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Southern Europe & Mediterranean
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Soak up the culture and cuisine of Southern Europe

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Rome, Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast
Glorious Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast & Eternal Rome
10 days £2,899 pp
  • Enjoy 4-Star hotel accommodation in stunning Sorrento and historic Rome
  • Soak up the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi coast from a relaxing boat cruise
  • Walk among two archaeological world wonders, Pompeii and Herculaneum
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Highlights of the Basque Country
8 days £1,299 pp
  • Explore the Basque country from the traditional seaside town of Hondarribia
  • Travel on Le Petit Train de la Rhune, enjoying panoramic views of the Pyrenees
  • Discover San Sebastián's celebrated cuisine, and Bilbao's iconic art and culture
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ClassicClassic
Girolata Bay
First Class Wonders of Corsica & Sardinia
12 days £3,299 pp
  • Explore two Mediterranean islands, with First-Class rail travel and elegant hotels
  • Enjoy a 5-Star stay in Alghero, discovering Sardinia's famed beaches and cuisine
  • Embrace island life in Corsica, staying in medieval Calvi and relaxed Propriano
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Southern Europe & Mediterranean Escorted Rail Holidays

Those seeking a quieter holiday will find peace and solitude beside the waters of the Italian lakes or on the idyllic islands of Ischia and Sicily. Spain, Portugal and Morocco offer an exotic blend of cultures and flavours while in Greece we unearth the infancy of civilisation itself.

Aside from being the birthplace of Western civilisation and hosting a horde of magnificent cities, the countries around the Mediterranean possess an increasingly rare quality; respite. Even in the bustling cities there is an other worldly sense that no one really takes things seriously. Taxi drivers honk their horns at the traffic but they're not doing it out of spite, they just know it's what they're supposed to do and not doing so would be silly. As you travel towards the coast this semi-serious way of life fades away entirely. So long as there is food in your belly and good company nearby nothing in the world can disturb the Mediterranean summer.

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55 results matching: Italy, Southern Europe & Mediterranean

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RosesRosesRosesRosesRoses
Catalonia & Little Trains of the Pyrenees
4.2 stars(589 reviews)
2025JunJulAugSepOct

From the charming seaside town of Roses, discover the glistening Catalan coast and ride into the Pyrenees, taking in the stunning scenery of France and Spain on this relaxing holiday. Experience the delightful Núria Valley Rack Railway on a journey through a peaceful valley and ride the Little Red Train from Rivesaltes to Axat in France's...

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8 days from
£1,349 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
DesenzanoDesenzanoDesenzanoDesenzanoDesenzano
Simply Lake Garda
4.2 stars(293 reviews)
2025JunJulAugSepOct
2026MarAprMayJunJul...

The historic lakeside town of Desenzano, set on the southern shores of Lake Garda, is our charming base. With a peaceful harbour, a characterful old town and an efficient rail service, we are perfectly placed for exploring. This delightful holiday includes a cruise to enchanting Isola del Garda to visit the opulent Villa Borghese-Cavazza and a...

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10 days from
£1,849 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Sirmione on Lake GardaSirmione on Lake GardaSirmione on Lake GardaSirmione on Lake GardaSirmione on Lake Garda
First Class Lake Garda: Sirmione, Venice & Verona
4.4 stars(349 reviews)
2025JulAugSepOct
2026MarAprMayJunJul...

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 -...

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10 days from
£2,299 pp
per person
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BariBariBariBariBari
All Inclusive Puglia: Undiscovered Southern Italy
4.2 stars(561 reviews)
2025JunSepOct
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct

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, just 50 metres from a white sandy beach. From here, we explore Puglia, a place untouched by the hands of time. Discover the spectacular trulli homes of...

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8 days from
£1,299 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Highlights of TuscanyHighlights of TuscanyHighlights of TuscanyHighlights of TuscanyHighlights of Tuscany
No Single Supplement
Tuscany: Florence, San Gimignano & Pisa
4.3 stars(221 reviews)
2025JunJulAugSepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

Savour the glorious colours, aromas and flavours of Tuscany on a holiday that highlights the true beauty of the region. Discover the great Renaissance city of Florence, visit the Renaissance-era Il Borgo Machiavelli, for a historical cellar visit followed by dinner, and explore the iconic monuments of Pisa. On this sumptuous Tuscan escape we also...

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No Single Supplement
10 days from
£1,899 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
PortofinoPortofinoPortofinoPortofinoPortofino
Highlights of the Italian Riviera
4.0 stars(312 reviews)
2025JunAugSepOct
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct

Explore the delightful Italian Riviera from a base in Chiavari and view the colourful cliffside Cinque Terre villages on a cruise. Relax on a cruise to glamorous Portofino, a popular village set within a natural harbour, before uncovering San Fruttuoso abbey, located on a beach in a peaceful cove. Delve into the history of Genoa, the former city...

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9 days from
£1,499 pp
per person
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TropeaTropeaTropeaTropeaTropea
All Inclusive Calabria: Italy’s Hidden Gem
4.0 stars(97 reviews)
2025Sep
2026AprMayJunSepOct

Fly direct to the unspoilt toe of Italy to uncover the hidden beauty of Calabria from an all-inclusive hotel in the lovely coastal village of Tropea. Cruise to the volcanic island of Stromboli, the 'lighthouse of the Tyrrhenian Sea', to witness its colourful eruptions by night. Discover the timeless towns of Scilla and Pizzo on the sparkling...

