With Europe’s airports in a state of disarray, it may be time to discover some of the continent’s great train journeys. Travelling from a train station involves a lot less hassle than an international airport and splurging on a first-class railway ticket feels a lot more reasonable than current flight prices in many parts of the world.
Here are five spectacular railway journeys to consider.
The Cinque Terre, Italy
The local train for La Spezia, which pulls out of Genova’s bustling central station, takes its time winding along a 120-kilometre stretch, slowly rumbling for two and a half hours along the spectacular Ligurian coast between two of Italy’s major maritime ports.
While the early stops and picturesque seaside views are already beguiling, as chic holidaymakers descend at Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure, en route for the mythical resort of Portofino, the crucial part of the journey begins when the train pulls into Monterosso.
This is the first of the Cinque Terre, five idyllic villages of brightly painted fishermen’s and farmer’s cottages that tumble down jagged dead-end headlands jutting out into the sea. For centuries, the Cinque Terre were virtually cut off from the rest of Italy, and today there is still no road link, only this tiny train, whose station is still a good walk down to the edge of each village.
After Monterosso, the train slips in and out of mountain tunnels, stopping each time it arrives at the next Terra — Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, each unique in its own way. The coastline is Unesco protected, with no modern development, and most visitors arrive and depart the same day on the train.
A maze of narrow footpaths along the steep cliffs links each village, so you can leave the train at Manarola for example, enjoy a plate of traditional pasta al pesto overlooking the sea, then walk on to Riomaggiore to pick up the train again to La Spezia or back to Genova. A one way Genova to La Spezia ticket costs €8 (Dh36)
Royal Scotsman, Scotland
Some of the world’s most famous train journeys have been immaculately operated for years by the luxury hotel group, Belmond.
Apart from the signature Orient Simplon Express from London to Venice, Belmond's classic trains climb through the mountains and plains of the Andes in Peru and traverse the rice paddies and tropical jungles of South-East Asia, weaving up from Singapore, through Malaysia to Bangkok.
But it is one of its more discrete European routes that really delivers a memorable journey — the mythical Royal Scotsman. This opulent palace on wheels sets off from Glasgow station and follows a route that goes through the wild hills and glens of the Western Highlands.
Average trips last five days, and with luxurious vintage cabins, fine dining and even a carriage converted into a spa, the price reflects that this is a very special occasion. Depending on which journey you choose, the trip may pass through unforgettable sights such as Loch Lomond and Ben Nevis, but also include stop-offs at an artisan smoked salmon producer, a tour of majestic Glamis castle, a round of golf or a spot of clay pigeon shooting in a local laird’s private estate. A top viewing point has to be as the train crosses Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous the world over by Harry Potter’s adventures. Tickets costs from €4500 (Dh20,280)
The Glacier Express, Switzerland
Don’t be misled by the name of Switzerland’s most famous train. This is no express ride, as it takes almost eight hours to traverse the 290 kilometres that separate two of the most famous Alpine ski resorts, Zermatt and St Moritz.
Average speed is only 38 kilometres per hour, but don’t think you will need a book to read or a Spotify music list to keep you awake, as you won’t be able to take your eyes off the ever-changing mountain scenery, visible through wide panoramic windows.
At its highest point, the narrow gauge railway rises to a little more than 2,000 metres, and when you discover that the line has only been running since 1930, it is hardly surprising, as engineers had to work in extreme conditions to construct the staggering 291 bridges and 91 tunnels.
From the foot of the Matterhorn at Zermatt, the Express cuts through the dazzling valleys and glaciers of the central Swiss Alps until it reaches the exclusive glitzy playground of St Moritz. Along the way, it is not just the natural beauty that catches the eye, but examples of the age-old Alpine lifestyle, with tiny clusters of ornate wooden chalets surrounding an onion-domed church, herds of cows, medieval castles and isolated farms.
The trains are ultra modern, equipped with a comfortable dining wagon serving traditional Swiss cuisine, and there is not even a huge difference in first and second class comfort. One way tickets are €135 (Dh608) for second class and €237 (Dh1,070) for first class.
Baie de Somme Railway, France
The estuary of the Somme river is one of France’s best kept secrets, an unspoilt natural paradise.
