This content is from Railbookers, the company I work with to build your train travel itinerary. While there are many itineraries that are prebuilt, with customization options, I can work with you to build your own linear route within a country or traversing countries and rail lines. You can select your rail class, the number of nights you wish to stay in each location, and the hotels you wish to stay in from a list. You want tour or guides? No problem! You can select from a list of available tours or skip-the-line tickets. And if you don't see what you like, I can find the right excursion for you using other reputable companies that I work with.

Trying to determine which destinations to include in your next rail adventure? Railbookers has put together this great snapshot of each of the destinations and what you might expect to see there. Create your perfect train vacation from start to finish with customization options. Customizing your train vacation gives you the ability to build the exact journey you want (and nothing you don’t). A bonus of traveling in Europe is that the train stations are generally right down town - making it very easy to navigate to your hotel.

Have a look at the destinations and get inspired! You pick the destinations and we'll bundle them together in the perfect journey for you!

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Italy

For its sheer breathtaking beauty and tempting, mouth-watering cuisine, Italy is hard to beat. Iconic, instantly recognizable monuments, medieval towers and palazzos, and pastel colored villages clinging to cliffsides are just some of the images this enticing country conjures up.

Verona
Verona

Fair Verona, a tranquil and idyllic scene for your next city break, boasts Italian flair, river side charm and a 2000-year old history just waiting to be discovered. Inextricably linked with Shakespeare’s doomed lovers, hopeless romantics will be in their element visiting Juliet’s Balcony, strolling through the lovely piazzas and indulging in rustic Italian cuisine. Explore the rich Roman history and things to do, from the stone arches to the world-famous amphitheatre, dating back to the 1st-century AD. Immerse yourself in the outstanding acoustics here by spending a magical evening at the Opera.

Venice
Venice

Take the train to Venice, a historic dream-world filled with a labyrinth of azure canals, crisscrossed winding backstreets, Venetian Gothic masterpieces, and cathedrals, churches, palazzos, and campos that look much as they did 500 years ago. Ride on a Gondola, become entranced at the mosaics in the Basilica, visit 14th-century Doge's Palace, and so much more in this stunning city of wonder.

Turin
Turin
The capital of Piedmont in northern Italy, Turin is a cultural city on the River Po with a stunning backdrop of Alpine peaks. Located in the northwestern part of Italy, the city is often described as the most French city in Italy. Famed internationally for its car and sports, Turin’s charming center is bursting with culture and dotted with elegant churches and historic buildings to discover. After a busy day exploring, make sure you find out what the slow food movement is all about with a meal in one of Turin's huge selection of restaurants.
Taormina
Taormina
Taormina is a stunning hilltop town situated on the east coast of Sicily. Nestled near Mount Etna, an active volcano with trails leading to the summit, the town is known for the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-Roman theatre still used today. Near the theatre, cliffs drop to the sea forming coves with sandy beaches. Stroll the narrow stretch of sand connecting the mainland to pretty Isola Bella, or amble through the medieval quarter, home to a 15th century cathedral, baroque fountain and charming winding streets.
Stresa
Stresa
Stresa epitomizes all that is sparkling and elegant about Lake Maggiore. Just over the border from Switzerland, the sleepy town is known for its fabulous views over its lakefront promenades, its umber-roofed landmark villas and its distinctly Italian palazzos. Take a cable car to the summit of Monte Mattrone for sensational summer views over the glistening lake, and don’t miss a tranquil boat trip to Isola Bella; the most well-known of the verdant Borromean Islands is just ten minutes away.
Spoleto
Spoleto

Spoleto is an ancient city in the Italian province of Perugia in east-central Umbria on a foothill of the Apennines.

Sorrento
Sorrento
With a jaw-dropping location overlooking the Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius visible in the distance, the town of Sorrento is a beautiful resort, surrounded by olive and lemon groves and offering easy access to the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Pompeii. Sorrento epitomizes holiday bliss in its civility and beauty. The coastal city overlooks the sparkling sea, with a smaller and larger marina (Piccola and Grande) perfect for summertime strolling or swimming. Home to a wealth of history, unearth Sorrento’s Romanesque Cathedral in the Old City, or visit the Museum Correale, located in a splendid peak villa.
Sirmione
Sirmione

Situated in the Italian province of Brescia, Sirmione is one of the most popular towns on Lake Garda and has been a spa resort since Roman times. The lovely historical center is pedestrianized and dominated by a 13th century castle, called the Rocca Scaligera, which commands great views over the town and lake. Also worth visiting is the Villa Romana, an impressive ruin of a Roman villa associated with the poet Catullus.

