November 9, 1989. I still remember that day like it was yesterday. I was studying for my High School finals and had the TV on as background noise. All of  sudden, the movie was interrupted for the breaking news that changed the history of Germany and entire Europe.

Only a few weeks earlier I went to Berlin using an overnight train from Stuttgard to Berlin, now no longer an overnight journey due to the ICE High Speed Train. Nothing fancy, a 2nd class couchette cabin which had to be shared with 5 more travelers.

The train ride was not different to other overnight train rides to Italy or France until we reached Hof, the former border crossing between West and East Germany. There, East German border police boarded the train and after the locomotive had been exchanged to a Deutsche Reichsbahn (the former East German Railroad) locomotive the train continued its long non-stop journey through the rail corridor to West Berlin. In the meantime, the police officers inspected our passports and stamped them with the GDR immigration stamp. After that, one police officer was placed at each of the car ends for the remaining trip until we finally reached the check point between East Germany and West Berlin. After a short stop to drop off the agents the train continued to Berlin Zoo, the former main train station of West Berlin.

I experienced similar border crossings between Hungary and Austria or West Germany and Czechoslovakia before but this time it was a lot more emotional considering that this border crossing took place within the same nation.

The trip became even more emotional while in Berlin. As FRG citizens we had free range, could get on all S-Bahn trains, whether they went into East Berlin or other parts of West Berlin. We were able to cross check-points whenever we wanted but were also confronted more often and had literally “hands-on” experiences with the wall. At that point, nobody imagined what will happen just a few weeks later.

On that November evening I told my parents that I will go to Berlin right after my finals were over and one day later I went to the travel agency to make a reservation for a couchette berth.

The second trip to Berlin, was a historical trip as well, without knowing it. Though there were still two Germanys, there was only one or two border patrol agents on the train who quickly looked at our IDs (no more passports were required) and got off the train a few kilometers later in Plauen. The remaining trip was uneventful until the conductor woke us shortly before we reached Berlin Zoo Train Station.

Like before, I was able to cross check-points without being asked what I want or will do in East Berlin and even was able to chip off a small part of the wall as my own little souvenir.

One morning while I was there, I woke up to the news that as of that day, no IDs or border crossing papers were needed any more to travel between both parts of Berlin or Germany. I changed my plans and the first trip that day was by S-Bahn to Alexanderplatz, a wide open place with the tall TV Tower as landmark and a major border crossing point between East and West Berlin. When I arrived there, there were no passport control lines to queue up at, all gates were open and all booths were unstaffed and for the first time we had the feeling to travel within one and the same country.

For somebody who grew up in a divided country and family in both parts of it, a remarkable day which will be never forgotten.

To celebrate stories like Chris’ Rail Europe is offering 20% off a German Rail Pass with Free Berlin City Sighetseeing Tour purchased between October 20 and November 20, 2009.

The Artesia Day train travels on various routes between France and Italy.  Operating on a high-speed network, the Artesia Day train reduces travel times between popular cities in France and Italy. A ride aboard the Artesia Day train is not one that is easily forgotten! Between the scenery that surrounds you and the pleasant staff on-board, you’ll almost wish you had more time on the train!

But as with most high-speed trains, the benefit of traveling at high speeds is that you can make the most out of your time in your desired destination.

Taking a trip to France or Italy before December 13th? You might want to look into taking the Artesia Day train and experience the thrill of high-speed train travel!

Service along Cisalpino routes should not be effected, the routes will be covered by the parent companies, SBB and Trenitalia, without any disruption to passengers. This change in service will go into effect with the winter schedule change. And again, as of December 13, 2009, the Cisalpino brand will no longer exist.

So, you have a limited amount of time to travel aboard a Cisalpino branded train. The trains along this high-speed route actually tilt as they whisk passengers to their destinations. The tilting helps reduce travel times, allowing you to spend more time in Geneva, Bern, Milan, Florence or Venice (just a few top destinations on Cisalpino routes!).

Landed at CDG in Paris and used my France Rail Pass to board the RER train 30 minutes into the city center. Surprised as to how easy it was to get into Paris! I must say I was a little worried, good to keep in mind for future stop overs in Paris.

Then a guided tour of The Louvre by City Rama – our guide showed us the highlights, which were a tourist’s delight.

Afternoon: Touring Paris by bike or Paris a Velo is an experience! Biked to the 19th arrondissement and rode past Edith Piaf’s house! The tour takes you off the beaten path to explore the real Paris with lots of local flavor.

