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Introducing a new way to connect with Rail Europe. For our friends in Canada and Mexico, you can now purchase tickets on your country’s dedicated website and www.raileurope.mx and www.raileurope.com/fr/, plus read in your choice of English, Spanish or French.

Featuring the same state-of-the-art online functionality as our American-version — www.raileurope.com (which is also available in Spanish and French), these sites let you plan a rail-cation even before packing your bags. You’ll still find the most extensive information available on European destinations and rail products. Plus, you’ll become fully immersed in the European experience via our interactive tools.

Want to talk to someone over the phone? We continue to offer toll-free numbers that allow you to speak to someone directly in French or Spanish.

Join us on the journey, le voyage, el viaje, and see why more travelers choosing rail.

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!

We want to express our thanks to everyone who participated in our Twitter Your Way to France with TGV, the High-Speed Train contest. This exciting contest began on December 14th and ran each weekday until December 24th. We tested the knowledge of our followers on the TGV. Each day, a TGV trivia question was tweeted at 3pm Eastern Time. One hour was given for entrants to submit their answer. At 4pm, the daily contest closed and the day’s winners were announced.

Each day, after the race against the clock to submit the right answer, the first five people to tweet the correct answer were deemed the winners for that day. These winners were awarded with a $200 credit to be used toward the purchase of a TGV train ticket, allowing them to experience the excitement of the TGV for themselves. All correct tweets submitted during the span of the contest were entered into the Grand Prize drawing. Meaning, even if a follower was not one of the first five to answer correctly, they still had a shot at the Grand Prize–a trip to France for two!

Congratulations to all of our winners and thanks for making our TGV contest such a great success! We hope that everyone gained not only some TGV knowledge, but the desire to travel by TGV on your next visit to France! Be sure to follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date with all European rail travel, and future contests and promotions!

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!

In a nutshell, you purchase First-Class rail trips and confirm your reservations through an online account. Once you’ve made all of your reservations you simply take the confirmation number for each trip, located in your online account, type it into the self-service kiosk at the train station and out pops your ticket!

The great part is, there are no hidden fees, the price you pay for Anywhere Anytime France includes your ticket AND seat reservation. Plus, there are no shipping fees as you print the ticket locally. Sounds pretty cool right? Want to learn more? Click here!

For this issue of Explorer, to coincide with the launch of this innovative product, we bring you our top ten places to visit in France.

Below you will find our favorite top ten French cities to visit on your trip to France. We hope this list will inspire you to travel to some of these wonderful cities to truly embrace French culture and cuisine!

10. Marseille – This is the 2nd largest city in France and the country’s premier port. Though there are several museums at the disposal of travelers to Marseille, most prefer to simply wander the eccentric streets and embrace the city first-hand. We suggest taking a stroll down La Canebière, it leads to the Vieux-Port. In the port you are in for a treat with crafts and vendors all about. And the best part is, Marseille is highly accessible by train!

9. Bordeaux – Credited with being one of the world’s most important wine-producing areas, Bordeaux is a great city to spend some time in. You can take a 2-hour walking tour, provided by the local tourist office, or be adventurous and simply traipse down the streets on your own. There is a lot to see in this city, and of course, fantastic wine to be had!

8. Caen – Now a bustling cosmopolitan city, Caen endured great damage during the invasion of Normandy in 1944. Many travelers have a desire to visit Caen to see where relatives may have been stationed during WWII. Also, many want to visit the memorials around the city. A trip to Caen is a trip that will not soon be forgotten. Caen is also a great stepping stone to the landing beaches, located about 20 minutes away.

7. Lourdes – Each year the city of Lourdes receives millions of visitors from all around the world. Lourdes is nestled in a valley in the southwestern part of the Hautes-Pyrénées. Many Catholics pay homage to this revered city as it is believed that Bernadette Soubirous was witness to the appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary, eighteen times.
You certainly do not have to be Catholic to appreciate all that this mystifying city has to offer though, all are welcome!

6. Lyon – The best base for exploring the Rhône region, Lyon is also France’s 3rd largest city. Lyon is especially known for its mouth-watering cuisine and delicacies. Dishes such as Lyon sausage, quenelles and tripe Lyonnais are known worldwide. Come to Lyon and don’t forget to bring a hearty appetite with you! After a great meal, be sure to do some shopping, especially for silk as Lyon is one of the world’s silk capitals.

5. Aix-en-Provence – A visit to Aix must include a walk down cours Mirabeau, the main street in the city. This street is one of Europe’s most beautiful, a very relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Aside from carefree walks, there are also several museums and churches that you can pay a visit to. Aix is a great destination for the laid-back traveler.