Siena
Siena

Siena is undoubtedly one of Tuscany’s loveliest medieval cities. The UNESCO World Heritage listed medieval center overflows with striking gothic buildings and you can fill an entire day just losing yourself in its narrow winding streets and hidden squares. Its cathedral is one of the most spectacular within Italy, and the Piazza del Campo, build on the site of the Roman marketplace, is perfect for indulging in people watching and Italian café culture. For something different, the Siena Jazz School (which is in the Medicean Fortress) runs concerts all year round.

Rome
Rome

Rome feels like an open air museum. The captivating Italian capital was once at the heart of one the largest and most enduring empires in the history of Western Civilization, and now uses its ancient history to inspire visitors from all over the world. Uncover exciting things to do in Rome: joust with gladiators at the Colosseum, discover Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling in the Vatican, eat a gelato on the Spanish Steps, and be sure to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, because you're going to want to come back.

Pisa
Pisa
Sitting at the mouth of the River Arno where it meets the Ligurian Sea, Pisa may be famous for its white marble Leaning Tower, but there are a staggering amount of other architectural gems to discover. The city boasts a spectacular collection of churches, palaces, medieval piazzas and bridges across the Arno, as well as feasts of Tuscan food and wine ready to enjoy.
Perugia

The hill-topped capital of Umbria Perugia is a beautiful and unique destination that rewards visitors in so many ways.  Its vast history of arts and learning have left there mark on the city in some breathtaking architecture including the Palazzo dei Priori, Fontana Maggiore, and beautiful San Lorenzo Cathedral.  Journey underground to discover the ancient tunnels and old streets under the city which date back to Papal wars of the 16th Century or explore treasures housed in the National Gallery of Umbria.

Parma
Parma
Snug between Genoa and Verona, Parma is famous for delighting taste buds with its eponymous hams and cheeses. A sojourn here is guaranteed to delight all the senses - the city houses one of the oldest universities in the world, and was the historic home of virtuoso Giuseppe Verdi, whose operas you can still hear at the marvelous Teatro Regio. Wander the formal gardens of the Ducal Palace, immerse yourself in the artworks at the Galleria Nazionale or while away the evenings over fine regional food and wine.
Palermo
Palermo
Sicily’s sparkling capital occupies a sundrenched spot on the gulf of Palermo in the azure Tyrrhenian Sea. From Norman palaces to Byzantine mosaics and Arabic style domed churches, the history of this ancient city is on display in every street and piazza. Discover the beautiful Palazzo dei Normanni with its intricately decorated chapel, the majestic Cathedral and the macabre Capuchin Catacombs. The perfect place to take some time out, be sure to shop for local produce at one of the bustling markets or simply unwind on one of the nearby white sand beaches.
Orvieto
Orvieto
Orvieto is a city and comune in the Province of Terni, southwestern Umbria, Italy situated on the flat summit of a large butte of volcanic tuff. The city rises dramatically above the almost-vertical faces of tuff cliffs that are completed by defensive walls built of the same stone called Tufa.
Naples
Naples
Capital of the Campania region and originally named Neapolis by the Greeks, meaning "new city," Naples is an incredibly historic destination with a UNESCO-listed centre, a fortified citadel highest number of churches in the world. A Naples holiday would be incomplete without indulging in pizza (Naples is its birthplace!), exploring the 12th century Castel Sant'Elmo, or paying a visit to Pompeii, the Roman town covered in lava and ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79.
Milan
Milan
Home to the world’s most exclusive fashion labels, two international football teams, a world renowned opera house, La Scala, and the iconic Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, Milan is a dazzling Italian gem. Capital of Lombardia in the north of Italy, the city combines the architecture and elegance of classic Italy with the vibrancy and convenience of the modern day. Don't miss out on iconic things to do in Milan, like visiting the Piazza Duomo in the heart of Milan to marvel at the spectacular Duomo cathedral, or the Santa Maria delle Grazie, a beautiful Renaissance church.
Lucca
Lucca
A Tuscan treasure trove a stone’s throw from the Tyrrhenian Sea, Lucca boasts spectacular medieval and Renaissance architecture, panoramic views from its ancient city walls and pretty palazzos flecked with Italian flair. From the artistic masterpieces of the Cathedral of St Martin, to the central square, the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, there is a wealth of distinctive history to be discovered. Stop at a traditional trattoria along one of the winding backstreets and treat yourself to an authentic Tuscan feast in the heart of the region.
Genoa
Genoa
One of the most culturally and industrially significant cities in northern Italy, Genoa has an architecturally rich center, acres of parks and beautiful long stretches of seafront promenade. This city's ancient port has a powerful trading past and the Old Town features winding alleyways known as “Caruggi.” Memorable cuisine and attractive architecture such as Santa Maria di Castello, the cloister of the Dominican order, and Via Garibaldi, known for its beautiful Baroque buildings, complete the cultural experience. Discover the beautiful palazzos of the Via Garibaldi, relax in the peaceful gardens of the Villa Durazzo Pallavicini or, if the clouds begin to threaten, visit the city’s impressive aquarium.
Florence
Florence

