MASTERS puts this trip on track

Going on holiday by car or plane is of course great fun, but you can also take a different tack this summer! Get ready for an adventure where the train is your best friend. With the sunny weather at the destinations, the beautiful beaches and picturesque towns, there are several itineraries that make planning your sunny adventure in Europe super easy.Text: Mical Joseph

A Scandinavian summer

In contrast to winter, the days in Scandinavia are wonderfully long in summer. The snow has melted, the frozen lakes are thawing and everything is blossoming again! Are you planning to go to the far north? Then take the train with Copenhagen in Denmark as the departure point. And when you are in the Danish capital, visit the Amager Strandpark. There is no better place to spend a sultry summer day, when in Denmark. The artificial island has almost four kilometers of beach. Do you like adventure? Then take the train to Skinnskatteberg in Sweden for a Scandi safari. There are many wild animals in Scandinavia, such as moose and bears. In short: in the middle of nature. From Skinnskatteberg you travel to Bergen and Oslo where you will see amazing nature and beautiful views coming your way. And do you like festivals? Then you shouldn't miss Roskilde in Denmark. This multi-day festival is held in the open air and attracts major international artists. After Denmark you leave for Balestrand, Norway. A perfect destination for hiking in the mountains, with views of the fjords, glaciers and Norwegian pictures. The trip is almost over, but first we have to go to Stockholm. This Swedish capital has a large network of islands. The archipelago is perfect for anyone who likes to swim, sail or kayak.

From Paris to Geneva

Start your journey in the French city of love: Paris. Climb the historic steps of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and admire the view over the city, visit the endless possibilities of smaller and larger museums and of course don't forget the Eiffel Tower. From Paris you take the train to Strasbourg where you explore the Gothic cathedral of Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, take a boat trip on the river and eat delicious flammkeuchen with a glass of wine. From France we go to Konstanz, Germany. This German-Swiss border town has a beautiful view of Lake Constance, also called Bodensee in German. You can go by boat, but a bike ride is also possible. The entire route around the water is 270 kilometers long and crosses no fewer than three countries. For when you have too much time. And before you leave for Zurich, relax at the Bodensee-Therme thermal baths. By train to Zurich you first walk through the city and explore the endless sights. Do you want to look higher? Then go to the top of Mount Rigi. You can reach this by cable car and boat. Your journey continues on the Bernina Express to Chur, chic St. Moritz and you arrive in Tirano, Italy. The breathtaking alpine landscape and a walk through the vineyards make this town definitely worth it. Do you want even more art and culture? Get back on the train and drive to Milan. Enjoy the various bars and restaurants. There is plenty to do. After seeing all these cities you are almost at your final destination: Geneva. Be inspired by the art galleries and museums, enjoy a mighty cheese fondue and visit the Chateau de Chillon, the famous medieval fortress.

The Mediterranean Sea, always a good idea

The following sunny destinations are good places to stay in the summer. So it's time to get ready for the Mediterranean. Beautiful sea views, Burgundian life around you and delicious food and drinks. Your train journey starts in Valencia, Spain. It is the third largest city in Spain and has a vibrant city center. The architecture is a perfect mix of classic meets modern. When MASTERS talks about architecture: Barcelona cannot be missed in your itinerary. Take the train from Valencia to Barca and see Gaudí's buildings, enjoy delicious tapas and dance the night away. After a day, evening and night full of adventure, the train leaves for Montpellier, France. This city is located in the south of France and is known for its special architecture. Visit the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-Pierre and many other beautiful places. The train then continues to Marseille, Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo and then crosses the border into Italy. There the train passes Savona, Genoa, Pisa, Livorno and has the always beautiful Rome as its final station.

Plan your trip here.