The Easter holidays are quickly approaching and if you happen to’re trying to ebook a break, it may very well be the right time for a prepare journey. 

Rail routes could be surprisingly quick – simply 3.5 hours from London to Amsterdam – and even the lengthy ones have luxurious sleeper routes to suggest them.

Travellers are more and more sharing the fun of gradual journey. Getting from A to B is a pleasure if you’re immersed within the diversified landscapes of Europe. And extra routes than ever are opening up round Europe which suggests you may make the journey with ease. 

So from cultural hubs within the north to sunshine-soaked locations within the south, we’ve picked seven unbelievable cities in Europe that you simply don’t must fly to.

For mountain surroundings: Bern

Switzerland’s postcard-perfect capital is situated on the banks of the crystal clear River Aare and surrounded by the towering fantastic thing about the snow-capped Alps. 

Reap the benefits of the spring climate to embark on an e-bike tour alongside route Radwanderroute 888 – Grünes Band Bern or stroll by means of the Rosengarten. 

It’s additionally dwelling to six kilometres of sheltered sandstone procuring arcades filled with unbiased cellar bars, cafés and craft retailers. For the most effective views over the medieval Altstadt (Outdated City), climb the 344 steps as much as the highest of Bern Cathedral, the nation’s highest church tower at 101 metres.

Direct trains run to Bern from Paris and Frankfurt in 4.5 hours. From Brussels and London, the journey takes 7.5 hours with one change within the French capital.

For foodie delights: Florence

It’s unimaginable to select only one gourmand hotspot in Europe, however Italy’s enchanting metropolis of Florence is a very mouth-watering alternative. 

Emphasising native, sustainable and seasonal meals, Tuscan treats equivalent to schiacciata flatbread and flavourful Florentine steak are sometimes on the menu. Tuck into tagliatelle made with regionally sourced truffle and porcini mushrooms, or go for wild boar pappardelle pasta, adopted by arguably the most effective gelato in the whole nation.

Temperatures begin rising in March however are nonetheless gentle in spring – the right climate for sightseeing. 

Night time trains attain Florence in 10 hours from Munich, making the town an excellent vacation spot for sleeper prepare holidays. From Geneva, the journey is below 6.5 hours.

For tradition vultures: Amsterdam

Due to well-known painters like Van Gogh and Rembrandt, Amsterdam is a metropolis of iconic artwork. 

House to the Dutch Masters’ works within the Rijksmuseum and the equally partaking trendy items on the Stedelijk, it’s straightforward to see why the Netherlands’ capital is taken into account considered one of Europe’s cultural hubs. Discover additional and also you’ll uncover loads extra, from outside sculptures to tiny unbiased galleries.

Amsterdam and the encompassing countryside bursts into life throughout spring. The canals are lined with vibrant inexperienced timber, the town’s parks are arguably at their finest and tulips – one of many Netherlands’s most well-known exports – start to bloom.

To see these iconic flowers head to Keukenhof Gardens, simply over an hour southwest of Amsterdam, between March and Might. 

You’ll be able to catch a direct prepare from Frankfurt to Amsterdam in 4 hours, from London in simply over 3.5 hours and from Paris in 3.

For sun-soaked sightseeing: Seville

Though a little bit out of the best way, southern Spain’s Seville is a vibrant vacation spot that generously rewards guests prepared to journey these further miles. 

It’s considered one of Spain’s hottest cities that means temperatures recurrently attain 40°C in summer season making it nearly unimaginable to discover. Seville is far milder in Spring with decrease temperatures. 

This can be a metropolis steeped in historical past, with architectural highlights starting from the world’s largest Gothic cathedral to the beautiful Royal Alcázar palace. A sultry, sun-drenched setting of winding lanes, heavenly tapas and Flamenco dancing, it should most positively go away its mark on you.

Seville is 2.5 hours by direct prepare from Madrid. A visit from Paris or Lisbon takes 12 to 13 hours.

For intriguing structure: Cologne

Germany’s Cologne is an interesting mix of historical Roman partitions and medieval church buildings. 

The dual spires of its Kölner Dom cathedral are an iconic a part of the skyline, and the view over the town’s eye-catching sprawl from the South Tower is nicely well worth the 533-step climb. This construction additionally homes the world’s largest free-swinging bell, weighing in at 24 tonnes.

Although not as heat as another locations on the checklist, the climate begins to enhance in Cologne in Spring. However be ready for loads of rain and even thunderstorms so convey your wet-weather clothes.  

You’ll be able to journey to Cologne from London in 4.5 hours, altering in Brussels. From Paris, the direct journey is 3 hours, making it an excellent possibility on your prepare holidays in Europe.

For lush vineyards: Bordeaux

Arguably the wine capital of France, Bordeaux delights guests with its neat and fairly vineyards. 

Right here you’ll be able to tour among the lots of of aristocratic wine estates, or châteaux, to be taught extra in regards to the wine-making course of and pattern the top product. 

Within the metropolis itself, the ultra-modern Cite du Vin museum is a formidable venue devoted to bringing wine and its heritage to a youthful era by means of immersive exhibitions.

If you’re planning to go to in April, it is likely to be value timing your journey to coincide with one of many many wine festivals and winery openings that occur through the month. 

Bordeaux is 2 hours by prepare from Paris. You will get there from London or Amsterdam in round 5.5 hours with one change or in 4.5 hours from Brussels.

For imperial grandeur: Vienna, Austria

Austria’s capital is famend because the world’s Metropolis of Music because of a heritage that features Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Strauss. 

Go to the world-famous Musikverein, the place the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra performs or discover the interactive displays on the modern Haus der Musik museum. Alternatively, uncover the imperial legacy left by the Habsburgs on the Hofburg Palace, which dates again to the thirteenth century and is likely one of the world’s largest palace complexes.

And in case you are visiting in spring, you will see the most effective of Vienna’s floral shows. Gardens and parks throughout the town are crammed with magnolia and cherry blossoms in addition to roses and tulips. 

You’ll be able to attain Vienna from Paris in 10 hours with one change, or from Brussels in 11. A direct journey from Frankfurt takes simply 6.5 hours.