Readers’ Preferred Rail Travel Experiences: Taking My Brompton Bike on a Train to Armenia, a Beloved European Journey

Embark on a picturesque journey from Oslo to Bergen in Norway aboard Vy, the Norwegian state railway. As a senior, I was pleased to secure a discounted ticket, a customary courtesy in Norway. This scenic route offers breathtaking views throughout the year, with a must-visit stopover at Myrdal. At Myrdal, purchase a return ticket for the Flåm Railway, a 12-mile adventure that takes you through tunnels, behind waterfalls, and down the mountains to the charming village of Flåm, situated alongside the beautiful Aurlandsfjord. Recharge at the Fretheim Hotel with an overnight stay that includes dinner and breakfast, perfect for rejuvenating weary travelers. The following morning, continue your train journey to Bergen by returning to the mountaintop at Myrdal. Don’t miss out on this incredible Norwegian experience.

Explore the fabulous Salzburg-Vienna rail route while based in the charming small town of Amstetten, Austria. Although often overlooked by tourists, Amstetten provides an ideal location for this adventure. Journey to Vienna and witness the breathtaking beauty of the Danube River along the way. A morning ride offers a stunning view of the sunrise, with boats gracefully floating on the river. Take the opportunity to visit the enchanting Melk Abbey during your journey. If you prefer to head west, the train can take you to Linz or Salzburg, where you can witness the country’s diverse landscapes, from the flatlands of Lower Austria to the majestic mountains. Immerse yourself in the wonders of Austria’s Salzburg-Vienna rail route.

Experience the underrated beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina with a captivating train journey from Mostar to Sarajevo. This two-hour ride takes you through awe-inspiring scenery that showcases the country’s hidden gems. Unfortunately, Bosnia is not currently connected to the rest of Europe by train, making this journey even more special. As you travel between these historically significant cities, be prepared to be mesmerized by mountains, lakes, and charming towns. The cost of a ticket for this incredible adventure is a mere £5. Upon arriving in Sarajevo, hop on the number 1 tram to reach the city center, where you can visit the uniquely decorated bar, Zlatna Ribica, for a taste of Bosnian hospitality.

Travel from Béziers to Neussargues in France and experience the renowned Garabit Viaduct, a stunning piece of architecture designed by Gustave Eiffel. Featured in the 1976 disaster movie The Cassandra Crossing, this viaduct still stands tall, showcasing Eiffel’s engineering prowess. Embark on a five-hour journey through magnificent mountain landscapes, passing under the famous Millau Viaduct, the highest road bridge in Europe. From the train, you’ll have a clear view of this remarkable structure. The cost of this journey is only €15, a bargain for such a memorable experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness these incredible feats of engineering in person.

Instead of flying, embark on an adventurous journey to Tbilisi and Armenia by night trains, following the historic route of the Orient Express. Begin your trip in Vienna and take the time to explore Cluj, where you can delve into the elegant world depicted in Count Miklós Bánffy’s Transylvanian Trilogy. Enjoy a night train to Bucharest, soak in the unique atmosphere, and continue your journey to Istanbul by flight. Explore Ankara, although chaotic for cycling, and savor the 24-hour Doğu Express to Erzurum and Kars. Board a train that traverses Georgia, ultimately arriving in the stunning city of Tbilisi. From there, catch a sleeper train to Yerevan, specifically tailored for Brompton bicycles. This extraordinary adventure comes at a cost of £650 and promises unforgettable experiences. Keep in mind that plans are underway to establish a rail route from Kars to Georgia, but currently, buses serve as a cross-border transportation option. Opt for a more unique and fascinating journey to Armenia and discover the wonders of the region.

Discover the captivating landscapes of Sardinia with a train journey from Nuoro to Macomer. Although the station at Nuoro may be large and shiny, the train itself consists of a charming, old-fashioned carriage. Embark on an hour-long ride through the dry landscape, passing isolated houses, scrubby bushes, and grazing sheep. During our journey, we were accompanied by a group of lively schoolboys and college girls, disembarking at various stops without any signs of an academic institution nearby. The train loops back as it approaches Macomer, providing stunning views of the local megalithic nuraghe. Upon arrival, the station offers connections to other parts of the island via sleek and efficient trains. Immerse yourself in the unique charm of Sardinia with this unforgettable train journey.

Experience the Sofia to Istanbul Express, a daily train journey that departs from Sofia at 18.40. Tickets for this adventure can only be reserved in person at the station. Enjoy the comfort of a sleeper or couchette cabin during the approximately 10-hour journey, allowing you to witness glimpses of the vibrant lives and stunning landscapes along the way. The train will roll eastbound, taking you closer to central Istanbul, with a short metro ride to Halkali. Make sure to bring your own food and beverages, with wine being a highly recommended choice. Your surprisingly cozy fold-down bed comes with bedding and pillows, ensuring a comfortable rest. Although passport checks and border controls may interrupt your sleep, rest assured that you will soon find yourself soothed by the rhythmic sways of the train, ready to embark on your Turkish adventure.

Embark on a memorable train journey from Vienna to Venice, passing through Salzburg and Innsbruck along the way. This trip, which I took in October, sparked my love for the Alps. The landscape evolves dramatically, presenting idyllic green hills, valleys, and snow-capped peaks. Take a moment to visit the great halls of Augustiner beer-makers in Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, where you can sit back and indulge in their delicious brews. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Hohensalzburg fortress, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Innsbruck, truly the jewel of the Alps, showcases its Habsburg heritage, folk culture, and a beginner-friendly mountain for those new to climbing. If you’re lucky, you may catch the first snowfall of the year before boarding the train to Venice. Immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of the Austrian and Italian Alps with this unforgettable journey.

Embark on a delightful journey from Madrid to Granada in Spain. My €98 ticket provided transportation from the airport to Madrid Atocha railway station and included a first-class coach with lunch and refreshments. Outside the station, take advantage of the left-luggage facility for just €10, allowing you three hours of hands-free time to grab a coffee and visit the National Museum of Anthropology. The train ride to Granada lasts a mere three and a half hours, offering spectacular views throughout the entire country. This journey is an absolute treat for train enthusiasts and comes highly recommended by The Man in Seat 61, a renowned authority on train travel. Let the beauty of Spain unfold before your eyes, all from the comfort of your train seat.

Experience the beauty of Wales with a four-day rail and bus journey that circumnavigates the country. One of the highlights of this adventure is riding the Cambrian line from Aberystwyth to Pwllheli. Tickets for this three-hour journey cost approximately £16, a small price to pay for the ever-changing views of the coastline and surrounding hills. The train often runs alongside the sea, offering both cliff-top and beach-level perspectives. While the journey doesn’t require any stops, you have the option to visit the seaside resort of Barmouth, explore the castle at Criccieth, or even catch a steam train from Porthmadog. What sets this journey apart is the friendly train driver who pops his head out of the cab to greet passengers with a cheerful good morning. Take in the breathtaking views of Wales while enjoying the warmth and hospitality of its people.

Reference

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Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
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