Birthplace of the Renaissance and also Tuscany’s capital, the umber domes, bustling bridges and winding lanes of Florence have inspired artists, architects and visitors for centuries. A veritable treasure trove of masterpieces, the city flaunts its artistic heritage at every turn, with museums, squares and alleyways overflowing with artistic prowess. Works by Botticelli, Raphael, Michelangelo can all be found here in some of the world’s finest galleries, and the gentle breeze and sweeping cityscapes visible from the top of the Duomo make Florence one of Italy’s finest experiences. The surrounding hills ache with vineyards, meaning cellars abound with regional vintages. Truly, Florence is the perfect city for heady indulgence of all kinds.

Desenzano
Desenzano
Boasting a distant view of the towering Alps, Desenzano fits snugly at the southern end of Lake Garda, in the impossibly scenic Italian Lake District. As well as three large beaches, the town boasts a hilltop castle accessible via narrow winding streets running from the lakefront. Visit the beautiful inland harbor, full of colorful little fishing boats, or enjoy a drink on the main square, Piazza Matteotti. You can while away the hours taking a refreshing dip in the lake or catch a ferry to explore any of the surrounding charming towns.
Como
Como
One of the deepest and most photogenic lakes in Europe, sparkling Lake Como is a stunning destination famed for its luxury homes, shimmering waters and pure tranquility away from the bustle of city life. The largest urban area on Lake Como, the town of Como itself is over 400 years old and bursting with ancient churches, historic monuments, verdant gardens and, of course, tasty antipasti. Don’t miss the beautiful Cathedral, considered by many to be the last Gothic cathedral built in Italy. On sunny days, wander through the lakeside gardens of the elegant Villa Olmo or take a funicular railway line up to Brunate for fabulous views from the Alps Balcony.
Catania
Catania
Located on the east coast of Sicily at the foot of Mount Etna, Catania is a pretty seaside city with a long and turbulent history. Destroyed by a catastrophic earthquake in 1693, Catania is now a thriving cultural and artistic city with beautiful architecture, stunning beaches and a vibrant nightlife. The UNESCO World Heritage listed old town includes the Duomo, the Piazza Stesicoro and Teatro Massimo.
Capri
Capri
A rugged island in the deep blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the warm climes and spectacular scenery of Capri have made it a holiday hot spot since the Roman times. Just off the coast of Southern Italy, in the Gulf of Naples, you’ll find remnants of Roman villas, Villa Jovis being the largest, nestled alongside glamorous squares where Champagne flows and local seafood abounds. Retreat from the glitz with a tranquil sail to the Grotta Azzurr, a sea cave that is beautifully illuminated by dappled sunlight passing through an underwater hole in the rock. Be sure to take a funicular up to Anacapri from the Marina Grande for coffee, too.
Bologna
Bologna
Nestled amidst the medieval cities and seaside resorts of the Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna is perhaps one of Italy’s finest undiscovered gems. Located between the Apennine Mountains and the River Po, it features one of Europe’s largest and most eye-catching medieval centers including 25 miles of arcaded porticoes, numerous beautiful churches and a large number of distinctive Renaissance towers. You can climb inside one of Bologna’s distinctive watch towers for spectacular views of umber roofs, medieval churches and pretty squares.
Sestri Levante
Sestri Levante
Nestled on the pristine shores of the Italian Rivera, the picturesque resort of Sestri Levante is a real "hidden gem" in a sea of seaside bustle on the Ligurian coast. Extending around two picturesque bays, the Baia delle Favole (Bay of the Fables) and Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence), there’s no better hub for exploring the sparkling waters and multicoloured patchwork houses of the Cinque Terre. A former favourite city of Hans Christian Andersen, the village retains much of its quiet past, and a day spent in the sun followed by an authentic Italian dinner on an outdoor terrace is a tremendous way to spend a day.
