Off-set Your Carbon Foot Print By Going on Holiday Via Train
ESCAPE TO SOME OF EUROPE’S GREATEST DESTINATIONS
As an ever growing carbon conscious society, European destinations have never been so appealing for us Brits, but when it comes to travelling why do so many of us continue to choose to fly, when its been proven that air travel generates more than 4 times the CO2 emissions than high-speed rail1. We all know that low cost airlines entice us with cheap last minute deals, but with the time spent looking for the lowest price, getting to and from the airport, security procedures and the flight itself it can often take the same amount of time as travelling by train. So why not take the carbon friendly and relaxing alternative to flying, in one easy step – a train ride.
To celebrate the launch of Rail Europe’s new website, London-based travel writer Max Wooldridge has created a list of his top ten favourite lesser known European destinations – (hidden gems that keep on shining but don't always get the limelight they deserve) to help carbon conscious travellers, families, culture vultures and beach babes avoid busy airports this summer. Top Ten Hidden Gems:
1. San Sebastian, Spain
"San where?" people ask as they head to Madrid, Barcelona and Seville but no-one ever poses that same question once they're there. Unspoilt San Sebastian is a great alternative to Madrid and is a true foodie's paradise.
2. Bologna, Italy
Italy's fourth-largest city is the country's unsung masterpiece - a great place for people-watching and taking tips on style. While it still has one foot in its past with its historic and artistic treasures, there is a seriously young and vibrant vibe.
3. Ile de Ré, France
Cool European tourists with their fingers on the pulse have finally discovered what the French have known for years - Ile de Ré is a special place to write home about. With its beautiful and unspoilt beaches, it’s the perfect place to get away from it all and immerse yourself in true French culture.
4. Maastricht, Holland
Maastricht was the first Dutch city to be liberated by the Allies in WWII and sometimes it feels as though they've been celebrating ever since. Home to Holland’s biggest Carnival, European culture vultures should swoop here for its thriving arts scene set amidst the lively bars, restaurants and clubs in downtown Vrijthof.
5. Rennes, Brittany
The charming city of Rennes expertly straddles French and Breton cultures. A great city in which to walk, with the most interesting streets north of the embankments of Les Quais lined with beautiful un-spoilt architecture. Don’t miss out on their famous Royal Squares – truly a site to see.
6. Maribor, Slovenia
Maribor, renowned for being home to the country’s premier ski resort also hides a spectacular secret. Deep underneath its vine-covered hillsides, there’s an extraordinary system of old wine cellars stretching for two square kilometers.
7. Salamanca, Spain
Salamanca is one of country’s liveliest places for locals and exudes an exciting and youthful atmosphere. The vast Plaza Mayor is at the heart of the city, a stone’s throw away from Salamanca train station and is the perfect spot to watch the spectacle that is everyday Salamanca life.
8. Cologne, Germany
While tourists make a bee-line to Berlin, Cologne just keeps smiling quietly to itself, revelling in its relative obscurity. Cologne is the perfect destination for families travelling by train with some magnificent sites to see including the Imhoff-Stollwerck chocolate museum - named after Cologne’s very own Willy Wonka, Franz Stollwerck.
9. Zurich, Switzerland
Of course, Zurich is knee-deep in old bankers, right? Actually, you couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, it’s a thriving, modern city with magnificent views that boasts classy restaurants, great cafes and lively clubs - all in a picture-postcard setting, so don't forget your camera.
10. Scandinavia - general
From the forests and rivers of Sweden and the majestic fjords of Norway, to the stunning lakes of Finland and Denmark’s fairytale castles, Scandinavia is the new explorers’ dream – a truly unpolluted paradise. Using an InterRail pass to explore a choice of cities - the adventure is never ending.
It’s never been easier for travellers to explore Europe and beyond by train and the information shown above is simply a taster of what each hidden gem has to offer. To find out more, Rail Europe has created a special downloadable PDF ‘Hidden Gems Guide’ available from their website, containing more detail on each destination as well as routes and costs.
The full ‘Hidden Gems Guide’ is available to download or view at http://www.raileurope.co.uk/hiddengems, showcasing a detailed account of all destinations, routes and fares.
To book any of these destinations, please visit www.raileurope.co.uk/hiddengems alternatively, please call Rail Europe on 0844 848 4070.
