A spectacular new train journey, offering an epic 15-day adventure through three European countries, is set to launch from London. This immersive experience caters directly to the soaring demand for rail holidays and the 'slow travel' movement, with nearly half of UK travellers now expressing interest in long-distance journeys featuring stopovers and sleeper services.
The Ultimate Slow Travel Itinerary
Departing from London St Pancras, the journey begins with a Eurostar service to Paris Gare du Nord, providing passengers with sweeping views as the landscape transitions from the UK to mainland Europe. The adventure then unfolds across France, Spain, and Portugal, with included accommodation at key stops.
The meticulously planned route includes a two-night stay in Nîmes in southern France after a connecting train from Paris. Travellers then embark on a six-and-a-half-hour journey to Madrid for a further two nights, before moving to the historic university city of Salamanca, located just 90 minutes away.
After two nights in Salamanca, passengers transfer by bus to Porto, Portugal's vibrant second city. Here, a three-night stay allows for deep exploration of its medieval UNESCO World Heritage centre, striking riverside district, and famed attractions like the Livraria Lello bookshop.
The Crown Jewel: Portugal's Scenic Douro Line
The final and most picturesque leg of the outbound trip is the journey along the legendary Linha do Douro route. Widely considered one of Europe's most scenic railways, this 160km track connects Porto in the west to Pocinho in the Alto Douro region.
For much of the journey, the train follows the winding Douro River directly through the heart of Portugal's premier wine-growing region. Passengers are treated to breathtaking vistas of lush terraced vineyards, historic towns, and traditional wine estates known as quintas.
The return trip to London offers a different perspective, transporting travellers back through Spain and France with stops in the Spanish cities of Vigo and San Sebastián, and the French towns of Hendaye and Bordeaux.
While the experience is a significant investment at £1,595 per person, the package is comprehensive, including train tickets and accommodation at nearly every stop across the three countries.
UK Rail Revival: Settle to Carlisle Line Reopens
In related UK rail news, a historic route in the north of England has welcomed intercity passenger services for the first time in over a decade. The 73-mile Settle to Carlisle line, famous for its stunning views across the Yorkshire Dales and the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, is being used as a diversion by Avanti West Coast.
The first service, the 7.54am Avanti West Coast departure on January 1, marked the return of intercity trains to the route, which is typically only used by Northern services between Leeds and Carlisle. The diversion is necessary due to the West Coast Main Line being blocked between Preston and Carlisle for work to replace the Clifton Bridge near Penrith.
As the line lacks overhead power lines, Avanti is operating the service using their bi-mode Class 805 Evero trains, which run on diesel power on this section. Andy Mellors, Managing Director at Avanti West Coast, stated: "We are running services on the Settle to Carlisle route to keep customers moving by train across the North West, and give them the best travelling experience possible." These diversionary services are scheduled to run until January 15.