4. Nice – Come to the city that averages 300 days of sunshine, you’re bound to have nice weather! Nice is the capital of the Riviera. Due to its spectacular sunshine and relaxed living, Nice has attracted many artists and writers. If you plan on visiting the French Riviera, Nice is one of the most affordable places to call home for a few days. And using the train, you can take day trips to other nearby Riviera cities.

3. Strasbourg – This city is home to the European Parliament. Unfortunately this cosmopolitan city is sometimes overlooked. It is host to France’s oldest Christmas Market and has often changed hands between France and Germany through the years.
After the 2 hour and 20 minute train ride from Paris, you will find yourself in Strasbourg. This city is famed for being the capital of Alsace and the birthplace of pâté de foie gras. Full of history, you’ll not want to leave Strasbourg off your itinerary.

2. Avignon – Back in the 14th century, Avignon was cited as the capital of Christendom. During what was known as the Babylonian Captivity, the Pope lived in Avignon. The legacy left behind makes Avignon one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval cities. Avignon today is a cultural center. You will see painters and writers all about as you make your way through the streets. For the museum buffs, no worries, there are plenty of great museums to check out in Avignon!

1. Paris – Quoted as being one of the most romantic getaway cities, Paris truly is a wonderful city to spend time in. You can take some time wandering down the long halls of the Louvre, embracing the magnificent work that fills the museum or, hop on the RER with your Paris Visite Pass and head to the Palace of Versailles. Here you can have a look around the golden palace. Of course you have to make your way eventually to the Eiffel Tower! There is so much to see and do in Paris, you will have no trouble at all filling your time in this capital city!

France truly is a magnificent country and with Anywhere Anytime France, travel around the country is easier and more affordable then before! You can use Anywhere Anytime France to schedule train trips between some or all of the cities mentioned above. As you decide what to do first, simply login to your Anywhere Anytime France online account and confirm your reservations. On the flip side, if your plans should change, you have up until 1-hour before your confirmed train departure to make changes to it–it just doesn’t get more flexible than that!

You can explore everything from big cities to small villages, indulge in rich cuisine and fine wines and embrace some of the world’s finest art collections. France is your gateway to all of this and more and the train is what can help make your dream trip, a reality.

Discover more about France and all it offers its visitors.

Watch videos and even read sample itineraries for France travel. Once you’ve jotted down a few spots you’d like to see, let us help you with your rail needs. Whether it be a pass or ticket, Rail Europe is at your service. Need reservations? No problem! And for those of you wanting ultimate flexibility, check out Anywhere, Anytime France.

Rail Europe brings France right to your fingertips, making the perfect train journey, only a click away.

In recent years, Austria has become a gourmet hotspot for many.

The best way to experience all aspects of Austrian cuisine is to travel around the country and there is no better way to accomplish that than by train! Our Austria Railpass will give you the flexibility you need to see it all, at a price that will still allow you to splurge on some nice meals along the way.

For this issue of Explorer, our Top Ten list focuses on our picks of some of the best dishes to try while in Austria. Don’t be shy, embrace the culture that surrounds you and experience the great flavors of Austria!

Due to the regional differences in ingredients and influences, we’ve broken our list down into regional dishes. Guten appetit!

10. Carinthia – The most sought after delicacy of this region is undoubtedly Carinthian Kasnudeln. There are over 200 variations of this dough pocket full of goodness! The main ingredients are mashed potatoes, onions, curd cheese, leek and parsley, however, the best-kept secret of this dish is the filling, so you cannot be too sure of exactly what’s inside! Be adventurous though and you’re sure to enjoy! Popular cities in this region are Klagenfurt and Villach.

9. Styria – In this region, you should definitely try to taste something prepared with pumpkin seed oil. The Styrian pumpkin seed oil is a true delicacy in Austria. Having a mild nutty taste, it is terrific on salads, or you may find it mixed in with local menus. Trust us, after tasting this “green gold”, as it’s known in Austria, you’ll want to bring a bottle home with you! A true delight to awaken your taste buds. A great city to visit in this region is Graz.

8. Tyrol – If you find yourself in Innsbruck, Kitzbuhel or St Anton, then you’re in the Tyrol region. In these parts, you should definitely try the Tiroler Leber mit Polenta, a delightful dish! This meal is made of veal or beef liver with onions, “speck” (a special cured/cubed ham), capers, lemon juice and white wine. It is then served on top of a dish of polenta. The flavors infuse together creating a unique flavor that will leave you satisfied at the end of your meal (but of course you’ll still have room for some dessert!).

