Rail Holidays 2024/2025

Featured Train Tours

Holidays that Stand Apart from the Crowd

While all our holidays offer a touch of class, some stand apart as being that extra bit special. Our Something Special collection includes accommodation in 4 and 5-Star hotels known for their scenic locations and excellent facilities. So, if you want to relax beside Lake Garda, stay in the heart of the Swiss Alps or bask in the sunshine of Spain’s Catalonian Coast, these tours should be just the ticket.

Holiday Planning Made Easy

With so many destinations we can’t wait to visit again soon, the only trouble you might be having now is deciding where to go! 2022 is going to be an exciting year for travel and, so you can get ahead of the curve, we’re sharing some of our favourite European and American getaways for that extra dash of inspiration. Whether it’s the bright lights of New York which tempt you or the epic railways of Norway, there’s sure to be something to kick-start your wanderlust.

Train Holidays

A World of adventure awaits

Destinations to relish, memories to cherish

Taking you to more global destinations than ever before, Great Rail Journey’s excellent worldwide collection is full of fascinating excursions and memorable experiences. More than just that though, our Early Booking offer can see you save on selected tours, making it even easier to discover your dream rail holiday. Discover the world, the Great Rail way.

Iconic Train Journey's

Travelling by rail grants a unique insight into the beauty, culture and history of a nation like no other form of transport can. From the windows of your carriage, experience spectacular views and glorious panoramas as you glide through magnificent countries across the globe, seeing the finest sights they have to offer. On a Great Rail Journey, the journey becomes part of the destination.

Best-selling tours

Some of your favourite tours just became even more accessible! We have added an additional date for both our French Riviera and Little Trains of the Pyrenees tours, both with the added convenience of air travel! Of course, we still believe that by rail is the best way to travel, so once you arrive at your destination you will take in gorgeous scenery by rail – truly the best of both worlds!

Escorted Tours by Rail

✔ Accommodation ✔ Flights ✔ Transfers
✔ English Speaking Guides ✔ Excursions
✔ Low deposit of just £49pp available+

About Train Holidays

Wherever your wanderlust takes you, you can rely on us to show you the best of every destination, with the added reassurance of a professional UK Tour Manager travelling with your group all the way.

The train holiday is enjoying something of a renaissance; year on year its popularity grows.

And with good reason. Rail travel is a fun, relaxing way to see new places, experience new things. A social, communal holiday that blends guided touring with time to savour for yourself if you so desire. What’s more, train travel represents an environmentally friendly way to see the world. What better way to take in the wonder of a new country, new location, than by relaxing in your seat looking out at the ever changing scenery as the train cuts through the countryside and cities; taking in the mountains, rivers, forests or skylines; to look with wide-eyed wonder at new places, different wildlife, amazing landscapes.

Train holidays offer you the chance to explore some of the world’s most breathtaking areas with spectacular scenery that will stay with you for a lifetime. An opportunity to wind your way through Europe, historic cities, the great lakes of Italy or the snow-capped beauty of the Alps or maybe to head further afield, to follow in the footsteps of Casey Jones on the American railroad; from the greenery of the east, the cornfields and the plains of the Midwest, into the Rockies as you head to the warm pacific shores.

Or perhaps you prefer to explore a little closer to home – check out our wonderful tours through Britain, recreating the style and slow pace of the age of steam as you meander through the beauty of the Yorkshire moors, the Welsh mountains, Scottish Highlands or Lake District.

It may be a hark back to older times, but for many, a train holiday represents a new, wonderful experience that will have you craving for more.

Discover the world by train on one of our fantastic Rail Journeys! Gaze in awe at the beautiful scenery the world has to offer on our personalised itineraries that'll leave an everlasting memory.     

From the Northern Light-tinged skies of Norway to the lofty Canadian Rockies,  

sit back and relax as you enjoy front-row seats to some of the planet’s most spectacular sights, as well as immersive excursions that take you to the cultural heart of each destination and iconic rail journeys through jaw-dropping landscapes. And, on selected tours, enjoy Premium Small Groups, offering a maximum group size of 25.

