A brand-new sleeper train is launching this summer—and it’s set to become one of Europe’s most exciting new ways to explore the continent.
Starting in Warsaw, this overnight journey whisks you through six stunning countries—Poland, Czechia, Austria, Slovenia, Hungary and Croatia—before rolling into the sun-soaked coastal city of Rijeka.
The route covers around 1,200 kilometres, with highlights including Vienna by night and Ljubljana by morning. Travellers can board in the Polish capital and drift off to the rhythm of the tracks, waking up to a fresh view, no airport queues in sight.
The inaugural service departs Friday 27 June, running until the end of August. Operating several days a week in both directions, it’s an ideal option for summer adventurers who want to make the most of their time without wasting a day in transit
And it couldn’t come at a better time. In 2024, train travel across Europe hit a new high—with over 429 billion kilometres travelled on the rails. It’s not just a trend, it’s a movement: more travellers are choosing the slower, scenic route over short-haul flights, especially once already on the continent.
UK travellers can still fly into Europe to begin their rail adventure—then let the train do the rest. With air-conditioned comfort, sleeper compartments, and multiple countries in one seamless journey, it’s easy to see why overnight rail is having a renaissance.
Whether you're new to rail travel or a seasoned interrailer, this sleeper train combines convenience with culture in a way few other routes can. Less hassle. More highlights. All while you sleep.
And this kind of trip? It’s exactly where I come in. From planning your flight connections to curating each stop along the way, I'll piece it all together so you don’t have to. No stress, no guesswork—just one seamless itinerary, sorted.
Getting Connected 📱
Okay, first things first - get yourself an eSIM before you leave! We paid £10 for 10GB and honestly? Best value for money we've spent! We only used about 3GB even with constant Google Maps usage (which you'll need!), posting on social media, and staying connected with home.
Money Stuff 💳
Here's something that surprised us - Japan isn't as card-friendly as you might think! Do yourself a favour and get an IC card (we went with Suica). If you've got an iPhone, it's really easy - just download it to your wallet and top up as needed. No iPhone? No worries! Grab a physical card at the airport.
You can use it for:
Pro tip: Keep some cash on you! Many places (even some restaurants you wouldn't expect) are cash-only. You can either bring Japanese yen from home or use ATMs there.
Getting Around 🚃
Can we talk about how amazing Japanese public transport is? It's like a beautiful, perfectly choreographed dance! We spent about £160 each on our Suica card for all our local transport (including airport transfers) - such great value! Just remember to book your bullet train separately if you're planning to zip between cities like we did.
Google Maps will be your best friend - it tells you exactly which platform to go to and even which train car to board. How cool is that?
Quick heads up on train etiquette (because no one wants to be that tourist!):
Packing Smart 🎒
Let me save you some stress - travel light! We each took just a carry-on suitcase and a backpack, and it was the best decision ever. Some subway stations have more stairs than a StairMaster workout, and not all of them have lifts. Your arms will thank me later! If you’re concerned about running out of clothes most hotels have laundry areas where you can wash your clothes so no need to pack those ‘just in case’ extras. We made sure to have our rain coats and an umbrella as you can get a few rainy days and of course good comfortable shoes for all the walking
Language Tips 🗣️
Download Google Translate before you go - it's an absolute lifesaver! We used it for everything from decoding menus to having lovely chats with locals. There's even this cool feature where you can have a whole conversation through it!
Food Talk 🍜
Oh boy, where do I start? The food scene is incredible, but it can be a bit tricky to navigate at first. Here's what we learned:
Day 1: Hello, Osaka!
Landed jet-lagged but excited! First mission: authentic Yakitori and Yakitori Gappo delighted our palates. Let me tell you - airport food will never be the same after this!
Day 2: Osaka Exploration
Found the cutest traditional coffee house (Kissaten) where the sweetest owners spent ages showing us their guidebooks and marking their favourite spots. Then hit all the Osaka highlights:
Special shoutout to the craft beer scene - Stephen was in heaven!
Day 3: Kobe Calling! 🚃
Hopped on a quick 30-minute train to Kobe and guess what? We completely ignored the famous beef (I know, shocking!) because we found something even better - the magical Nunobiki Herb Gardens!
Picture this: gliding up Mount Maya in a cable car, watching the city shrink beneath you, then stepping into what feels like a secret paradise. We spent hours wandering through 12 different garden areas (the paths and cable cars are wheelchair accessible - genius design!), explored a gorgeous glasshouse full of tropical plants, and had the most perfect afternoon tea at The Veranda with views that'll make your jaw drop!
Headed back to Osaka for dinner and found this hidden gem called Scales - if you're a poke bowl fan like me, you NEED to go here!
Day 4: Kyoto Bound! 🏯
Started our day with the loveliest breakfast by the river in Osaka (perfect way to say goodbye to the city!) before jumping on the train to Kyoto. Talk about a vibe shift - you can feel the history in the air here!
Spent the afternoon getting lost in Nishiki Market (aka Kyoto's Kitchen) - the covered arcade is just endless food heaven! Then had the most interesting dinner experience - Japanese-Italian fusion at To. Trust me, it works! Who knew soy sauce and parmesan were meant to be best friends?
