Mountains, beaches, history – why this is one of the best train rides in Europe

The 300-mile line between Serbia and Montenegro, built in Tito’s era, connects city and seaside for a blissful Balkan holiday, writes Camilla Bell-Davies

Virpazar at Skadar lake, Montenegro.

It started with a disagreement. Where to go on an early autumn break? I wanted a city and history, my boyfriend wanted coast and stunning scenery. The solution? Two days in the Serbian capital Belgrade, a train ride to Montenegro, and some time on the Adriatic. 

In the end, the cinematic train journey proved the real star of the show.