Rail Holidays and Train Journeys 2022/2023

ESCORTED HOLIDAYS BY TRAIN

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. Travel to St Petersburg from Moscow's Leningrad Station, or see the forest-filled valleys of Norway's fjordlands as the world-famous Flamsbana railway carries you from Myrdal to Flam.

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.

Scottish Highland Railways

4.14 (2628 reviews)
United Kingdom, Scotland, British Isles

3 excursions included
8 meals included
Rail travel from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh - a truly spectacular ride through the remote northern Highlands and alongside Loch Carron
Journey on the steam-hauled Strathspey Railway through unspoilt Highland scenery and alongside the River Spey
Cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct, as seen in the Harry Potter films, on a train ride from Fort William to Mallaig

Historic Railways of the Isle of Man

4.47 (496 reviews)
United Kingdom, British Isles

3 excursions included
8 meals included
Journey on the narrow-gauge Isle of Man Steam Railway
Ride the Manx Electric Railway to historic Derby Castle Station
Take a trip on the Snaefell Mountain Railway

Little Trains of the Pyrenees

4.11 (204 reviews)
France, Spain

4 excursions included
1 meal included
Spend five nights on the beautiful Costa Brava
Enjoy the views from the Roses Express road train
Ride the Little Yellow Train to the French Pyrenees

The Italian Dolomites

3.82 (90 reviews)
Italy

3 excursions included
14 meals included
Ride the Renon narrow-gauge railway to Collabro
Journey by rail from Mezzolombardo to Caldes
Enjoy the views from the Soprabolzano cable-car

Little Trains of the Dolomites

3.82 (90 reviews)
Italy

3 excursions included
14 meals included
Ride the Renon narrow-gauge railway to Collabro
Journey by rail from Mezzolombardo to Caldes
Enjoy the views from the Soprabolzano cable-car

Lake Como, St Moritz & the Bernina Express

3.73 (227 reviews)
Italy, Switzerland

3 excursions included
14 meals included
Discover Bellagio, "Italy's most beautiful town"
Enjoy a cruise on Lake Como
Ride the Bernina Express to St Moritz

India's Golden Triangle & Shimla

4.55 (40 reviews)
India

12 excursions included
34 meals included
Watching the sun set (and rise) behind the Taj Mahal
Riding the "toy train" from Kandaghat to Shimla
Searching for Ranthambhore's tigers on two included safaris

Japan - Land of the Rising Sun

4.41 (58 reviews)
Japan

8 excursions included
13 meals included
Explore Himeji, Japan’s best-preserved feudal-era fortress
Take the train to Nara, Japan’s 6th-century capital with its sacred deer
Experience bustling Osaka, ‘Japan’s Kitchen’

Canada - Niagara Falls to Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer

Canada

5 excursions included
Gaze in awe at tumultuous Niagara Falls
Enjoy a journey on the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer
UNESCO-listed Québec City, Canada's only walled city

WHERE TO GO ON A RAIL HOLIDAY

Whether your heart is crying out for snow-capped peaks and lush valleys - with those exhilarating moments of spotting wildlife roaming free! - or whether you have always wanted to pass through fascinating cities and quaint villages, you will find your dream escape in a rail holiday. From the Rockies to the Pyrenees, we have plenty of beautiful rail holidays on offer.

RELATED TRAVEL GUIDES

5 great European rail journeys

Some of the finest, most scenic railway journeys, including short journeys that can be made in a day.

All aboard: 5 amazing rail journeys around the world

From the Bernina Express across the ‘Roof of Europe’ to the Petit Train Jaune through the French Pyrenees, here's our guide to unforgettable rail travel.

Scotland’s most scenic rail journeys

Glittering lochs are framed by towering mountains and wild, heather-coated glens give way to miles of rugged coastline and golden beaches.

Rail Holidays for Solo Travellers

Be inspired to travel solo. Newmarket Holidays welcomes solo travellers on all our group tours. In fact, many of our customers choose to join our tours on their own. And the best part is: you won’t really be alone. With a group of like-minded travellers and a friendly, informative tour manager (as well as incredible locals all over the world!), you will love your holiday experience. Joining a tour as a solo traveller is also a guaranteed way to feel safe and confident when travelling alone. While you can join any of our regular tours on your own, we also have a range of tours designed exclusively for solo travellers.

Rail Holiday FAQs

First time on a rail holiday? Here are some questions (and answers!) you may find useful...

What is a rail holiday?

A rail holiday is a holiday that involves sections of travelling done by rail.
Where do rail holidays go?

Our rail holidays go to a variety of destinations that have iconic railways, including Scotland, the Isle of Man, Japan, Switzerland, Canada and India.
Will I have to sleep on the train?

No. Our rail holidays incorporate journeys on iconic railways, but not long 30-hour trips. Every rail holiday is different, but you can look always look forward a comfortable bed at the end of each day.
What are the advantages of rail holidays?

Rail holidays allow you to sit back and relax in comfort and style as you take in the wonderful scenery of the word's most iconic train journeys, often inaccessible to road vehicles.