Day 2 Love, Love, Love Parisian Trains

Morning: Used Paris Visite Card to take the metro from my hotel the Lutetia to Gare de L’est where I boarded the TGV Est to Champagne. Arrived at Reims (great Cathedral!), to the heart of Champagne in 45 mins – love the TGV!

Noon:  Sampled some champagne at a little bar called Comme Champagne in Epernay – a guided taste tour of Champagnes for only 17 Euro. Best 17 Euros or $20 I’ve spent in a while.

Afternoon: Visited a family owned Champagne house called Jacquesson – the owner Jean-Herve Chiquet gave us a tour of his vineyards and his cellars – what great champagne they make!

Evening: Met with Philippe Wibrotte of the Comite Interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne – he can answer all your questions about champagne. Took the slow train home from Epernay to Paris – needed the hour on board to sit back, gaze out the window & reflect on my once in a lifetime day.

Day 3 At the destination stations

Morning: Used my Paris Visite Card & took the metro to Gare du Nord. Had the fast and comfortable experience of crossing the English Channel via Eurostar. Arrived in London 2 hrs and 15 mns later. The timing just felt like I was taking a commuter train and not going to a whole other country. Make sure you travel at a meal time – meals included in price of Leisure Select and Business class tickets, the food is actually worth it.

Afternoon: spent some time enjoying St Pancras – the “destination station” Now I see why everyone keeps calling it that.  More champagne..the station has Europe’s largest champagne bar.

Day 4 At London’s Langham Hotel (very posh)

London’s Langham Hotel reopened just months ago – beautifully refurbished and the food and service were excellent.

Day 5 Markets and Virgins (trains that is)

Just when I thought I’d seen everything London had to offer, I discovered the Borough market – take a guided tour by Celia Brooks Brown an American now living in London, her tour is such a treat. Save some time to shop, taste and explore the gourmet treasures of this charming old London market.

I always enjoyed the Virgin flights to London and now I can say I also enjoy the Virgin train experience from London to England’s North country. Had a freshly cooked breakfast on board the London/Manchester train – its a comfortable, quick and easy train ride with a BritRail Pass.

Day 6 Perfect ending with Tea at Betty’s of York

In some ways the best part of the trip! Took a train from Manchester to York. Took a walking tour of the city, along the old city walls, the Shambles, Mulberry Hall is a great place to shop. I learned that according to Medieval law it is still legal for a man from York to defend his city from a Scotsman by shooting at him with a bow & arrow!

Afternoon tea at Betty’s of York – a MUST for all visitors. The line is always out the door, so be prepared to wait, but it is so worth it! Try their scones with jam and clotted cream and don’t leave without one of their fruit cakes!

We strove to provide you with the highest level of detail and accuracy and we certainly hope you’ll find this tool helpful in planning your next trip to Europe.  We really think this map is one of kind and we spent countless hours aggregating geographical data from multiple sources in order to paint a comprehensive picture of the extent of the European rail network.

This should help you figure out the many destinations that you can reach across 50 countries and inspire you to see more of Europe than you thought was possible.

Here are some sample travel time for some of our flagship routes:

• Paris to London is only 2 hrs 15 minutes
• Paris to Brussels is only 1hr 17 minute
• London to Brussels is only 1 hr 51 minutes

This map is a first iteration and we are looking forward to bringing more enhancements and functionalities in the future. In the meantime, give our map a test run and tell us what you think or what you would like to see from the interactive map of Europe.  Please let us know how you use maps for planning your trip to Europe and give us some feedback!

So, zoom in and zoom out to your heart’s desire and learn about new cities that you had never heard of before and see how many destinations are accessible by train. Follow this link to visit our new interactive rail map.

on the following services: The Joan Miro, which travels from Barcelona to Pars and vice versa, The Pau Casals, traveling between Barcelona and Zurich, and Salvador Dali, carrying passengers from Barcelona to Milan and the reverse.

On these three routes, passengers can indulge in the new menu. This fabulously divine Centennial menu includes Steamed Anchovies with baked onions, peppers and eggplant, which will fill the mouth with the flavors of the sea, truly evoking the tastes of La Costa Brava. Cod Ratatouille, another centennial contribution, is a delightful fusion of the sea and mountains which creates a well-balanced combination and will leave you wanting the recipe! And a true treat, Baked Apples. Apples baked with sugar, sounds simple but it is true heaven! This dish is a traditionally authentic dessert of the region of Girona.

The special Centennial menu was worked on by top chefs including Ferran Adria and Joan Roca, both Michelin star-rated chefs of the region. The Centennial menu is served in the dining car on the select Elipsos services through the Spring of 2010. And the best part, if you select the Gran Class ticket, the meal is included with your reservation.

