Last year, over 21.3 million tourist arrivals were recorded in Croatia - one of the Adratic’s best holiday gems - an impressive 4% increase compared to 2023. Meanwhile, Krakow, Poland’s top tourist city, welcomed about seven million visitors, with nearly one million from abroad.

Now, the two incredible European countries will be linked via a new direct train service, making them even more accessible. Polish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Dariusz Klimczak, has confirmed that a direct rail connection from Warsaw to the Adriatic will commence operations on July 1. The move aims to strengthen tourism ties between the two countries.

The train is expected to run from Warsaw to Rijeka, with the possibility of extending the route to Split, according to Rijeka Danas.

Ticket prices will be kept low, with one-way fares costing under €50 (£42.50). This will make it one of the most affordable travel options for holidaymakers heading to the Croatian coast from Poland. The same pricing will apply in the reverse direction.

Plans for a rail connection between Croatia and Poland have been in discussion since 2021. However, the project was postponed due to pandemic-related complications.

Finally, three years later, the idea has finally become a reality, just in time for the busy summer tourist season.

Warsaw - the capital of Poland - is the sixth most populous city in the European Union, home to an estimated 3.3 million residents. Among its key landmarks are Łazienki Park, Wilanów Palace and the Old Town Market Square, the centre and oldest part of the Old Town.

The square was systematically blown up by the German Army, but was subsequently restored after World War Two.

Rijeka, meanwhile, is the third-largest city in Croatia, after Zagreb and Split. It is located in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County on Kvarner Bay, an inlet of the Adriatic Sea. Its Riva Waterfront is incredibly stunning, home to brightly colour buildings and impressive yachts.

This is not the only exciting new train in the works. Spanish rail operator Renfe is also planning an epic cross-border AVE (high-speed) service. It looks to connect a staggering 17 European destinations, including Figueres and Girona in Spain and Perpignan and Carcassonne in France, to name a few.