Train holidays Europe

Embark on a grand tour of Europe by train along scenic railways from Ireland to Italy, Austria to the Netherlands and everywhere in between.

Known as the low countries or Benelux, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, are linked by history, geography—and trains. Uncover Golden Age art, historic cities and sprawling gardens.

A cross-border pilgrimage by rail from Trondheim to Sundsvall on Sweden’s coast, tracing the tracks of St Olav through Scandinavia’s wildest landscapes.

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

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

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.

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.

Climb aboard for a rail adventure through Puglia, exploring the vibrant culture, mouth-watering cuisine and picturesque landscapes of Bari, Lecce, Monopoli and Foggia.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Away from Tuscany's beaten path, Grosseto is a commune in the heart of the Maremma on Tuscany's west Coast, and the starting point for exploration of the Monti dell'Uccellina and sandy coastlines.

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

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.