La Spezia
La Spezia
La Spezia, at the head of the Gulf of La Spezia in the southern part of the Liguria region of Northern Italy, is the capital city of the province of La Spezia.
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore is the tranquil Eden of Italy. When reached by train, travelers traverse the Alps from Switzerland at the Simplon Pass. The views as the train winds down from the mountains into town are unforgettable. This little town is both romantic and gorgeous. Explore its culture, rich history, and sounding villages to uncover its charm
Lake Garda
Lake Garda
Officially the largest of the Italian lakes, Lake Garda's landscape varies from the mountainous north to the relatively flat south. The lake enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate and clear blue waters which you can access from numerous beaches around its periphery. Visit the fortified town of Sirmione, wander around the picturesque port at Desenzano or discover the mountain fringed resort of Riva del Garda.
Lake Como
Lake Como
One of the deepest lakes in Europe and the third largest in Italy, Lake Como is a stunning destination famed for its luxury villas, sparkling waters and pure tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The town of Como itself is over 400 years old with many ancient churches and historic monuments as well as beautiful gardens, and of course tasty antipasti. Enjoy your Lake Como holiday by rail!
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre
Comprising five centuries-old fishing villages precariously perched on rugged coastal cliffs, the Cinque Terre summons images of a pastel-toned paradise. The whole area boasts a UNESCO World Heritage-listing, and as you saunter along the cliff-side hiking trails that link the villages, it isn’t hard to see why. Marvel at the pantone hued buildings, watch boats bob in the harbours or soak up the atmosphere on a sun-drenched trattoria’s pavement. Foodies will be in their element – the region is famous for freshly caught seafood and Liguria’s signature sauce, pesto.
Amalfi Coast
Amalfi Coast
With its clusters of pastel-colored houses clinging precariously to sheer cliffs, lush green mountains as a backdrop, and the azure blue Mediterranean lapping its harbor, Amalfi is about as picture perfect as a destination can get. Take the train through the Alps to Naples and then catch a ferry around the Sorrentine Peninsula to admire the impressive Duomo before sitting on the cathedral steps with an authentic Italian gelato. Or simply head down to the harbor for a pre-dinner glass of Limoncello and discover why this stunning fishing village is such a beloved vacation destination.
Menton
Menton
Menton overflows with seaside charm, Riviera magic, ancient history, lemon trees and orange groves. Nestled a stone’s throw from the Italian border, the city combines French elegance with Italy’s magic. The Vieux Menton (Old Town) has wonderful shopping and cafes, while the Medieval buildings around the Eglise St Michel and the Chapel de Penitents Blancs form the heart of the city. Wander the narrow streets and admire the wonderfully restored colorful buildings, or relax with a trip to one of the pristine beaches.
Grindelwald
Grindelwald

Nestled in a valley in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, Grindelwald is a winter ski resort and a haven for hikers during the summer. From here, you can take the train via Kleine Scheidigg and through the Eiger Mountain, up to the highest station in Europe at Jungfraujoch or stay on level ground with a visit to nearby Interlaken. Discover nearly 50 miles of walking trails which offer spectacular views of the colossal snow-capped peaks and amazing glaciers of the Bernese Oberland. Or, during the ski season, take advantage of close to 100 miles of slopes for all abilities.