These immense wetlands change dramatically with the tide. Sweeping sand dunes appear at low tide, resembling an arid desert that is rapidly filled by the sea at high tide, creating a natural harbour where a thousand years ago, William the Conqueror hid his fleet before crossing the Channel to successfully invade England in 1066.
Two delightfully old-fashioned seaside resorts sit opposite each other across the bay, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and Le Crotoy. Adventurous trekkers can join the daily low-tide eco-walk across the estuary, but for train fans, nothing compares to chugging round the estuary on the antiquated steam engine of the grandly-named Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme.
The volunteers running this now private railway have renovated half-a-dozen ancient steam engines, the oldest dating from 1889, which saw service in the Panama Canal. Passengers climb on board at Saint Valery-sur-Somme, a genteel, picture-postcard village, with fishing and sailing boats bobbing in the port, imposing medieval ramparts, and a long waterside boardwalk lined with sumptuous 19th-century villas that were artistic retreats for the likes of Victor Hugo and Jules Verne, Alfred Sisley and Degas.
The track follows the edge of the estuary, passing fields of grazing sheep and migratory birds that range from herons and storks to egrets, swans and spoonbills.
Across the bay, the final stop is Le Crotoy, a charmingly old-fashioned holiday resort with donkey rides and amusement arcades, as well as offbeat excursions ranging from seal and bird spotting to helping fishermen harvest local mussels. The one-hour trip is a bargain at €12 (Dh55)
Oslo to Bergen, Norway
The Bergen Railway runs for about 800kms miles though Norway’s magnificent mountains, lakes, rivers and fjords, beginning at the national capital of Oslo and ending at Bergen, a distinguished Hanseatic port that is the gateway to the Arctic and home to celebrated Norwegians such as composer Edvard Grieg and painter Edvard Munch.
The train is always full of adventure tourists, who pile out at varying stops to join nature trekking trails, mountain bike paths and, when the snow covers the scenery, winter sports stations offering downhill and cross-country skiing.
The highlight of the trip is when the train pulls into Myrdal, when nearly everyone transfers over to the unique branch line to Flams. Rated one of Norway’s top tourist attractions and described as the world’s most beautiful railway journey, the Flamsbana does not disappoint.
In only one hour, the retro train travels almost 1,000 metres steeply downhill to Flams on the panoramic Aurlandsfjord, perilously descending for 20 kilometres, along vertiginous mountain tracks, cascading waterfalls and fast-flowing river gorges.
A return ride on the Flamsbana costs €45 (Dh202). Bear in mind that reaching Bergen by train could just be the first part of an unforgettable journey, as the Hurtigruten, Norway’s coastal steamer that acts both as a cargo and passenger line, sets sail from Bergen on its slow epic voyage into the Arctic Circle up to the North Cape. Oslo to Bergen costs from 400 Norwegian krone (Dh172).
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The 12 Syrian entities delisted by UK
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Defence
General Intelligence Directorate
Air Force Intelligence Agency
Political Security Directorate
Syrian National Security Bureau
Military Intelligence Directorate
Army Supply Bureau
General Organisation of Radio and TV
Al Watan newspaper
Cham Press TV
Sama TV
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
In numbers
1,000 tonnes of waste collected daily:
- 800 tonnes converted into alternative fuel
- 150 tonnes to landfill
- 50 tonnes sold as scrap metal
800 tonnes of RDF replaces 500 tonnes of coal
Two conveyor lines treat more than 350,000 tonnes of waste per year
25 staff on site
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
'Panga'
Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Starring Kangana Ranaut, Richa Chadha, Jassie Gill, Yagya Bhasin, Neena Gupta
Rating: 3.5/5
Day 2, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Dinesh Chandimal has inherited a challenging job, after being made Sri Lanka’s Test captain. He responded in perfect fashion, with an easy-natured century against Pakistan. He brought up three figures with a majestic cover drive, which he just stood and admired.
Stat of the day – 33 It took 33 balls for Dilruwan Perera to get off the mark. His time on zero was eventful enough. The Sri Lankan No 7 was given out LBW twice, but managed to have both decisions overturned on review. The TV replays showed both times that he had inside edged the ball onto his pad.
The verdict In the two previous times these two sides have met in Abu Dhabi, the Tests have been drawn. The docile nature of proceedings so far makes that the likely outcome again this time, but both sides will be harbouring thoughts that they can force their way into a winning position.
