01904 521 936
Tour Search



Short Breaks

If you'd like to escape for just a few days, look no further than our magnificent selection of short breaks in the Great British Isles and Europe. From a short cultural getaway immersing yourself in the history of medieval Bruges, to a long weekend discovering the outstanding beauty of the Great British Isles, our varied collection of short break holidays mean that no matter how little time you have to spare, you always have time for an exciting getaway. We believe that you shouldn't have to compromise on quality just because you're short on time, so we strive to ensure that our short break itineraries are packed with unforgettable excursions, carefully chosen hotels and many delicious meals.

15 results matching: Short Breaks

Filter by
Clear All
Holiday type
Reset
Holiday length
Reset
Theme
Reset
Transport type
Reset
Additional options
Reset

Europe 2023

Order your rail holiday brochure today

Order today
Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
Save up to £100pp
4.7 stars(491 reviews)
2024AprMayJunJulAug...
6 days from
£795 pp £745 pp
View Details
Save up to £100pp
6 days from
£795
£745
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationEngland
  • Starts / EndsHeysham
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Railways & Castles of Wales
Save up to £100pp
4.4 stars(372 reviews)
2024AprMayJunJulAug...
6 days from
£695 pp
View Details
Save up to £100pp
6 days from
£695
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationWales
  • Starts / EndsLlandudno
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Highland Adventure
Save up to £100pp
4.2 stars(197 reviews)
2024MayJunJulSepOct
5 days from
£895 pp £795 pp
View Details
Save up to £100pp
5 days from
£895
£795
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationScotland
  • Starts / EndsInverness
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Christmas Markets of the Rhine
Rail & Cruise
4.5 stars(86 reviews)
2024NovDec
5 days from
£1,295 pp
View Details
5 days from
£1,295
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationGermany
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationCruise
  • TransportRail, Cruise
Map and accommodation
Norwich & the Norfolk Broads
Save up to £100pp
4.1 stars(117 reviews)
2024AprMayJulAugSepOct
5 days from
£795 pp £745 pp
View Details
Save up to £100pp
5 days from
£795
£745
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationEngland
  • Starts / EndsNorwich
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
The Aberdonian Steam Train - © Alan Weaver
Save up to £100pp
3.7 stars(38 reviews)
2024JulSep
5 days from
£1,295 pp £1,195 pp
View Details
Save up to £100pp
5 days from
£1,295
£1,195
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationScotland
  • Starts / EndsEdinburgh
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation

