- Travel Tips
- Marie-Julie Gagnon
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The ideal way to maximise your time in Europe is to depart to and return from different cities – at no extra cost when you book with Transat. In between, there’s nothing like taking a train to take in the scenery!
If you plan to take the train more than three times during your stay, your best bet is to check out the rail passes available on the RailEurope website before you leave Canada. This tool will help you quickly find the pass that best suits your needs.
Tip: It’s better to buy as early as possible to get the best prices. Once you’re there, all you have to do is activate it with an agent. Need some inspiration? Here are some possible itineraries for a week or two.
Paris-Marseille
Paris is like that lover who always manages to seduce you, even when you swore you’d never see her again. After a few days in the City of Light, head south. Stop in Lyon to eat in a traditional bouchon, discover its mysterious traboules and visit the Musée des Confluences, which “explores the earth from its origins and humanity through its history and geography”. Then hop back on the train to Marseille to discover the 2013 European Capital of Culture, Provence and the Calanques. Recommended rail pass: The France Pass.
Glasgow-London
Visiting Scotland means discovering the mysteries of megalithic monuments and the Loch Ness Monster, as well as soaking up local customs and traditions to the sound of the bagpipes. Glasgow is the ideal starting point, but Edinburgh can be used as a base for many excursions. After soaking up the history, London and its many attractions will keep you busy enough to catch a nap on the flight home! Recommended Rail Pass: One of the Britrail Passes, depending on number of days and itinerary.
Toulouse-Barcelona
These two destinations are easy to combine, even for a week’s holiday. After a stroll through the Pink City, stop off in Albi for a visit to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, then head to Figueres in northern Catalonia for the incredible Dalí Museum. In Barcelona, it’s hard to choose between Parc Güell, the Sagrada Familia and the museums! For a good cassoulet, a suggestion: Le Tournesol in Sorèze, an hour from Toulouse, where you’ll also find the abbey school named after the town. A trip to Cordes-sur-Ciel, undoubtedly one of France’s most charming villages, and Girona, with its fascinating history, are also worth considering. Recommended Rail Pass: France-Spain Pass.
Lisbon-Madrid
Lisbon, a hugely popular destination, is a wonderful starting point for a holiday in Portugal. After wandering through the Alfama district and enjoying the nightlife of Bairro Alto, head to Porto for a few days of exploration. Take time to enjoy a glass of wine among the churches, cathedrals and the magnificent Sao Bento train station. In Madrid, be dazzled by the museums, Plaza Mayor and flamenco! Recommended Rail Pass: Portugal-Spain Pass.
Good to know:
- Rail passes are available from 60 to 180 days before departure. Passes are available for one, two or more countries.
- Rules vary from country to country. Make sure you have the correct procedures for making seat reservations, which can also be done on the Rail Europe website.
- Certain passes allow children to travel free of charge when accompanied by an adult (the age limit varies). However, this information must be provided at the time of purchase.
- The Paris Museum Pass, also sold on the Rail Europe website, gives you access to more than 60 museums and historical sites in Paris for two, four or six consecutive days. Bonus: no queuing to buy individual tickets!
The comments and contributions expressed are assumed only by the author. The recommendations, intentions or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Transat AT Inc. or its affiliates.See terms of use of the Air Transat website.
Marie-Julie Gagnon
Author, journalist, and columnist, Marie-Julie Gagnon defines herself as an explorer first and foremost. She has been a contributor to numerous Quebec and international media for over 25 years. She has published some fifteen books, including an essay about responsible tourism.
Marie-Julie Gagnon
Author, journalist, and columnist, Marie-Julie Gagnon defines herself as an explorer first and foremost. She has been a contributor to numerous Quebec and international media for over 25 years. She has published some fifteen books, including an essay about responsible tourism.
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