An incredible train journey offering scenic views spans across three European countries for just £7. 

The new route, run by Slovenian Railways, follows a railway line first built over 150 years ago under the Austro-Hungarian empire.

The train passes through three countries – Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia – and eight towns and cities in just two hours. 

A five-hour version of the route, which was shut down over 30 years ago, has been revived for the summer months and will operate until September 30, 2024.

The train departs from the northeastern Italian port city of Trieste, an elegant confection of waterside palaces and Art Nouveau cafes.

It will then take the passengers over the border into Slovenia where it calls at four stations – Sežana, Divača, Pivka and Ilirska Bistrica.

Those who are fond of cycling can take a stop off in Ilirska Bistrica. Visitors can rent e-bikes to explore the area’s forested trails, with views of snow-capped peaks.

The train continues into Croatia, stopping at Šapjane and Opatija Matulji before reaching its final destination, Rijeka.

At Opatija Matulji, passengers can stay overnight at the nearby Opatija resort, known for its rococo villas and grand hotels overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

Rijeka is a port city with promenades lined with Habsburg-era palaces and a 19th-century theatre decorated by Gustav Klimt.

The service departs from Villa Opicina station in a Trieste suburb at 7:50 am, stops in Ilirska Bistrica at 8:54 am, and arrives in Rijeka at 9:54 am.

On the return trip, the train leaves Rijeka at 6:25 pm and arrives at Villa Opicina at 8:40 pm.

Single adult tickets for the entire journey start at €8 (£7), but individual tickets for each segment are also available for those planning to hop on and off.

The service is currently available until September 30, but operators hope to make the route permanent in the future.