The Yellow Train, Sejourne Bridge

European Rail Holidays

From Spain’s Blossom train to Italy’s Bernina Express, we’re bringing you some of the most legendary rail pathways across the continent.

Some of Europe’s prettiest landscapes are best appreciated from the wide, bright windows of a train. A European rail journey means you can venture into the heart of a region, as well as to the wilder, more remote passes. Think the alpine valleys and peaks of Switzerland, the castle-sprinkled Cathar Country of France, or even the citrus and almond groves of Mallorca. It’s not your ordinary holiday, but then again, that’s what makes the experience special.

Striking landscapes aside, the very experience of a rail journey can be a powerful hit of nostalgia, a kind of transportation into a whole other era. Some memorable trains include the Bernina Express of Italy and Switzerland, the 100-year-old Train du pays Cathare et du Fenouilledes (the Red Train) of France, or the vintage Orange Blossom Train of Spain, all alike in their being marvels of engineering, but distinct in their varying routes through Europe and unique stylistic quirks.

Our featured European Rail holidays

The Yellow Train, Sejourne Bridge
Little Trains of the Pyrenees 7 Nights
Spain, France
+ 4 More
  • 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 £1,339 pp

  • Dates Available

    April 2025 - September 2025

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    8 airports

  • Excursions

    4 included

  • Meals

    1 included

Shot of Molveno Lake in Italy, with buildings in the forefront and mountains
The Italian Dolomites
Italy
+ 2 More
  • Visit to Bolzano and enjoy a cable-car ride
  • Ride the Renon narrow-gauge railway to Collabro
  • Choose to travel to delightful Trento on an optional excursion
  • 8 days from £1,125 pp

  • Dates Available

    May 2025 - October 2025

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    11 airports

  • Excursions

    3 included

  • Meals

    14 included

The Bernina Express going across a bridge, with grassy mountains in the background
Lake Como, St Moritz and the Bernina Express
Italy
+ 3 More
  • 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 £1,329 pp

  • Dates Available

    April 2025 - October 2025

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    6 airports

  • Excursions

    3 included

  • Meals

    7 included

Goldenpass Belle Epoque Near Montreux
Swiss Alpine Glories and the GoldenPass Train
Switzerland
+ 3 More
  • 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 Grindlelwald and return to Chateau d'Oex
  • 8 days from £1,385 pp

    was £1,485 pp

  • Dates Available

    May 2025 - October 2025

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    6 airports

  • Excursions

    3 included

  • Meals

    12 included

Discover our blog

5 great European rail journeys

5 great European rail journeys

We’ve picked some of the finest, most scenic railway journeys in Europe, including short journeys that can easily be made in a day.

All aboard: 5 amazing rail journeys around the world

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.

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