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A view from the red train looking forward to the Swiss mountain peaks with snow, and the lush autumnal coloured trees on the left in the valley.

Train holidays Europe

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Once-in-a-lifetime adventures by rail in Europe

  • Europe's greatest train journeys

    Cádiz, Frankfurt, Chur, Bordeaux, Barcelona, Marseille, Monterosso al Mare, Milan, Zürich, Locarno, Madrid, Vienna, Nice, Genoa, San Sebastián, Cologne

    One for the real train lovers: traverse across the continent by way of Europe’s most esteemed heritage railways and scenic train journeys around.

  • Balkans and the Aegean

    Rhodes, Milan, Sofia, Marmaris, Vienna, Ankara, İzmir, Athens, Istanbul, Bucharest , Paris

    A trip for adventurous sojourners. Traverse by sleeper trains through the Balkans to Europe’s border, before heading to Greece’s ancient wonders.

  • Turkey by train

    Budapest, Veliko Tarnovo , Cluj-Napoca, Vienna, Istanbul, Bucharest , Brasov

    Our most ambitious flight-free adventure to date. Stop off through five countries with five sleeper trains on to reach Europe’s dividing line with Asia.

Island escapism by ferry

  • Stop-offs to Sicily

    Palermo, Rome, Milan, Zürich, Messina, Naples, Syracuse, Reggio Calabria, Catania, Paris

    Italy’s ancient cities meet island escapism. Stop off through Italy and travel along the Tyrrhenian coastline, crossing the Strait of Messina to Sicily.

  • French Riviera & Corsica

    Ajaccio, Bastia, Marseille, Cassis, Calvi

    Soak up the sea on this adventure by overnight ferry to Corsica. Explore the island’s beaches, ancient towns and mountains by train and bus.

  • The Balearics

    Nîmes, Barcelona, Girona, Palma, Mallorca, Paris, Valencia

    Sail through the night from Barcelona and wake up to the beautiful island of Mallorca. Explore secluded coves, historic towns and rugged mountains.

Classic European coastlines

  • Bay of Biscay

    Bordeaux, Biarritz, San Sebastián, Santander

    Sprawling beaches, failsafe surf and one of the best coastal food scenes around. Sit back on a cross-border journey around Biscay from France to Spain.

  • The Amalfi Coast and Florence

    Turin, Chambery, Amalfi, Milan, Florence, Naples, Paris

    Above the buzz of fine seafood and aperitif spots carved into the cliffs, the Monti Lattari lead up into green landscapes of citrus trees and umbrella pines.

  • Round Spain to the Algarve

    Bordeaux, Barcelona, Madrid, Faro, San Sebastián, Seville, Paris

    Opt for off-season for a dose of the Algarve’s authentic side. The beaches are peaceful and the Ria Formosa teem with rare waterfowl and flamingoes.

Epic railways in Europe

  • Portugal's Douro Line

    Santiago de Compostela, Nîmes, Salamanca, Vigo, Bordeaux, Porto, Madrid, San Sebastián

    Portugal’s spectacular journey to ‘nowhere’. Board a Wes Anderson-esque carriage heading along the Douro River valley to the border’s edge.

  • (Better than) the Bernina Express

    Bern, Chur, Milan, Lecco, Geneva, Paris

    You’ve heard of the Bernina Express. Lesser known is the local train running along the same railway: fewer tourists, more flexibility, the same epic views.

  • The West Highland Line

    Oban, Fort William, Glasgow

    Experience wild landscapes as you skirt lochs, snake through glens and cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct on both branches of the famous West Highland Line.

City breaks in Europe by rail

  • Oh-so-cool neighbourhoods, vibrant fusion food and vintage markets. Meet the capital of the Hauts-de-France region and rising star of regenerative tourism.

  • Explore canal towpaths and Amsterdam’s lesser-known neighbourhoods on two wheels, with stops for superb coffee and Stroopwafel.

  • Pull into one of the most spectacular train stations in Europe for a city break in Belgium’s Diamond Capital, a hub for up-and-coming fashion designers and bursting with roasteries.

Historical holidays in Europe

  • Flanders Fields

    Kortrijk, Ypres

    Based in Ypres, cycle the Salient battlefields taking in the Tyne Cot and Langemark cemeteries. As the sun sets, gather under the Menin Gate for the Last Post recital.

  • Spain’s ancient cities

    Nîmes, Girona, Granada, Córdoba, Valencia, Seville, Paris

    Uncover Andalusia’s cities that brim with striking Moorish architecture, gothic cathedrals, and palatial gardens. Don’t miss Córdoba's Mezquita, a blend of Islamic and Christian artistry.

  • Alsace to Burgundy

    Strasbourg, Riquewihr, Dijon

    Immerse yourself in the medieval architecture of Alsace, for strolls around Petite France and a visit to Dijon’s grand Palace of the Dukes. Local wine-tasting makes the perfect pitstop.

Rural exploration

  • Tracing tracks to Tuscany

    Turin, Munich, Florence, San Gimignano, Paris

    Weave through rural Tuscany to reach the hilltop town of San Gimignano, overlooking miles of cypress-studded countryside and rolling vineyards.

  • Mountain lakes

    Basel, Lugano, Locarno, Lecco, Paris

    Lake hopping is the new island hopping. Hop from Lake Maggiore to Lake Lugano to Lake Como, strung together by scenic Swiss railway lines.

  • Tulips in Lisse

    Lisse, Haarlem

    Each Autumn, seven million bulbs are hand-planted across the Keukenhof. By spring, the fields bloom with miles of tulips to be admired by foot or bike.

How long does it take?

Here’s the minimum time you’ll need for a relaxed round trip starting from London. We do other departure stations, too!

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