The heritage toy train crossing a railway bridge on the Kalka–Shimla route, surrounded by lush green hills and trees

Rail Holidays

Unforgettable rail journeys across the world

Toy Train, Shimla

From the Petit Train Jaune through the sun-soaked French Pyrenees to Japan's iconic bullet trains and the "toy train" that winds through the Himalayan foothills from Kandaghat to Shimla, the world is criss-crossed by unique, unforgettable rail journeys.

Travel with us and explore the world, from historic cities and towns to scenic mountains and valleys, on our wonderful rail holidays. Watch the winding river canyons and pristine forests of Canada's most scenic train ride roll by from the comfort of the Rocky Mountaineer, or admire Austrian mountain pastures from the carriages of the Zillertal Steam Railway. Take a vintage UK rail holiday through the rolling hills and pastures of the Isle of Man, or across the glens and moors of the Scottish Highlands.

Take in the extraordinary wonders and sights of Europe on an escorted rail holiday. Explore the glorious scenery of the Dolomites on board the Renon railway, or soak up the astonishing Alpine views as you ride the Bernina Express to St. Moritz. If breathtaking scenery is top of your holiday wish-list, you can also soak up the forested valleys of Norway's remarkable western fjords as the acclaimed Flåmsbana railway carries you from Myrdal to Flåm.

Whether your carriages are steam-hauled along lovingly restored lines or diesel-hauled on scheduled routes, and whether your rail holiday takes you to Europe, Canada or even further afield, you'll be free to let the train take the strain as you travel to fascinating destinations, and explore exhilarating heights often inaccessible by road.

Our featured rail holidays

Steam Train, Isle of Man Railway
Save up to 10%
No Single Supplement
Historic Railways of The Isle of Man
Isle of Man, United Kingdom
Ride the historic railways of the Isle of Man with Newmarket Holidays. Enjoy a steam train experience on this fully escorted 4-night holiday. Book now. Best Selling Rail
  • Take a trip on the Snaefell Mountain Railway
  • Explore historic Laxey, home of the world’s largest working waterwheel
  • Journey on the narrow-gauge Isle of Man Steam Railway

  • 5 days from £895 pp

    was £995 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    April 2027 - October 2027

  • Duration

    5 days

  • Depart From

    6 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    8 included

  • Meals

    8 included

Explore
Exterior view of the Deccan Odyssey train at the platform, with a red carpet and gold barriers by the entrance
Save up to 10%
A Luxury Indian Rail Odyssey - Premier
India
An opulent rail journey encapsulating the sights, sounds and colours of India’s sweeping landscapes taking in the main sights and cities, plus a tiger safari, as well as stays in Delhi, Mumbai and Himalayan Shimla. Premier Collection Small Group
  • Set off on a tour of Old Delhi, where you’ll see its most famous landmarks, including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque, and India Gate
  • Travel by ‘toy train’ to Shimla and experience a tour, covering the Viceregal Lodge, Scandal Point and the Mall
  • Board the iconic Deccan Odyssey train for a scenic seven-night journey along its tracks, stopping at different cities along the way

  • 14 days from £7,802 pp

    was £8,669 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    January 2027 - April 2028

  • Duration

    14 days

  • Depart From

    6 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    11 included

  • Meals

    31 included

Explore
Little Train, Douro Valley
Save up to 10%
No Single Supplement
Little Trains of the Douro
Portugal
Experience Portugal’s railway nostalgia with rides on historic trains, enhanced by vineyard tours and tastings at renowned wine estates in the Douro Valley. Rail Fly Local
  • Journey on a vintage diesel locomotive through the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley
  • Visit Viana do Castelo, a picturesque coastal town and ride the Santa Luzia Elevator, Portugal’s longest funicular
  • Set off on a scenic journey aboard the MiraDouro train from Porto to Régua, an authentic vintage railway experience

  • 8 days from £1,714 pp

    was £1,905 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    June 2027 - October 2027

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    14 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    6 included

  • Meals

    14 included

Explore
A Sprinter Mallaig Line train going along the railway in the Scottish Highlands
Save up to 10%
No Single Supplement
Scottish Highland Railways
Scotland, United Kingdom
Discover the Scottish Highlands on a rail tour with Newmarket Holidays. Cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct and take a steam trip on Strathspey Railway. Best Selling Rail
  • Rail travel from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh - a truly spectacular ride through the remote northern Highlands and alongside Loch Carron
  • Cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct, as seen in the Harry Potter films, on a train ride from Fort William to Mallaig
  • Journey on the steam-hauled Strathspey Railway through unspoilt Highland scenery and alongside the River Spey

