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Southern Europe & Mediterranean
Discover sun-kissed beauty, world-renowned gastronomy, and effortless travel

Uncover the beauty of Mediterranean Europe

DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Roses
Save up to £400pp
4.4 stars(808 reviews)
2026Oct
2027MarAprMayJunSepOct
8 days from
£1,299 pp £1,199 pp
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ClassicClassic
Highlights of Tuscany
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4.4 stars(335 reviews)
2026Oct
2027AprMayJunAugSep...
10 days from
£2,099 pp £1,999 pp
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Matera
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2027AprMayJunSepOct
8 days from
£1,399 pp £1,299 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Lake Garda
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2026Oct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
8-10 days from
£1,399 pp £1,299 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Roses
Save up to £400pp
4.5 stars(17 reviews)
2027AprMayJunSepOct
8 days from
£1,299 pp £1,199 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Bari
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4.3 stars(858 reviews)
2026Oct
2027AprMayJunSepOct
8 days from
£1,299 pp £1,199 pp
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ClassicClassic
Sirmione on Lake Garda
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4.4 stars(476 reviews)
2026Oct
2027MarAprMayJunJul...
10 days from
£2,399 pp £2,199 pp
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ClassicClassic
The Italian Riviera
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2026Oct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
10 days from
£2,599 pp £2,499 pp
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Southern Europe & Mediterranean Escorted Rail Holidays

Southern Europe offers a rich and vibrant mix of history, culture and natural beauty - all enhanced by the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle and an irresistible climate. Discover the glorious Italian Lakes or the idyllic islands of Ischia, Sardinia and Corsica; uncover Sicily's hidden jewels, or explore Catalonia's rugged coastline and artistic heritage; discover the magnificent cities, unique heritage and enigmatic past of Spain, Portugal and Morocco or gaze in awe at the ancient wonders of Greece.

When touring Southern Europe's inviting destinations with GRJ, you can expect warm hospitality, astonishing archaeological treasures, and many memorable flavours. Whether exploring Spain's historic cities or Italy's picturesque villages; visiting the souks and kasbahs of Morocco or basking on a perfect beach in Sardinia, one thing you are certain to encounter is the Mediterranean appreciation of simple pleasures - from humble meals to fine gastronomy and wine - a cultural pride, and a laissez-faire attitude to life.

Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travel inspiration and offers in our e-newsletter.

Savour world famous gastronomy

Spain's pintxos, paella and other unique dishes reflect a rich history while Portugal produces different flavours with similar ingredients. Italy's proud gastronomic tradition pays equal attention to both simple and lavish meals. And, in Greece, you can taste the sunshine in fresh produce, while herb-infused dishes evoke Middle Eastern flavours.

Uncover incredible hidden coastal gems

Discover Italy's gorgeous Amalfi coast, visiting picture-perfect Portofino. Explore Spain's rugged Costa Brava and sail around the Cap de Creus peninsula to the fishing village of Cadaqués. Or embark on a cruise into the sparkling Mediterranean, stopping in Valletta enroute to the glorious Greek Islands, including Santorini and Mykonos.

Discover exquisite waterways

Explore Portugal's sun-kissed waterside city of Porto, then sail into the spectacular Douro Valley visiting a traditional wine estate. Soak up the peaceful ambiance of Italy's Lake Garda and cruise to picturesque lakeside towns. Or uncover the culinary delights of Spain's Basque Country on the north coast, from a restored medieval castle.

Enjoy our new tours, led by expert guides

Uncover the Highlights of Ancient Greece on a leisurely exploration of World Heritage sites - from ancient Mycenae and Epidaurus to the amazing Acropolis in Athens - or discover the soul of Spain on our new Paradors of Andalucia tour, staying in prestigious hotels, and exploring five magnificent cities from Granada to Seville.

77 results matching: Italy, Southern Europe & Mediterranean

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Sirmione on Lake GardaSirmione on Lake GardaSirmione on Lake GardaSirmione on Lake GardaSirmione on Lake Garda
Save up to £400pp
4.4 stars(476 reviews)
2026Oct
2027MarAprMayJunJul...

Embark on a captivating holiday, uncovering the highlights of Lake Garda and northern Italy, travelling by First Class rail and staying in the fortress town of Sirmione, where your welcoming, family-run hotel - owned by the same family since the 1970s - enjoys a prime lakeside setting on the water's edge. Glide along the canals of Venice on a...

