Thinking of spending spring sightseeing abroad? Rail Europe, suggests six must-see locations, all accessible by using the European rail network to travel quickly and comfortably to each destination.
Many European cities welcome spring with attractions and events that focus on floral beauty, artistic and culinary thrills, and more to make your spring sightseeing adventure one you won’t soon forget.
Rail Europe offers these suggested routes via a news release:
1. Flower Power in the Netherlands
Keukenhof gardens, located in Lisse, holds a spring flower exhibition each year for eight weeks through May 19. In honor of the 70th anniversary of the event, the 2019 theme is “Flower Power,” a nod to the hippie movement of the 70s. Seven million flower bulbs turn into an extraordinary exhibition of flowers and plants of different forms and colors, including iconic tulips, roses and delicate orchids.
How to get there by train
Amsterdam – Haarlem route, 19-minute train journey, then you take a bus from Haarlem to Keukenhof. Also on offer; a skip the line tour with transportation included from Amsterdam to Keukenhof.
Rotterdam – Leiden route, 52-minute train journey, and then you take a bus from Leiden to Keukenhof.
2. Tribute to Leonardo da Vinci in Milan…
This year marks the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death. Cripta San Sepolcro, the oldest underground church in Milan, hosts “The Genius Experience” through June 30. Visitors can discover about his incredible work and the exhibition also includes “The Last Supper” by Andy Warhol, a reinterpretation of da Vinci’s masterpiece.
3. …and Tuscany
For more on da Vinci, travel to the Tuscany region (where he was born). The town of Vinci, located 19 miles from Florence, pays tribute to the great master with over 100 events including special exhibitions, shows, concerts and other activities. “The Origin of the Genius,” at Vinci’s Leonardiano Museum, features da Vinci’s earliest known works and will run from April until Oct. 15.
How to get there by train
Rome – Milan route, 3-hour train journey.
Milan – Florence route, 2-hour high-speed train journey via Frecciarossa.
Florence – Empoli route, 29-minute train journey and then you take a bus to Vinci.
4. France Food Frenzy in Provence…
The Provence region, southeast of France, is celebrating fabulous foods starting this spring through December. “MPG2019 Gastronomy Year” honors the authentic culinary know-how of the region with Bouches-du-Rhône’s towns and villages hosting events highlighting the traditional flavors, recipes, produce and wine.
5. …and Paris
This spring, the Moulin Seine, the first floating bakery in Paris, will open moored on the Seine River just under the Alexander III Bridge. The new attraction will have a panoramic terrace, a teahouse pergola covered by vegetation, and a golden water mill to grind wheat. The bakery will feature an open space so visitors can see the preparation of French goodies.
How to get there by train
Paris – Aix-en Provence route, 4 hours, 20 minutes.
Paris – Marseille route, 3-hour, 7-minute high-speed train journey.
6. Cherry Blossoms in Bonn
The blooming of cherry blossoms in Altstadt, the old town in Bonn, paint a picturesque start of spring for the German city. They form a tunnel of nature’s beauty along the narrow cobblestone streets, creating the perfect seasonal image.
Cologne – Bonn route, 20-minute regional train journey.
Frankfurt – Bonn route, 2-hour high-speed train journey.
Have fun wherever you decide to journey and enjoy spring!
SOURCE Rail Europe
