Get inspired: 15 destinations in Europe to visitGet inspired: 15 destinations in Europe

Are you in dire need of some inspiration for your next getaway by train? Discover 15 European destinations to satisfy all your travel desires. If you’re a culture vulture, then head to Basel or Porto. Are timeless classics more your thing? Then set out to explore Paris or Rome. And if it’s nature you’re looking for, travel to Stari Grad or the Wild Taiga.

Basel

01 | Porto – The Portuguese city that combines heritage with good living. Ribeira, the historical centre, was built on the hills overlooking the Douro river. Don't miss the Palacio da Bolsa, the São Francisco church or the port wine cellars mainly located along the river at Vila Nova de Gaia.

02 | MilanContrasting the dynamic, with the modern, Milan is THE big Italian city. Viewed as a centre for design and fashion, the city has a rich architectural and artistic past: the Duomo, the galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II, the famous La Scala opera house and the old quarter of Brera are just several examples. Not to mention the food!

03 | Gdansk – The pearl of the Baltic, the thousand-year-old city, has many faces. The old town was carefully reconstructed after being completely razed to the ground during the Second World War and has recovered its former splendour as a Hanseatic city.

04 | Athens – It is impossible to mention Athens without talking about its incredible history. The Greek capital founded by Theseus is littered with exquisite sites: the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus, the Erechtheion, Mount Lycabettus and the National Archaeological Museum.

05 | San Sebastián – Located in the north of the country on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea, San Sebastián's reputation is based on the incredible beauty of its bay, la Concha. The city also has a rich cultural identity, countryside to take your breath away and delicious food!

06 | Sozopol – A city favoured by artists, Sozopol is one of the most lovely and picturesque places on the Bulgarian coast. Don't miss the entirely preserved city centre and the small restaurants selling fresh fish.

07 | Vienna – Discover the surprising traditional and modern architecture visible in the Imperial Palace, the National Opera and the Am Steinhof church. Don't forget to wander down Ringstrasse, the most beautiful boulevard in the world. PS: take a break at hotel Sacher to taste the mythical Sachertorte.

Milano

08 | Stari Grad – This destination on the island of Hvar is seducing more and more travellers. UNESCO has added Stari Grad plain to its world heritage list. This cultural space has remained practically intact since the fourth century.

09 | Basel – The cultural city loved by hedonists offers 40 museums (!) and has a beautiful old town as well as modern architecture. It also has much greenery to offer including botanical gardens, parks and the banks of the Rhine perfect for an afternoon stroll.

10 | Madrid – Whether you love art or a fiesta, and whether you are a shopaholic or a real foodie, vibrant and captivating Madrid knows how to put on a good welcome.

11 | Rotterdam – A port city that is a little raw, but also elegant and artistic. Rotterdam is THE city for architecture. Don't miss the Markthal, the cubist houses, the Westelijk Handelsterrein quarter and the museums.

12 | Rome – The region surrounding Rome is a kaleidoscope of diversity that features sea, hills, lakes and rivers, cuisine and vineyards. You might prefer a more classical visit to see the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Sistine Chapel and much more. There is so much to see in the Italian capital.

13 | Paris – The legendary capital, the City of Lights is a mix of a rich historical past and modernity. There is a surprise waiting around every street corner in this dreamy destination for a weekend (or longer).

14 | Bonifacio – The most southern city of Corsica benefits from a unique view: chalky cliffs overlooked by its medieval city, picture-postcard countryside and a veritable open-air museum.

15 | Wild Taiga – This region of Finland that borders Russia is home to immense pine woods where you can observe bears and reindeer. Treat yourself to break away from it all in an area that resembles the 'Great Wild North' of collective imagination.

Madrid