Book between February 16 – April 7, 2010* and enjoy this special 20% discount in Leisure Select class (which is just fancy wording for “first class”) on any Eurostar route. Tickets start at just $146**. This offer is subject to availability so don’t wait too long to book. Springtime in Paris is right around the corner.

·    Valid for travel from March 16 – August 31, 2010.   Leisure Select Class only.
·    ** Per person, one way. Tickets are non refundable.  Book your Eurostar trip Now!

Reaching Brussels is quite easy if you’re in London, Paris or Amsterdam (just to name a few). Eurostar and Thalys services provide high-speed travel to Brussels with numerous connections daily. Traveling to Brussels from London, Paris or Amsterdam allows you to depart the city center and arrive right in the heart of Brussels.

You might expect Brussels to be busy and congested, but the opposite is true. Despite its international stature, Brussels retains an Old World ambiance that inspires a relaxed appreciation of its charms.

You’ll find much to see and do in Brussels, including museum hopping and carefree shopping! The city is known for its museums – there are over seventy! Shopping opportunities abound, as well, and you’ll have no trouble locating anything you might want-including those world-famous Belgian chocolates!

Brussels is also the place for foodies. Whether you want to sample the country’s traditional dishes or taste-tempting entrées from around the world, you can take your pick of over 3,000 restaurants – you’d need at least eight years to enjoy them all!

Brussels’ attractions are delightfully diverse. Take in the Bruegel and Rubens masterpieces at the Museum of Ancient Art, or ponder the Magrittes, Dalis, and other works at the underground Museum of Modern Art.

Venture into the futuristic landmark Atomium. Chat at a mock Venetian café at Mini-Europe. Meet Napoleon’s Waterloo at the notorious battlefield a few miles south of the city.

Brussels nightlife holds promise, too. There are bars, pubs, and clubs in every part of town. What else would you expect from a country that enjoys over 400 brands of beer?! Even the region’s Trappist monks brew some popular, truly delicious ales. Grab a mug and a heaping plate of moules (mussels), like the Bruxellois do!

Brussels is very upscale-prices rival those of New York and London-but savvy shoppers can always find great value. When dining, for example, try the prix fixe menus. Or go ahead and splurge-it isn’t often you’re able to enjoy cuisine of this caliber.

Visitors can also revel in Brussels’ lively arts such as first-rate opera, ballet, symphony, and theater performances.

Brussels enjoys a strong economy and great quality of life. When you walk the cobblestone streets past its tidy shops and cozy pubs, you’ll sense its special elegance.

Start 2010 off in Brussels, at the heart of the city, in the Grand-Place. This is the city’s magnificent medieval square. Then set off in any direction – you’ll find delights everywhere you go!

For those who are interested in, or collectors of cars, motorcycles, SUVs and scooters, Brussels will be the host city to the European Motor Show. From January 14th, 2010 to the 24th, you can experience the Auto Moto Salon (formally known as the European Motor Show). The show will be held at the Brussels Expo, it will focus its attention on light commercial vehicles, but will also feature numerous automotive debuts, scooter and motorcycle displays and even a 4×4 track for visitors to test the new crop of SUVs!  If you’d like more information on this motor show, click here.

Visit the Beglium Tourist Office for more information on what to see and do while traveling in Belgium.

This post will focus on a few scary spots that we think are worth visiting. Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia all contain cities that gave us goose bumps when we visited and learned some of their history and legends. The great thing is that you can get a European East Pass and travel by train in these countries.

We’ll begin our travels in Prague, one of the most haunted cities in Europe. Ghosts and spirits surround the city walls. It is said there are water goblins who take shelter under the Charles Bridge, a headless horseman, a larger than life ghost and even a clay Golem that went crazy in the middle of the Jewish quarter! Yes, if you’re looking for a spooky experience, take a closer look at the ghostly side of Prague.

The Charles Bridge is a very popular tourist site in Prague. During the Middle Ages, this bridge held the heads of ten lords who were executed. Their heads were stuck on poles and placed on the bridge. It is said that the ghosts of the lords haunt the Charles Bridge still today. If you hear depressed voices singing as you cross over the bridge around midnight, attribute it to being the spirits of the headless ghosts.

Under the bridge you may encounter the water goblin. This creature is credited with eating the souls of those who jump off the bridge and those that drown in the Vlatva River. As you take that romantic boat ride on the river, you can thank the water goblin for the eerie feeling you get as you pass under the bridge!

