Our tipsters were captivated by the thrill of traveling across Europe, riding trains, ferries, and buses to destinations as distant as Norway and Turkey
Ferry through the fjord, Albania
Take the more leisurely and picturesque route via the Albanian fjords along the Drin River, rather than driving the four hours from Koman to Fierzë. We set out, boarding the Berisha boat that can hold ten cars in addition to foot passengers. Passengers gathered on deck to take in the scenery despite the weather. A high in the rock, straight white line that represented the water level during the wet season marked the start of the voyage. The sight was breathtaking, with towering, rocky mountains with layers of different colours and hills covered in trees. Every now and then, we got a peek of secluded homes. We began to notice little tourist boats and daring kayakers enjoying the river as we got closer to Fierzë.
Bus journey with stunning views, Montenegro to Croatia
The scenic bus ride from Podgorica to Dubrovnik offers a breathtaking glimpse of the natural splendour of the Balkans. Following a meal of Njeguški steak and black risotto in the capital of Montenegro, the trip passes through tough terrain, with highlights being the stunning views of Kotor Bay. The roads wind along the shore, offering views of the blue waves against the verdant cliffs. The colours of the Adriatic Sea contrast with the earthy tones of the shore, leading to the sight of Dubrovnik’s old walls, which beckon travellers with their timeless attractiveness.
Exploring Norway’s Lofoten Islands by bike
The mountains of Norway’s Lofoten Islands, located in the Arctic Circle, offer an ideal terrain for bike exploration. Instead of crossing over, you pass between these mountains, witnessing their striking, serrated peaks with minimal effort. The bridges connecting the islands add to the allure. Beginning in Svolvær and ending at the picturesque village of Å, located at the southern tip of the archipelago, you’ll encounter charming red wooden houses and the ubiquitous sight of cod racks for drying. For the return journey, you can take the bus with your bike.
Bright nights on a Scandinavian ferry journey
I travelled the Baltic Sea in style and leisure from Helsinki to Stockholm last summer aboard an open-air deck. Better yet, the €95 one-way Tallink ferry ticket can be discounted by 30% thanks to this route’s membership in Interrail. I was lucky enough to go in June, when I saw what is known as “white nights” in Scandinavia—the sun sinking at three in the morning and rising a few hours later. It was quite magical to be on the sea, watching the sun set and the moonlight play on the ripples while the ship cruised elegantly towards its goal, the lights of the distant land sparkling in the distance. The 17-hour trip could have been slower, not faster, as I had hoped!
Tracking Theroux’s journey across Europe to Istanbul
I set out to replicate the European leg of Paul Theroux’s “The Great Railway Bazaar,” driving from Manchester’s suburbs to Istanbul. I used a global pass from Interrail to try and follow the route of the Venice Simplon-Orient Express. There was a little bus diversion mixed in with slow, fast, communist-era, and graffiti-covered trains on my route. I took an overnight train from Sofia, stopped in Lausanne and Zagreb, drove past the lakes of Geneva and Maggiore, had a cold beer in the mountains of Austria, and observed Serbia’s gloomy atmosphere in silence. I was astounded by the pastel yellow stations of Croatia and was filled with astonishment when I exited Sirkeci station and entered the colourful bustle of Istanbul.
Cruising leisurely across the Aegean Sea for a day at the market
During my holiday in Kos last summer, I decided to treat my parents to a ferry trip to Datça in Turkey for the day. The return trip, which lasted about 3.5 hours, cost about €30. As we chugged out of Kos harbour, the pleasant Aegean breeze provided a welcome relief from the scorching temperatures. Arriving in Datça, I was immediately struck by the serene harbour, hillside houses, and white boats bobbing on the water. It happened to be market day, so we indulged in the exotic scents of local spices and were invited to enjoy brewed Turkish tea by friendly sellers who were eager to chat and offer us figs and dates. One generous seller even offered us a lift back to the ferry in his open truck to help us carry a hand-woven rug we had bought. The return trip was peaceful, with a beautiful sunset and some simit (a twisted bread with sesame seeds), cheese, and olives we had been given during our visit.
The top train journey in Belgrade without question
The train journey from Belgrade to Bar is perhaps one of Europe’s slowest, spanning 296 miles over 11 hours. However, it compensates by offering some of the most breathtaking scenery I’ve ever witnessed. Traversing deep gorges, canyons, and mountain peaks, the train crosses over 400 bridges and seems to halt at every village. At one stage, it was passed by an elderly lady riding a donkey. This journey is most enjoyable in summer when the long daylight hours allow for a full appreciation of its beauty.
Along the Coast of the Gods train line to Tropea, Italy
The railway line from Pizzo to Reggio Calabria traces the Coast of the Gods, renowned for its stunning turquoise waters, secluded coves, and rugged landscapes. Along the way, the train stops at Tropea (a town believed to have been founded by Hercules in Greek mythology, better known for its onions), the castle and beautiful beach of Scilla (associated with the legend of Scylla and Charybdis), and Reggio (known for its life-size ancient Greek bronze statues). Calabria takes pride in its cucina povera, offering delightful vegetable dishes, and the local Bergamotto liqueur is perfect for a spritz.
Best recommendation: beaches, cycling, and birdwatching in the Netherlands’ Vlieland
To get to the car-free utopia of Vlieland, I had to take two ferries. On the first trip, I left Newcastle for Amsterdam and went straight to the sun deck for a G&T. I continued northward from there to Harlingen, and in approximately 1½ hours, I boarded another ferry to reach Vlieland. I rode my bike through the dunes and arrived at the infinite sandy beaches of the island. I went to Kroon’s Polders, a birdwatcher’s paradise, and saw a lot of spoonbills and other species. There are lots of bike paths on the serene island. Oost-Vlieland, the only village, has a selection of eateries, with Herbergh van Flielant being my personal favourite.