7. Voralberg – Taking the train to Feldkirch, Bregenz or Bludenz? Treat yourself to a tasty dish of Schlutzkrapfen. While it may be tricky to say, it is very easy to eat the whole dish! This delicacy is well-known in the Voralberg region. It is a spinach stuffed pasta pocket, similar to a ravioli. It is served with melted butter on top with some parmesan cheese. It is a great meal for kids as most kids enjoy a good ravioli! A simple meal with extraordinary flavor.

6. Burgenland – A visit to the Burgenland region, including cities of Eisenstadt and Rust, is an opportunity for you to experience Burgenlandische Gaenseleber. This is goose liver that has been simmered with onions and local spices. It is delicious and definitely something to try while you’re exploring this “land of castles”.

5. Salzburg – Most trips to Austria include a stop in Salzburg, found in the Salzburg region, and yours should be no exception! Of course, the surrounding area has plenty to see and do that will keep you busy, but you’ll need to stop for some food eventually. We recommend treating yourself to some Kasnocken. These are amazing cheese dumplings. They have such an incredible taste, you’ll find it hard to stop eating them! Also, due to the location, freshwater fish are also a favorite, especially trout.

4. Upper Austria - In the Upper Austrian region you’ll visit cities such as Gmunden, Hallstatt and Mondsee. Around this region you’ll find various types of dumplings. We’ve not tried a dumpling in this region that wasn’t amazing! Check out the local menus and find the local dumpling specific to the town or village you’re in. Order it and we can almost guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

3. Lower Austria - Serviettenknoedel mit Semmelkren is a very popular dish in the Lower Austria region. It is a baked bread loaf served with a saffron gravy. Again, it sounds like a simple meal, but the flavor is tremendous. You can find this dish when you travel to Krems, Durnstein, Melk and several others found within this region. And after your great meal, stop by one of the numerous spas found in the region for some needed relaxation!

2. Vienna - The two cities that make up the Vienna region are, Vienna and Grinzing. Some must try’s while you’re in this region are Fiaker Goulash and of course, Wiener Schnitzel! Fiaker Goulash is a delicious Viennese paprika beef stew. It is quite similar to Hungarian Goulash. The Fiaker Goulash is traditionally served with boiled potatoes, a pickled cucumber and fried egg. Weiner Schnitzel is simply a breaded veal cutlet. This is usually served with a lemon slice, potatoes with butter and parsley and some lingonberry jam. Both these dishes are amazing and worth trying.

1. Don’t forget dessert – If you weren’t aware, Austrians make and consume many desserts. They pride themselves on their sweets and with good reason! It’s almost a challenge to find a dessert that you don’t like while traveling around Austria. Some noteworthy favorites to make a point of tasting are; Sachertorte, Doboschtorte, Marzipan and Apfelstrudel.

Sachertorte is a torte (cake) made with chocolate and in some regions, apricot jam. It got its name from its creator, Eduard Sacher.

Doboschtorte is a layered torte made with chocolate frosting and caramel glaze (maybe not the most diabetic-friendly dessert!).

Marzipan is another favorite in Austria. This is a sweet almond paste. In some regions in Austria they dip the marzipan in some terrific chocolate, it is out of this world!

And lastly, a true crowd-pleaser is the Apfelstrudel. This dessert is probably one of the most popular in all of Austria. It is basically an apple strudel, but the way it’s prepared in Austria makes it that much better! The pastry is paper thin, meaning through a single layer of the pastry you could read a newspaper. Inside it is filled with chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, raisins and bread crumbs. In some areas they include a few drops of rum as well It is then topped with some powdered sugar and ready for you to taste!

Austria has a variety of delicacies, we suggest trying them all! (especially the desserts!) Be adventurous, sometimes it’s best not to investigate every ingredient in a dish, rather just make sure you’re not allergic to anything within it (you can ask you server, many speak English). It’s also best sometimes to visit the smaller, off-the-main-street type restaurants, they tend to have a more traditional menu.

Use the trains in Austria to visit all of these great regions. Taking a train is not just a way to get from one city to the next, but rather, it turns into part of your experience. You may meet a nice local who can give you advice on what to see and do next, maybe even invite you over for a home cooked meal! (well, anything can happen, that’s what makes traveling so much fun!) Using an Austria railpass you have the freedom to go where you want, when you want, a great freedom to have as you journey through the country!

As you travel, just remember, you don’t know how long it will be until you get back there, so you might as well go for it and try as much as you can. You don’t want to regret not trying something when you return back home. And keep in mind, you can have McDonald’s when you’re back home, don’t visit a familiar fast food joint while traveling abroad, especially when you’re surrounded by such spectacular cuisine!