Regensburg to Geneva train

Lying in the southwest of Germany along the Danube River, Regensburg is one of the most picturesque cities in the country, thanks to its well-preserved medieval city centre. Regensburg is also one of the oldest towns in Germany, founded by the Romans in 179 AD.

To experience the city's ancient history, place the Old Town at the top of your itinerary. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 1,000 monuments and relics dating to the Roman Empire, each surprisingly well-preserved. In the Middle Ages, the Old Town was a fast-growing merchant city that often received goods from China and India, and this transcontinental exchange influenced Regensburg's culture and architecture.

In contrast to the city's extensive history, Regensburg also has a large student population. The students give the town a modern, laid-back feel, and the many contemporary bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops cater to this younger crowd and visitors alike.

Regensburg is also renowned for its coffee. Coffee-lovers will struggle to walk through the streets without landing in one of the many cafes, each offering a beverage as exciting as the last. Bring a spare bag to take home as much of the hand-crafted German coffee you can carry.

Regensburg is located close to Munich and Nuremberg's international airports. The central train station is also well-connected to the rest of the country and parts of Europe via ICE, IC, and EC trains. Coach carriers including FlixBus and Sindbad operate affordable ground travel to destinations like Prague, Krakow, and Vienna.

On the banks of Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps, discover the polished and cosmopolitan city of Geneva. As the headquarters of many of the world's biggest organizations, including the World Health Organisation and World Trade Organisation, Geneva can look a little businesslike on the exterior. Still, once you scratch the surface, you'll find there's a lot more to this city than it seems.

Start in the Old Town, often regarded as the most scenic part of the city. The Old Town encompasses the area around the Cathedrale Saint-Pierre, and it's filled with many local boutiques and cafes. Then, to see just how old Geneva is, visit the archaeological remains of a 4th-century basilica beneath the cathedral. Next, walk along the Rue du Rhone or the Rue du Marche to see the expensive side of Geneva, home to many high-end shops and watchmakers; just remember, the price tags are not for the faint of heart!

As Lake Geneva is one of the largest bodies of water in Western Europe, it has naturally attracted the attention of watersports enthusiasts. Water skiing and sailing are some of the more popular activities, but you can also swim in the crystal clear waters of the lake. If traditional skiing is more your style, take a bus across the French border to Chamonix, where you can take a cable car up Mont-Blanc.

Coach service connects Geneva to more than the Alps, though. Carriers like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus offer routes to Geneva from cities like Paris and Milan. Plus, Geneva is well-connected by its large international airport and train station, so you really have no reason to skip a visit to this gem.