
When in Bari, make time to explore the old city and visit the 12th-century Basilica di San Nicola (photo © Mitzobs / dreamstime.com).
To Athens by train and ferry
This journey links two places which were both premier-league city-states. There were times when Venice and Athens wielded great influence through maritime power. For this route for Europe by Rail, we offer an alternative to the direct ship from Venice to Greece, travelling down Italy’s Adriatic coast and then taking the ferry from Bari to Patras, from where it is just a short hop on to Athens.
MAP Double click on the map (or double tap on mobile) to zoom in. You can connect onto other routes in places shown in red (just click/tap on the red map icon marking the place to reveal other routes linked to it). Zoom out of the map again by cliking the 'minus' sign at the top left of the map.
Whether you are making a long grand tour or just planning a couple of weekend breaks, Europe by Rail is the perfect guide. The book describes 52 key routes in detail. Together, they span mainland Europe and the British Isles. Find out more about the guidebook below.