Instagrammable Europe

Any recommendations for a picture-perfect Interrail trip?

"The Bernina Express is a scenic train that runs from Chur to Tirano in Italy. It runs through the Bernina Pass and is listed as a World Heritage site. 196 bridges, 55 tunnels, and it goes 2,253 metres above sea level! Four hours of stunning mountains, forests, rivers, glaciers, and fields.. Something that's been on my bucket list for ages."

1. Paris, France

Taking just 2h 15 minutes from London St Pancras, the Eurostar drops you directly in the heart of picture-perfect Paris, where so many incredible journeys begin.

• Brave the steps and catch the sunset from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for a spectacular view of the city.

• Explore the green space of the Coulée verte René-Dumont, a former railway line which has been turned into a peaceful promenade.

• Get up close to the gargoyles by climbing Notre-Dame Cathedral, but be sure to book in advance.

From Paris to Strasbourg

2. Strasbourg, France

Half-timbered houses and cross-cultural quirks make a visit to Strasbourg unforgettable, especially during the festive period when the magical Christmas markets transform the city.

• Explore the intricate Gothic cathedral Notre-Dame de Strasbourg inside and out. You won’t be disappointed.

• Take a boat tour on the river Ill and discover the scandalous history behind the fairytale façades of La Petite France.

• Try a flammkeuche, an Alsatian white pizza washed down with one of the region’s many beers or wines.

From Strasbourg to Konstanz

3. Konstanz, Germany

The German-Swiss border city of Konstanz greets scenery-seekers with a stunning view of Lake Constance (Bodensee in German). Get ready to dive in…

• Hop on board one of the many boats and snap the scenic views from the water.

• Hire a bike for the day and explore the area’s cycle paths. The full route around the lake covers 270km and crosses through three countries – but that might take you a while…

• Visit the baths of Bodensee-Therme and enjoy a relaxing soak with a view of the lake.

From Konstanz to Zurich

4. Zurich, Switzerland

Meet the many faces of Zurich, one of the world’s most liveable cities, where the slick world of banking blends seamlessly with cool alternative culture.

• Take the time to explore by foot – free walking tours depart from Paradeplatz every morning at 11:00.

• Don’t miss the unpolished charm of Züri-West, the city’s old industrial quarter.

• Treat your camera to a panoramic trip to the top of Mount Rigi, which you can reach by boat and cable car from Lucerne.

From Zurich to Tirano

5. Tirano, Italy

Sleepy Tirano is free of tourists and acts as the terminus of the Bernina Express, a famously breathtaking rail journey through Switzerland to Italy.

• Take your camera on a hike through vineyards and across alpine scenery.

• Sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet of Tirano with a fine local Valtellina wine.

• Visit the Santuario della Beata Vergine, the church that ended a local plague.

From Tirano to Milan

6. Milan, Italy

From the art and architecture to the bright lights and bars, you’ll never be short of things to see and do in the buzzing fashion capital Milan.

• Do the tourist thing and take the city in from an open-top bus – it’ll give your feet a rest.

• Join the locals in the city’s bars for aperitivo, a social drink with a few snacks before dinner.

• Head to the Navigli district in the city's southeast and watch the sun set over the canal.

From Milan to Geneva

7. Geneva, Switzerland

There’s more to Geneva than meets the eye. Come for the lakeside scenery, and leave having fallen in love with the bohemian bars and diverse boutiques.

• Get off the train at Montreux and visit Chateau de Chillon, an imposing medieval fortress.

• Take a long walk by the lake and get inspired at Geneva’s museums and art galleries.

• Indulge in a classic cheese fondue on the lake at the Bains des Pâquis before hitting the local bars.