When you take a tour that includes an iconic rail journey, choosing your favourite moment becomes a little more difficult. From the amazing Alpine scenery of Switzerland and picture-postcard panoramas in the Pyrenees to the sparkling lochs and romantic castles in Scotland - simply sit back, relax and watch as the stunning scenery changes outside your window.

A Carriage with a View

Epic railways around the world lay the route for discovery, and our holidays journey to the heart of the action through remote landscapes, allowing you to enjoy views that can only be glimpsed from a train carriage. Sit back, relax and enjoy front-row seats to some of the most unbelievable landscapes across the globe.

Answer the Call of the Wild

Experience the unscathed beauty of the wilderness as you journey through the enchanting panoramas of the Canadian Rockies, explore fjords surrounded by snow-kissed peaks and travel between cities backlit by glistering glaciers.

A Land of Temples and Tigers

The pristine beauty of the Taj Mahal, the opulent interiors of Rajasthan's forts, the spiritual calmness of Nepal's monasteries and the exotic wildlife of the Indian subcontinent, see it all from the window of your train carriage.

Welcome to a Land Down Under

New Zealand entices with its dynamic Māori culture, beautiful fjords and dramatic landscapes. Be at one with nature as you journey between the country's south and north islands, traversing mountains and skirting world-class coastlines.

Arctic Adventure

Magical Northern Lights that illuminate the night sky, the Midnight Sun brightening the never-ending days and roaring waterfalls that freeze like a cascading glacier - Norway is easily accessible by rail all year round.

Embark Upon a Swiss Adventure or Italian Escape

Cinematic landscapes dotted with spectacular lakes, undeniably rich culture and history, and some of the most tempting cuisine in Europe – whether that’s indulgent cheese fondue or crispy wood-fired pizza – Switzerland and Italy have much in common. We’re looking forward to discovering even more of these enticing destinations over the coming months and into 2022. Take a look at some of our favourite holidays below and book your next Swiss or Italian break.

Discover Incredible Inclusive Value

Our experts work hard to make sure each itinerary is packed to the brim with inclusions, from great accommodation and delicious meals, to excursions that introduce you to must-see sights. And of course, each holiday is escorted by a friendly Tour Manager, there to make sure everything goes smoothly. Book your holiday with us and we’ll take care of the details, leaving you to relax and focus on what’s important – enjoying your time away!

Discover Holiday Magic

Experience the undeniable magic of a winter holiday, exploring the towns and cities of Europe by rail as they’re transformed by the changing seasons. Whether you’re heading to a familiar destination or exploring somewhere new, we’ll introduce you to unforgettable landmarks and scenic railways, showcasing each destination at its magical, wintry best.

Discover holiday magic on a special event holiday - unforgettable, culture-packed escapes that introduce you to the best local traditions. With the fantastic value you know and love, admire colourful tulips at the Keukenhof Gardens, watch dancers twirl alongside extravagant floats at Nice Carnival or treat yourself to a once-in-a-decade experience at 2022's Floriade Horticultural Expo.

Extraordinary Rail Adventures

There’s something extraordinary about travelling by rail, and our holidays include unique journeys from iconic, steam-hauled heritage lines to sleek high-speed services.

Spectacular Destinations

From the snowy peaks of Switzerland to the sparkling French Riviera, whichever destination you visit, you'll discover must-see landmarks and attractions as well as off-the-beaten-track gems.

Holidays that Offer a Breath of Fresh Air

Switzerland, Italy and Austria are famed for their pristine natural beauty, fresh Alpine air and fantastical lakes. Destinations where jaw-dropping scenery meet iconic train journeys, get back to nature in style and comfort whether you’re exploring the storybook villages of Lake Garda, trundling past mighty mountains on the Glacier Express or sitting down to an al fresco breakfast amid the landscapes of the Austrian Tyrol.

Enjoy the Journey, Not Just the Destination

Gorgeous Alpine views? A US coast to coast adventure? Italy top to toe? Whatever you’re looking for, our iconic rail tours will get you there in style.

