As the leading rail holiday experts, we firmly believe there's no better way to explore the world than by rail. A rail journey introduces you to scenic delights you'd never uncover on any other form of travel; as you glide through the heart of your destination, steal glimpses at picture-perfect rural landscapes, glittering azure coastlines, or frosty mountain peaks.
One of the things that makes rail travel so unique, is the long history behind classic railways. Intriguing tales, both fictional and non-fictional, give certain trains and rail routes an almost legendary status; one that makes our classic rail holidays something to remember.
From the dizzying heights of Switzerland's Alpine railways to the scenic beauty of Canada's Rocky Mountaineer, classic rail journeys are found across the globe. Our classic rail holidays take these unforgettable journeys and elevate them, by including them in culture-rich itineraries, all packed with hand-picked excursions and authentic experiences.
Take a look at our classic rail journeys selection below which features rail experiences around the world, and enjoy discovering your next once-in-a-lifetime holiday.
Holiday Ideas for Iconic Rail Journeys
Classic
(86 reviews)
River Cruise
(78 reviews)
Landmark
(163 reviews)Classic
(69 reviews)
Discoveries
(313 reviews)Enjoy Switzerland's warm hospitality and astounding landscapes from traditional hotels in historic Chur and idyllic Täsch. Soak up dramatic scenes of soaring mountains and glaciers on journeys aboard two iconic trains. Cross the Alps on the amazing Bernina Express, admiring glacier views enroute, and bask in views of alpine valleys and...
Classic
(323 reviews)Experience magnificent mountain landscapes and sparkling alpine lakes on this fantastic holiday to Switzerland. Discover the Swiss Alps on the world-renowned Bernina Express and Glacier Express from our bases in Chur and Brig, traditional alpine towns surrounded by mountains. Enjoy a private aperitif on the terrace of the lakeside 10th-century...
Landmark
(163 reviews)Experience the best of the Swiss Alps in ultimate luxury, where majestic mountains, picturesque landscapes and unspoiled nature align. On this magnificent all-inclusive holiday, you'll wake up in a delightful five-star hotel in the enchanting village of Grindelwald. Nestled in a green valley beneath the immense Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains...
Classic
(319 reviews)From Inverness, the gateway to our Highland adventure, we discover the very best of northern Scotland. Soak up breathtaking scenery as we travel aboard magnificent mainline and steam railways, including the legendary Jacobite Steam Train and charming Strathspey Steam Railway. Along the way, we marvel at the towering mountains, shimmering lochs,...
Classic
(48 reviews)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. ...
Classic
(137 reviews)Astonishing mountains and serene alpine lakes provide the extraordinary setting for this incredible holiday as we travel in First Class all the way, including on the iconic Bernina Express and Glacier Express. Stylish St Moritz and tranquil Zermatt provide idyllic bases for exploring the jaw-dropping Swiss Alps. Admire the captivating Palü...
Discoveries
(23 reviews)Discover the magic of Switzerland at New Year on this seasonal holiday based in the scenic Albula Valley. Experience the country's most spectacular train journeys from a family-run hotel, including drinks with dinner each evening. Travel across the Swiss Alps and past enchanting glaciers to Italy on the UNESCO-listed route of the Bernina Express,...
Discoveries
Experience Switzerland's most spectacular train journeys from a family-run hotel in the heart of the forested Albula Valley, including drinks with dinner each evening. Travel across the Swiss Alps and past enchanting glaciers to Italy on the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express, before viewing the 'Swiss Grand Canyon' and incredible alpine scenery from...
Classic
(64 reviews)Enjoy having your head in the clouds as we stay in a selection of Switzerland's best mountaintop hotels, all with sweeping views of mountains and lakes. The Belle Époque Grandhotel Giessbach on Lake Brienz is only accessible via boat and funicular railway, while Pilatus Kulm lies at the top of a mountain accessed by Europe's steepest cogwheel...
Discoveries
(68 reviews)Enjoy an idyllic winter holiday in the heart of the snow-capped Swiss Alps, staying in the picture-book village of Wilderswil, where dinner and drinks are provided each evening. This all-inclusive getaway includes a jaw-dropping trip on the Jungfrau Express, a masterpiece of Swiss rail engineering, to Europe's highest railway station. Here, at...
Classic
(66 reviews)From Glasgow, journey through stunning landscapes and historic sites to Scotland's mystic North. An island tour of the Orkney Islands reveals ancient Neolithic sites including Skara Brae, the Standing Stones of Stenness, and the Ring of Brodgar. Explore the capital, Kirkwall, before we discover the great houses and gardens of the Northern...
Classic
(49 reviews)Embrace the sights, scents and flavours of the French Riviera from a boutique hotel in the popular coastal town of Cannes. Admire the wonderful gardens at St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat's opulent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and witness the time-honoured Changing of the Guards ceremony in Monaco. Tour the quaint Provençal town of Èze to enjoy exquisite...
