Tweet

Europe leads the way for love because the world’s most romantic destinations are part of this continent. From the gleaming blue Aegean Sea of Greece to watching the sunset in Italy, from an alpine adventure in Switzerland to the golden sand beaches of Spain, Europe has a place within its folds for all the romantics at heart.

What spells romance better than train travel? The hypnotising chug of wheels, the gliding slides of mesmerising views, the cosy ambience of a coach, and the old world charm make trains an ideal medium to start your romantic European trip. Stare into each other’s eyes, enjoy a long conversation over coffee or just stretch your legs and relax while travelling in a train.

Here are our top two picks for a laid-back romantic week in Europe:

France

Start your trip in Paris, the most romantic city in the world. Devote two days to explore the best sights of the city leisurely. The world-famous wrought iron Eiffel Tower, architectural marvel Arc de Triomphe, and the Roman Catholic Church Sacré-Cœur are the top places that are worth visiting in this city of love. Enjoy a picnic at the Tuileries Garden and end your day with Paris’s best caramels, pain au chocolat and croissants. On day 3, you could go on a day trip to Versailles (a 45-minute train ride away) for a guided tour around the Palace of Versailles.

On day 4, hop on a train to Normandy from Paris, which takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. You can also visit Honfleur, which is a quaint little town of Normandy. Add the delightful Monet’s Garden, the beaches of Fecamp and white limestone cliffs of Etretat to your itinerary. You can spend the last leg of your France trip in Loire Valley. Book your stay in Amboise and walk around Chenonceau and Cheverny. To enjoy uninterrupted travel across France, invest in International Rail’s Interrail Global or France Pass.

Greece

During your weeklong trip in Greece, unearth the beauty of Athens, Hydra and other islands. Visit the ancient citadel Acropolis of Athens, Parthenon, and Acropolis Museum. You could take a romantic walk at the historic National Garden and catch the sunset with a splendid view at Areopagus before heading to Hydra from Athens. You could visit the Historical Archive – Museum of Hydra and soak up the sun at the Spilia beach. If you want to go island-hopping in Greece, then buy the Interrail Greek Islands Pass. Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu Island, and Rhodes are the best islands in Greece for romantic holidays.

To get the best deals on train tickets, browse through International Rail’s Europe rail passes collection. With an Interrail Global Pass in your suitcase, you can visit 3o European countries including France and Greece.