By Train from München / Munich (Germany) to Zagreb (Croatia) - Option 1: making the scenic journey by day

Final Destination:  Zagreb

Train also calls at: Jesenice, Lesce-Bled (for Lake Bled), Ljubljana, Zidani Most, Dobova

Type of Scenery: River, Mountains

Star Rating: *****

Once the train has departed from Salzburg, this is a contender for Europe's most stunning train journey, though you will need to be travelling between May and October* to see it at its best.

The train departs from Ljubljana at around 18:30, but between there and Dobova,it threads through the spectacular Sava River gorge - and this section of route comprises most of the final two hours of the journey to Zagreb.

So that you can see the views for more of the year, an alternative is to set off from Munchen at 08:17 on a train heading to Klagenfurt and connect in Villach for a train on to Zagreb which will arrive there at 17:10.

If the timings suit we also recommend not taking the alternative overnight train - try to plan an itinerary so that you can experience the incredible daytime journey.

The highlight of the trip, which can be enjoyed year round from this direct daytime train, is the part of the journey between Bad Gastein and Villach.

The best of the views, particularly after Bad Gastein, are from the right of the train - when facing the direction of travel.

The train will reverse direction at Villach.

This can be a journey where travelling 1st class can pay off - as you'll have more freedom to move from one side of the train to the other, to make the most of the trip.

Boarding The Train:

The coaches to heading to Zagreb will be joined to coaches heading to Klagenfurt - the train separates at Villach.

So when boarding check that you will be in the part of the train heading to Zagreb.

Don't be overly concerned about this, the conductor will verify that you're sat in the correct part of the train when they inspect your ticket.