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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
10-11 days from £3,299 pp £3,199 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 from £1,399 pp £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 from £3,899 pp £3,799 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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59 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
First-Class Lake Garda: Sirmione, Venice & Verona
4.4 stars(376 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026MarAprMayJunJul...

Staying in a spa hotel in the fortress town of Sirmione, set on a picturesque peninsula overlooking Lake Garda, this captivating holiday includes many unforgettable experiences. Join us to uncover the elegance and treasures of northern Italy. Glide along Venice's turquoise canals on a gondola ride - passing Venetian palazzos, intriguing...

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10 days from
£2,299 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
BariBariBariBariBari
GRJ All Inclusive Puglia: Bari, Matera & Alberobello
4.2 stars(601 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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DesenzanoDesenzanoDesenzanoDesenzanoDesenzano
Simply Lake Garda
4.2 stars(317 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026MarAprMayJunJul...

A family-run hotel in the lakeside town of Desenzano is our charming base. With a panoramic terrace providing beautiful views of the lake, the hotel is perfectly positioned near to the characterful Old Town and train station. This holiday includes a cruise to enchanting Isola del Garda to explore the renowned Venetian Villa Borghese-Cavazza and...

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10 days from
£1,699 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Highlights of TuscanyHighlights of TuscanyHighlights of TuscanyHighlights of TuscanyHighlights of Tuscany
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Tuscany: Florence, San Gimignano & Pisa
4.3 stars(241 reviews)
2025SepOct
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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10 days from
£2,599 pp £2,499 pp
per person
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The Italian RivieraThe Italian RivieraThe Italian RivieraThe Italian RivieraThe Italian Riviera
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First-Class Italian Riviera & Portofino
4.1 stars(241 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

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

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10 days from
£2,499 pp £2,399 pp
per person
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TropeaTropeaTropeaTropeaTropea
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GRJ All Inclusive Calabria: Italy’s Hidden Gem
4.1 stars(108 reviews)
2025Sep
2026AprMayJunSepOct

Fly direct to the unspoilt toe of Italy to uncover the hidden beauty of Calabria on this GRJ All Inclusive holiday based 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...

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8 days from
£1,599 pp
per person
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San SebastianSan SebastianSan SebastianSan SebastianSan Sebastian
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Beautiful Basque Country: San Sebastian & Bilbao
4.5 stars(82 reviews)
2025Oct
2026AprMayJunSepOct

From our grand base, the fabulous Parador of Hondarribia, a fortified castle in the medieval town of Hondarribia - which has a global reputation for great food - we uncover the gems of the beautiful Spanish and French Basque country. This gastronomy-packed tour includes visits to the cosmopolitan cities of San Sebastián and Bilbao, with tastings...

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8 days from
£2,699 pp £2,599 pp
per person
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Puglia & BasilicataPuglia & BasilicataPuglia & BasilicataPuglia & BasilicataPuglia & Basilicata
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Best of Puglia: Lecce, Alberobello & Matera
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunSepOct

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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11-12 days from
£2,599 pp £2,499 pp
per person
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RosesRosesRosesRosesRoses
Catalonia & Little Trains of the Pyrenees
4.3 stars(657 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026MarAprMayJunSepOct

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...

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8 days from
£999 pp
per person
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Isola dei Pescatori, Lake MaggioreIsola dei Pescatori, Lake MaggioreIsola dei Pescatori, Lake MaggioreIsola dei Pescatori, Lake MaggioreIsola dei Pescatori, Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta & the Alps
4.0 stars(134 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct

Explore the serene beauty of Italy's lakes from a base in the attractive town of Stresa, a haven for artists and writers over the centuries nestled on the shore of Lake Maggiore. Enjoy a cruise to an island monastery on Lake Orta and explore the lakeside village of Orta San Giulio. Journey through the Alps to Switzerland on the Centovalli Railway...

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8 days from
£1,499 pp
per person
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PortoPortoPortoPortoPorto
Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley
3.9 stars(46 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunSepOct

Join us on this holiday, carefully crafted to showcase the best of Portugal. Immerse yourself in the rich history, diverse culture and beautiful landscapes of the country, from its cities to its verdant valleys. Discover the country's historic capital, Lisbon, to explore its stunning viewpoints, hilltop castle and magnificent squares. Experience...

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8 days from
£1,499 pp
per person
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Santorini Island, GreeceSantorini Island, GreeceSantorini Island, GreeceSantorini Island, GreeceSantorini Island, Greece
Mediterranean Gems Cruise: Malta & Greek Islands
2026JunSep

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 treasures of...

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13-15 days from
£2,999 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Italy, Southern Europe & Mediterranean tours
Simply Lake Garda
16/Aug
K Lyon
5 stars
“All the hotels on the tour were clean and comfortable and the food was excellent! The trips were all very interesting and enjoyable with very knowledgeable local guides. We enjoyed the free time which gave us a chance to explore the local area. Our group was a good size and...
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Tuscany: Florence, San Gimignano & Pisa
2/Aug
Garmagon01Mrs Joan Boyton
5 stars
“Excellent tour manager and lovely hotel accommodation and tours.
Collected by Trustpilot
Catalonia & Little Trains of the Pyrenees
22/Jul
Stewart Burnside
5 stars
“Great time and very well organised. The tour Manager was exceptional and couldnt do enough for us. I would recommend it to anyone. Slight problem with the return journey where the TGV was delayed and we had to spend the night in Paris but that wasnt the fault of the...
Collected by Trustpilot
GRJ All Inclusive Puglia: Bari, Matera & Alberobello
15/Jul
TW Davies
5 stars
“Wonderful holiday. The itinerary achieves a balanced mix of activities / visits by rail and coach to different locations within and outside the Puglia region, with sufficient time given to each, with personal downtime to relax. Brenda Stephenson our Tour Manager made the experience better through her insightful knowledge of...
Collected by Trustpilot
Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta & the Alps
10/Jul
Mr Grey
5 stars
“Perfect weather, and a perfect hotel location facing the lake with its garden theme promenade.
Collected by Trustpilot
GRJ All Inclusive Calabria: Italy’s Hidden Gem
1/Jul
The MK Maestro
5 stars
“A good paced holiday of some rightfully described 'hidden gems' of southern Italy.
Collected by Trustpilot
Beautiful Basque Country: San Sebastian & Bilbao
24/Jun
M Llewellyn
5 stars
“Excellent tour. Good size group, very congenial, well paced events, (we particularly enjoyed wine tasting and lunch), lovely base in Hondarribia parador. Very capable tour manager.
Collected by Trustpilot
Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley
28/May
Robert Carter
5 stars
“Lovely itinerary at a good pace with plenty of time to do one's own thing. Beautiful scenery and great location for the hotels
Collected by Trustpilot
First-Class Lake Garda: Sirmione, Venice & Verona
29/Jul
val horsfall
4 stars
“I felt the journey to and from Sirmione seemed to take a long time even with the overnight stays The actual experience in Sirmione with Venice and Verona was interesting
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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