Day 5: Culture Overload! 🎎
Oh. My. Goodness. What a day! Joined a small group walking tour that was perfect. Got to explore:
But the absolute highlight? Learning the art of the traditional tea ceremony! Every single movement has meaning - it's like a beautiful, meditative dance with tea.
And then we accidentally overordered in a local sushi restaurant. No regrets though - every piece was perfection!
Day 6: Bamboo Forest Adventures! 🎋
Pro tip: Early bird catches the peaceful bamboo forest! Got to Arashiyama by 8:30am and even then people were starting to pour in. But those morning light rays filtering through the bamboo... pure magic!
The gardens at Tenryu-ji Temple were like something from a dream - watching koi fish glide around while taking in those spectacular views. Then we found the secret viewpoints above the bamboo forest (a bit of a climb but SO worth it!). So peaceful away from the crowds.
Evening brought us to this tiny 16-seat restaurant called La Boucle where one incredibly talented chef created the most amazing French-inspired dishes while simultaneously serving and cleaning. It was like watching a perfectly choreographed one-man show!
Day 7: Tokyo Time! 🗼
Treated ourselves to the Green Car on the bullet train (fancy first class vibes!) and seriously, best decision ever. Lovely comfy seats and watching Japan zip by at 320km/h is pretty cool!
Explored our new neighbourhood around Asakusa:
Day 8: Shibuya Scramble! 🚶♂️
Finally saw the famous Shibuya Crossing in person! You know those videos you've seen of thousands of people crossing from all directions? It's even more impressive in real life! And somehow nobody bumps into each other - it's like a perfectly choreographed urban dance!
Spent hours just soaking in the atmosphere, people-watching (Tokyo street fashion is NEXT LEVEL), and eventually found this cozy little wine bar called Okachimachi Wine bar Hachijuro to watch the city transform as night fell.
Day 9: Nature's Grand Finale! 🌿
Here's a funny story - we planned a quick 2-hour train ride to Nikko... that turned into 4 hours because we didn't realize we needed to book the express train! 🤦♀️ (Don't worry, we learned our lesson and booked the return trip!)
But you know what? That slower journey through the Japanese countryside was actually kind of magical. And Nikko? Worth every minute of that train ride! While everyone else was hitting up the famous temples, we found this incredible botanical garden that felt like our own private paradise. What a perfect way to end our Japanese adventure!
This is where I come in! As a travel consultant who's just experienced all of this firsthand, I'd love to help you plan your own Japanese adventure. Whether you're a foodie, culture buff, or just want to experience this incredible country, I can help make it happen!
Got questions? Want to start planning? Drop me a message!
I'm a WhatsApp away 07917 607 510
Alternatively book a video call with me https://calendly.com/chatwithsandra/holiday-consultation
When we think of summer holidays, the image of sandy beaches and crashing waves often comes to mind. But there's a whole world of exciting, alternative holidays waiting to be explored! Whether you're looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation, travelling solo, as a couple or with a family, these nine summer holidays offer something for everyone. So why not break away from the traditional beach holiday and try something new!
Escape the summer heat by heading to the mountains. From the majestic Rockies to the serene Swiss Alps, mountain retreats provide a perfect setting for hiking, nature walks, and breathtaking views. Enjoy fresh air, stunning landscapes, and the chance to reconnect with nature.
Immerse your family in the rich history and vibrant culture of cities like Rome, Paris, Tokyo, or New York. Explore ancient landmarks, world-class museums, and indulge in local cuisines. City tours offer endless opportunities for learning and fun, making them a great choice for curious minds.
National parks are a treasure trove of natural wonders and wildlife. Places like Yellowstone in USA, Kruger National in South Africa, and Yala in Sri Lanka offer hiking, camping, and scenic drives that will leave you in awe. Witness geysers, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife in their natural habitats.
Swap the ocean for a tranquil lake setting. Lakes like Windermere, Como, and the Great Lakes offer a plethora of water activities, including kayaking, fishing, and boating. Enjoy the serene beauty of a lakeside holidays, complete with family picnics and evening campfires.
Set sail on a river cruise along iconic waterways such as the Danube, Nile, or Mississippi. River cruises combine relaxation with the excitement of exploring different ports and cities. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, delicious food, and guided tours of historic sites along the way.
Bring out the inner child in everyone by visiting themed amusement parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios, or LEGOLAND. These parks offer a mix of thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and themed attractions that cater to all ages, ensuring a fun-filled family holiday.
Make a difference while traveling by participating in a volunteering trip. These trips provide an opportunity to engage in meaningful work, such as supporting local communities, wildlife conservation, or environmental projects. It's a rewarding way to spend your summer and teach your kids the value of giving back.
Explore picturesque countryside landscapes on a biking tour. Ride through charming villages, scenic vineyards, and beautiful farmlands, staying at quaint inns or bed and breakfasts along the way. It's an active and immersive way to experience new places and cultures.
Hit the road for an educational and adventurous journey through history. Travel iconic routes like Route 66 in the USA, Romantic Road in Germany or the Garden Route in South Africa visiting historical sites and experiencing beautiful scenery. Road trips offer flexibility and the chance to create lasting memories together.
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