ZURICH, SWITZERLAND TO ZAGREB, CROATIA
Frequency: Daily
Approximate duration: 15 hours
Our first handpicked sleeper train journey is operated by EuroNight and links Zurich, Switzerland to Croatia’s capital city, Zagreb. This is a convenient and efficient train journey, which offers multiple comfort classes, ranging from seats, couchettes and sleepers. The sleeper compartments are available in different configurations, accommodating 1 to 3 beds, and include a shower at the end of every sleeper carriage. If you want to travel in style, there are deluxe sleeper compartments that include a private shower.
This train transverses multiple countries, including Austria, Slovenia and Liechtenstein. The Southeast and Central European landscape is stunning and on your journey, you’ll pass through scenic landscapes and near postcard-worthy destinations such as Lake Bled in Slovenia.
This sleeper train journey is wonderful at any time of the year but the scenery along the way will depend on the season you choose to travel in. Expect snow-covered peaks in winter and lush greenery in the summer.
Once in the fascinating city of Zagreb, you can visit the famous ‘Museum of Broken Relationships’ and even choose to continue your Croatian rail holiday from there to other destinations further south in the country such as Split and Dubrovnik.
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY TO BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
Frequency: Daily
Approximate duration: 17 hours
There are multiple trains operating on this route at various times throughout the day, including the Ister or the Darcia. The sleeper train journey begins at Budapest’s Kelenti terminal and travels through to Gara de Nord in Bucharest. The accommodation options on these trains include 2nd class seats, couchettes in 4 or 6-berth compartments, and sleepers with 1 to 3 beds.
The majority of this trip takes place through Romania, traversing the country from west to south-east. The train passes through the mystical Carpathian Mountains, and if you time it right, you may be able to watch the sun rise over this incredible landscape. It also passes through Transylvania which is known for its mediaeval towns and castles, notably Dracula’s castle.
LONDON, ENGLAND TO FORT WILLIAM, SCOTLAND
Frequency: Daily except Saturday
Approximate duration: 13.5 hours
While we know that the UK is technically no longer part of Europe, this sleeper train journey is too good to not include. It departs from London Euston and travels to Fort William, Scotland, running along the scenic West Highland line. The Caledonian Sleeper Train departs London at 9:15 pm and arrives in Fort William just before 10 am.
There are four different classes of travel on board this train, namely seats, classic rooms, club rooms and then the Caledonian double rooms. The Caledonian rooms are the most luxurious, featuring a double bed and an en-suite washroom. Both the club rooms and the Caledonian double rooms include a full Scottish breakfast in the fare.
This Scotland rail journey is also known as The Deerstalker, and runs past lochs, moors and mountains, making for some spectacular breakfast views. Fort William is known as the outdoor capital of the UK and boasts magnificent mountain scenery and hiking trails.
MUNICH, GERMANY TO LA SPEZIA, ITALY
Frequency: Daily
Approximate duration: 15 hours
There’s no better feeling than making your way down to the Italian Riviera during the summer months, sipping on an Aperol Spritz and soaking up the warm sunshine and magnificent scenery.
This Nightjet train offers the only direct connection between the Bavarian city to the Ligurian coast in Italy. It leaves Munich, Germany in the early evening and travels to La Spezia, Italy overnight. This night train journey passes through the Alps and stops in Verona, Milan and Genoa. As passengers begin to wake up, they will experience the breathtaking views of the Italian coastline outside of their carriage windows.
La Spezia Centrale is also known as the gateway to the famous Cinque Terre region, where you can jump onto the Cinque Terre Express and continue your journey along the coast. Cinque Terre comprises five old seaside villages which have now become popular for their colourful towns, craggy cliffs and azure seas.
MILAN, ITALY TO LECCE, ITALY
Frequency: Daily
Approximate duration: 9 hours
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This sleeper train journey travels from the north to the south of Italy, ending in Lecce in the province of Apulia (Puglia). There are two train options available, both operated by InterCity Notte, including the ICN 755 and the ICN 765. The ICN 755 is the faster option, taking a direct route from Bari to Lecce, while passing through Parma, Modena, Bologna, and Brindisi while the ICN 765 takes a slightly longer route via Taranto.
The final leg of both routes, from Bari to Lecce, offers glimpses into the unique Apulian countryside, dotted with traditional Trulli houses, olive farms, and vineyards.
This route makes for the perfect Italy rail holiday, starting in the fashion metropolitan of Milan and ending in the Baroque historic centre of Lecce, with the sea right on your doorstep.
BOOK A SLEEPER TRAIN JOURNEY THROUGH EUROPE
The easiest way to secure your sleeper train rail holiday for 2024/25 is by booking with our team. We are the UK’s leading specialists in rail journeys throughout Europe as well as further afield to places such as South Africa, India and Canada! At Marvellous Escapes, we have formed dedicated partnerships with trusted suppliers to secure you the best prices, accommodation options and most of all a marvellous itinerary!
We can support you in every avenue, to ensure you have a tailor-made rail journey that is completely bespoke to your requirements. From organising your accommodation, flights and excursions, to supporting your holiday planning throughout.
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