launching

European Sleeper is a Dutch-Belgian train operator that runs night train services across Europe, currently connecting major cities such as Berlin, Prague and Amsterdam

Tickets for a new night train that’ll connect major European cities are about to go on sale.

European Sleeper is a Dutch-Belgian train operator that runs night train services across Europe, currently connecting major cities such as Berlin, Prague and Amsterdam. It is poised to launch its third route, a 17-and-a-half-hour journey from Belgian capital Brussels to Italy’s fashion hub Milan.

At first, the night train to Milan will depart from Belgium. However, an extra leg will later be added to and from the Netherlands from 2027. Once fully operational, the train will stop in Cologne in Germany, Zurich in Switzerland and Como in Italy.

It was announced late last week that the train will no longer launch in June as planned. The service will now take to the rails on 9 September. European Sleeper has said track works in Germany during summer 2026 and the certification process for Switzerland – which is a new country for its network – had caused the delay.

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The European Sleeper is scheduled to depart from Brussels on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings, arriving in Zürich and Milan the following morning.

The return service from Milan will operate on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday nights. In Switzerland, the train will run via Zürich and the Gotthard Pass for the time being. That means it will not be going via the Simplon Pass, as previously planned. This has proved unfeasible due to track works scheduled through 2027.

“Luckily, the revised route via the Gotthard Pass also brings new opportunities,” a statement from the company read. “A stop in Göschenen provides convenient access to nearby ski resorts, while Lugano and Como offer easy connections to the well-known lakes and surrounding mountain landscapes.”

Tickets for the new route go on sale on 17 March 2026, with budget, classic, comfort standard and comfort plus available. Seats in budget start from €29.99 (£25) per person one way.

A couchette bed in a classic compartment is available from €49.99 (£43) including ticket, reservation, luggage and bed linen. Those who fancy splashing out a little more can choose comfort standard from €99.99 (£85) or comfort plus from €129.99 (£111) which includes breakfast.

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“Although the first departure comes a few months later than originally planned, the new connection marks an important milestone,” the company said in a press release.

European Sleeper already operates a service between Brussels and Prague, and a new connection between Paris and Berlin is launching later this month. Right now, prices begin from €69.99 (£60) for a one-way ticket in a shared compartment.

Nox, a Berlin-based startup, has said it will offer an affordable alternative to short-haul flights, from 2027, with single rooms starting from €79 (£67).

IF you have ever wanted to take on the Gladiators yourself without having to go on TV, you’re in luck.

A new Gladiators experience in launching in the UK this year, and you can even meet some of the famous characters while there.

Gladiators Experience will take over some of the Birmingham NEC, with a new 10,000sqm attraction.

The website states: “Live out your Gladiators dreams as the iconic television show explodes into action with Gladiators Experience.

“Aspiring Contenders can step into the Arena to test their mettle in their favourite events – including the legendary Eliminator and loads more.”

The 75-minute experience includes a full free play of the entire attraction.

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This includes some of the popular events from the TV shows such as:

• The Wall – six Contenders race to hit the button at the top
• Duel – two Contenders battle with pugil sticks on platforms
• Hang Tough – Contenders swing across a grid of rings to reach the finish
• Unleash – Four Contenders sprint a racetrack to tag a flag
• Eliminator – the famous uphill travelator

There will even be meet and greets with a number of Gladiators, which will change per session.

A gift shop, food court and soft play will also be part of the attraction.

Tickets are on sale with the experience running from May 2 to August 31, with sessions running every half an hour from 10am to 6pm.

You can book a variety of tickets, from Spectators who just come and watch (with access to the soft play and food court) to Family Contender tickets for up to 9 people.

Or splash out on a VIP ticket which includes a full Contender ticket as well as a uniform, medal and highlight reel video.

Spectator tickets start from £17.50 for kids and £22.50 for adults (with £2.50 processing fee) while Contender start from £39.50 for kids or £44.50 for adults (each with £4.50 processing fee).

Meet and greets cost £35 while Accessible Companions enter for free.

In the mean time, here are 30 other travel experiences to try.

And we tested the Race Across the World The Experience – here’s our thoughts.