From the introduction of a luxurious new rail journey and the return of a wildly popular river cruise series to some big moves regarding destination marketing, April was full of big news in the European travel world.
Read on to get up to speed on the big stories of the fourth month of 2025, and be sure to register for the TravelPulse newsletter to keep up to date with the latest travel industry news all year long.
Railbookers Reveals Foodie Trips
Railbookers, the award-winning customizable independent rail journey brand, has announced 11 new foodie-focused European itineraries. The trips range from seven to 17 days, with just a few of the new adventures being Taste of Portugal (eight days round-trip from Lisbon), Taste of Emilia-Romagna (11 days round-trip from Milan) and Culinary Capitals of Europe (13 days from Amsterdam to Rome).
Split, Croatia (Photo Credit: Courtesy AdobeStock)
Croatia Launches Travel Advisor Certificate
The Croatian National Tourist Board announced this month that its rolling out something new for North American travel advisors, with a goal of helping them dive deeper into the countrys rich culture, gorgeous scenery, and warm hospitality. The Croatia Full of Life Certificate will take the form of five webinars and will give travel advisors a wide range of knowledge about Croatias tourism offer, especially its diverse regions and appeal as a year-round destination.
Venice Access Fee Returns?
After a much-talked-about inaugural run in 2024, the fee to visit Venice as a day-tripper on certain days returned this month on April 18. The 2025 fee is 5 euros ($5.70) if booked at least three days in advance or 10 euros if not booked three days in advance. After paying the fee online, travelers are given a QR code to scan at one of several points in the city. The fee will be in force for 54 days (mainly weekends and holidays) through July 27, and like last year, it only applies between the hours of?8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m and does not apply to those who stay overnight in Venice.
Piano Bar aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. (Photo Credit: Belmond)
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The Orient Express Takes Tuscany
Theres a new way to experience the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, as Belmond announced this month that they will introduce a new route, one that will whisk passengers from Paris to Tuscany in Italy. The journey departs from Paris Austerlitz station in the afternoon and after an evening filled with the Orient Express signature style of glamour, passengers arrive in Tuscany the next morning. There, they experience the best of Siena before spending two nights at Castello di Casole, Belmonds own farm/estate that is located in a region filled with olive groves and vineyards.?
Barcelona to Build Selfie Zone
To reduce congestion caused by crowds posing for photos in front of the nearly-completed Sagrada Familia basilica, Barcelona officials?revealed plans?this month to create a designated space for selfies, giving locals a little breathing room. The new 6,000-meter-plus plaza is expected to be open in April 2026, just prior to the official completion of the church next summer. City officials said that while Sagrada Familia can see up to 16,000 visitors a day, only about 20 percent enter the basilica, with most people simply loitering outside.?
Riviera Rose (Photo Credit: Riviera Travel)
Riviera Rose Makes Douro Debut?
Riviera Travel (formerly Riviera River Cruises) added some glamour to Portugals Douro Valley this month as their brand-new ship, the Riviera Rose, set off on her maiden voyage. The Riviera Rose will sail the postcard-perfect valley on the Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca itinerary and feature a new split-level design with a special bright and airy design full of skylights and river viewsthe first of its kind for Riviera Travel.
Rail Europe Adds Slick Spanish Feature?
Rail Europe made exploring Spain even smoother for those traveling with Eurail passes this month when they?announced?that they have added the ability to make seat reservations for a range of high and medium-speed Spanish trains directly to its booking platform. While Eurail passes offer access to nearly all trains in Spain, like other countries in Europe, some popular services require a seat reservation at a small fee, and this news from Rail Europe will help make the process much easier.?
The Hofburg Palace, Vienna, Austria (Photo Credit: Noreen Kompanik)
Vienna Launches New Tourism Strategy
The Vienna Tourism Board?revealed?a new strategy to promote sustainable tourism this month called Optimum Tourism, the next phase of its Visitor Economic Strategy. The plan is all about keeping locals happy with the state of tourism in the city, with a focus on cultural events, MICE, and traffic-calming touches in Viennas historic core to keep the city livable and its public spaces pleasant. Vienna will also join the UN Tourism International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO), a network of institutions that helps destinations improve the sustainability of their tourism.
Avalons Storyteller Series Is Back
Avalon Waterways?revealed?this month that its ever-popular Storyteller Series, which sees authors, celebrities and other VIPS join European river cruise sailings, will return in 2026. Next years cruises will feature author, actor and Avalon spokesman Graham McTavish and the band Sister Hazel. McTavish will join the Rogue on the Rh?ne cruise from Lyon to Arles on June 9-16, while Sister Hazel will play All For You and other hits aboard the Rockin on the Rhine cruise from Amsterdam to Basel on July 11-18.
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