In the build up to World Environment Day, we’re shining the spotlight on our partners in 💚 flight-free 💚 adventure, Byway.
Byway has released its 2025 impact report and is celebrating five whole years in the biz 🎉 Since 2020, Byway travellers have saved 2,220 tonnes of CO2e (AKA carbon dioxide equivalent, recognising both carbon and other harmful greenhouse gases) with 7,265 flight-free trips booked. 55% of that CO2e was saved in just the last year, which means one thing… Going flight free is so in. It’s not all about the emissions either. Byway designs its itineraries around locally owned and non-chain hotels to support smaller businesses. For the ultimate customisation, try out Byway’s handy map tool. Then, like all Byway trips, once you’re travelling, you’ll have access to free disruption replanning and on-demand support via WhatsApp.
Everything’s carbon-labelled on Byway’s website – but we’ve pulled out the top trending trips from the last year that really sell this kind of travel…
Get a free first class rail upgrade on Byway trips departing between September 2025 and April 2026 when you book on or before the 25th June 2025. T&Cs apply.
Alpine capitals – 7 days
Amsterdam, Vienna, Salzburg, Zurich
If you’re a fan of pretty city breaks, this trip is all yours. Hop on a train to Amsterdam, where you’ll switch onto a sleeper with your own cabin for the night, and wake up in Vienna the next morning. Vienna used to be the imperial capital of the Habsburg dynasty, so the architecture is gorg and grand, and its coffee houses are a big highlight. You then move on to Salzburg, where the hills really are alive with The Sound of Music – this is where the musical was actually filmed. It’s also the birthplace of Mozart and now has a thriving jazz scene, so it’s a great pick for artsy types. Then, sit back and enjoy the views while riding the Arlberg Railway to Zurich, over the Arlberg Pass and past Swiss lakes. Football fans can visit the FIFA Museum, and the old town is worth a wander.
Central Europe by rail – 13 days
Zurich, Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Berlin, Brussels
This rail journey takes you through six of Europe’s most iconic cities. Zurich is a stylish Swiss icon with lakeside charm, a buzzing cultural scene and historic old town. Vienna’s up next, famous for its imperial palaces, classical music and elegant cafés. Then, Budapest is all about thermal baths, ruin bars and stunning riverside scenes – a boat trip on the Danube is a must. Prague’s also full of charm, and we’re not even at the final stop yet… In Berlin, you get a more modern, dynamic edge, matched with rich history, street art and world-class museums. Brussels is the one to round off the trip and if you don’t fill any space left in your bags with its famous chocolate, you’re not doing it right. You’ve got to try the waffles, too, and the chilled vibe makes it the perfect place to wrap up two weeks away.
Spain’s ancient cities – 14 days
Nimes, Valencia, Seville, Granada, Cordoba, Girona, Paris
You’ll begin in France’s Nimes, a small city packed with Roman history, including an impressive amphitheatre and the well-preserved Maison Carrée temple. Cross into Spain and get to know Valencia, where its futuristic architecture and massive park sits alongside beaut beaches and a pretty old town. The tapas tour starts now – the market is ideal for picking up some local snacks for a picnic and people-watching. Then, Seville brings the flamenco passion, winding streets and stunning Alcazar palace. Granada is next – home to the iconic Alhambra palace, surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains for breathtaking views and a bit of nature. Cordoba has the Mezquita mosque-cathedral, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture. And, finally, end your trip in Girona, a quieter medieval city with fortified walls and narrow streets for a dramatic finish.
Italian cities by sleeper train – 11 days
Chambery, Turin, Naples, Rome, Milan, Zurich
This flight-free Italian adventure offers a scenic journey through Italy’s iconic cities. Your first night is in Chambery, surrounded by the French Alps and an ideal spot for hiking. Then, head to Turin, known for its modern art, live music and foodie scene. If you like pizza (ofc you do, you’re in Italy) you’ll love Naples, the home of Neapolitan pizza. It’s a Roman city, made up of cool, graffitied alleyways and stained-glass monasteries. And, it’s true… all roads do lead to Rome, so that’s up next. Think la dolce vita and Gladiator vibes before moving on to Milan, known for its fashion and glam. You can squeeze a bit of Switzerland in, too, with a stay in Zurich before home time.
Hogwarts route – 7 days
Mallaig, Fort William, Inverness
Kick off your trip in Glasgow, which has a thriving art scene, loads of live music and striking Victorian architecture. After exploring its galleries and creative neighbourhoods, head into the dramatic Scottish Highlands, starting in Fort William. It sits beneath the mighty Ben Nevis and so is the ultimate base for outdoor adventures – it’s all hiking, biking and taking in that fresh air. But this trip’s highlight has to be the Jacobite steam train, AKA the real-life ‘Hogwarts Express’, which crosses the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct with views straight from a movie set (literally). The whole journey finishes in Inverness, the cultural capital of the Highlands, where you can explore historic castles, go on riverside walks and check out the local markets.
Bernina Express route – 9 days
Chambery, Turin, Lecco, Chur, Bern, Paris
Start off in Turin, a city full of elegant boulevards and grand piazzas. Find charming cafés or explore impressive museums like the Egyptian Museum and Baroque palaces. Next, you’ll visit Lecco, a peaceful town on the shores of Lake Como that’s surrounded by stunning mountain views. It’s a great spot for lakeside strolls and soaking up that authentic Italian atmosphere away from the crowds – an Aperol spritz is kinda mandatory… Crossing the border into Switzerland, you’ll stop in Chur – the country’s oldest city, known for its cute, cobbled streets and historic buildings. Then, it’s on to Bern, with its UNESCO-listed, medieval old town, famous clocktower and the river Aare flowing through. Finally, the trip ends in Paris, offering plenty of time to see the Eiffel Tower and just soak up the chic vibes with a pain au chocolat.
Mountain lakes – 9 days
Basel, Locarno, Lugano, Lecco, Zurich
Explore some of Europe’s most stunning lake destinations with this flight-free pick. Start in Basel, a cultural hotspot on the Rhine, with galleries, museums and a lively old town. Then, travel to Locarno on Lake Maggiore for its Mediterranean feel, pretty promenades and sunny climate. Next up, you’ve got Lugano, where Swiss style meets Italian food on Lake Lugano’s gorg waters, complete with lovely parks and shopping streets, too. Lecco’s on Lake Como’s eastern shore, and you get more unreal mountain views here, before it all wraps up in Paris, perfect for some last-minute shopping and iconic sightseeing.
Pick trains over planes and enter your flight-free era with a Byway trip – you can read our full article collection for more inspo.
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Author: Lily Owen (she/her)
Last updated:28/05/2025
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