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 moreThose 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.
Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travel inspiration and offers in our e-newsletter.
Based in the exquisite fortress town of Sirmione, set on a picturesque peninsula overlooking Lake Garda, and staying in an elegant spa hotel, this captivating holiday includes some fabulous excursions. Join us as we glide through Venice's turquoise canals on an unforgettable gondola ride - passing Venetian palazzos, intriguing architecture...
Arriving by plane, enjoy our scenic base in a hotel overlooking the coast of Monopoli. From here, experience the incredible sights and traditions of Puglia, a place untouched by the hands of time. Rich with UNESCO World Heritage sites, discover the spectacular trulli homes of Alberobello and the sassi cave dwellings in the cliffside town...
Discover the towns and villages of the Italian Riviera which sparkle beside the Mediterranean Sea, as we explore the Cinque Terre and the harbour town of Portofino. Explore the pastel-hued fishing village of Camogli, a hidden gem, and relax in Sestri Levante - a town between two bays. Sail to San Fruttuoso abbey, set in a secluded cove and...
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 marvel at the iconic monuments of Pisa, including the Leaning Tower. Explore the stunning sights of...
From the coastal 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. Journey through peaceful landscapes on the Núria Valley Rack Railway and ride the Little Red Train from Rivesaltes to Axat in France's Pyrenean foothills. Explore...
Uncover the laid-back island lifestyle on a fantastic tour of this 'forgotten corner of Europe'. Explore the glistening coast of unspoilt Corsica, a paradise of old-world French towns and hilltop villages, connected by charming train journeys through spectacular scenery. Indulge in the delicious cuisine of Sardinia, discover beautiful ...
Uncover the beauty of one of Europe's most visually stunning and romantic regions, the captivating Amalfi Coast. This culture rich holiday begins with two nights in the 'Eternal City' of Rome, before we continue to pretty Sorrento with its colourful harbour overlooking the stunning Bay of Naples, gateway to Capri and the Amalfi Coast. ...
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...
Soak up the beauty, serenity and relaxed ambience of three of Italy's glorious lakes. Staying in a hotel on the peaceful shores of Lake Orta, quieter than its famed neighbours, we explore Como's lakeside towns of Bellagio and Menaggio during a cruise. Visiting Lake Maggiore, Italy's second largest lake, become immersed in the artistic history...
Embrace the spirit of exploration on an island-hopping journey which takes in the beauty, culture and immense history of the entrancing eastern Mediterranean. Journey by train to Barcelona for a tour of the city, before cruising the Mediterranean on the luxurious Celebrity Equinox to medieval Valletta on Malta. Encounter the iconic...
Based in the attractive coastal town of Roses, we explore the rugged Costa Brava and experience the region's cultural and gastronomic highlights. Cruise around the Cap de Creus peninsula to the fishing village of Cadaqués, savouring local flavours with lunch at a vineyard. Explore Barcelona, which showcases the fantastic architecture of ...
Experience the highlights of Andalucía on this spectacular holiday to the region's three main cities. With a local guide we tour the vibrant city of Seville - seeing the world's largest Gothic cathedral, and the Plaza de España. In Córdoba, we see the exterior of the glorious Mezquita, a unique mosque-cathedral, with free time to look...
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.