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.
Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travel inspiration and offers in our e-newsletter.
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 gleaming waters of Italy's famous lakes and uncovering the elegance of central Europe's imperial cities. To experience the delights of Portugal, Germany, Croatia and everywhere in between, download our new brochure now!
Here are some of our customer favourites for experiencing Europe by Rail
Classic
Landmark
(163 reviews)
Discoveries
(405 reviews)Landmark
(137 reviews)Classic
(287 reviews)Classic
(96 reviews)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.
Landmark(137 reviews)
Classic(96 reviews)
Classic
(204 reviews)
Classic
(301 reviews)
Landmark(163 reviews)
Classic
(158 reviews)
Classic
(114 reviews)
Classic(287 reviews)
Classic
(90 reviews)
13/08/2024 · By Great Rail Journeys
Getting to know our customers is not only one of the pleasures of our jobs, it also offers a great chance to see what we do and learn where we can keep improving. Our Chief Commercial Officer, Rob Payne, recently joined a group in Tuscany.
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23/08/2024 · By Great Rail Journeys
Think of luxury trains and one stands out amongst the rest in most people’s minds. The opulent Venice Simplon-Orient Express (VSOE) conjures up images of the golden age of rail travel and is a byword for elegance. Stylishly decorated with rich wood panelling and Art Deco touches, travelling on this classic train is like stepping back in time to the 1920s.
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14/06/2024 · By Great Rail Journeys
I fondly recall the thrill of starting the day with our sea eagle safari. Picture yourself on an open rigid RIB boat, the wind in your hair, and the stunning coastal scenery all around. We always advise dressing warmly for the breeze, but don't worry – we ensure everyone stays comfortable and dry.
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10/06/2024 · By Great Rail Journeys
As the summer sun dips below the horizon, Scandinavia transforms into an autumnal wonderland. Golden hues sweep across forests, fjords shimmer in the crisp air, and a sense of tranquillity settles upon the land.
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River Cruise