Don’t miss out on this mouth-watering menu, book your trip today on Elipsos and enjoy every bite!

Yesterday we launched a new version of our Canadian website to match the features of our new and improved website.  Now Canadians will have the same easy navigation and information as our US site.  In partnership with prestigious travel guide publisher, Frommers, the new website contains extensive information on travel destinations throughout the European continent, including suggestions on what to do and what to see in all the countries within Rail Europe’s network.   There is also an improved FAQ with all aspects of rail travel from how to choose the correct rail pass to practical information on European train stations, seating arrangements and details on High Speed trains including photos and videos. Click here to visit our new Canadian website

London and Paris are two of the most sought after destinations in Europe. Aside from being cultural icons, they are also jam-packed with fun things to see and do!

Now more than ever it’s simple to add both of these cities to your summer travel itinerary. By taking Eurostar you can arrive in Paris from London in just 2 hours and 15 minutes. That’s amazing!

You can start off in London and spend the day in Paris, seeing all you want to and then being whisked back to London where you can wind down in a nice English pub! Of course, you have the freedom to do the opposite route also, or spend more than a day, go for a night or two.

Rail Europe provides you with the small details that can make your vacation dreams come true, the only limits you have are the ones you set for yourself. Reserve your Eurostar ticket now!

And now we present you with our Top Ten fun things to do in London and Paris this summer.

10. Buckingham Palace - Try your skill at making one of those stuffy looking guards smile! Buckingham Palace is a must-see on any trip to London. How many opportunities do you get in life to visit a Royal residence? Oh, and if you succeed in getting one of the guards to smile in a photo, we’d love to see it!

9. Trocadero – See just how “in shape” you are as you make you way up to Trocadero. In 1937, the old Palais du Trocadero was demolished and then replaced with the Palais de Chaillot, found at the top of the hill. Once you reach the wide esplanade, you will have the most amazing view of the infamous Eiffel Tower. This vantage point is one of the best ways to get you in a photo with the Eiffel Tower without cutting off heads or part of the tower. You can get nearly the entire tower and you (or your travel partners)!

8. Strolling the Thames - A great way to take in more of London culture and atmosphere is to take a relaxing stroll down the Thames River. Have your camera ready as you will pass some truly picture perfect sites. Stop and have a bite to eat along the way, maybe even take a few moments to feed the birds (actually, if you’re wanting to feed the birds, you should go sit on the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral, just like the Bird Woman did in Mary Poppins!).

7. Paris Dinner Cruise – The Seine is just as great a river to stroll down as the Thames, or why not treat yourself to a wonderfully romantic dinner cruise along the Seine River. Watch notable attractions pass by as you and your special someone float on your own piece of paradise. Along with breathtaking scenery, you’ll enjoy a terrific meal presented with a fine assortment of wine and cheese. Live music fills the vessel and you can share a special moment on the dance floor. The evening ends at the base of the Eiffel Tower…it doesn’t get more romantic then that!

6. Tower of London - Take a step back in time with a visit to the Tower of London. Our advice would be to join one of the Yeoman Warders tours (commonly referred to as Beefeaters). The Yeoman will keep you entertained with tales of imprisonment, execution, torture and more. You will not only be entertained but you will learn a tremendous amount of history about the tower and British history. Other noteworthy things at the Tower of London are of course the Crown Jewels – including some of the world’s most famous diamonds, and the Ravens. According to legend, if the six ravens leave the Tower, the Kingdom and Tower will fall. To date, all six are there and accounted for!

5. Paris Museum Hopping - Spend a day museum hopping! Take some time wandering down the long halls of the Louvre, embracing the magnificent work that fills the museum. Make a point of viewing the Mona Lisa and playfully debate the mood of the subject as well as who is being portrayed in the painting. Is it the artist’s lover? Self-portrait? You be the judge! Other notable museums you can see with the Paris Museum Pass are: Musée d’Orsay , Musée National du Château de Versailles, Musée National Picasso, Pompidou Center and so many more!

4. Big Ben/Clock Tower - Know what time it is? Time to visit the Clock Tower! This tower has been commonly mislabeled as Big Ben. Big Ben is actually the nickname given to the main bell (largest in the tower) found within the tower (also known as the Great Bell). The Clock Tower is the largest four-faced clock in the world that chimes. Nearby the Tower you will see the Houses of Parliament. This is another great location to snap some pictures for your photo book!

