Explore the scenic highlights of Scandinavia on a European train tour that travels through tunnels and over bridges. From awe-inspiring panoramic windows to themed carriages, these trains will ignite your imagination and create unforgettable memories.
Following the loss of TEA, George Gutelman would go on to found CityBird which would also fail in the aviation slump that followed the attacks of September 11. His unused Boeing 720s remain at Brussels Airport.
Train Routes
Tea is one of the most popular beverages in Europe. It’s a drink that is deeply embedded in the culture of many European countries and has become synonymous with hospitality, mutual understanding, and local tradition. It was first introduced to Europe in the 16th century, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that tea really took off, especially in England and Ireland. The afternoon tea tradition was invented by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford and it quickly became a ritual in many homes. Today, tea is still a very important beverage throughout most of Europe with black, green, herbal and fruity blends all being very popular.
In 1989 TEA began a rapid expansion by adding four sister airlines, TEA UK, TEA Switzerland, TEA France and TEA Italy. All would launch with Boeing 737 aircraft and work alongside domestic travel brands. Unfortunately the expansion wouldn’t be enough and TEA would enter into bankruptcy on October 16, 1991. The airline would be overtaken by a global recession, a loss of leisure traffic due to the Gulf War and World events resulting in a financial crisis.
During this time TEA also expanded its route network to include destinations around the world. TEA’s mainline fleet would remain in service at Brussels until the company collapsed with a total of six Boeing 737-300 aircraft in its inventory. The remaining aircraft would be disbanded across various carriers. The TEAMCO hangars are now used by Lufthansa Technik.
Today there are a number of ways to explore Europe by train. There are over 15,000 kilometers of trains connecting cities in every part of the continent. Taking the train is a great way to see the best of this beautiful continent. It’s less expensive than flying and is much better for the environment. Plus, it’s a very relaxing way to travel. The best part is that you can enjoy your favorite cup of tea while on the train. This is why it’s a great choice for your next European adventure.
Trains in Europe
Train travel in Europe is a very different experience than flying. For one thing, you don’t have to worry about luggage weight or size restrictions. Within reason, you can bring whatever you want to take on the journey, including food and drink! Many trains, especially the longer European ones such as Eurostar to Paris or Rome, and the sleek white ICE trains that ferry passengers around Germany have restaurant cars that serve meals. If you’re in First Class you can order meals from your seat that are paid for locally or, if you’re in Executive (“Super-First”) Class a complimentary cold tray meal is served at your seat along with drinks.
The rest of the time you can enjoy the scenery as you chug along at speed past lush forests and verdant fields. The high-speed TGVs that whizz through eastern France are a study in contrasts: On the one hand, the modernising force of the Republic is fully at work as French people queue for Starbucks; on the other, the region whose Champagne they’re zooming through codifies 17th-century production processes.
TEA started out as a small Belgian charter airline that quickly began to grow and add routes in the early 1970s. The airline would even become the first European carrier to order the Airbus A300B1 (which it took delivery of in 1974). The A300B1s were replaced with the newer Boeing 737-200 aircraft in the 1980s but the airline’s growth was stunted by the oil crisis and World events that overtook it in the late 1990s.
Despite its demise, the legacy of TEA lives on as the name is now used to refer to a selection of low-cost regional airlines across the continent. George Gutelman would continue his attempt to create a real low-cost airline with CityBird which launched in 1996 but was also overtaken by World events (this time the attacks on September 11). Today his company still exists as a flight academy and operates a small fleet of training aircraft.
Trains in France
The French train network is among the most expansive in Europe. It is operated by several partners including SNCF and Eurostar, and connects cities across the country with a variety of routes. In addition to the TGV, there are also regional trains that connect some of France’s smaller towns and countryside. For the best rates, book your train tickets in advance. Prices increase dramatically at the last minute.
In a day and age when a life glued to smartphones and fueled by fast food threatens to trample traditions, tea holds on as a point of gathering and social connection in many cultures. Even if you don’t drink tea, visiting the places where it is served can give you a glimpse into the culture and help slow down your own pace.
Tea is the world’s second most popular beverage, consumed around the globe in every region and country. It is renowned for its therapeutic properties and has developed into a cultural artifact in its own right. The popularity of tea is also attested to by the number of teahouses that open in countries around the world.
Originally, tea was consumed in the form of herbal infusions, but as transportation channels expanded in the 1800s it began to make its way to the European continent. By the mid-1800s tea rooms, often decorated whimsically, opened in department stores and hotels as places to enjoy a light-hearted afternoon of conversation with friends.
In 1971 inclusive tour flights commenced with TEA, a Belgian charter airline founded by Georges Gutelman. Initially TEA only offered short domestic tours but the airline quickly expanded its fleet to a mix of Boeing and McDonnell Douglas aircraft.
Over the next decade the company would launch four sister airlines – TEA UK, TEA Switzerland, TEA France, and TEA Italy – all of which were designed to be pan-European. The companies all worked together to launch their services in a bid to create a new, successful airline to compete with the likes of Air Europe.
In the end only TEA UK and TEA Switzerland survived long enough to claim bankruptcy in 1997 and 1998 respectively. In 1999 the remaining brand, TEA Basel, was bought by EasyJet who rebranded the airline as TEA TOPSWISS.
Trains in Italy
The Italian train network is one of the most extensive and sophisticated in Europe. Whether you opt for high-speed to maximise sightseeing or slower regional trains to optimise savings, train travel in Italy can be very comfortable and affordable. The main train operating companies are Trenitalia, Italo and Trenord – all bookable via Trainline, with user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive route options.
TEA Trans European Airways was founded by Georges Gutelman in 1970. The airline would start out as a charter and inclusive tours company but would quickly grow into a leading Belgian leisure airline. The airline operated Boeing 737s and had a fleet of 11 aircraft.
In the 1980s TEA would start to hint at expanding into longer haul routes with the airline taking on various Boeing 737-200s on short term leases from airlines such as Egyptair, Quebecair and America West. The airline would also purchase a number of Boeing A310s.
By the mid 1990s TEA would have a fleet of 15 737-300s. The airline would make a final attempt at expanding into long-haul routes but World events and the competition from other low-cost airlines like EasyJet would catch up to the brand.
High-speed trains are the most popular option on the Italian rail network, with a range of services running between major cities and towns. Most offer three or four classes, modern interiors and vending machines, while some have a restaurant carriage too. You can book seats in advance and even reserve a quiet carriage if you’d prefer to work or relax undisturbed.
Regional trains are slower and run by Trenord, a subsidiary of Trenitalia. They stop less frequently and serve smaller stations in the cities and towns. Tickets for these can be purchased on board and are based on the zone you’re travelling in, with a chart displayed near the validating machine showing how much to pay for your journey.
The cheapest way to travel on the Italian rail network is with a zone ticket card and a seat reservation. If you do not have a reservation the cost increases considerably. In addition, there is a smoking ban on the trains in Italy and fines are issued for those caught violating the rules.
