Throughout the 84-mile, six-hour round-trip, we passed inland lochs, sea lochs, dramatic mountains a

Generally speaking, taking the train is a convenient, comfortable and cost-effective way of getting from one destination to the next and it is always a great way to sit back, relax and take in amazing sights.
The Jacobite Steam Train, in the wildly beautiful Scottish Highlands, is considered one of the great rail journeys in the world. cruise vacation travel The train begins at Fort William, the largest town in the Highlands, and ends in Mallaig.
During our trip we crossed the 21-arched concrete Glenfinnan viaduct, the bridge made famous as a film location on Harry Potter, and the carriages we sat in were provided for the Hogwarts Express. The Jacobite has become known around the world as the Harry Potter train.
Throughout the 84-mile, six-hour round-trip, we passed inland lochs, sea lochs, dramatic mountains and glens until reaching the Atlantic Ocean at Mallaig, an important and busy fishing port and ferry terminal for the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides.
While following The Road to the Isles, we steam past Ben Nevis the highest mountain in Britain and continue to climb the majestic mountains surrounding Glenfinnan with spectacular views of the Glenfinnan Monument.
If you take this tour in the summer, it can be done in a day. If not, you ll need to include an overnight stop. You begin by taking the fairy-tale Bergen Railway train journey from Oslo or Bergen to Myrdal.
For about an hour, the view through the window changes from sky-high, snow-covered mountains to thundering waterfalls and ending cruise vacation travel in the rolling green pastures at the foot of the Aurlandsfjord, where you board your boat and begin your short cruise through the drop-dead-gorgeous fjords and massive snow-capped peaks.
Tip: Weather does matter and, like The Jacobite, a long, clear summer day is what to hope for in order to experience all the natural beauty and views. Keep your fingers crossed. Remember, you will need reservations, expect crowds especially in the summer vacation months and dress comfortably and in layers.
Germany: The trains are efficient in Germany, and I have traveled cruise vacation travel several times aboard the sleek and comfortable cruise vacation travel InterCity Express. These high-speed trains are among the fastest in Europe, reaching speeds of 175 mph and offering first-class service, panoramic windows and dining cars. These trains are used to connect German cities and towns as well as neighboring countries.
Britain: Brit Rail is an excellent way to travel to the bustling cruise vacation travel cities, seaside villages and rolling farmlands and countryside throughout Great Britain. You can take the train from London to Wales or Scotland.
Train travel throughout Europe can be confusing, and because it is so popular with the locals and tourists that I highly recommend securing reservations with a trusted travel agent before leaving the country. Also, be sure to ask about all the rail passes and special rail discounts. There are many to choose from, and they vary from high to low season.
LISTEN UP: On Saturday s Let s Talk Travel With AAA, Susan Cloyd, the product development manager for CIE Tours International an award-winning tour company specializing in Ireland will be Sandy Fenton s in-studio guest.