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In Padua, Venetian charm meets cultural riches: along the Riviera del Brenta, palazzi and gardens await curious explorers. Image: Adobe Stock

By train to Europe's hidden Easter gems

Tired of tourist crowds? Discover Europe's hidden gems this easter. Cobblestone streets jammed with tourists, selfie sticks waving like flags, and queues that stretch for hours? That doesn't have to be your Easter getaway. Skip the stress and swap the chaos for charm—because Europe's best-kept secrets are calling.

While hotspots like Paris, Venice, and Amsterdam groan under the weight of the holiday crowds, a quieter kind of magic awaits. Think stylish escapes with soul—where character, culture, and culinary pleasures take center stage. These under-the-radar destinations may not top every bucket list (yet), but that's exactly what makes them so special.

The Swiss rail travel specialist Railtour has put together a few Easter tips for precisely this wish – perfect for a long weekend of enjoyment and plenty of charm. And best of all, all destinations are easily accessible by train – stress-free and surprisingly uncomplicated.

Discover insider tips by rail

Looking for an Easter escape with charm and a view? Try Bregenz, the Austrian gem perched on the shores of Lake Constance. With its scenic lakeside promenade, vibrant art museum, and sweeping vistas from the Pfände mountain, it's a postcard come to life.

Or head to Salzburg, where Mozart meets the mountains. Beyond the world-famous Easter Festival, the city's trio of local peaks—Kapuzinerberg, Mönchsberg, and Gaisberg—offer breathtaking panoramic views and make perfect backdrops for a springtime hike or leisurely city stroll, according to Railtour.

A view from the top in Bregenz: Lake Constance lies at your feet from the Pfänder. Image: Adobe Stock

If you want to discover France's wine culture, Bordeaux is the place for you – including a visit to the spectacular «Cité du Vin» and modern light installations in old submarine pens. In Turin, there is royal splendor, Piedmont wine and a trip to Casa Martini.

Padua is on the Milan-Venice railway line. The man-made Brenta Canal connects the pretty cultural city with the Venice lagoon. Along the Riviera del Brenta, magnificent Venetian villas and their gardens line the canal like a string of pearls. These jewels can be discovered on a day boat tour with several stops.

All of these charming escapes can be booked as convenient rail-and-hotel packages through Railtour. So if you're craving hidden gems over headline destinations, this could be your ticket to a more relaxed—and truly memorable—Easter getaway.

(TN)

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