3. Eiffel Tower - Paris seems to be synonymous with love and the Eiffel Tower always seems to emit that certain romantic feeling! There is no better way to experience Paris then to reach the top of the Eiffel Tower with the one you love. Stare out across the city and embrace the vision before you. Take your partner in your arms and practice the fine art of kissing (which the French have perfected as well as they have wine making!). For those not married or engaged…well, there’s no time like the present to pop the question! If you’ve already crossed that bridge, well, simply enjoy the moment. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Do whatever you need to, to ensure you will never forget the way you feel at that very moment!

2. London Eye - Better than the ferris wheel at your local carnival, the London Eye is a spectacular way to see London! This observation wheel will allow you to see even more of the city of London. Great fun for families, children love the London Eye! Flights (as they’re called) on the London Eye take about 30 minutes. It will be 30 minutes you do not regret during your time in London!

1. Travel at the speed of light - Well, pretty close to it anyway! Eurostar whisks travelers between London and Paris in just over 2 hours time. The trip on Eurostar is so much more than just a train ride from one city to the next. To travel on Eurostar is to experience high-speed rail travel at its finest! Picturesque views right outside your window, friendly staff on-board and best of all, you have the chance to meet some great people, those traveling along with you on this state of the art train. It’s always fun to mingle with the locals, you may learn something new, or at least gain some insight on things to see and do that you may not have previously thought of. And Eurostar now departs from St Pancras international, London’s destination station is a landmark and a place everyone can enjoy.

You can even toast your journey at Europe’s longest champagne bar, right inside the station! Book your Eurostar trip today and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

For some travelers, London and Paris are ice-breakers to the rest of Europe, for others, they are favorites. London and Paris are both very active cities offering something for everyone. From parks and museums, to iconic monuments and theater, you will find the right activities to ensure you have a fantastic vacation. And we highly recommend visiting both cities on your trip, especially with them just being two hours apart! Eurostar is an amazing ride through the French and English country sides and of course, you’ll also be able to say you’ve traveled through the Chunnel!

For a family-fun vacation, consider taking a trip to London and Paris, trust us, you won’t be disappointed!

A Norway Pass can help you get from city to city while in Norway, giving you access to the Norwegian rail network. Plus, with the Royal Fjord Tour, visitors will get to experience a combination of trains and express boat, providing spectacular scenery including mountains, sea and of course, fjords. The tour offers several routes combining several cities in Norway. For this issue of Explorer we will take a closer look at what Oslo has to offer it’s travelers.

Travelers often overlook Scandinavia as dream vacation plans are drafted. However, this region of Europe has much to offer.

Norway is one of the largest countries in Europe. Aside from its breathtaking scenery, it offers spectacular fjords, mountains and peaceful valleys. Art, music and literature create the pleasant atmosphere visitors come across in Norway.

Oslo is the capital of this intriguing country. As you read on, you will discover some of the great things that make Oslo a terrific tourist destination.

Let’s begin at the Kon-Tiki Museum. Housed within the walls of this museum are a collection of boats and artifacts from Thor Heyerdahl’s expeditions. It is here where you can see the original Kon-Tiki raft with a 30-foot whale shark underneath. Also, various statues and a secret family cave from Easter Island. Kids and adults enjoy the interactive touch screen with CD-ROM facilities and the cinema with its non-stop showings. This truly is a great museum to explore.

The Vigeland sculpture park is one of Norway’s most visited attractions with more than 1 million visitors every year. This unique sculpture park displays the life work of the sculptor Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943). Here visitors will find more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and cast iron. Vigeland, himself, was responsible for the design and architectural outline of the park. This park is truly a monumental artistic creation with a human message, which should not be missed.

Moving on now to the Viking Ship Museum. This museum is part of the University Museum of Cultural Heritage. In this museum, visitors will encounter Great Viking-ship discoveries from Gokstad, Oseberg and Tune as well as other finds from Viking tombs around the Oslo Fjord. It is here where the world’s two best-preserved wooden Viking ships built in the 9th century can be found. Interesting and historical, this is a great museum to spend an afternoon in.

After a visit to the Viking Ship Museum, stop by the Polar Ship Fram. The FRAM was a safe haven for some of the most famous polar explorers and adventurers. This ship holds the title of being the strongest wooden ship ever built. It continues to hold the records for sailing farthest north and farthest south. FRAM and stories from its expeditions continue to create excitement among audiences from all over the world almost 100 years after the ship retired from active duty. Be sure to climb aboard the ship to get a good idea how the crew and their dogs lived and managed to survive in the coldest and most dangerous places on earth – the Arctic and the Antarctic. You will leave this museum in awe!

