All seasoned travellers are familiar with flying - the aeroplane has revolutionised how we globetrot. But it's not the only way to get to a beautiful destination, and a much older method of transportation can actually be the theme of the holiday itself…

Take a moment to slow down, look at the gorgeous views, and enjoy a comfortable trip on the humble locomotive. We're suggesting that the next time you want to get away from it all, board a train instead. Not only is travelling this way more luxurious, but it's far more eco-friendly too.

Here are our recommendations of some of the best train routes you can take in Europe.

An overview of the Glenfinnan Viaduct (source)

Potter-heads will be very excited by this route - heading north on the Scottish West Highland Line, aka the Hogwarts Express.

You can ride on a Jacobite steam train and travel across Scotland for 5.5 hours. It'll take you through the lowlands of Glasgow to the highlands of Mallaig, which will give you fantastic views of the lochs and moorland. You might even spot mysterious castle ruins.

Most importantly, you'll get the chance to gaze at the Glenfinnan Viaduct. If it seems familiar, it's because the viaduct made an appearance in the Harry Potter film series. It consists of 21 arches to make an outstanding sight - snap many pictures to remember it!

When you return to Glasgow, treat yourself to a night in Yotel Glasgow. It places you right in the heart of Glasgow, and you'll be near Glasgow Central Station, so it's easy to get home after you've experienced the city. Plus, the express check-in and 24-hour front desk mean that getting in and out will be painless.

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St. Moritz at night (source)

The Glacier Express gives you some fine examples of the jaw-dropping alpine scenery of Switzerland. This journey takes 7.5 hours to complete, from Zermatt to St. Moritz. Excellent if you love skiing, this journey will connect you between two of the nation's best resorts.

As the train chugs along at 38 kph (24mph), you'll see 291 bridges, valleys, peaks, and even forests. Reminiscent of the West Highland Line, this train route displays stone viaducts that stand 61 metres high. You definitely won't miss a thing while looking out of the train's panoramic windows!

In addition, you'll revel in the exquisite meals they serve on the train. You and your companions will be spoiled with smoked trout, beef tartare, and glasses of champagne.

When you reach St. Moritz, stow your belongings away in a posh room at Hotel Laudinella. You'll enjoy stunning views of the lake and the Alps. If you're staying for more than two nights, then you can purchase a ski pass here, then go on your merry way to seek some thrills at the St. Moritz Ski Resort.

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Train travelling on Bernina Express (source)

If other Swiss routes pique your interest - and they really should - then the Bernina Express is another wonderful offering. This gorgeous train route takes you from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy. The trans-alpine trip winds you through the mountains in Prättigau and over the massive Zügen Gorge.

In Tirano, you can tour the Palazzo Salis to tantalise your eyes. The Baroque-period frescos in this 17th-century building will tell you lots about this city's history.

Stay a night (or two) in Hotel Centrale, where it's only a 10-minute walk from the Bernina Express train. You can hire bikes at reception to explore the area if you wish.

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Rock formation in the Cantabrian Sea (source)

Are you craving a long, luxurious holiday that'll whisk you away from the stresses of life? Then book yourself a spot on the El Transcantábrico sleeper train.

This journey's not for the faint of heart, as it'll span 4 to 8 days. You'll start in San Sebastián and end up in Santiago de Compostela - or the other way around - which is a journey of around 677 km (420 miles) of beautiful scenery.

You'll receive 5-star treatment in the 1923 Pullman coaches. The suites are elegant and have jacuzzi ensuite bathrooms for you and your significant other to soak in. And the vintage dining cars have world-class food and wine.

The El Transcantábrico hugs Spain's northern coast, and you'll never tire of the Cantabrian Sea's sparkling blue waters and the Asturias' bright green peaks. If you need to stretch your legs, then you'll be pleased to know that you'll stop at points of interest like the Guggenheim Museum and Parque Nacional de Los Picos de Europa.

To continue your 5-star experience, book a stay at the NH Collection Santiago de Compostela when you arrive. The hotel is conveniently located in Old Town next to the tourist attractions.

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The Julian Alps during sunrise (source)

Hop over to the other border from Italy, and from May to November, you can board the steam train in Slovenia. It'll go 150 km (93 miles) from Jesenice to Trieste for a quick 3-hour train ride on a line that's over a century old. The staff all wear the uniforms from the Austro-Hungarian Empire too, adding a 'period drama' feel to proceedings.

The route is action-packed - expect powdery snow on the Julian Alps, an 85-metre-long stone arch bridge (the world's largest!), and a 6,327-metre-long railway tunnel (Slovenia's longest!).

In Trieste, check out the Piazza Unità D'Italia - this is the city's main square and the largest seaside one in all of Europe. You can spend hours just people-watching.

Nearby the square is Victoria Hotel Letterario. You'll get a good night's sleep after relaxing in your room's whirlpool bathtub and taking advantage of the hotel's hot tub, spa, sauna, fitness centre, and massages.

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Lake Skadar on a cloudy day (source)

For a day journey, consider travelling on the Montenegro Express. You'll take a 12-hour ride from Bar, Montenegro, to Belgrade, Serbia.

As you might expect, there's plenty to see out of the windows. You'll go through 254 tunnels and 435 bridges over 475 km (295 miles). And in the middle are the Dinaric Alps, Lake Skadar, and the Biogradska Gora National Park, as well as the 200-metre-high Mala Rijeka viaduct. This was the highest railway bridge to exist until 2001!

In Serbia's capital, you can explore the Belgrade Fortress, the National Museum of Serbia, and many other spectacular tourist attractions. And when you're tired, you can rest your weary head at the Belgrade City Hotel, located close to Belgrade Central Station.

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Colourful houses by the water in Bergen (source)

If you've never seen fjords before, then be sure to rectify that by heading on the Bergen Railway. You'll travel from Oslo to Bergen across 500 km (300 miles), for 6.5 hours.

Not only will you see unreal fjords, but also other visual feasts, such as lowlands, lakes, rivers, and snowy mountains. All this will take you through Norway's Hardangervidda plateau, which has 180 tunnels and 22 stations.

One station you need to see is Finse. It's the highest one at 1,222 metres, and is where Robert Falcon Scott trained with his crew before embarking on their South Pole expedition in 1912.

The Zander K Hotel gives you an ideal stay in Bergen. This hip hotel is right next to the railway station, plus it's a short walk from the city centre.

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