
Best Holiday Destinations for 2026
29/12/2025 · By Ian Holt
To inspire your travels for 2026, Great Rail Journeys reveals our Top 10 best holiday destinations and expert tips, from bucket list sights to hidden gems.
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Would you prefer the tranquil crystal lakes and waterfalls of the Austrian Tyrol or the glittering cities of Salzburg and Vienna? View Switzerland's dramatic peaks along the Oberalp Pass from the comfort of the legendary Glacier Express or by visiting the invigorating Swiss resorts of picture perfect Kandersteg or fashionable Montreux.
All of Great Rail Journeys alpine tours include a range of excursions to satisfy even the most thirsty of cultural appetites. Should you decide to venture off and explore on your own the tour manager will be able to advise you on a number of issues. Once you have decided to view cultural, historical or natural sights your tour manager can recommend a variety of points of interest, will be able to assist you in matters of alpine safety and find the best places to stop for lunch. We also have a number of independent tours available for you to enjoy.
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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 ...





Enjoy Switzerland's warm hospitality and astounding landscapes from traditional hotels in historic Chur and idyllic Täsch, soaking up dramatic scenes of soaring mountains and glaciers aboard two iconic trains. Cross the Alps on the Bernina Express, admiring glacier views enroute to Poschiavo. The show continues as you bask in the alpine ...





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...





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,...





Snow-bound views and enchanting seasonal scenery have made the Glacier Express famous at this time of year as the glistening peaks and sugar-frosted forests of the Swiss Alps provides picture-postcard backdrops. On this memorable holiday, pass icy lakes and the ethereal Palü Glacier on the UNESCO-listed route of the Bernina Express. Later, ...





From glittering Montreux to mountainous Interlaken, enjoy an effortless journey on an instantly iconic direct route, passing frozen rivers, icy lakes and picture-perfect winter scenes. Explore Lake Geneva's fairytale Château de Chillon, cross the Alps to Chamonix on the Mont Blanc Express, and travel to Interlaken on the cutting-edge...





Embrace the storied past of grand empires on a captivating rail-and-cruise holiday. Starting in the German capital of Berlin, uncover the magic of Prague from its sprawling capital and enchanting Charles Bridge. Absorb panoramic views of Budapest's grand architecture on an illuminated evening cruise before setting sail for the fascinating ...





Discover the timeless enchantment of Switzerland at Christmas on this GRJ all-inclusive festive holiday, based in the scenic Abula Valley. Experience spectacular rail journeys from a family-run hotel, including drinks with dinner each evening. Travel across the Swiss Alps, past glistening glaciers to Italy on the World Heritage route of...





Enjoy having your head in the clouds this winter as we stay in some of Switzerland's best mountaintop hotels. Located on beautiful Lake Brienz, the Belle Époque Grandhotel Giessbach is perched above the waters and surrounded by nature, while Pilatus Kulm lies at the top of a mountain accessed by cable car. These spectacular hotels allow...





An alpine paradise awaits on this holiday in to the heart of the Swiss Alps, staying in the picturesque village of Meiringen, filled with traditional chalets and impressive vistas. Soak up spectacular Bernese Oberland scenery from Brienz Rothorn Mountain Railway, and climb to the 'Top of Europe' aboard the Jungfrau Railway to savour...





Cloaked in their winter finery, Switzerland's majestic mountains host this rail journey featuring two world-famous trains. From picture-perfect bases in Chur and Täsch, enjoy warm Swiss hospitality in idyllic alpine towns. Bask in stunning views of snow-bound landscapes, soaring mountains and icy glaciers during unforgettable journeys on...





This idyllic winter holiday is based in the heart of the Bernese Oberland in picturesque Interlaken, one of Switzerland's popular resort towns, nestled between two lakes and overlooked by the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Explore this stunning region on some of Europe's most celebrated railways, with spectacular...
Discover the fantastic railways of Austria & Switzerland. It should come as no surprise that we love railways and we know many of you do too! That's why our tours feature some of the most iconic railways and trains on the continent.