg Journey time: 17 hours Return fare: from 229 More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/salzburg
Bern
Step off the train in Bern and youll find yourself in the heart of Switzerlands striking capital. The public transport is good here, but the centre of Bern is best explored on foot, with its ornate fountains, grand sandstone facades, narrow streets and tapering towers. The River Aare arcs around Berns Old Town, whose fine medieval buildings have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The best view of this wonderfully picturesque place is from the platform of the 101-metre cathedral tower. Bears and Bern are inextricably linked: the city is named after them, they appear on its coat of arms and you can even see them in the flesh in the 16th-century Bear Pits. Journey: London to Paris, then high speed to Bern Journey time: 7 hours Return fare: from 115 More info: www.raileurope.co.uk/bern
and more
Weve tried to give you a good spread of ideas in this brochure about where to travel this summer, which trains to choose and what you might see and do when you are away. But theres only so much we can fit on 20 pages! If youre still stuck for ideas, or have questions that we have not covered here, visit our website and youll find hundreds of destination guides, plus loads more information about trains, tickets, routes, travel tips and lots, lots more. Visit us anytime at raileurope.co.uk
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when to book
With all journeys, generally the earlier you book the better the fares and availability are likely to be. Eurostar journeys can usually be booked up to 4 months in advance whilst most other European trains can be booked up to 3 months ahead. To help you plan, this table shows key calendar dates and the month in which you can book. Event Fathers Day Eurostar AutoTrain mid Feb mid Mar mid Mar mid Mar early May early May mid Oct mid Oct mid Oct Other trains mid Mar mid Apr end May early Aug early Aug mid Oct mid Oct early Nov
Summer Holidays mid Mar Aug Bank Holiday end Apr Halloween When you have finished with this brochure please recycle it
All prices shown in this brochure are per person, unless otherwise stated. All information and prices are correct at time of going to press, and are subject to availability and change. All journey times quoted are approximate, and allow sufficient time for connections where relevant. Full terms and conditions are available on request from our call centre, on our website or from our travel centre. Maps not to scale. Information and pictures of different types of European trains throughout the brochure are intended as a guide only, as there are many different models currently in operation. Some pictures in this brochure are courtesy of SNCF and other rail carriers. All SNCF images are subject to copyright: SNCF - MEDIATHEQUE. Credit card fees apply to all bookings. Booking fees and/or charges may apply. Printed April 2012. Registered in England No. 3038075 Registered Office: Rail Europe Ltd. 34 Tower View, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4ED VAT Reg. No. 673 0492 32
Remember, the Eurostar Direct Service to Disneyland Paris can be booked up to 10 months in advance. The Eurostar Direct service to Avignon is on sale now. The Eurostar Direct Ski service is on sale from July to April. You can now book AutoTrain up to 6 months in advance for summer 2012. Table to be used as a guide only as actual booking dates will vary.