  • 5 days from £868 pp

    was £965 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    April 2027 - October 2027

  • Duration

    5 days

  • Depart From

    9 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    12 included

  • Meals

    8 included

Explore
Boats anchored along the ghats of Varanasi at sunrise, with ancient sandstone buildings and temples glowing in golden light by the River Ganges
Save up to 10%
No Single Supplement
India – From the Himalayas to the Ganges
India
A trio of Golden Triangle cities, colonial-era hubs and significant spiritual centres await on this exploration of India’s historic northern states. Small Group Fly Local
  • Spend time in Agra and watch the sunrise behind the Taj Mahal, the ivory-white marble mausoleum of love
  • Explore the tiger-rich wilderness of Ranthambore National Park with morning and afternoon safaris
  • Witness the major academic and religious centres of Varanasi, India’s spiritual capital

  • 16 days from £3,140 pp

    was £3,489 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    April 2027 - November 2028

  • Duration

    16 days

  • Depart From

    5 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    14 included

  • Meals

    31 included

Explore
Yellow Train, Sejourne Bridge, French Pyrenees
Save up to 10%
Little Trains of the Pyrenees
Spain, France
Enjoy mountain scenery on this holiday in the Pyrenees, which is based in the resort of Roses, on the Costa Brava, and includes four scenic train journeys. Rail Fly Local
  • Spend seven nights on the beautiful Costa Brava
  • Ride the Little Yellow Train to the French Pyrenees
  • Travel on the Nuria Rack Railway, which offers the only access to the year-round Spanish mountain resort

  • 8 days from £1,543 pp

    was £1,715 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    May 2027 - September 2027

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    15 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    4 included

  • Meals

    14 included

Explore
Molveno Lake in Italy, with colourful houses in the foreground and rolling hills alongside the lake
Save up to 10%
No Single Supplement
The Italian Dolomites
Italy
Find out more about this Newmarket Holidays Dolomites Rail Tour and book online with confidence. ABTA & ATOL protected. Fly Local Scenery & Nature
  • Visit Bolzano and enjoy a cable-car ride
  • Ride the Renon narrow-gauge railway to Collabro
  • Travel to delightful Trento on an optional excursion

  • 8 days from £1,372 pp

    was £1,525 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    May 2027 - October 2027

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    11 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    6 included

  • Meals

    14 included

Explore
Edinburgh skyline at sunset from Calton Hill, with the Dugald Stewart Monument in the foreground
Save up to 10%
The Royal Caledonian
Scotland, United Kingdom
Explore Scotland's Highland capital, Inverness, on the Royal Caledonian Sleeper train and visit Balmoral Castle, Edinburgh, & more with Newmarket Holidays. Rail Iconic Landmarks
  • Visit the Royal Family’s Scottish holiday home, Balmoral Castle and Crathie Kirk, their regular place of worship
  • Travel on the heritage Strathspey Railway to the resort town of Aviemore, a reminder of the golden days of steam
  • Make the most of a guided Edinburgh tour, ticking off the city’s historical highlights

  • 7 days from £1,565 pp

    was £1,739 pp

    Rail travel included
  • Dates Available

    April 2027 - October 2027

  • Duration

    7 days

  • Depart From

    1 station

  • Excursions & Visits

    14 included

  • Meals

    10 included

Explore
GoldenPass Belle Époque
Save up to 10%
No Single Supplement
Swiss Alpine Glories and the GoldenPass Train
Switzerland
Explore the Swiss Alps on this escorted tour that includes visits to the Bernese Oberland, Bern and Gruyeres, and ride the GoldenPass Train Rail Fly Local
  • Discover medieval gem and cheese-making village Gruyères
  • Ride the spectacular GoldenPass Train to and from Montreux, with free time to explore the city, located on the shores of Lake Geneva
  • Set off on the GoldenPass Express Train to Interlaken, take a coach to Grindelwald and return to Chateau d'Oex

  • 8 days from £1,709 pp

    was £1,899 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    May 2027 - October 2027

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    9 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    5 included