One of our favorite stories in this area is of the skeleton that wanders the street. Legend has it, that a very jealous wife got extremely upset with her husband one evening. She struck her husband’s skull with a nail, impaling it into his head, killing him instantly. Today, the skeleton of the husband roams the streets with a rusty nail in his head. As the story goes, the man will be freed if someone is brave enough to remove the nail from his head…there’s something to add to your “must-do” list while in Prague!

The Jewish area of Prague also contains some mystery. Franz Kafka, great writer, lived in this area. Gustav Meyrink, one of the scariest writers in Europe also resided in this area. There is one haunting tale from the Jewish section of Prague that stands out above the rest…the story of the Golem.

Rabbi Loew created the Golem out of clay. He was made to protect the Jewish people from harm and danger by nearby Christians. It is said that the Golem would complete all sorts of tasks for the Jewish people. When parchment with a holy name was put in his mouth, he would come to life, when the piece of parchment was removed, he would return to clay.

One day the Golem went crazy and caused all kinds of havoc, the Rabbi was finally able to get him under control and locked him away in the attic of the Old-New Synagogue. According to Meyrink’s story, The Golem, the Golem is said to wake up every hundred years in a door-less room in the Jewish area.

While we could go on and on telling tales of ghosts in Prague, let us move on to our next haunted city, Krakow.

As you make you way down a dimly lit street in Krakow, forget keeping an eye out for spirits and ghosts, if the atmosphere is just right, you will feel their presence.

Wawel Hill is considered to be the spiritual heart of Poland. This hill is where many kings were buried in vaults under the cathedral. Stories have been told of music coming from one of the vaults that contains just one coffin in it. It’s believed that all the dead kings of Poland come together for a conference in an underground chamber, in Wawel Hill, on Christmas Eve. If you’re looking to meet some kings (although they may not be living) December is a great time to visit Krakow!

Jester Stanczyk was the jester to Kind Sigismund the Old. Though passed on now, he can be seen on the battlements of the castle whenever Poland is in danger. You can hear the jingling sound of bells from his jester hat as he stands by.

One more ghostly encounter for Krakow, this one in All Saints Place. There is a spectacular mansion that stands proud nowadays as the City Council building and office of the Mayor. People have reported seeing the ghost of a woman all in black, wandering through the building and around the square.

The woman is said to be Miss Wielopolska. She was killed by her own father when he learned of her love for for someone below her class. The deathly punishment was cast on her for causing such embarrassment to the family.

Before Miss Wielopolska was killed, her father had a priest brought in to hear his daughter’s confession. Once she spoke her sins, an executioner came in and beheaded her. Afterwords, the priest and executioner were given a drink by the girl’s father. The priest poured his down his clerical collar and only pretended to drink it. Upon arrival back home, the priest noticed discoloration and blistered skin on his chest, the drink had been poisoned and he had escaped his own death.

Last stop, is a little village in Slovakia. Cachtice is a small village located in western Slovakia. It is in this village that Elizabeth Bathory lived. She took residence in a castle during the middle ages. It was during this time when she acquired the name “Blood Countess of Cachtice”. Today, if you visit Slovakia, you cannot miss visiting this amazing village.

So why was Elizabeth called the “Blood Countess of Cachtice” you ask? Here is the story…

According to legend, Elizabeth Bathory was a member of Hungarian royalty. She lived in Hrad Cachtice. As the story goes, Elizabeth Bathory, Anna Darvulia and two servants killed over 600 young women. The reason? So that Elizabeth could bathe in the blood of the victims to keep young.

That’s the legend side of it, in reality it was discovered that Elizabeth would get lonely and bored while her husband was away fighting the Turkish army. As a form of entertainment and amusement, she began to torture her servants.

This sick act became somewhat of an obsession for Elizabeth and the killings went on for 30 years. They stopped when Anna Darvulia died. The deaths of the young women would have gone unnoticed however, when Elizabeth became attracted to female noblility, her actions were reported to her son Paul. Count Thurzo and his men, along with her son Paul raided Hrad Cachtice and captured Elizabeth. Coincidentally, she had just killed a young woman for stealing a pear.

Captured and put on trial for murder, Elizabeth was deemed insane and locked in a tower of Hrad Cachtice until her natural death. Today, visitors who tour the castle ruins and surrounding areas will get an eerie feeling, a presence of the Blood Countess and her victims.

