France

Trace Iceland’s element-blasted landscape on a road trip dotted with mystical sights. Hear Icelanders recount their brushes with the huldufolk, and understand why more than half of the country’s population entertains the possibility that another world exists. The famous Ring Road loops around Iceland. You can rent a car to explore the route, but we…

The Baltic States—Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia—look similar, but each is distinctly different. Learn about Poland’s struggle for freedom in Gdansk, marvel at Art Nouveau architecture in Riga and explore a medieval old town in Tallinn. You’ll also drive through bewitching Curonian Spit National Park, a Unesco Heritage Site of white sand dunes and pine forests….

Jazz musicians have had a long-standing connection with trains. Locomotive horns and rumbling tracks have provided inspiration for many of the genre’s classics, including Count Basie’s 9:20 Special and Duke Ellington’s Daybreak Express. Explore some of Europe’s musical highlights with this rail route from cosmopolitan capital cities to storybook canalside towns. Customise the itinerary to…

Flights between Istanbul and Thessaloniki can be pricey, especially if you are planning on travelling during peak season. A much cheaper alternative is to take a bus, which offers a comfortable ride and great scenic views. There are 4 buses that leave Istanbul Europe for Thessaloniki every day, so you can easily find a departure…

Dive into Dutch history, culture and cuisine on this exciting journey. Windmills, tasty cheeses and a rich art history make this small country unique. Admire the iconic gabled houses of Amsterdam, turn back the clock at a reconstructed village in Zaanse Schans and visit one of Holland’s best fresh food markets. Amsterdam Dutch Delights: A…

With wellness travel on the rise, many resorts and retreats are offering mind and body healing experiences. Here are a few worth the journey. The high Caucasus mountains that encircle Georgia offer a fresh air approach to wellbeing. Take your pick of a calming spa treatment, a hike to the fairytale Gergeti Church or even…

The cheapest way to travel from Riga to Tallinn is by bus. Usually, 26 buses depart Riga daily for the 173 mile (279 km) journey. Several bus companies operate this route including FlixBus, Ecolines and Lux Express. Prices are generally cheaper when booked further in advance or on weekends. Riga Riga is a bustling city…

The railroad forged the nation as it came of age in its industrial might. Its lore, including songs, became part of the culture of those who lived on it, especially those who could not afford to ride. Hobos, tramps or migrants developed a folk culture that included freighthopping—riding under, on or in boxcars. The Pantry…

A well-planned railway journey can have a positive impact on sustainable tourism. Contact a Rail Specialist to find a trip that fits your lifestyle and sustainability goals. Efficient transportation infrastructure reduces carbon emissions and provides a more comfortable travel experience. As a result, trains are an eco-friendly alternative to air travel. Trains are a Sustainable…

Turkish Delight may have originated here in Istanbul, but it’s widely known that a true taste of the sweet treat is best had in the place of its birth. Find the best Turkish Delight shops in Istanbul, including one in Eminonu that’s a short walk from Sultanahmet’s Old City. Travelers planning their next trip to…