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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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Highlights of the Basque Country
8 days from £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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Girolata Bay
First-Class Wonders of Corsica & Sardinia
12 days from £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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58 results matching: Italy, Southern Europe & Mediterranean

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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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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...

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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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
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The Italian RivieraThe Italian RivieraThe Italian RivieraThe Italian RivieraThe Italian Riviera
First-Class Italian Riviera & Portofino
4.1 stars(241 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

Discover the towns and villages of the Italian Riviera, which sparkle beside the Mediterranean Sea, as we explore the Cinque Terre and Portofino. Relax in a characterful, family-run hotel in laid-back Sestri Levante - a town nestled between two bays. Explore the pastel-hued fishing village of Camogli and sail to San Fruttuoso abbey, set in a...

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10 days from
£2,299 pp
per person
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DesenzanoDesenzanoDesenzanoDesenzanoDesenzano
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Simply Lake Garda
4.2 stars(315 reviews)
2025SepOct
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
£1,899 pp £1,799 pp
per person
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Lake GardaLake GardaLake GardaLake GardaLake Garda
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GRJ All Inclusive Lake Garda
4.0 stars(233 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct

Soak up the laid-back atmosphere of one of Italy's most beautiful lakes on a GRJ 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...

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10 days from
£1,299 pp
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San SebastianSan SebastianSan SebastianSan SebastianSan Sebastian
Beautiful Basque Country: San Sebastian & Bilbao
4.5 stars(82 reviews)
2025Oct
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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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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The Magic of SicilyThe Magic of SicilyThe Magic of SicilyThe Magic of SicilyThe Magic of Sicily
Magic of Sicily: Etna, Taormina & Palermo
4.2 stars(55 reviews)
2025Sep
2026AprMayJunSepOct

Uncover the charms of Sicily, from bases in cosmopolitan Palermo and the laid-back coastal resort of Giardini Naxos. Discover the historic towns of Monreale and Syracuse whose architecture showcases the history and cultural influences of Sicily. Explore the Valley of the Temples and Taormina's Greek theatre, overlooking the blue Ionian Sea. ...

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8 days from
£2,199 pp
per person
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Santorini Island, GreeceSantorini Island, GreeceSantorini Island, GreeceSantorini Island, GreeceSantorini Island, Greece
Mediterranean Gems: Greece, Turkey & Malta Cruise
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 vibrant Barcelona and tour the city before cruising the glistening Mediterranean to medieval Valletta on the island of Malta. Encounter the iconic treasures of Athens,...

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13-15 days from
£2,999 pp
per person
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TuscanyTuscanyTuscanyTuscanyTuscany
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Simply Tuscany
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct

Staying in the lovely Tuscan spa town of Montecatini Terme, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ideal base for exploring this cultural region, enjoy a holiday that captures the essence of Tuscany - from the grand Renaissance art and architecture of Florence to the amazing piazza and medieval alleyways of the ancient city of Siena. Taking in...

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9 days from
£1,599 pp £1,499 pp
per person
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StresaStresaStresaStresaStresa
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Stresa & Lake Maggiore
2025Sep
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

Step into a bygone era of glamorous travel on this classic holiday, based in a Belle Epoque hotel in Stresa, overlooking beautiful Lake Maggiore. This idyllic holiday includes a boat cruise to the Borromean Islands - with a guided tour of the Borromeo Palace and time to explore the picturesque fishing village of Isola Dei Pescatori. We also...

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10 days from
£1,699 pp
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Our customers love our Italy, Southern Europe & Mediterranean tours
Tuscany: Florence, San Gimignano & Pisa
2/Aug
Garmagon01Mrs Joan Boyton
5 stars
“Excellent tour manager and lovely hotel accommodation and tours.
Collected by Trustpilot
Simply Lake Garda
31/Jul
Mr Savvas Kyprianou
5 stars
“The trip was fantastic
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
GRJ All Inclusive Lake Garda
8/Jul
Stewart
5 stars
“Excellent food and service tour manager fantastic
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
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
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
First-Class Italian Riviera & Portofino
21/Jul
Fiona Chapman
4 stars
“Magical trip. 1st class Italian trains not up to standard though.
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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