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Southern Europe & Mediterranean
Discover sun-kissed beauty, world-renowned gastronomy, and effortless travel
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Soak up the culture and cuisine of Southern Europe

ClassicClassic
Rome, Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast
Glorious Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast & Eternal Rome
10 days£2,999 pp £2,799 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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56 results matching: Italy, Southern Europe & Mediterranean

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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
DesenzanoDesenzanoDesenzanoDesenzanoDesenzano
Save up to £300pp
4.2 stars(300 reviews)
2025JulAugSepOct
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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Save up to £300pp
10 days from
£1,999 pp £1,899 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Sirmione on Lake GardaSirmione on Lake GardaSirmione on Lake GardaSirmione on Lake GardaSirmione on Lake Garda
4.4 stars(358 reviews)
2025AugSepOct
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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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
BariBariBariBariBari
4.2 stars(583 reviews)
2025SepOct
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, 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...

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8 days from
£1,299 pp
per person
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Highlights of TuscanyHighlights of TuscanyHighlights of TuscanyHighlights of TuscanyHighlights of Tuscany
Save up to £300pp
4.3 stars(232 reviews)
2025AugSepOct
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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Save up to £300pp
10 days from
£2,199 pp £1,999 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
RosesRosesRosesRosesRoses
Save up to £300pp
4.3 stars(633 reviews)
2025AugSepOct
2026MarAprMayJunSepOct

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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Save up to £300pp
8 days from
£1,499 pp £1,399 pp
per person
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San SebastianSan SebastianSan SebastianSan SebastianSan Sebastian
4.5 stars(77 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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Puglia & BasilicataPuglia & BasilicataPuglia & BasilicataPuglia & BasilicataPuglia & Basilicata
Save up to £300pp
2025SepOct

Embark on an extraordinary holiday which combines history, fascinating culture and coastal relaxation - starting with a tour of the iconic sites of ancient Rome before exploring less-visited Puglia and Basilicata in Italy's southern heel. On guided excursions we are introduced to unique architecture, including the UNESCO-listed cave dwellings of...

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Save up to £300pp
11 days from
£2,999 pp £2,799 pp
per person
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The Italian RivieraThe Italian RivieraThe Italian RivieraThe Italian RivieraThe Italian Riviera
4.1 stars(234 reviews)
2025AugSepOct
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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Lake IseoLake IseoLake IseoLake IseoLake Iseo
4.0 stars(36 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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Girolata BayGirolata BayGirolata BayGirolata BayGirolata Bay
2025AugSep
2026AprMayJunSep

Soak up the laid-back island lifestyle in 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 historic towns, and delve into...

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12 days from
£3,299 pp
per person
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Rome, Sorrento & the Amalfi CoastRome, Sorrento & the Amalfi CoastRome, Sorrento & the Amalfi CoastRome, Sorrento & the Amalfi CoastRome, Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast
Save up to £300pp
2025AugSepOct
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct

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. Excursions...

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Save up to £300pp
10 days from
£2,999 pp £2,799 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
TropeaTropeaTropeaTropeaTropea
Save up to £300pp
4.0 stars(102 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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Save up to £300pp
8 days from
£1,399 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Italy, Southern Europe & Mediterranean tours
Highlights of the Basque Country
21/Jun
Pamela
5 stars
“The hotel and food was good, the tour guide, excellent and the balance of free days to tours suited us very well very well ! Thank you
Collected by Trustpilot
Historic Cities of Spain
19/Jun
Michael Morrow
5 stars
“VERY INTERESTING TOUR. WE HAD BEEN TO SPAIN MANY TIMES TO PLAY GOLF BUT HAD ALWAYS WANTED TO VISIT SOME OF THE MAJOR CITIES. EXCELLENT TOUR MANAGER AND A VERY PLEASEANT GROUP OF FELLOW TRAVELLERS. WOULD ALWAYS RECOMMEND THIS TOUR. WE DID A SIMILAR TOUR IN ITALY LAST YEAR WHICH...
Collected by Trustpilot
Catalonia & Little Trains of the Pyrenees
19/Jun
Patrick Brennan
5 stars
“No comments no complaints
Collected by Trustpilot
Tuscany: Florence, San Gimignano & Pisa
18/Jun
Susan Smith
5 stars
“Excellent rail travel. Well organised and a superb travel guide throughout
Collected by Trustpilot
GRJ All Inclusive Calabria: Italy’s Hidden Gem
17/Jun
JG Col
5 stars
“Fabulous loved every minute of it. Great group of people we travelled with and made several friends. So lovely to have everything done for you by our trusty tour manager Brian. A blip at start but was down to the hotel not the great rail . Soon got sorted. ...
Collected by Trustpilot
Italian Lakes: Orta, Como & Maggiore
16/Jun
Mrs Dawn C Wright
5 stars
“Our first visit to the Italian Lakes was amazing
Collected by Trustpilot
Beautiful Basque Country: San Sebastian & Bilbao
15/Jun
Helen Beck
5 stars
“Brilliant Parador accommodation, well organised tours, great guide, fantastic food & scenery.
Collected by Trustpilot
Simply Lake Garda
12/Jun
Mrs Hebberd
5 stars
“Lake Garda is Fantastic and Desenzano is a wonderful place to holiday. We particularly enjoyed our stay in the Hotel Desenzano, immaculate hotel and all the staff we so kind and helpful and always cheerful, which made our stay even more memorable.
Collected by Trustpilot
Magic of Sicily: Etna, Taormina & Palermo
6/Jun
Diana Anderson
5 stars
“We had a thoroughly enjoyable holiday, meeting lots of people and enjoying the sites of Sicily. Our Tour Manager, Diane was excellent and very thoughtful keeping us well informed as necessary.
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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