Opening up a new Europe: vacations by train you should know about, travel

Modern tourism is almost impossible to imagine without air travel. However, there are unique options for vacationing in Europe using sleeper cars that you should know about.

Among them is picturesque Switzerland. This country is famous for its quaint little trains that meander through the mountains, as reported by The Sunday Times.

Embark on a new small-group tour that includes a Belle Époque-style cruise across Lake Geneva, up the Golden Pass, and through the Swiss Highlands via Gstaad, a gondola ride to Eiger, and a train ride to medieval Thun for a cruise on the serene lake. Seven nights' bed and breakfast starts from £2695, including rail travel and additional meals.

Rail and sailing adventure

There are few opportunities to combine eco-friendly land and sea travel, but one itinerary offers the opportunity. A first-class train will take you from London to Cannes, followed by seven nights aboard the sleek Star Flyer clipper, which sails east along Italy's Ligurian coast to the Elbe. From there, you'll move on to Corsica and Sardinia with stops in Bonifacio and Ajaccio before turning north to Monaco. Eight nights, including seven full board on the boat and one night in Cannes, cost from £3,199 including rail travel.

Black Forest cake and watches

More and more tourists are attracted to the new luxury tourist vacation in the German Black Forest. The local hills are a magnificent combination of pine forest, pastures, and orchards with charming half-timbered villages. This route begins with day trains to Germany's most environmentally friendly city, Freiburg, and ends in the spa town of Baden-Baden. In between, you can spend two nights on the tranquil Lake Titisee. Nine nights in a bed and breakfast start from £2040, including rail travel.

The golden age of traveling to the French Riviera

Traveling to the French Riviera is attracting more and more tourists. The new rail route mimics the original stylish journey, passing through rural France to stay at the Windsor Hotel in Nice with its lush gardens, and then transferring to glamorous Cannes. There are islands to visit, Matisse works to see, seafood to sample, and of course, ending the trip in Paris. Seven nights' B&B starts from £811, including rail travel.

Swiss mountains

Another popular train route with views of the Swiss mountains for small groups centers on the mountain-surrounded Lake Lucerne. From here, travelers make five different ascents, including one on the first mountain railway (Mount Rigi) and the world's steepest cog railway (Mount Pilatus). Your base, where you will return each evening, is the lakeside resort of Gergisville, served by vintage wheeled steamers. Half board for nine nights costs from £2199, including rail travel.

Other itineraries can be found here.