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Saturday (UAE kick-off times)
Cologne v Union Berlin (5.30pm)
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Borussia Dortmund (5.30pm)
Hertha Berlin v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm)
Paderborn v Werder Bremen (5.30pm)
Wolfsburg v Freiburg (5.30pm)
Bayern Munich v Borussia Monchengladbach (8.30pm)
Sunday
Mainz v Augsburg (5.30pm)
Schalke v Bayer Leverkusen (8pm)
Tewellah by Nawal Zoghbi is out now.
ABU DHABI ORDER OF PLAY
Starting at 10am:
Daria Kasatkina v Qiang Wang
Veronika Kudermetova v Annet Kontaveit (10)
Maria Sakkari (9) v Anastasia Potapova
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova v Ons Jabeur (15)
Donna Vekic (16) v Bernarda Pera
Ekaterina Alexandrova v Zarina Diyas
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
FULL%20RESULTS
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to donate
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Zakat definitions
Zakat: an Arabic word meaning ‘to cleanse’ or ‘purification’.
Nisab: the minimum amount that a Muslim must have before being obliged to pay zakat. Traditionally, the nisab threshold was 87.48 grams of gold, or 612.36 grams of silver. The monetary value of the nisab therefore varies by current prices and currencies.
Zakat Al Mal: the ‘cleansing’ of wealth, as one of the five pillars of Islam; a spiritual duty for all Muslims meeting the ‘nisab’ wealth criteria in a lunar year, to pay 2.5 per cent of their wealth in alms to the deserving and needy.
Zakat Al Fitr: a donation to charity given during Ramadan, before Eid Al Fitr, in the form of food. Every adult Muslim who possesses food in excess of the needs of themselves and their family must pay two qadahs (an old measure just over 2 kilograms) of flour, wheat, barley or rice from each person in a household, as a minimum.
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Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
How to register as a donor
1) Organ donors can register on the Hayat app, run by the Ministry of Health and Prevention
2) There are about 11,000 patients in the country in need of organ transplants
3) People must be over 21. Emiratis and residents can register.
4) The campaign uses the hashtag #donate_hope
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
The biog
Simon Nadim has completed 7,000 dives.
The hardest dive in the UAE is the German U-boat 110m down off the Fujairah coast.
As a child, he loved the documentaries of Jacques Cousteau
He also led a team that discovered the long-lost portion of the Ines oil tanker.
If you are interested in diving, he runs the XR Hub Dive Centre in Fujairah
THE BIO
Occupation: Specialised chief medical laboratory technologist
Age: 78
Favourite destination: Always Al Ain “Dar Al Zain”
Hobbies: his work - “ the thing which I am most passionate for and which occupied all my time in the morning and evening from 1963 to 2019”
Other hobbies: football
Favorite football club: Al Ain Sports Club
Company%20profile
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THE BIO
BIO:
Born in RAK on December 9, 1983
Lives in Abu Dhabi with her family
She graduated from Emirates University in 2007 with a BA in architectural engineering
Her motto in life is her grandmother’s saying “That who created you will not have you get lost”
Her ambition is to spread UAE’s culture of love and acceptance through serving coffee, the country’s traditional coffee in particular.
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Coming 2 America
Directed by: Craig Brewer
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Jermaine Fowler, Leslie Jones
3/5 stars
Mia Man’s tips for fermentation
- Start with a simple recipe such as yogurt or sauerkraut
- Keep your hands and kitchen tools clean. Sanitize knives, cutting boards, tongs and storage jars with boiling water before you start.
- Mold is bad: the colour pink is a sign of mold. If yogurt turns pink as it ferments, you need to discard it and start again. For kraut, if you remove the top leaves and see any sign of mold, you should discard the batch.
- Always use clean, closed, airtight lids and containers such as mason jars when fermenting yogurt and kraut. Keep the lid closed to prevent insects and contaminants from getting in.
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
THE SPECS
Engine: 3.5-litre supercharged V6
Power: 416hp at 7,000rpm
Torque: 410Nm at 3,500rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Fuel consumption: 10.2 l/100km
Price: Dh375,000
On sale: now
Get Out
Director: Jordan Peele
Stars: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford
Four stars
