Embark on an independent rail tour across Europe and set your own pace for adventure! Travel through iconic destinations, from the romance of Paris to the historic charm of Rome and beyond. Whether you're exploring vibrant capitals or serene landscapes, our expertly curated itineraries offer the freedom to discover Europe on your terms.
Each independent rail tour features legendary train routes, immersive sightseeing, and plenty of leisure time to explore at your own pace. Choose from a wide range of European tours, including regional explorations, and cross-country journeys.
There are many advantages to booking independent tours:
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(65 reviews)The world is brimming with destinations that tantalize your taste buds and feed your sense of adventure. Explore the best of these locales, tasting spectacular wine and delicious food along the way when you set out on one of our cuisine and culture tours by train. By delving into local cuisine, you savor authentic tastes and gain insight into culinary heritage.
Fill your days with French cuisine and culture on this expedition highlighting four renowned regions.
Cities overflowing with history, culture and culinary prowess collide with the Emerald Isle's impressive coastal scenery.
Wine, architecture and all-encompassing culture welcome you to Italy on this 9-day rail vacation.
The sunny Iberian Peninsula is brimming with stunning coastlines and delicious gastronomy, all of which are yours to savor.
Sunny Spain, where a colorful atmosphere is cultivated through flavorful cuisine and centuries of tradition.
(67 reviews)Uncover otherworldly mountain scenes from charming resort towns and some of the world's most scenic railways on this unforgettable vacation in Switzerland. After arriving in Zürich, stay in two scenic bases in the Alps: the car-free village of Zermatt and the lakeside gem of St. Moritz. Enjoy an unforgettable perspective on the Matterhorn from...
(85 reviews)Discover the diverse regions of Switzerland on this 11-day vacation. This trip, which takes you on a variety of Swiss rail lines, is a train lover's dream. Filled with twists and turns along rivers and mountainsides, you can relax and enjoy stunning views only available via rail. You'll view stunning landscapes such as the Bernese Oberland,...
(65 reviews)Through museum visits, guided tours and culinary experiences, delve into the history and incredible culture of Italy. This nine-day expedition follows a northerly course that takes travelers from Rome in the south to Venice on the cusp of the Adriatic Sea. Each stop along the way paints a memorable picture of Italy's immense beauty. Distinctive...
(24 reviews)Where else can you kiss a stone said to bestow eloquence, sip freshly made Guinness beer, and look upon 700-foot cliffs towering over the powerful Atlantic Ocean than Ireland? This country may be known for its hearty spirit and rolling landscapes, yet there is much more to uncover. On this independent expedition, spend nine days traveling...
(11 reviews)The very best sites and attractions of Switzerland lie ahead on this incredible wintertime journey. You will enjoy a look at the lands from all angles as you cruise the beautiful waters of Lake Lucerne and ascend some of the region's most iconic mountains, including Mt. Rigi and Mt. Schilthorn. You will experience historic cities, resort...
(28 reviews)Sunny Spain, where a colorful atmosphere is cultivated through flavorful cuisine and centuries of tradition. Your fascinating rail vacation take you to Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo, and Seville, where independent sightseeing and optional excursions pair with guided touring to enrich each day and make it one to remember. Enjoy a paella cooking...
(23 reviews)Soaring snow-clad peaks frame charming cities steeped in history, and sprawling valleys lead to crystalline glacier-fed lakes in stunning Switzerland. Sit back and relax as these elements are brought to life aboard some of the world's most famous rail lines, including the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express, on this independent journey. The...
(5 reviews)Norway's breathtaking Sognefjord is home to rich Viking traditions and some of the country's most fascinating cities. Its beautiful blue waters are surrounded by charming villages and varied terrain, complete with mountains, plateaus, waterfalls, and emerald forests. Explore this region by train and cruise on this eight-day journey through...
Some of the world's most impressive panoramas beckon on this expedition through Switzerland. Lucerne, Lugano, Zermatt and the Bernese Oberland are highlighted as you travel through the country aboard fantastic scenic rail lines, such as the Gotthard Panorama Express, which travels to Lugano, and the Centovalli Railway for a journey through the...
(21 reviews)Find yourself steeped in luxury and surrounded by tradition on this memorable tour of Italy. Explore various regions throughout the country, from Como in the Italian alps near the Swiss border to the farmlands of Tuscany and the beautiful cities alongside the Amalfi Coast. A thoughtfully composed mixture of guided touring, optional excursions, and...
(20 reviews)Where the sun meets the sea and centuries of history are presented through architecture, dancing and some of the finest wine and cuisine in the world, Portugal is a vacation destination that calls to travelers of all interests. Find what appeals to you while spending seven days exploring this idyllic piece of Europe. This thoughtfully planned...
(15 reviews)Lively cities and wondrous sites greet you in beautiful Spain, a country whose history and culture run deep. This roundtrip vacation explores several renowned destinations, including Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, and Granada, and provides a memorable introduction to Spain's culture while lavishing you with all the amenities of high-end travel.
Touring Europe on your own is an experience of a lifetime - one that whisks you to centuries-old destinations brimming with culture and offers endless opportunities for extravagant adventures. Select from more than 50 independent tours in Europe, each of which provides well-planned itineraries in popular destinations, travel aboard Europe's renowned trains and stays in centrally located hotels. Comprehensive sightseeing trips are included in many independent packages, giving exclusive introductions to landmark sites with the help of a local guide. Assuredly, there are also abundant opportunities for you to get acquainted with the cities at your own pace.
Enjoy a personalized journey on these DIY Europe tours. With less structure than traditional European tours, you have the chance to explore the points of interest that most align with your travel bucket list. Take the opportunity to venture through cities at leisure, perhaps delving further into the historic, artistic or culinary scenes as it suits you.
Travel through cities across the continent with one of our independent vacations. Connect the cobblestone streets of London with France's historic arrondissements and Rome's piazzas by train, or perhaps travel from chic Paris to the vineyards in the south of France by high-speed rail. Visit the Imperial Cities of Berlin, Prague and Vienna or complete the "Classic Grand Tour" of Italy, complete with visits to Rome, Florence and Venice. Navigate through the vibrant cities of Spain from a first-class seat on an efficient AVE train. Our independent vacations can also take you to Ireland or the Scottish Highlights, where castles, verdant landscapes and fascinating lore leave you craving more. Take your expedition into your own hands with any one of these self-guided tours of Europe.
Oct 10, 2025 · By Great Rail Journeys
Follow in the footsteps of travel influencer Michael Downie as you uncover Switzerland on a 15-day vacation featuring the convenience of a Swiss Travel Pass.
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Sep 05, 2025 · By Kira Whitaker
Step into the pages of history while unveiling Europe’s best examples of ancient palaces, showcasing a range of architectural styles in spellbinding locations.
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Aug 01, 2025 · By Kira Whitaker
Discover countries filled with culture, cuisine and remarkable scenery in the top-trending vacation destinations for 2026, from Europe to Asia and Australasia.
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Jul 15, 2025 · By Todd Powell
Whenever a train passes, I’m reminded of when—and where—I first fell in love with rail travel: Switzerland, 1992, on a solo trip between Rome, Italy, and Interlaken, Switzerland.
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