Europe is a continent of diverse cultures, picturesque landscapes, and world-renowned landmarks, and what better way to explore it than by train? With the Eurail Global Pass, travelers can embark on an unforgettable 2-week journey, hopping from one city to another with ease and comfort. This article outlines a perfect 14-day itinerary, featuring iconic European destinations, and presents an ideal challenge for those eager to discover Europe by train.
Why Choose the Eurail Global Pass?
Before diving into the itinerary, it’s important to understand why the Eurail Global Pass is the ideal companion for this journey. The Eurail Global Pass offers unlimited travel on most European trains, allowing passengers to travel flexibly and efficiently across 33 countries. Whether you’re planning a whirlwind tour of Europe’s major cities or wish to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, the pass allows for spontaneous changes to your plans, giving you the freedom to travel as you like.
Benefits of the Eurail Global Pass
Flexibility: Travel to multiple destinations across 33 countries with no fixed schedule.
Ease of Use: The pass allows for both high-speed trains and scenic routes, offering comfort and convenience.
Cost-Effective: The Eurail Global Pass is often more economical than booking individual tickets for each journey, especially for those traveling extensively by train.
Scenic Routes: Some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes are best experienced by train, from the Swiss Alps to the Italian countryside.
Day 1: Arrival in Paris, France
Start Your Journey in the City of Lights
Begin your 2-week adventure in Paris, the romantic heart of Europe. Paris offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and art, making it an ideal starting point for your trip.
Key Highlights:
Eiffel Tower: A must-see landmark for first-time visitors.
Louvre Museum: Home to the famous Mona Lisa and countless other masterpieces.
Notre-Dame Cathedral: An iconic symbol of Gothic architecture.
Travel Tips for Paris:
Spend your first day exploring the city’s world-class museums, quaint cafés, and bustling streets.
Take a Seine river cruise for a unique perspective of the city.
Get a metro map and familiarize yourself with the Paris public transport system, as it will be useful when you depart for your next destination.
Day 2: Paris to Brussels, Belgium
Hop on the Train: Paris to Brussels (1.5 hours)
The next day, take a direct high-speed train from Paris to Brussels, the capital of Belgium, in just about 1.5 hours. This is a short but exciting train ride that sets the tone for your European rail adventure.
Key Highlights:
Grand Place: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Grand Place is the central square of Brussels, surrounded by stunning Baroque and Gothic architecture.
Atomium: A symbol of the 1958 Brussels World Expo, offering a unique architectural structure and panoramic views.
Belgian Waffles: Don’t forget to indulge in one of the most famous food items in Belgium!
Travel Tips for Brussels:
Explore Brussels’ historical district and sample the famous Belgian chocolates and beers.
Plan your time in Brussels wisely, as the city is compact and easy to explore by foot.
Day 3-4: Brussels to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Train Journey: Brussels to Amsterdam (2 hours)
On the third day, hop on a direct train to Amsterdam, one of Europe’s most laid-back yet lively cities. The journey lasts around 2 hours, offering a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenic countryside views.
Key Highlights:
Rijksmuseum: Discover the best of Dutch art and history.
Van Gogh Museum: Home to the largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh.
Canal Cruise: Amsterdam’s canal network is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a boat tour is the best way to see the city.
Travel Tips for Amsterdam:
Rent a bike to experience Amsterdam like a local.
If you have extra time, take a day trip to nearby Zaanse Schans or Keukenhof Gardens (in the spring).
Day 5-6: Amsterdam to Cologne, Germany
Train Journey: Amsterdam to Cologne (2.5 hours)
Next, head to Cologne in Germany, a city rich in history and culture. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and provides stunning views as you enter Germany.
Key Highlights:
Cologne Cathedral: One of the tallest cathedrals in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Old Town: Wander through charming medieval streets and explore local breweries.
Rhine River Cruise: See Cologne from a different perspective by boat.
Travel Tips for Cologne:
Cologne is known for its beer culture. Make sure to try Kölsch, the local beer.
Take a walk along the Rhine River to enjoy beautiful views of the city and its iconic cathedral.
Day 7-8: Cologne to Lucerne, Switzerland
Train Journey: Cologne to Lucerne (6 hours)
This is a longer journey, but one of the most scenic parts of your trip. After about six hours on the train, you’ll arrive in Lucerne, Switzerland, a city surrounded by breathtaking mountains and pristine lakes.
Key Highlights:
Chapel Bridge: A historic wooden bridge with picturesque views.
Lake Lucerne: Take a boat ride across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Lucerne.
Mount Pilatus: Ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the top for spectacular alpine views.
Travel Tips for Lucerne:
The Swiss train system is well-known for being punctual and efficient, so enjoy the journey.
Be sure to pack for outdoor activities, as Lucerne offers some amazing hiking trails and nature excursions.
Day 9-10: Lucerne to Milan, Italy
Train Journey: Lucerne to Milan (4.5 hours)
From Lucerne, embark on a train ride to Milan, Italy’s fashion capital. This scenic journey through the Swiss Alps and into the Italian countryside takes about 4.5 hours.
Key Highlights:
Duomo di Milano: Visit the famous cathedral and enjoy panoramic views from the rooftop.
Sforza Castle: A historic fortress that houses museums and art collections.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Shop at one of the world’s oldest shopping malls.
Travel Tips for Milan:
Spend an afternoon at the Navigli District, famous for its canals and vibrant nightlife.
If you’re a fan of art, don’t miss the chance to see The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci (make sure to book tickets in advance).
Day 11-12: Milan to Barcelona, Spain
Train Journey: Milan to Barcelona (13 hours)
This is one of the longest journeys of your trip, taking roughly 13 hours. However, the scenic ride through France into Spain makes the journey an adventure in itself.
Key Highlights:
La Sagrada Familia: Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece and one of the most famous landmarks in Spain.
Park Güell: A whimsical park with colorful mosaics and unique architecture by Gaudí.
La Rambla: The bustling central street of Barcelona, filled with shops, restaurants, and performers.
Travel Tips for Barcelona:
Spend a full day exploring Barri Gòtic, the Gothic Quarter, with its narrow medieval streets.
Barcelona is famous for tapas, so be sure to try a variety of small dishes in the city’s lively tapas bars.
Day 13-14: Barcelona to Paris, France (Return)
Train Journey: Barcelona to Paris (6.5 hours)
For your final leg of the journey, take a high-speed train from Barcelona back to Paris. The journey is just over 6 hours, giving you ample time to relax and reflect on your journey across Europe.
Key Highlights:
Montmartre: Explore this historic district, home to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and the artistic vibe of Place du Tertre.
Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe: Stroll down one of the most famous avenues in the world, ending at the iconic Arc de Triomphe.
Travel Tips for Paris (Again):
Take a leisurely walk around Le Marais district, one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Paris.
Enjoy a classic French meal at a bistro and reminisce about your incredible European journey.
Conclusion
A 2-week journey by train through Europe using the Eurail Global Pass is truly the ultimate European adventure. From the romantic streets of Paris to the vibrant culture of Barcelona, this itinerary offers a balanced mix of iconic cities, historical landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Europe, this 14-day train journey promises to be an unforgettable experience, filled with adventure, discovery, and the joy of European train travel.
