1 month in Europe: An alternative tour
Eurail staff
Updated on 7 May 2025
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Ready to spend a month exploring continental Europe? Instead of stopping in Europe's busiest hotspots, this itinerary will take you to lesser-visited but equally unforgettable destinations.
Begin in Glasgow and take the train south through Britain, across the English Channel, all the way to Paris. From there, you'll make a circle through eight countries before returning back to Scotland. Along the way, you'll walk along Europe's largest harbour, see Europe's oldest university and get a close-up look at the Julian Alps.
One tip, before we get started: to break up long travel days and experience even more of Europe, consider spending the night in your stopover cities along the way (for example, on your way from Rotterdam to Leipzig, spend a day or two exploring Frankfurt). Wherever your journey takes you, we hope you enjoy the ride.
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Interrail Global Pass
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10 days in 2 months
- Glasgow, Scotland 🏴
- Paris, France 🇫🇷
- Ghent, Belgium 🇧🇪
- Rotterdam, the Netherlands 🇳🇱
- Leipzig, Germany 🇩🇪
- Graz, Austria 🇦🇹
- Ljubljana, Slovenia 🇸🇮
- Bologna, Italy 🇮🇹
- Lyon, France 🇫🇷
- Paris, France 🇫🇷
- Glasgow, Scotland 🏴
Trip details
Your journey begins in Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland.
Glasgow, Scotland
What to do:
- Fuel up for your adventure a stop at MILK Cafe or Soulfood Sisters restaurant. Both eateries work to support and uplift immigrant women in Glasgow.
- Pick up some train snacks — breads, fruits, cheese and beyond — at Locavore’s grocery shops, which strives to sell sustainably produced food at an affordable price.
- Need any last minute supplies for your holiday? Visit the Barras Market, a vast and eclectic assembly of stalls selling vintage clothing, antiques and beyond.
Suggested route
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From: Glasgow Central
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To: Paris Nord
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Average travel time: 8 hours, 48 minutes
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Transfers: 1
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Seat reservations: Required
View train connections and reservation options in the timetable.
Canal St. Martin runs 4.5 kilometres through multiple neighbourhoods in Paris.
Paris, France
What to do:
- Take a stroll down the tree-lined Canal St. Martin and experience multiple Parisian neighborhoods as you walk from the Port de l'Arsenal to the La Villette canal basin.
- Sip tea and savour tagine and couscous at the Grande Mosquée de Paris’ restaurant.
- Need a book to read on the train? Get in the travel spirit with a visit to Les Traversées bookshop in the ultra-charming 5th arrondissement.
Suggested route
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From: Paris Nord
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To: Gand-Saint-Pierre
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Average travel time: 1 hour, 56 minutes
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Transfers: 1
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Seat reservations: Required
View train connections and reservation options in the timetable.
Two rivers, the Lys and the Scheldt, meander through Ghent, adding to the city's striking beauty.
Ghent, Belgium
What to do:
- Don't miss St. Bavo Cathedral, filled with famous artwork such as the Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers.
- Take a stroll through Ghent's medieval centre, where the city's large student population contributes to a lively atmosphere.
- Find art and music across the city during the Gentse Feesten, a spectacular 10-day festival held in July.
Suggested route
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From: Gand-Saint-Pierre
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To: Rotterdam Centraal
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Average travel time: 1 hour, 52 minutes
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Transfers: 1
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Seat reservations: Not required
View train connections and reservation options in the timetable.
The Erasmus Bridge connects the northern and southern parts of Rotterdam, crossing the New Maas River.
Rotterdam, the Netherlands
What to do:
- Take in the sight of Rotterdam's unique, futuristic skyline, which stands in sharp contrast to other Dutch cities, such as Amsterdam and Utrecht.
- Don't miss Rotterdam's architectural landmarks, including the Erasmus Bridge and Foodhallen.
- Up for a concert? See live music at one of Rotterdam's many venues.
Suggested route
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From: Rotterdam Centraal
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To: Leipzig Hbf
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Average travel time: 8 hours, 4 minutes
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Transfers: 2
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Seat reservations: Not required
View train connections and reservation options in the timetable.
During the warmer months, travellers can rent kayaks and explore Leipzig's Karl-Heine-Canal.
Leipzig, Germany
What to do:
- Leipzig has been called the "New Berlin" for years, due to its vast creative scene. Begin with a visit the Spinnerei Art Centre, a former cotton spinning mill that is now home to more than 100 artists' studios.
- Visit St. Nicholas Church, where Johann Sebastian Bach once played the organ.
- Rent a kayak and paddle down the Karl-Heine-Canal, which links the Lindenau harbour with the White Elster River.
Suggested route
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From: Leipzig Hbf
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To: Graz Hbf
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Average travel time: 9 hours, 15 minutes
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Transfers: 2
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Seat reservations: Not required
View train connections and reservation options in the timetable.
This famous clocktower, a symbol of Graz, can be spotted from many different neighbourhoods across the city.
Graz, Austria
What to do:
- Travel back in time at Eggenberg Palace, constructed in the 1600s. With 365 windows, 24 state rooms, 52 doors and other references to the calendar, the palace feels like a representation of time itself.
- See Graz’s modern architecture with a visit to Kunsthaus Graz (nicknamed “the friendly alien”) and the snail-like Island in the Mur.
- Sample Styrian cuisine at the Kaiser Josef and Lendplatz farmers markets.
Suggested route
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From: Graz Hbf
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To: Ljubljana
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Average travel time: 3 hours, 22 minutes
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Transfers: 0
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Seat reservations: Not required
View train connections and reservation options in the timetable.
Ljubljana is famous for its ornate bridges, which criss-cross over the Ljubljanica River that runs through the centre of its old town.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
What to do:
- Get a bird’s eye view of the city with a short hike or tram ride up to Ljubljana Castle
- Learn the art of umbrella repair by taking a class at Marija Lah's umbrella mending studio
- Experience the beauty of the Julian Alps with a day trip to Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj or Triglav National Park.
Suggested route
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From: Ljubljana
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To: Bologna Centrale
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Average travel time: 7 hours, 2 minutes
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Transfers: 2
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Seat reservations: Required
View train connections and reservation options in the timetable.
Piazza Maggiore, in the centre of Bologna, is surrounded by the Basilica of San Petronio and four palazzos.
Bologna, Italy
What to do:
- Spend an afternoon strolling through Bologna's long porticoes and along its hidden canals.
- Visit the University of Bologna, the crown jewel of this lively city, dating back to the year 1088.
- Climb to the top of the Clock Tower for a breathtaking view of Bologna.
Suggested route
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From: Bologna Centrale
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To: Lyon Part Dieu
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Average travel time: 7 hours, 34 minutes
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Transfers: 2
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Seat reservations: Required
View train connections and reservation options in the timetable.
Lyon Cathedral, shown in the distance in this photo, was built beginning in the 12th century.
Lyon, France
What to do:
- Lyon, home to more than 4,000 restaurants, is said to be the gastronomical capital of France.
- Signs of the city's history and architectural variety are everywhere you turn, from the ancient Roman theatre to the futuristic Musée des Confluences.
- When you're ready to go, use your remaining two travel days to make the journey from Lyon to Paris and Paris back to Glasgow.
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