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.
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Here are some of our customer favourites for experiencing Europe by Rail
Experience Italian traditions on a relaxing, GRJ all-inclusive holiday to the unspoilt heel of southern Italy. Arriving by plane, enjoy a scenic base in a hotel overlooking the coast of Monopoli, a short distance from a white sandy beach. From here, we explore Puglia, a place untouched by the hands of time. Discover the spectacular trulli homes...
Based in the fortress town of Sirmione, set on a picturesque peninsula overlooking Lake Garda, and staying in an elegant spa hotel, this captivating holiday includes unforgettable experiences. Join us as we glide through Venice's turquoise canals on a gondola ride - passing Venetian palazzos, intriguing architecture and Byzantine churches -...
Explore the beautiful towns and landscapes of the Austrian Alps based on a GRJ All Inclusive holiday in the charming town of St Johann, with dinner and drinks included each evening. Marvel at views of Austria's tallest mountain on a journey across the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, viewing glaciers and gold-mining towns, before discovering the...
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...
Join us as we uncover the wonders of the Moselle and Rhine, where every bend of the river reveals beauty and every port beckons a new discovery. Sailing by lush hillsides and sloped vineyards, ancient castles and Roman ruins sprinkle the landscape on this leisurely cruise. Visit charming towns like Cochem and Rüdesheim as we navigate both the...
Embark on this GRJ All Inclusive tour of the Swiss Alps, based in the chocolate-box village of Wilderswil, where dinner and drinks are provided each evening. From this picture-perfect location, enjoy a jaw-dropping trip to Europe's highest railway station on the iconic Jungfrau Express to marvel at snow-capped peaks and the stunning Aletsch...
Savour the glorious colours, aromas and flavours of Tuscany on a holiday highlighting the true beauty of this beloved region. Discover the great Renaissance city of Florence, visit the historic Il Borgo Machiavelli for a tour and dinner, and explore the iconic monuments of Pisa, including the Leaning Tower. Explore the stunning sights of Siena,...
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...
Beautifully scenic Scandinavian rail journeys take us from the ancient Viking capital of Trondheim to wintry Kiruna in Swedish Lapland, as we enjoy many opportunities to be dazzled by the ethereal Northern Lights. Travelling through amazing landscapes, the Nordland Railway carries us across the Arctic Circle to Bodø. From here, we explore the...
Discover the timeless elegance of France's beautiful Rhône. Join our exclusive cruise aboard the MS Amadeus Provence, where you'll uncover a rich tapestry of experiences, with a unique focus on the region's culinary prowess. Indulge in the finest Burgundy wines in Beaune, savor the gastronomic delights of Lyon, and explore the City of Popes,...
Experience Switzerland's most spectacular train journeys from a family-run hotel in the heart of the forested Albula Valley, on this GRJ All Inclusive holiday, including drinks with dinner each evening. Travel across the Swiss Alps and past enchanting glaciers to Italy on an UNESCO-listed line aboard the Bernina Express, before viewing the 'Swiss...
Discover the towns and villages of the Italian Riviera, which sparkle beside the Mediterranean Sea, as we explore the Cinque Terre and Portofino. Relax in a characterful, family-run hotel in laid-back Sestri Levante - a town nestled between two bays. Explore the pastel-hued fishing village of Camogli and sail to San Fruttuoso abbey, set in a...
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.