Classic
Discoveries
Classic
Europe is a beautifully diverse continent, home to the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands as well as the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. And with train lines connecting much of what's in between, an escorted holiday with Great Rail Journeys offers a relaxing and scenic way of exploring its different countries. Travel with people who share your interests and enjoy similar activities, as we bring to life unique towns and cities from Scandinavia to Sicily, through engrossing excursions, hand-picked hotels, comfortable travel, and meals bursting with local flavour.
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Our exclusive 2025 tours - perfected over more than 50 years - reveal the very best of beautiful Europe, from journeying between the spellbinding peaks of Switzerland on iconic trains to basking beside the white-washed villages of Italy and uncovering the elegance of central Europe's imperial cities. To experience the delights of Portugal, Germany, France and everywhere in between, view our new brochures now!
Here are some of our customer favourites for experiencing Europe by Rail
Landmark
(163 reviews)Discoveries
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(523 reviews)From the charming seaside town of Roses, discover the glistening Catalan coast and ride into the Pyrenees, taking in the stunning scenery of France and Spain on this relaxing holiday. Experience the delightful Núria Valley Rack Railway on a journey through a peaceful valley and ride the Little Red Train from Rivesaltes to Axat in France's...
Classic
(210 reviews)Discover the towns and villages of the wondrous Italian Riviera, which sparkle beside the Mediterranean Sea, as we explore the Cinque Terre and the glamorous city of Portofino. Explore the pastel-hued fishing village of Camogli, and relax in Sestri Levante - a delightful town between two bays. Sail to San Fruttuoso abbey, set in a secluded cove,...
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(323 reviews)Experience magnificent mountain landscapes and sparkling alpine lakes on this fantastic holiday to Switzerland. Discover the Swiss Alps on the world-renowned Bernina Express and Glacier Express from our bases in Chur and Brig, traditional alpine towns surrounded by mountains. Enjoy a private aperitif on the terrace of the lakeside 10th-century...
Discoveries
(313 reviews)Enjoy Switzerland's warm hospitality and astounding landscapes from traditional hotels in historic Chur and idyllic Täsch. Soak up dramatic scenes of soaring mountains and glaciers on journeys aboard two iconic trains. Cross the Alps on the amazing Bernina Express, admiring glacier views enroute, and bask in views of alpine valleys and...
Discoveries
(272 reviews)The historic lakeside town of Desenzano, set on the southern shores of Lake Garda, is our charming base. With a peaceful harbour, a characterful old town and an efficient rail service, we are perfectly placed for exploring. This delightful holiday includes a cruise to enchanting Isola del Garda to visit the opulent Villa Borghese-Cavazza and a...
Landmark
(163 reviews)Experience the best of the Swiss Alps in ultimate luxury, where majestic mountains, picturesque landscapes and unspoiled nature align. On this magnificent all-inclusive holiday, you'll wake up in a delightful five-star hotel in the enchanting village of Grindelwald. Nestled in a green valley beneath the immense Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains...
Discoveries
(482 reviews)Experience traditional Italy on a relaxing all-inclusive, fly-rail holiday to the unspoilt heel of southern Italy. Based in a spa hotel overlooking the beautiful coast of Monopoli, just 50 meters from a gorgeous white sandy beach, we explore the undiscovered region of Puglia, dotted with historic ports, white-washed villages and unique ancient...
Discoveries
Experience Switzerland's most spectacular train journeys from a family-run hotel in the heart of the forested Albula Valley, including drinks with dinner each evening. Travel across the Swiss Alps and past enchanting glaciers to Italy on the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express, before viewing the 'Swiss Grand Canyon' and incredible alpine scenery from...
Discoveries
(292 reviews)Explore the delightful Italian Riviera from a base in Chiavari and view the colourful cliffside Cinque Terre villages on a cruise. Relax on a cruise to glamorous Portofino, a popular village set within a natural harbour, before uncovering San Fruttuoso abbey, located on a beach in a peaceful cove. Delve into the history of Genoa, the former city...
Classic
(323 reviews)Based in the exquisite fortress town of Sirmione, set on a picturesque peninsula overlooking Lake Garda, and staying in an elegant spa hotel, this captivating holiday includes some fabulous excursions. Join us as we glide through Venice's turquoise canals on an unforgettable gondola ride - passing Venetian palazzos, intriguing architecture and...
River Cruise
(71 reviews)Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Romantic Rhine River from the North Sea to the Swiss Alps. As we cruise through France, Germany, and the Netherlands bound for Switzerland, we admire stunning forested valleys, charming half-timbered towns, and incredible cities along the enchanting riverbanks. Sail through the spectacular scenery of the...
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(187 reviews)Explore the beautiful towns and landscapes of the Austrian Alps based in an all-inclusive hotel in St Johann, where dinner and drinks are included each evening. Marvel at views of Austria's tallest mountain on a journey across the Grossglockner High Alpine Road and discover Mozart's hometown of Salzburg with a singing tour guide. Travel through...
The adventure often starts as we depart London St Pancras, beginning our journey towards mainland Europe. Travelling by rail has always had romantic connotations, and as we pass rural villages that seemingly haven't changed in centuries and coast through cosmopolitan cities, it's hard to deny that trains offer a different perspective.
With freedom to move around the carriages as you please, make new friends or just wallow in the luxury of time to sit back and read a book, feel yourself unwind a little more with each passing mile before arriving in the heart of your destination, relaxed and ready to explore.
Great Rail Journeys by name, Great Rail Journeys by nature. On nearly every holiday we run, relaxing, impressive or once-in-a-lifetime rail journeys are par for the course. Whether it's the 180-mile trip the Glacier Express makes through the mountains of Switzerland, an experience aboard the steepest railway line in the world - the Flåm Railway in Norway, or a beautifully-restored journey on the Jacobite Steam Train through the Scottish Highlands, we know all of the best rail experiences to be had across Europe.
07/03/2025 · By Ian Holt
Discover how to enjoy the best views of the Northern Lights as Great Rail Journeys Tour Manager Carolyn discusses our winter Arctic cruise around Norway.
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13/02/2025 · By Karen Overend
Embark on unforgettable explorations with Great Rail Journeys, discovering the gems of Spain on luxurious trains, including the regal Al Andalus Express.
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29/01/2025 · By Ian Holt
Experience the world-famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with Great Rail Journeys as we interview General Manager Pascal Deyrolle about life onboard.
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22/01/2025 · By Molly Tingle
Explore 12 incredible places to visit in Portugal with Great Rail Journeys. From Lisbon to the Douro Valley, discover the best of this beautiful country.
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