  • Meals

    12 included

Explore
The Bernina Express going across Brusio Spiral Viaduct, Switzerland
Save up to 10%
Lake Como, St Moritz and the Bernina Express
Italy
Stay on the shores of Lake Como, visit Bellagio, & take the Bernina Express to St Moritz. Book your escorted break with confidence from Newmarket Holidays. Best Selling Rail
  • Ride the Bernina Express to St Moritz
  • Discover Bellagio, "Italy's most beautiful town"
  • Enjoy a week on the shores of Italy’s most romantic lake

  • 8 days from £1,691 pp

    was £1,879 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    April 2027 - October 2027

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    12 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    6 included

  • Meals

    7 included

Explore
A geisha holding a parasol walks up stone steps through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan, surrounded by tall, green bamboo stalks
Save up to 10%
Japan Unveiled
Japan
Experience Japanese culture on this escorted tour, which will introduce you to Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Hiroshima, Kyoto and more. Flights included. Best Selling Rail
  • Take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, an ancient and spiritual practice
  • Journey to the sacred eight natural springs and traditional thatched houses of Oshino and Lake Kawaguchi
  • Immerse yourself in the energy of Japan’s electrifying capital, Tokyo, on a guided tour

  • 16 days from £5,845 pp

    was £6,495 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    March 2027 - November 2029

  • Duration

    16 days

  • Depart From

    5 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    16 included

  • Meals

    16 included

Explore
Mount Fuji in the warm glow of an orange sunset, with soft clouds drifting across the sky and pink cherry blossoms in full bloom framing the foreground
Save up to 10%
No Single Supplement
Japan's Scenic South & the Golden Route
Japan
Combine exploration of Japan’s enchanting southern islands, Kyushu and Shikoku, with the neon-lit treasures of its hyper-modern mainland centres. Scenery & Nature History & Culture
  • Immerse yourself in the energy of Japan’s electrifying capital with excursions to Tokyo Skytree and Shibuya
  • Ride a bullet train to Kyoto and uncover its medieval landmarks and Geisha district
  • Explore Kyushu’s historic craft industries with guided tours of Fukuoka, Dazaifu and an Imari pottery factory

  • 16 days from £5,872 pp

    was £6,525 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    April 2027 - November 2029

  • Duration

    16 days

  • Depart From

    2 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    16 included

  • Meals

    15 included

Explore
Train From Nuwara Eliya To Kandy Among Tea Plantations In The Highlands Of Sri Lanka
Save up to 10%
Sri Lanka - Temples, Safari and Beach
Sri Lanka
Discover and experience our escorted Sri Lanka - Temples, Safari and Beach tour. Speak with our experts and book your Newmarket Holidays tour today. Small Group Rail
  • Discover the charms of Sri Lanka’s largest city, Colombo
  • Venture into Yala National Park on a half-day game drive in search of wildlife
  • Lounge along the shores of the Indian Ocean at a five-star resort in Beruwala

  • 14 days from £3,032 pp

    was £3,369 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    November 2026 - November 2028

  • Duration

    14 days

  • Depart From

    7 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    11 included

  • Meals

    22 included

Explore
The Rocky Mountaineer train travelling through the Canadian Rockies, with rugged mountains in the background and dense evergreen forests lining the tracks
Save up to 10%
Canada's Rocky Mountaineer
Canada
This holiday in Canada begins in Banff and explores Lake Louise, Jasper and Vancouver, plus includes a two-day journey on The Rocky Mountaineer train. Rail City / Central
  • Enjoy a journey on the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer
  • Discover Vancouver, frequently voted one of the world's best cities to live in
  • A journey along the Icefields Parkway, via sparkling Lake Louise, to Jasper

  • 11 days from £5,291 pp

    was £5,879 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    May 2027 - October 2028

  • Duration

    11 days

  • Depart From

    1 airport

  • Excursions & Visits

    2 included

  • Meals

    4 included

Explore
Skagway, Alaska
Save up to 10%
Five-star Alaska Cruise & the Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer 2027/2028
Canada, United States of America
The glacial treasures of Alaska and the enchanting Rocky Mountains become the striking backdrop to a remarkable tour and cruise escape. Tour & Cruise Best Selling
  • Soak up luxury on the open ocean with a seven-night stay onboard an award-winning Holland America Line ship
  • Sail through the UNESCO-listed Glacier Bay, with an array of wildlife from bears and moose to whales and sea birds
  • Soak up panoramic views of the Rockies with a memorable rail journey onboard the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer

  • 17 days from £5,638 pp

    was £6,265 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    April 2028 - September 2028

  • Duration

    17 days

  • Depart From

    1 airport

  • Excursions & Visits

    6 included

  • Meals

    24 included

Explore
Couple Drinking, Onboard Rocky Mountaineer
Save up to 10%
Canada - Niagara Falls to the Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer
Canada
Explore Canada’s natural wonders from Niagara Falls to the Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer, offered exclusively by Newmarket Holidays. Rail City / Central
  • Enjoy a journey on the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer
  • Explore Banff, the stunning capital of the Rockies
  • Gaze in awe at tumultuous Niagara Falls

  • 14 days from £5,327 pp

    was £5,919 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    April 2027 - September 2027

  • Duration

    14 days

  • Depart From

    1 airport

  • Excursions & Visits

    5 included

Explore
Two people in a canal boat on the Kerala Backwaters at sunset, with a pink house and palm trees lining the banks, and warm light reflecting on the calm water
Save up to 10%
Kerala and India's Beautiful South
India
Discover the best of Kerala and South India on our escorted tour. Flights included. ATOL protected. Rail Scenery & Nature
  • Cruise through Alleppey’s verdant backwaters on a traditional thatched houseboat
  • Marvel at the Chinese fishing nets along Kochi’s harbour
  • Take in the garden city of Bangalore and explore the elegant Summer Palace, a former residence of Mysorean ruler Tipu Sultan

  • 18 days from £2,470 pp

    was £2,745 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    February 2027 - November 2028

  • Duration

    18 days

  • Depart From

    3 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    14 included

  • Meals

    32 included

Explore
Pink Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jaipur, India
Save up to 10%
Grand Palace & Historic Fort Stays of India - Premier
India
Discover the rich heritage of India on a Rajasthan Grand Palace & Historic Fort Stays tour with Newmarket Holidays. Book your adventure now! Premier Collection Small Group
  • Take in Delhi’s most famed historic sites by rickshaw and discover landmarks on the city’s culinary map
  • Survey the City Palace of Udaipur, Jagdish Temple, and the beautiful gardens of Saheliyon-ki of Udaipur
  • Drift across Lake Pichola on a cruise, viewing Udaipur’s shoreside palaces and temples from a different angle

  • 14 days from £2,582 pp

    was £2,869 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    March 2027 - November 2027

  • Duration

    14 days

  • Depart From

    5 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    15 included

  • Meals

    26 included

Explore
Bengal tiger, Kanha National Park
Save up to 10%
Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Safaris and the Taj Mahal
India
Uncover the best of India's wildlife and iconic sights. Speak with our experts and book your Newmarket Holidays tour today. Flights included. ATOL protected. Small Group Rail
  • Discover Mumbai on a guided tour with visits to Mani Bhavan, the Prince of Wales Museum, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and Dhobi Ghat
  • Visit the Taj Mahal, a famed monument of eternal love and architectural achievement at sunset
  • Venture into Pench National Park on morning and afternoon safaris in search of Bengal tigers

  • 14 days from £3,518 pp

    was £3,909 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    January 2027 - November 2028

  • Duration

    14 days

  • Depart From

    1 airport

  • Excursions & Visits

    14 included

  • Meals

    29 included

Explore

Discover our blog

All aboard: 5 amazing rail journeys around the world
Inspiration

All aboard for adventure: Five of the best rail journeys around the world

From heritage railways across Europe to luxury sleeper-train journeys throughout Northern India, these are some of the best train holidays in the world. 

Steam train approaches Kinchurdy Bridge against Cairngorms
Inspiration

Wish-list moments by rail: Europe and the UK’s best train journeys

Whether you’re a train enthusiast or want to kick back in comfort as you soak up Europe’s finest sights, this is your sign to embrace a more leisurely way to travel.

The Bernina Express train winding through snow-covered Alpine mountains on a scenic railway route
Inspiration

Full steam ahead: Our top five wish-list rail journeys across the world

From the idyllic Italian countryside to travelling on a high-speed bullet train through Japan, your next unforgettable adventure is ready to depart!

You'll love our holidays

Trustpilot