Flying into Europe & taking the train to London? @ xmas time

[Buffalo]

Was thinking of returning to the UK for Christmas to see my long suffering Mother (first time home for Christmas in 5 years). The more I think of it, the more i like the idea of flying (from Sydney) to Europe and then travelling by train to UK.

So far I have thought of Madrid or Barcelona and taking the train through France. I probably won't spend much time in either of the countries, because I don't have a lot of time to spend at home, but I just fancy seeing somewhere different and the view as the train (hopefully) speeds by will be enough. So, I would like the most dramatic scenery possible. There seems an excellent train option from Spain (trenhotel) but I would rather travel in the day.

Any other suggestions..?

[Buffalo]

Well, I'm assuming that I may have to have a day at the start destination (depending on flight times), but surely some of these tracks go "past" interesting scenery..? Like the Eiffel Tower, isn't it better to be in it looking out of it..? So by that logic it is better to be on flat ground looking at mountains, than being in mountains looking at flat ground..? Seems a bit of a peculiar idea perhaps, but I'm just so bored of flying long-haul with no break.

Did think of up switzerland way, because my brother did a train journey up there and the scenery was spectacular, but it doesn't quite appeal as much as France, or somewhere down that way. Amsterdam is at least on a reasonable haul route...