We’ll end our journey to Oslo at the TusenFryd. This is considered to be Norway’s number one amusement park. Here visitors can enjoy a ride on one of thirty-three carousels and attractions. If you’re not much of a thrill seeker, no worries, there are many games that you can try your luck at or visit one of twenty-three restaurants. This park offers something for everyone, including Scandinavia’s most amazing rollercoaster that takes you from 0 to 90 in 2 seconds! Definitely a MUST on your trip to Oslo!

We hope you enjoyed reading about Oslo in this issue of Explorer. It really is a city that you should give some consideration to as you plan your next trip. You can get a Norway Pass and explore all this magnificent country possesses. Plus, enjoy a scenic adventure with the Royal Fjord Tour, if you take this tour, don’t forget your camera!

With a Croatia Pass, travel throughout Croatia, taking advantage of the entire rail network. See beautiful beaches, rocky coast and quaint medieval cities as you journey by train. In this issue of Explorer, we will discover Zagreb and Split, two fantastic tourist spots that are sure to leave you wanting to come back!

Aside from being Croatia’s largest city, Zagreb is also credited with being the political, economic and cultural capital of this spectacular country. When you arrive in Zagreb, you arrive in a thriving metropolis with old-world charm.

Visitors to Zagreb will appreciate the surrounding architecture, alluring parks and charming streets. Having more museums per square foot than any other European city, history and art lovers will be in heaven. No worries if museums aren’t quite your thing, there are tons of things to see and do while in Zagreb, for this issue of Explorer, we’ve chosen our top three favorites!

All visitors to Zagreb MUST see Trg Bana Jelacica (Jelacic Square). A great spot to begin your exploration of the city. Here you will find many cafés and shops. Right in the center of it all you can see the Ban’s statue. The statue stood in the square until World War II, when the name of the square was changed to Republic Square and the statue was removed and stored in pieces. In 1990, the statue was returned to its original spot and the name of the square was changed back to its original name. This square is of great historical importance to the inhabitants of Zagreb, it is here where visitors can get a true feeling for the city.

Next we will visit the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This church is a dominating attraction in Zagreb, mainly due to its size. 345-ft twin spires rise above the city, announcing its presence. The cathedral was built in the second half of the 13th century. It was modeled after the church of St Urban in Troyes, France. The structure has undergone several periods of reconstruction, however the grace and beauty of the cathedral remain, in tact, still today. Certainly worth a visit during your stay in the city.

Our last stop in Zagreb is a trip to the Museum of the City of Zagreb. Within the walls of this museum, you can find the life of Zagreb illuminated. The exhibits in this museum really help visitors understand more about the history and culture of Zagreb. Be sure to check out the impressive display of weaponry, religious articles, furniture, costumes and the astounding collection of photographs that truly document the history of the city.

Once you’ve finished your stay in Zagreb, hop on the train and head to Split. It takes roughly 5 1/2 hours on the train to travel between Zagreb and Spilt. Along the way you will be able to view and photograph the spectacular scenery all around you.

The city of Split is not only an urban, cultural and traffic center of Dalmatia with road and sea connections to Dalmatia’s numerous summer resorts, but the city itself is a sought after tourist destination.

Split beholds a 1700-year old tradition, a variety of archaeological, historical and cultural monuments. One of the most noteworthy being the well-known Palace of Diocletian, inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 1894, the first detailed tourist guide for the town and its surroundings was published. Since that time, the desire to visit Split has increased.

In order to truly grasp the historical significance of Split, you should first visit the museums of Split. Some museums to consider are: the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments, a capital Croatian cultural project that was established in 1893; the Archaeological Museum, dating back to 1820, one of the oldest in Croatia; the Treasury of the Split Cathedral, here you will find a valuable collection of religious art; the Museum of Marine History and the Museum of Natural Science, two spots also worth some of your time. These museums will help bring Split to life for you.

The oldest hub of Split is located within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace. According to its dimensions and level of preservation, the Palace represents the most valuable example of Roman architecture on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.
Spend some time here and watch the city come to life around you.

Also worth some of your time is Marjan Forest Park. The park is a green oasis that the citizens of Split have been proud of for generations. The grounds are carefully maintained and cherished. The park includes promenades, solariums, nature paths, playgrounds and the Split zoo. A marvelous view is offered from the top of Marjan on the old and new parts of Split.

If it’s an amazing journey you’re looking for on your next vacation, definitely give Croatia some thought. It does not contain the commercialism that other countries in Europe have. It also does not have the crowds that other countries have. Prices are more affordable and the experience in itself is well-worth the trip. You will gain a whole new appreciation for culture, history, art and architecture after your time in Croatia.

Try something different for your next trip! Get yourself a Croatia Pass and explore!