Welcome Back to the World

If you’ve been putting off your dream trip for the past few years, now’s the time to rediscover those travel ambitions. With world-renowned cuisines, stylish cities and stunning landscapes - accessible via some of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys - it’s easy to see why European destinations sit so highly on people’s wish-lists.

Experience the Joy of the Journey

Rail is a remarkable way to experience new places and offers unrivalled views wherever you go. And, with small groups of 25 people for better access to all the sights and inclusive luggage transfers as standard, taking to the rails just got a whole lot easier.

When Less is Actually More
With group numbers capped at 25 on our UK and Europe holidays, stay in more characterful hotels, move around the sights safely and easily, enjoy exclusive experiences and get a more personal service from your Tour Manager. Smaller groups mean bigger adventures, and with numbers capped at 25, you'll stay in more characterful hotels, move around the sights more easily and enjoy exclusive excursions only suitable for small groups.

Inclusive Luggage Service
Now included on all European and many UK tours, our complimentary luggage transfers include door-to-door luggage service completely free for one 25kg bag so you never have to touch your luggage on the go.

Doorstep Discoveries
From the majestic mountains of Wales to England’s traditional seaside landscapes and the timeless Scottish Highlands, you don’t have far to go to escape to the wild when you holiday in the UK.

Back to Europe
The ancient history of Rome and Renaissance masterpieces of Florence, the good food and even better wine of France and Switzerland’s world-famous mountain railways; we can’t wait to explore Europe once more.

Planned to Perfection

At a time when many are thinking about planning their next adventure, we wanted to remind you why a rail holiday should be top of your list. We’ve hand-crafted a collection of unforgettable escapes that take you straight to the heart of each destination, with unmissable sights and rich culture waiting to be discovered every day. With the hard work out of the way, all that’s left for you to do is decide where to go.

So Much Included
Our tours include so much in the price; all travel, a dedicated Tour Manager, 3 and 4-star hotels, many meals, and a host of culture-rich excursions and rail journeys.

Time to Explore

Discover must-see landmarks and attractions on insightful guided tours, blended with free time to explore in a way that suits you. It’s the best way to travel.

Escorted Rail Tours Worldwide

Is there a better way to start your holiday than simply hopping on the train? We don't think so. Europe has a fantastic rail network, which our tours connect with directly from London St Pancras. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy some of Europe’s most breathtaking views as you’re whisked straight to the heart of your destination.

From steam trains to bullet trains, rail travel over the world offers so many epic adventures. Sit back and take in the magnificent panoramas as you travel between quaint towns and cosmopolitan cities. Take a ride on the Glacier Express, journey through the Rocky Mountains and see the wonderful scenery of the Pyrenees.

A railtour is a special train which is run in order to allow people to experience rail travel which is not available using timetabled passenger services. The 'unusual' aspect may be the route of the train, the destination, specific sections of railway track (for example, freight-only lines), the locomotive hauling the train, the rolling stock (passenger carriages), or any combination of these. Organisers may own or hire locomotives or rolling stock, or tours may be organised by railway management or other bodies outside the railway fraternity. Perhaps the most famous railtour in England was the Fifteen Guinea Special, the last steam hauled main line train run by British Railways.

Associate Sites: www.lapland-trips.co.uk - www.villas-with-pools.co.uk - www.coach-breaks.co.uk - www.rail-tours.co.uk - Escorted Tours - Safari Tours - www.cruise-breaks.co.uk - www.sunbreakholidays.co.uk - www.no-fly-cruises.co.uk - www.christmas-holidays.co.uk

Disclaimer: All prices are 'from' prices, they may not be available on every date. *Please refer to the tour itinerary regarding excursions and entry fees. Lead-ins are based on the best value flight and airline available at pricing and include all available discounts. Prices are per person. Other durations, dates and departure airports are available at a supplement. All prices are subject to availability and can be withdrawn without notice due to airline availability. Single traveller supplements may apply. Terms and conditions apply.