‘It was more than a journey, it was an immersion’: readers’ favourite slow travel adventures
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A cruise along the Rhônein Provence
One of my most memorable travel experiences was drifting down the Rhône from Lyon to Avignon. Instead of rushing through France, I chose to embrace the slower pace of a river cruise, allowing the beauty of Provence to unfold gradually. As we glided past vineyards and lavender fields, I could almost taste the crisp rosé waiting for me in Tain-l’Hermitage, where I stopped to savour local wines and cheeses. The medieval villages along the way felt like stepping back in time. Each moment on deck, with the cicadas singing and the sun setting over the water, deepened my connection to the soul of France. It was more than a journey: it was an immersion in the heart of Provence. Aimee Sandler
Sunset ferry bliss in Istanbul
The best way to get a sight, taste and feel for Istanbul is to use the public ferries that crisscross the Bosphorus, connecting the city’s two sides – one in Europe, the other in Asia. At about £1.50 for a 30-minute trip, they’re a bargain. Sit outside if you can, on a simple wooden bench, grab a freshly brewed tea from a tea boy, ideally with a piece of simit (sesame seed bread), and enjoy the views as the vessels chug along. For me, the best one is from Eminönü, near the Golden Horn, to Üsküdar, ideally around dusk, with the Blue Mosque and city skyline silhouetted against a fiery sunset. Gayle
Natural highs on a Northumberland boat ride
The best slow boat trip, hands down, has to be Serenity’s Sunset Cruise in Northumberland, where you get to see the sunset while sailing around a beautiful part of the coast, near Bamburgh. If you’re as lucky as we were you’ll also see wildlife, such as seals and the local pod of dolphins – which chose to follow and play around the boat as we sailed. Breathtaking! Alex Louise
Port to port by train in Sicily
Palermo to Messina by rail is a timeless way to view the incredible coastline of northern Sicily. Take a train from Palermo Centrale and make sure to stop off (about halfway) for lunch in Cefalù – one of the most beautiful coastal towns in all of Italy. Taking the onward train a few hours later to Messina is easy (trains are plentiful on this Trenitalia line), and then head waterside to Porto di Messina, where you can watch the sun set. Vikki
Relax in Rotterdam and Utrecht
Take the Eurostar from London to Rotterdam for a slow break in the Netherlands. Enjoy the centre of Rotterdam – it’s modern-looking, convenient and friendly – before taking the train (about 30 minutes) to gorgeous Utrecht. Here, you can paddle or sail through a network of canals bordered by attractive streets: think historic buildings and flower-filled facades just waiting to be photographed. Or hop on a bike and enjoy the freedom of the wider area. Utrecht is blessed with parkland close to the city and a network of cycling routes to get you there. Try Amelisweerd, a scenic area where you can swim in the river, walk in the forest or visit a museum, before cycling back to the city. Anne
Glaciers and vineyards from a carriage window
The Bernina Express, from Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy, offers a stunning rail journey through the Alps. Marvel at glaciers, alpine meadows, and the Landwasser viaduct. The train’s slow pace and panoramic windows make it perfect for savouring the scenery. Crossing from Switzerland into Italy, you’ll experience a dramatic shift from snow-capped peaks to sunny vineyards. Lewis
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