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Save up to £400pp
10 days from
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BariBariBariBariBari
Save up to £400pp
4.3 stars(858 reviews)
2026Oct
2027AprMayJunSepOct

Flying into Bari, stay just outside the clifftop town of Polignano a Mare, renowned for its secluded coves and historic Old Town. Ideally placed for exploring Puglia's top sights, your hotel provides a relaxing base, with all meals and a drinks package included throughout your stay. Experience the region's culture and character during visits to...

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Save up to £400pp
8 days from
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ClassicClassic
The Italian RivieraThe Italian RivieraThe Italian RivieraThe Italian RivieraThe Italian Riviera
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2026Oct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...

Discover the towns and villages of the Italian Riviera, sparkling beside the Mediterranean Sea, as we explore the Cinque Terre and the harbour town of Portofino. Discover the pastel-hued fishing village of Camogli and relax in Sestri Levante, set on a scenic peninsula. Sail to San Fruttuoso Abbey, nestled in a secluded cove only accessible by...

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10 days from
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Riomaggiore Cinque TerreRiomaggiore Cinque TerreRiomaggiore Cinque TerreRiomaggiore Cinque TerreRiomaggiore Cinque Terre
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2026Oct
2027AprMayJunAugSepOct

Explore the enchanting destinations of the Italian Riviera while based in Chiavari on the Ligurian Sea. Cruise to the Cinque Terre villages, clinging to towering cliffsides, and Portofino, a popular village set within a natural harbor. Uncover San Fruttuoso abbey, located on a beach in a peaceful cove, and delve into the history of Genoa, the...

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9 days from
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ClassicClassic
Roses, Cadaques & The Catalan CoastRoses, Cadaques & The Catalan CoastRoses, Cadaques & The Catalan CoastRoses, Cadaques & The Catalan CoastRoses, Cadaques & The Catalan Coast
Save up to £400pp
4.6 stars(196 reviews)
2027AprMayJunSepOct

Explore the highlights of the Costa Brava, where rugged coastlines, historic towns and regional flavours come together, travelling by First Class rail and staying in the attractive coastal town of Roses.  Cruise around the spectacular Cap de Creus peninsula to the whitewashed village of Cadaqués, visiting the former home and studio of Salvador...

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Save up to £400pp
9 days from
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RosesRosesRosesRosesRoses
Save up to £400pp
4.5 stars(17 reviews)
2027AprMayJunSepOct

Unwind on the coast of Catalonia, staying in a beachfront hotel in Roses just a short stroll from the town centre. With time to relax and explore at leisure, this holiday offers the perfect balance of guided experiences and free days to enjoy the Mediterranean setting.   Discover the region's lush landscapes and idyllic towns on two memorable...

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8 days from
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San SebastianSan SebastianSan SebastianSan SebastianSan Sebastian
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4.6 stars(106 reviews)
2026Oct
2027MayJunSepOct

Uncover the gems of Spain and France's Basque Country from a grand hotel - a former fortified castle in Hondarribia, a medieval coastal town with a global reputation for great food. This gastronomy-packed tour includes sampling pintxos in San Sebastián as well as entry into Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum. Indulge in lunch at a winery in the famed La...

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8 days from
£2,999 pp £2,799 pp
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El Port De La Selva TrailEl Port De La Selva TrailEl Port De La Selva TrailEl Port De La Selva TrailEl Port De La Selva Trail
Save up to £400pp
4.9 stars(7 reviews)
2026Oct
2027AprMaySepOct

Embark on an immersive exploration of Catalonia's ancient charm and stunning coasts during scenic hikes and visits to fascinating locations on this walking tour. Based in the picturesque towns of Roses and Calella, enjoy panoramic views while walking from a 10th-century hilltop monastery to an idyllic harbour town. Sail to Cadaqués to explore the...

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Save up to £400pp
8 days from
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TropeaTropeaTropeaTropeaTropea
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2026Oct
2027AprMayJunSepOct

Fly to and from the unspoilt toe of Italy to uncover the hidden beauty of Calabria from coastal Tropea - regarded as one of Italy's most beautiful villages. Cruise to the volcanic island of Stromboli, to witness its colourful eruptions by night. Discover the timeless towns of Scilla and Pizzo on the sparkling shore of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the...

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Save up to £400pp
8 days from
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Lake GardaLake GardaLake GardaLake GardaLake Garda
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2026Oct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...

