Exploring Spain and France with Great Rail Journeys
24/07/2025 · By Rob Payne
Discover the scenic delights of northern Spain and southern France with Great Rail Journeys, enjoying coastal views, rich culture and charming rail trips.
Read moreEurope is a beautifully diverse continent, home to the magical landscapes of Switzerland as well as the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. And with train lines connecting much of what's in between, an escorted holiday with Great Rail Journeys offers a relaxing and scenic way of exploring its different countries. Look forward to discovering new destinations with us in 2026, from the ancient wonders and timeless beauty of Greece's islands, to the colourful coastlines of Malta and cultural treasures of Poland.
Travel with like-minded people as we bring to life unique towns and cities from the fjords of Scandinavia to the vibrant streets of Sicily. Our holidays include enriching excursions, hand-picked hotels, comfortable travel and meals that celebrate authentic local flavours. Wherever you go, experience the continent the way it was meant to be seen - by rail.
Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travel inspiration and offers in our e-newsletter.
Explore hidden corners of Europe with our expertly crafted walking holidays that combine scenic walks with enjoyable excursions. This brand-new collection features explorations of landscapes to suit all interests - but no summits! Each tour includes two or three guided walks showing you the lesser-known side of your destination at a slower pace. Your experience is further elevated with excursions to unmissable highlights - all with the comfort you'd expect from a GRJ Classic holiday.
Here are some of our customer favourites for experiencing Europe by Rail
Staying in a spa hotel in the fortress town of Sirmione, set on a picturesque peninsula overlooking Lake Garda, this captivating holiday includes many unforgettable experiences. Join us to uncover the elegance and treasures of northern Italy. Glide along Venice's turquoise canals on a gondola ride - passing Venetian palazzos, intriguing...
Experience epic mountain landscapes and shimmering alpine lakes on this fantastic holiday to Switzerland. Discover the Swiss Alps on the world-acclaimed Bernina Express and Glacier Express from our popular bases in Chur and Brig, traditional towns surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Enjoy a private aperitif on the terrace of the 10th-century ...
Staggering mountain peaks and serene alpine lakes provide the extraordinary setting for this holiday as we travel in First Class all the way, including on the iconic Bernina Express and Glacier Express. Staying in the Engadine Valley and the popular mountain resort of Zermatt provides idyllic bases from which to explore the Swiss Alps by rail...
Beautifully scenic Scandinavian rail journeys take us from the ancient Viking capital of Trondheim to wintry Kiruna in Swedish Lapland, enjoying many opportunities to be dazzled by the ethereal Northern Lights. Travelling through amazing landscapes by rail, cross to the Arctic Circle to Bodø. From here, seek the ethereal Northern Lights on...
Embrace the stunning scents and colours on this flower-filled cruise through Belgium and the Netherlands. Walk among incredible floral displays at Keukenhof Gardens, visit poignant war sites and explore the quaint streets of Amsterdam, Bruges and Ghent. Cruising aboard a luxurious ship, step ashore at ports along the way to visit Ypres...
Feel the spirit of Christmas on this cruise along the beautiful Rhine. Discovering Germany at the most magical time of the year we stop at traditional Christmas markets along the way. Strolling through the stalls, admire the craftsmanship of local artisans and savour the flavours that define the season. On board, soak up the natural beauty of the...
Experience the beauty of Norway from its natural wonders to charming cities on this tour across stunning landscapes. Journey through an impressive wilderness of plateaus and waterfalls on two of the world's most famous train journeys: the spectacular Bergen Railway and the cherished Flåm Railway. Marvel at towering cliff faces on a...
Arriving by plane, enjoy our scenic base in a hotel overlooking the coast of Monopoli. From here, experience the incredible sights and traditions of Puglia, a place untouched by the hands of time. Rich with UNESCO World Heritage sites, discover the spectacular trulli homes of Alberobello and the sassi cave dwellings in the cliffside town...
Explore the beautiful towns and landscapes of the Austrian Alps based in an all-inclusive hotel in the charming town of St Johann, with drinks included with dinner each evening. Marvel at views of Austria's tallest mountain on a journey across the Hochtor Pass on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, viewing glaciers and gold-mining towns, before...
Discover the towns and villages of the Italian Riviera which sparkle beside the Mediterranean Sea, as we explore the Cinque Terre and the harbour town of Portofino. Explore the pastel-hued fishing village of Camogli, a hidden gem, and relax in Sestri Levante - a town between two bays. Sail to San Fruttuoso abbey, set in a secluded cove and...
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Netherlands to Switzerland on a luxury river cruise. Sail through four countries, admiring stunning forested valleys, charming half-timbered towns and historic cities lining the picturesque banks of this incredible river. Marvel at the spectacular scenery of the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage...
On this sensational holiday, travel from Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva to the mountainous surroundings of the Jungfrau Massif. Explore Château de Chillon, sail on Lake Geneva and cross the Alps to the French mountain town of Chamonix on the Mont Blanc Express. Boarding the GoldenPass Express, admire views of the Bernese Alps...
The adventure often starts as we depart London St Pancras, beginning our journey towards mainland Europe. Travelling by rail has always had romantic connotations, and as we pass rural villages that seemingly haven't changed in centuries and coast through cosmopolitan cities, it's hard to deny that trains offer a different perspective.
With freedom to move around the carriages as you please, make new friends or just wallow in the luxury of time to sit back and read a book, feel yourself unwind a little more with each passing mile before arriving in the heart of your destination, relaxed and ready to explore.
Great Rail Journeys by name, Great Rail Journeys by nature. On nearly every holiday we run, relaxing, impressive or once-in-a-lifetime rail journeys are par for the course. Whether it's the 180-mile trip the Glacier Express makes through the mountains of Switzerland, an experience aboard the steepest railway line in the world - the Flåm Railway in Norway, or a beautifully-restored journey on the Jacobite Steam Train through the Scottish Highlands, we know all of the best rail experiences to be had across Europe.