Rail travel across EU? Let's try!

This summer, we decided to embark on a long distance train journey. You’d ask why? Especially when train tickets are supposedly more expensive, reliability is questionable, and when Europe is getting hit with scorching high temperatures. I still do not have a clear answer, it just felt more free - we could get off and board at any stop, in any country. Also, a car isn’t an option with a toddler who hates to sit calmly in it for more than 20 minutes.