Europe is a beautifully diverse continent, home to the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands 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. Travel with people who share your interests and enjoy similar activities, as we bring to life unique towns and cities from Scandinavia to Sicily, through engrossing excursions, hand-picked hotels, comfortable travel, and meals bursting with local flavour.

Holidays are a time for new discoveries and relaxation, and our itineraries perfectly balance excursions to must-see landmarks, tours with local guides who help uncover the secrets of our destinations, authentic food and wine tastings, and free time to sightsee in a way that suits you.

New for 2020, we've introduced a whole host of unique experiences to get you better acquainted with deep-rooted cultures and traditions of the places you visit. Feast on Andalucían specialities while admiring the mystical Alhambra, savour the sounds of a private music recital in the Baroque surrounds of Salzburg's Mirabell Palace, or visit the oldest gelateria in Rome.

Exclusive Small Group Tours

Sometimes less is more, which is why on our Small Group Tours numbers are capped at 20. This means we can include activities that just aren't possible for larger groups; enjoy a private tour with the key keeper of the Vatican, stay in memorable mountaintop hotels in the Swiss Alps, go truffle hunting in Umbria, and drink wine cultivated on the fertile slopes of a volcano.

New for 2020! You told us luggage can be tricky sometimes when travelling by train, so we've introduced our new luggage transfer service, included as standard on the majority of our escorted rail holidays in Europe. When you see this symbol on a holiday page, then you know this particular tour comes with inclusive luggage transfers.

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.