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

Little Train, Douro Valley
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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.ExclusiveScenery & Nature+ 3 More
  • Journey on the historic Douro Historical steam train 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 £1,404 pp

    was £1,559 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    June 2026 - October 2026

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    14 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    6 included

  • Meals

    14 included

The Yellow Train, Sejourne Bridge
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Little Trains of the Pyrenees 7 Nights
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.Solo TravellersRail+ 3 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 £1,207 pp

    was £1,419 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    June 2025 - September 2026

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    15 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    4 included

  • Meals

    14 included

Shot of Molveno Lake in Italy, with buildings in the forefront and mountains
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The Italian Dolomites
Italy
Find out more about this Newmarket Holidays Dolomites Rail Tour and book online with confidence. ABTA & ATOL protected. Fly LocalScenery & Nature+ 1 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 £1,040 pp

    was £1,155 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    June 2025 - October 2026

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    11 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    6 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
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 SellingRail+ 2 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 £1,275 pp

    was £1,500 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    October 2025 - October 2026

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    14 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    6 included

  • Meals

    7 included

Goldenpass Belle Epoque Near Montreux
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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 TrainSolo TravellersRail+ 2 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 £1,348 pp

    was £1,585 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    June 2025 - October 2026

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    6 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    5 included

  • Meals

    12 included

Discover our blog

The Bernina Express going along the railway in the mountains, in the snow

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!

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.

You'll love our holidays