Find art and inspiration on this train journey across Europe

Venice is a world-famous destination that, in recent decades, has increasingly grappled with the consequences of a warming planet and mass tourism.

“Starting off in Venice was really special,” said Aditi Mayer. “Venice [is] a city that relies on tourism but is also bearing the brunt of rising sea levels and flooding...how do you balance these two forces together, between climate change and tourism?” 

• To navigate yourself around the waters of Venice, opt for public transport whenever possible. With a price of €2 for tourists, the Gondola Traghetto offers an affordable and fun way to cross Venice’s Grand Canal. 
• Venice is well-known as a shopping destination, and if you’re in the mood to pick up a souvenir, embrace a “slow fashion” approach by visiting shops that sell quality pieces, made to last, as well as pre-loved treasures. “There was a store in Venice called Kooch, and it sold handicrafts made in Iran,” said Aditi. “That was right next door to a vintage jewellery store.”  
• Spend time experiencing a few of the islands in the Venice Lagoon, which can be reached by water bus. Sant’Erasmo, known for its gardens, is a relaxing escape from the busy city streets.

With nearly 50% of the city covered by native forests, Ljubljana stands apart from other European capitals. Lush and mellow, the city is a place where travellers can easily slow down and take their time exploring its picturesque old town and sprawling park space.

• As you plan your visit to Ljubljana, consider booking a visit to the workshop of Marija Lah, the last umbrella repairer in Ljubljana. "I just loved hearing about her story and thinking about sustainability in a way I hadn’t before,” said Mohuya Khan. During your visit, you’ll learn about Marija’s craft  – and you’ll leave with a unique souvenir in the form of a refurbished umbrella. 
• If you visit on a Friday between mid-March and the end of October, stop by a food market at Pogačarjev trg square, where chefs from local restaurants serve up international foods. Keen to sample traditional Slovenian dishes? Visit Druga Violina, a restaurant in Ljubljana’s old town that employs people with special needs.`

• Experience the nature surrounding Ljubljana with a walk up the wooded Rožnik hill, nearby the old town. At the foot of the hill, surrounded by trees and meadows, is Hotel Čad, a luxe accommodation owned by the fourth generation of the Čad family.

Art and architecture of all kinds come together in scenic Graz, the second largest city in Austria. Graz boasts a UNESCO-recognised historic centre, influenced over the centuries by Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and other styles. In addition to the city’s time-honoured treasures, there are also a number of must-see examples of modern architecture dotted across Graz. 

• For a look at Graz’s historic architecture, begin with a visit to Eggenburg Palace and the city’s cathedral. Then, experience the ultra-modern Kunsthaus Graz (nicknamed ”the friendly alien” due to its otherworldly exterior) as well as The Island in the Mur, a floating building in the river with a theatre and cafe.  

• Book a tour at tag.werk, a project that supports disadvantaged youth by hiring them to create handmade, high-quality backpacks, purses, laptop bags and more. "It was a beautiful moment,” said Sunny Wu, reflecting on the group’s visit. 

• Sample traditional Styrian cuisine – from schnitzel to soups – at Altsteirische Schmankerlstub'n, in the centre of Graz. “It was a very cute, cosy restaurant,” said Jazmine Brown. 

Well-known as one of Europe’s art capitals, Vienna still finds ways to offer surprises for travellers. From colourful power plants decorated with over-the-top designs, to an Art Nouveau greenhouse filled with butterflies, beauty, design and innovation are alive throughout the city. 

• Vienna is full of artistic masterpieces - and some of its most famous works can be found inside the Belvedere Museum. “Inside the museum, they have Gustav Klimpt’s artwork, like The Kiss,” said Mohuya. “When I go in there, I’m in awe.”  
• After exploring Vienna’s museums, get some fresh air with a visit to one (or more) of the city’s urban farms. They’re a delight during every season; for example, the Ausgarden cultivates the city’s largest tomato collection in the summer and is home to a show garden with fresh vegetables in the colder months.  
• Looking for a meaningful place to stay during your visit? The magdas HOTEL, near Belvedere Palace, is dedicated to providing employment for people who have fled their home countries. 

Your adventure culminates in Prague, where cutting-edge sustainability efforts and bold arts festivals thrive in the shadow of the city’s Art Nouveau buildings and medieval squares. By the time you reach the ornate capital of the Czech Republic, you’ll have travelled to five cities in four countries on your Interrail trip; take time to slow down and relax in Prague’s picturesque park space and reflect on your journey. 

• Travel around Prague affordably, sustainably and in style with the Vintage Tram 42. The ornate and historic-feeling cars transport travellers along the river and to many of Prague’s famous landmarks, all for under 15 euro per day. 
• Dine medieval-style at the Tavern at the King of Brabant, one of Prague’s oldest continuously open inns. Or opt for contemporary vegetarian cuisine at Clear Head, with an interior decorated by Czech artists and designers. “The ceiling was painted in a gorgeous mural with clouds and space,” said Aditi. “I happen to be a vegetarian, and it’s rare and special when you can go into a space and order whatever you want.” 
• As you plan your trip, keep an eye out for one of the many festivals hosted in Prague, such as the Signal Festival, dedicated to the intersection of contemporary art and modern technology. Throughout the trip, “we were seeing lots of older art and architecture...but seeing modern and contemporary art [at Signals Festival] felt really surreal,” said Jazmine.