Do you want the experience of Europe’s top tourist destinations, but without the crowds? Are you struggling to find accommodation availability in the most popular European holiday spots? Or, are you fed up of over-paying in busy locations?

If so, take a look at our swap suggestions for some of the most popular European holiday destinations.  These off-the-beaten track alternatives offer a similar experience but are less busy, more authentic and kinder to your wallet. 

1) Swap Lake Como for Lake Lugano

Lake Como has been a top tourist destination for years. But, ever since George Clooney bought a villa on its shores, tourist numbers to this pretty region have exploded.

A mere 45 minutes away by train though, sits the equally beautiful Lugano, just across the border in Switzerland. In between Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, Lake Lugano is part of the Swiss canton (region) of Ticino.

Although Lugano is technically in Switzerland, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re actually  in Italy. Indeed, the border between the two countries passes across the lake. The culture, language, architecture and cuisine of the Ticino region feel much more Italian than Swiss – you’re more likely to get pasta and gelato than fondue.

For travellers seeking an authentic Italian Lakes experience, without the madness of peak tourist season on Lake Como, Lugano makes for a perfect alternative.

With a train station in central Lugano, just metres from the lakeside, we can tailor make itineraries combining other Swiss and Italian destinations. And, we have a ready-made itinerary Discover Ticino featuring both Lugano and Lake Maggiore.

2) Swap Nice for Menton

Nice epitomises the French Riviera, a classic destination for tourists. But, travel a bit further along the coast towards Italy, and you’ll discover the equally chic town of Menton.

Half an hour from Nice by train, Menton is the last town in France before the Italian border. Less crowded, and more reasonably priced, than Nice and Monaco, Menton’s Old Town provides an authentic French Riviera experience – with narrow winding streets, charming port, pastel coloured buildings and Baroque architecture.

Famous for its lemons, late February is a perfect time to visit for the annual Fête du Citron – a traditional festival that can be traced back to the 1870s.

With the train station right in the centre of town, visitors can easily explore the region and even venture across the border to Italy.

Choose our French Riviera itinerary, swapping Nice for Menton, or opt for a tailor made trip combining Menton with other destinations in France, Italy or Switzerland.

3) Swap Barcelona for Girona

Think of Barcelona, and you think of Gaudi’s world famous, unique architecture. But, in the summer months, queues can be impossibly long for the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s world famous unfinished cathedral, and tourists swamp its other must-see attractions.

A 40 minute train ride from Barcelona will take you to Girona – a charming historic town in Catalonia. Girona’s cathedral is impressive, and draws tourists for a different reason – it was used in the popular TV show Game of Thrones. In fact, Girona provides many locations used in the series and fans can join a themed guided walk to see them.

Wander along the old city walls, explore the old Jewish quarter or walk across a bridge built by the famous Gustaf Eiffel before he completed his tower. For art lovers, Figueres, birthplace of Salvador Dali and home of the Dali Theatre and Museum, is a short 15 minute train ride away.

Our Relaxing Rail Holiday to Spain itinerary calls at both Barcelona and Girona. We recommend travelling off-peak to avoid the worst of the crowds in Barcelona. Or, switching it out altogether for a longer stay in Girona. We can tailor-make an itinerary through France and Spain using Girona as a base to explore Catalonia.

Looking for another top swap hack for Spain? Try Segovia instead of Madrid on the same itinerary

4) Swap Dubrovnik for Zadar

In high-season, Dubrovnik has become a magnet for tourists, with prices rising and accommodation getting harder to find. Once an off-the-beaten track destination, Croatia has been growing in popularity and now rivals its Adriatic neighbour, Italy.

But, there are still many less visited areas of Croatia to discover – including the northern city of Zadar – far away from the cruise-ship stop-overs of Split and Dubrovnik.

Zadar is the longest continually inhabited place in Croatia, with historical sites dating back to Roman times. The old town is packed with architectural and cultural delights and, from June – September, visitors can experience the bustling ‘Friday Festice’ with al fresco dining and singing. 

Stroll along its many beaches, famed for stunning Adriatic sunsets, sample Dalmatian cuisine in a beachside restaurant and find the Sea Organ – a clever ‘musical instrument’ played by the waves. 

Zadar is a good base from which to visit two of Croatia’s spectacular national parks – Plitvice Lakes and Krka Waterfalls – both of which are within 1 hour – 1 ½ hour away.

Combine Zadar with Rijeka, another less crowded picturesque city on the Dalmatian coast 3 hours away by train. Both towns featured recently in Celebrity Race Across the World. For a longer holiday, we suggest tagging on our Discover Slovenia itinerary, another less- travelled destination ripe for discovery.

5) Swap Strasbourg for Colmar

As the seat of many important EU institutions, Strasbourg can get really busy with political and business events. Colmar is a great alternative for the rail traveller, just half an hour from Strasbourg and well-connected for other destinations in France, Germany and Switzerland.

It’s a beautiful town in the Alsace region, situated on the River Lauch close to the German border. Historically, it has had periods of  belonging to France and Germany and there are cultural influences from both countries to be found in its picturesque streets.

By far the most photographed area of the town is Little Venice where visitors can stroll around the cobbled streets and half-timbered houses that line the canals – very similar to Strasbourg’s Petite France district. It’s a very walkable town, much of it pedestrianised, with an old town, traditional squares and some impressive historical buildings. Take a boat trip on the river, past the old covered market, or stop in one of the many bars and restaurants strewn along its banks.

Alsace is of course famous for its wine! Colmar is right in the heart of the wine region with vineyards offering tours and tastings of regional specialities such as the sparkling Crémant  d’Alsace. And in winter, Colmar hosts some excellent Christmas markets.

Swap Strasbourg for Colmar on our Champagne, Burgundy and Alsace by rail holiday. Or, why not include Colmar on your own tour of the best European Christmas markets.

Have you been inspired by our suggestions? Do you have any other swap ideas to beat the crowds? Let us know!

Our team is ready and waiting to help plan your European rail holiday, just get in touch to start your journey by calling us on 020 3322 7741 or dropping us an email via info@tailormaderail.com