Lugano
Lugano
Lugano is a charming Swiss town with a real Italian flavor, surrounded by sweeping Alpine scenery. Explore the historic center with its wealth of churches, museums and art galleries such as the Museo Cantonale d’Arte, or take the scenic funicular railway to the nearby mountain of Sant Salvatore for spectacular views over Lake Lugano. Or why not take a scenic boat trip out onto the lake? You can also get here via the beautiful scenery of the Wilhelm Tell Express from Lucerne.
Geneva
Geneva
The world’s peace capital, Geneva is a Swiss city nestled on the banks of the sparkling lake of the same name. Historically, Geneva has been the headquarters of numerous international organizations, and still maintains a reputation for commerce and diplomacy. Not to be missed are the world's highest fountain, the Jet d'Eau, which fires water into the sky on the beautiful lakefront, and the Museum of the International Committee of the Red Cross, one of the best museums of its kind in Europe.
Zermatt
Zermatt
Lying in the shadow of the Matterhorn and almost entirely surrounded by mountains, Zermatt is a traditional Alpine gem! The village is car-free so the best way in is by train, usually along a portion of the famous Glacier Express route. Zermatt is a great base for exploring the local area and a trip up to the summit of the Gornergrat by rack railway is a must. Take one of the many cable cars and chair- lifts up into the mountains for skiing or walking, or visit the Matterhorn museum for a history of the surrounding area, including the story of the first ill-fated attempt to scale the Matterhorn in 1865.
Interlaken
Interlaken
Meaning ‘between lakes,’ the clue to Interlaken’s spectacular beauty is in the name. Embracing the valley between the emerald lakes of Thun and Brienz, the traditional timber houses and verdant countryside of the city bask in the shadow of the icing-sugar dusted Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch mountains, and delight visitors with their beauty. Begin your Alpine adventures heading to the ‘top of Europe’ at the continent’s highest railway station, some 11,333 feet above sea level, or explore the stalactites and waterfalls of the St Beatus caves.
St Moritz
St Moritz

You’ll find St Moritz nestled in the Engadine Valley, perched some 5,905 feet above sea level in the snowy heights of the stunning Swiss Alps. With an average of 322 days of sunshine a year, holidays here are sun-drenched and glamorous – the city is considered one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world. Indulge in the Champagne-soaked atmosphere or search out a peaceful spot by riding a chair lift to one of the surrounding peaks for spectacular views of the glacier landscapes. Many visitors will use St Moritz as a railway hub, ambling to Zermatt along the Oberalp Pass aboard the gleaming carriages of the Glacier Express.

Lucerne
Lucerne
On the shores of Lake Lucerne and close to some of the highest peaks of the Swiss Alps, Lucerne is a German speaking Swiss city in an idyllic location. There is plenty of classic Swiss architecture to see from the half-timbered houses of the Old Town, to the elegant spires of the city's churches and the medieval wooden bridges. Discover the wonderful Chapel Bridge, which doubles as an art gallery displaying illustrations of local history from the 1600s, and leads to an imposing 700-year old Water Tower, once part of the city’s walls. In the summer, take the world's steepest cogwheel railway up to Mount Pilatus.
Zurich
Zurich

Zurich is known worldwide as being Switzerland’s sophisticated financial capital, but it’s also so much more than that. Fringed by distant mountains and gracing the banks of the winding River Limmat, the international banks and financial institutions add a contemporary edge to the scenes of intricate stained glass windows, cobbled pavements and characteristic spires that reveal glimpses into the city’s rich past. Amble down the Lake Promenade and the winding streets of the Old Town, unearthing the artistic masterpieces of the Kunsthaus, watching operatic perfection at the famed Schauspielhaus, or shopping along Bahnhofstrasse, Switzerland’s answer to the Champs- Élysées.

Paris
Paris
As Audrey Hepburn famously quipped – “Paris is always a good idea!” Romantic, iconic, cosmopolitan and thriving; the French capital is as much a world centre of art, fashion and elegance today as it has been for centuries. This is a city of icons, apparent whether you’re peering over the rooftops from the Eiffel Tower or unearthing masterpieces in the cavernous Louvre. From the achingly chic boutiques of the Champs-Elysees and the bonhomie of bohemian Montmartre to the gruesome gargoyles of Notre Dame and the landmark-laced shores of the Seine; the wonders of the city are universal, but delve a little deeper to unearth the hidden gems and memorable quirks that make Paris special to you.

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