Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
INTRODUCTION
“To travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and
churches and rivers, in fact to see life.”
—AGATHA CHRISTIE
This 39th edition of
Europe by Eurail
reflects the “new” Europe and the energy
and exuberance of its rail system. It's dynamic, it's futuristic, and it's on the
move—accelerating with the high-tech boldness and immense speed of the world's
finest transportation system.
Train travel is an enigma for most non-Europeans who either have forgotten or
have never had an opportunity to learn what travel by train is like.
Europe by Eurail
takes the puzzlement out of European rail travel—like having a friend along who
takes you by the hand and shows you how to use the world's finest transportation
network to see and learn about European life and culture. Toward that end, this
guide provides specific, pragmatic information with step-by-step directions.
Europe by Eurail
is a train traveler's how-to book.
Europe by Eurail
deals primarily
with the necessities of train travel in Europe and offers guidance for appreciating the
educational and cultural sites and events that abound along the right-of-way of the
Continent's magnificent rail system. It is not a hotel/restaurant guide but rather tells
you how to locate them. Certain hotels and restaurants do occasionally gain men-
tion, however, especially if they add to the graciousness and enjoyment of a train
trip or a stay in a city.
“See Europe by Train” has been a favorite slogan of Europe's railways for dec-
ades, but never has it been as full of meaning as it is today. You will never be bored
traveling on a high-speed train because rail travel is still leisurely enough to fully en-
joy the constantly changing scenes of hills and hamlets, farms and forests, and cit-
ies and countrysides. Each country has its own special attractions to offer rail trav-
elers as they speed through, ensconced in comfort and free from worry. Added to
the passing scenes is the opportunity for leisurely dining and drinking while chatting
with fellow passengers, most of whom are the Europeans you hoped to meet.
Travel by train in Europe is a unique and pleasurable experience. All aboard—and
take your imagination with you.