Soak up the laid-back atmosphere of Italy's largest lake with a stay in Garda town, your peaceful base for exploring this enchanting region. With breakfast and dinner included each day, you can relax and enjoy each moment in this attractive location. Sail to the idyllic lakeside towns of Sirmione and Malcesine, uncovering colourful streets and...

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Save up to £400pp
8-10 days from
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CorbodaCorbodaCorbodaCorbodaCorboda
Save up to £400pp
4.3 stars(170 reviews)
2026Oct
2027AprMayJunSepOct

Discover the wonders of Andalucía on this memorable holiday, exploring three of the region's most iconic cities from the traditional town of Antequera. Embark on guided tours of glorious Seville and historic Córdoba, taking in the sights before travelling to Granada, home to the magnificent Alhambra Palace and its beautiful Generalife gardens. ...

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Save up to £400pp
7 days from
£1,199 pp £1,099 pp
per person
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RosesRosesRosesRosesRoses
Save up to £400pp
4.4 stars(808 reviews)
2026Oct
2027MarAprMayJunSepOct

Uncover the diverse landscapes of Catalonia from your base in the coastal town of Roses, ideally located between the coastline and the Pyrenees.   Journey into the mountains on the Núria Valley Rack Railway and take in the scenery on the Little Red Train from Rivesaltes to Axat in France's Pyrenean foothills. Ride the Montserrat Rack Railway and...

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Save up to £400pp
8 days from
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Our customers love our Italy, Southern Europe & Mediterranean tours
Best of the Catalan Coast
16/Sep
DENISE Kennedy
5 stars
“I enoyed being in one location and taking day trips from there. The venue was very nice, the meals were very good.
Collected by Trustpilot
Treasures of Lake Garda
15/Sep
customer
5 stars
“Great holiday
Collected by Trustpilot
Wonders of Basque Country: San Sebastián & Bilbao
2/Jul
J Kern
5 stars
“An excellent holiday
Collected by Trustpilot
Walk & Tour: Catalonia’s Coast & Culture
26/May
Sue Brooks
5 stars
“Excellent trip
Collected by Trustpilot
Simply Puglia
14/Sep
mary jones
4 stars
“Very good value for money holiday. Hotel very clean and very good for price and great having drinks included. Meals beautifully cooked but unfortunately the hot dishes were mostly lukewarm - cold plates too - but good choice of food. Great having entertainment each evening. Hotel a...
Collected by Trustpilot
Discover Catalonia & Little Trains of the Pyrenees
13/Sep
Mr G BUSWELL
4 stars
“Interesting holiday with a good balance between trips and free time. Hotel Monte Carlo was an excellent base- 1 min walk from the beach and very good food
Collected by Trustpilot
Simply Andalucia
27/Jun
Paul Rutland
4 stars
“Can’t understand why entry tickets are not included on some of the excursion highlights. The last thing I want is to spend time having to spend time having to book them on line during the holiday.
Collected by Trustpilot
Simply Catalonia
18/Jun
Anne Horne
4 stars
“A very good trip and we would use GRJ again.
Collected by Trustpilot

The Rail Heritage of Italy, Southern Europe & the Mediterranean

Discover the fantastic railways of Italy, Southern Europe & the Mediterranean. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Southern Europe?

The best time to visit Southern Europe depends on your preferences. Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) is ideal for beach lovers but can be hot and busy, while winter is great for festive markets and fewer tourists in cities.

What are the must-visit destinations in Southern Europe?

Southern Europe is home to many stunning locations, including:

  • Italy - Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast
  • Spain - Barcelona, Madrid, Catalonia
  • Portugal - Lisbon, Porto, Douro River Cruises
What languages are spoken in Southern Europe?

The main languages spoken are Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek and French. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated.

What should I pack for my trip?

Pack according to the season. In summer, lightweight clothing, sun cream, and a hat are essential. In cooler months, bring layers and a waterproof jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as many historic areas have cobbled streets.

How many people go on one of your holidays?

Great Rail Journeys is a market leader when it comes to small group tours. We're proud of being pioneers in our approach to group sizes and have become the leading operator for escorted holidays. Our group sizes vary between tours, but are our ranges are usually a good indicator of what to expect.

For our Discoveries range, you'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. If opting for our Classic collection, you'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. Our Landmark holidays are where you'll find our smallest group sizes, starting from as low as 16 travellers and an average of 22, to a maximum of 30.

*Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

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