Europe 2023

Order your rail holiday brochure today

Order today
The Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway
Save up to £100pp
4.1 stars(72 reviews)
2024MayJunOct
5 days from
£595 pp £545 pp
View Details
Save up to £100pp
5 days from
£595
£545
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationEngland
  • Starts / EndsPaignton
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Castle Howard
Save up to £100pp
4.0 stars(33 reviews)
2024AprMayJunAugSepOct
5 days from
£795 pp
View Details
Save up to £100pp
5 days from
£795
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationEngland
  • Starts / EndsGuisborough
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Bavarian Christmas Markets
4.1 stars(9 reviews)
2024Dec
5 days from
£1,095 pp
View Details
5 days from
£1,095
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationGermany
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Harz Mountains Christmas Markets
4.3 stars(29 reviews)
2024Dec
6 days from
£1,195 pp
View Details
6 days from
£1,195
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationGermany
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
North Yorkshire Moors
Rail Discoveries
2024AprMayJunJulAug...
Rail Discoveries
5 days from
£449 pp £399 pp
View Details
5 days from
£449
£399
per person
View Details
Edinburgh Tattoo
4.7 stars(6 reviews)
2024Aug
4 days from
£1,015 pp
View Details
4 days from
£1,015
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationScotland
  • Starts / EndsDunblane
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Our customers love our Short Breaks tours
Harz Mountains Christmas Markets
30 Dec 2023
Dale Buche
5 stars
“It was overall a wonderful trip. The trains were great. The accommodations were wonderful and most of all our tour guide was exceptionally great. The towns we visited were everything I hoped they would be.
Collected by Trustpilot
Christmas Markets of the Rhine
25 Dec 2023
Melanie Gold
5 stars
“This 4-city cruise was a great introduction to the Rhine and the fabulous German Christmas markets. Food was excellent, the stateroom felt luxurious, the walking tours informative, and for travelers who speak only English, there are no language barriers. Most helpful was our Great Rail Journeys coordinator, who gave me such helpful advise when I opted to spend an additional day in Germany and return to the UK on my own.
Collected by Trustpilot
Bavarian Christmas Markets
23 Dec 2023
Susan Rose
5 stars
“A truly lovely trip. All places visited very interesting and full of Christmas atmosphere. Rothenburg is so very quaint and beautifully preserved. Highlight of the trip for us was visit to Thurn & Taxis Market in Regensburg, quite magical after dark. The local Germans flock to this market which speaks for itself. GRJ need to rethink train times to and from Regensburg to give the whole group a chance to see that market as it doesn't open until 3pm. We were lucky because we'd been on this tour in 2016 and knew this market wasn't to be missed so our outstanding TM, Graham, made sure we had our own tickets do we could travel back to Nüremburg separately later, along with another couple who trusted our recommendation and agreed the rest of the group had missed out. Graham was truly the best TM throughout the trip and it was proven again when one of our German trains home was cancelled and he rearranged the whole schedule so we arrived, as planned, at St. Pancras.
Collected by Trustpilot
Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
13 Nov 2023
Peter
5 stars
“We really enjoyed the Isle of Man and our tour manager was great especially when my wife had a fall and had to go to the local Hospital.
Collected by Trustpilot
Railways and Castles of Wales
21 Oct 2023
J Oldfield
5 stars
“Sorry no. I do not write reviews. I submitted my comments after the holiday and that is enough.
Collected by Trustpilot
Peebles, the Edinburgh Tattoo and Floors Castle
09 Sep 2023
J Urbanowski
5 stars
“Our trip with GRJ was excellent in every respect from dealing with the office staff, accommodation, meals provided, coach transport and the service of our Tour Manager.
Collected by Trustpilot
Edinburgh Tattoo and the Highlands
29 Aug 2023
B Derbyshire
5 stars
“First time on a trip like this, very well organised and very friendly
Collected by Trustpilot
South Devon, Dartmouth, and The English Riviera
31 Oct 2023
Margaret Watson
4 stars
“GREAT HOLIDAY HOTEL AND GUIDE EXCELLANT BUT A MAP TO ENABLE US TO FIND HOTEL WOULD HAVE BEEN HELPFUL AND SEATS ON INWARD JOURNEY WAS BADLY CHOSEN WE WERE 6 HOURS ON TRAIN AND NO WINDOW . HOMEWARD BOUND WAS DREADFUL BUT NOTHING ANYONE COULD DO ABOUT FLOODS AND TRAINS STOPPED. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS HOLIDAY.
Collected by Trustpilot
Highland Adventure
22 Oct 2023
M Locke
4 stars
“Unfortunately the weather was not good.
Collected by Trustpilot

A short break with Great Rail Journeys puts the world within easy reach; we take care of all arrangements in advance, from travel to accommodation to meals and excursions, so that you can relax with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that every aspect of your holiday is taken care of before your departure. All of our tours include the services of a professional Tour Manager, who will be on hand to guarantee that your time away is as enjoyable and relaxing as possible, and will happily assist you with anything from travel advice to restaurant recommendations.

An escorted rail holiday is a perfect way to experience a destination in a short amount of time, as it makes the journey a part of the adventure. From the moment your tour departs you can sit back and relax, taking in the scenic views as they roll past your window, and socialising with fellow, like-minded passengers.

So whether you'd prefer a short city break, discovering the history and culture of Europe, or a relaxing escape closer to home, travelling on some of the most charming railways in the Great British Isles, browse our extensive range of holidays listed below to find your next short break, or call one of our Tour Advisors today for more information.