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8 days from
£1,499 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Lake GardaLake GardaLake GardaLake GardaLake Garda
All Inclusive Lake Garda
4.0 stars(221 reviews)
2025AugSepOct
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct

Soak up the laid-back atmosphere of one of Italy's most beautiful lakes on an all-inclusive holiday to peaceful Lake Garda. Sail to the idyllic lakeside towns of Sirmione and Malcesine to uncover colourful streets, impressive scenery and amazing views. Enjoy guided tours of two of the region's most fantastic and fascinating cities as you explore...

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10 days from
£1,399 pp
per person
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San SebastianSan SebastianSan SebastianSan SebastianSan Sebastian
Beautiful Basque Country: San Sebastian & Bilbao
4.6 stars(74 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunSepOct

Uncover the gems of Spain and France's Basque Country from our grand base, a fortified castle in medieval Hondarribia, a picturesque town with a global reputation for great food. This gastronomy-packed tour includes visits to the cities of San Sebastián and Bilbao, with tastings of local specialities, wines and ciders along our way. Trains also...

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8 days from
£2,799 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
PortoPortoPortoPortoPorto
Discover the Douro
4.4 stars(40 reviews)
2025Sep
2026MaySep

Setting sail from Porto, enjoy a fantastic 7-night cruise along the golden Douro. After a convenient flight to our floating hotel, drift through golden valleys alongside enchanting towns and past regal wine estates. Our cruise reveals the timeless beauty of this serene river, stopping at wonderful ports along the way. Tracing the winding course...

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8 days from
£3,399 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
The Italian RivieraThe Italian RivieraThe Italian RivieraThe Italian RivieraThe Italian Riviera
First Class Italian Riviera & Portofino
4.1 stars(224 reviews)
2025JunJulAugSepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

Discover the towns and villages of the Italian Riviera, which sparkle beside the Mediterranean Sea, as we explore the Cinque Terre and the city of Portofino. Explore the pastel-hued fishing village of Camogli, and relax in Sestri Levante - a town between two bays. Sail to San Fruttuoso abbey, set in a secluded cove, only accessible by boat. ...

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10 days from
£2,399 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Lake IseoLake IseoLake IseoLake IseoLake Iseo
First Class Lake Iseo: Italy's Secret Lake
4.0 stars(35 reviews)
2025Oct
2026MarAprJunAugOct

Dappled with charming medieval villages, undiscovered Lake Iseo boasts world-class food and drink. Taste the exquisite flavours of the region during a sumptuous dinner and wine-tasting of Italy's acclaimed sparkling wine at a Franciacorta winery and aboard the 'Train of Flavours'. Savour views of this serene lake from an elegant hotel in Sulzano...

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10 days from
£2,999 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Italy, Southern Europe & Mediterranean tours
Tuscany: Florence, San Gimignano & Pisa
2/Jun
Julia
5 stars
“Wonderful cities to visit. Excellent guides. Couple of days to do your own thing. Good hotel with excellent food and a choice of menu.
Collected by Trustpilot
Beautiful Basque Country: San Sebastian & Bilbao
2/Jun
K Wales
5 stars
“A brilliant trip, great location and accommodation [a Spanish medieval castle!] and good trips, especially to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
Collected by Trustpilot
Simply Lake Garda
1/Jun
GJS
5 stars
“Extremely well organised travel. Tony was a very knowledgable and attentive tour Manager. Excursions were again, well organised and the Guides were excellent.
Collected by Trustpilot
Catalonia & Little Trains of the Pyrenees
1/Jun
HEATHER SQUIBB
5 stars
“Only our second trip with Great Rail , the first to Yorkshire was very good. This trip was extremely good but did involve some long journeys, the first from London to Roses via Paris starting in London Eurostar at 7.30 and arriving at our destination at around 20.30 local time....
Collected by Trustpilot
Treasures of Andalucia
1/Jun
Chris Greaves
5 stars
“Wonderful places to see. Superbly organised by always helpful Tour Manager.
Collected by Trustpilot
Sicily, Etna & the Aeolian Islands
31/May
Raymond POAD
5 stars
“Good hotel and food. Excellent tour manager in Della Cogan.
Collected by Trustpilot
Italian Lakes: Orta, Como & Maggiore
30/May
Linda S
5 stars
“As a first time solo traveller, I was a little concerned if it was “my thing” but warmly welcomed into an incredibly friendly group of people with a great tour guide.. thank you Chris. My room in the hotel though was very dated with no outside space or view.. if...
Collected by Trustpilot
Historic Cities of Spain
30/May
Clive Beddoe
5 stars
“An interesting tour of five historic cities interlinked by super rail journeys. Excellent knowledgeable guides, good food, and a great tour manager to keep things moving.
Collected by Trustpilot
First Class Italian Riviera & Portofino
30/May
Richard
5 stars
“A well organised, interesting and most enjoyable first experience of a Great Rail Journeys holiday.
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.

The Yellow Train
Yellow Train
Nuria Valley Rack Railway
Nuria Valley Rack
Bernina Express Italy
Bernina Express
The Circumetnea
Circumetnea
Train des Merveilles
Train des Merveilles
Train des Mouettes
Train des Mouettes
Centovalli Railway
Centovalli
Altaria
Altaria

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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