Europe is full of stories about ghosts, horror and folklore. You just need to find the right English-speaking resident to chat with. You can gain so much more perspective on the country when you have a little culture to cling to. Traveling by train is a great way to meet people and learn some of their heritage and folklore.

As you travel from country to country try to keep note of what you’ve learned so that you can write it all down and share it with family and friends either via blog or conversations when you return.

The supernatural and paranormal world is certainly not for everyone. Some take ghost stories at face value, others  think they’re silly. The great thing about a trip to Europe is that no matter where you travel to, you will find something that sparks your interest and makes you happy!

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.

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!

Most of us spend 8 hours a day sitting behind a desk working, dealing with meetings and appointments, or sitting in class daydreaming about far-away places. In that same 8 hours, you could be discovering London and Paris and Eurostar makes it possible!

For those who have traveled to New York City and have had the privilege to walk through Grand Central Station, well, you know how amazing a train station can be. The train station becomes part of the journey, rather than just where the train stops.

In London, St Pancras International has become a destination station much like Grand Central Station is in New York. Eurostar departs and arrives into this restored, state-of-the art landmark.

Travelers to London will definitely want to discover St Pancras International station. It boasts a spectacular selection of shopping and dining experiences such as:

• A diverse range of stores and boutiques
• A world-class Brasserie
• A Gastro-pub
• A Farmer’s Market
• Europe’s longest champagne bar, measuring 295 feet long!

This station serves as Eurostar’s new permanent home. All passengers looking to travel to Paris or Brussels on Eurostar will find this station a welcomed bonus to their trip.

With Eurostar traveling entirely on dedicated high speed tracks, travel times have been reduced. This opens the door for travelers to see even more of Europe. Daytrips between England and Paris are more achievable then before. Weekend trips to Europe can be even more exciting with the possibility to travel to several countries instead of remaining in one.

Think about it, you fly to London, hop on the Eurostar and in just over 2 hours, you’re in Paris! From there, well, your options are limitless! If you’ve not been to Paris before however, here are a few suggestions to make the most of your time.

Of course, you have to see the Eiffel Tower, try your hardest to fit you and the Tower all in one picture without cut-off heads! Most people want to see the Arc d’Triomphe and Notre Dame also. Both are very much worth some of your time.

You should ride the Paris Metro, even if it’s just once, just so that you can say “I’ve been on the Metro”! You can compare the service to that of your own subway system back home, plus, it’s a great way to get from one side of Paris to the other, without taking a cab.

Stop in a cafe en-route to the Champs-Elysees. Have a croissant or other fine French pastry while you sit, people-watching. There is no better way to get a feel for your surroundings, then to watch the locals interact. If people-watching is not your thing, well, then surely head to the Champs-Elysees to lighten your wallet a bit!

If you’re undecided on how to spend your day, you may want to consider taking a tour. The Paris Historical Tour will take you back in time with visits to the Pantheon and Notre Dame. Another great idea is the CityRama Paris L’Open Tour. Offered in a 1 or 2 day pass, this tour allows you to experience the best of what Paris has to offer. There are over 50 hop-on hop-off locations and 4 routes you can travel on. A great way to get a panoramic view of Paris.

If you’re taking the train from Paris to London, no worries, there is something for everyone in London!

Below you can find a few of our favorite places to go in bustling metropolis.

If this is your first time in London, you’ll want to check out as many major tourist attractions as you can. These include, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge and The Tower of London. There are many more, but those are a few of the most notable.

By taking a panoramic bus tour, you can catch a glimpse of nearly all of the most sought after tourist stops. The Total London Experience is a great guided tour that will take you to all of London’s major sites.

You could also get yourself a London Pass and fill your time with some galleries, museums or even a river cruise down the Thames. A great commodity to have while visiting London!

While in London, one of the fastest, most efficient ways of getting from one side of the city to the other is by taking the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube). The London Underground is one of the easiest subway systems to figure out. You can get your London Travel Card before you go and be all set to start exploring.

London and Paris are two of the most visited cities in Europe, with good reason of course! Eurostar brings these two cities closer together, making it possible to travel to not one, but two countries in the same day! Plus, once you get to Paris, there is a whole world to explore. Trains depart from a number of Paris train stations to cities all over Europe. All you need is a Eurostar ticket and a rail pass and your options are virtually limitless!