The Yellow Train, Sejourne Bridge

European Rail Holidays

From Spain’s Blossom train to Italy’s Bernina Express, we’re bringing you some of the most legendary railways across the continent.

Some of Europe’s prettiest landscapes are best appreciated from the wide, bright windows of a train. A European rail journey means you can venture into the heart of a region, as well as to the wilder, more remote passes. Think the alpine valleys and peaks of Switzerland, the castle-sprinkled Cathar Country of France, or even the citrus and almond groves of Mallorca. It’s not your ordinary holiday, but then again, that’s what makes the experience special.

Striking landscapes aside, the very experience of a rail journey can be a powerful hit of nostalgia, a kind of transportation into a whole other era. Some memorable trains include the Bernina Express of Italy and Switzerland, the 100-year-old Train du pays Cathare et du Fenouilledes (the Red Train) of France, or the vintage Orange Blossom Train of Spain, all alike in their being marvels of engineering, but distinct in their varying routes through Europe and unique stylistic quirks.

Our featured European Rail holidays

Lake Maggiore in Italy, with an Italian town on the shore beneath a bright, partly cloudy sky
Lake Maggiore, Zermatt & the Centovalli Railway - Premier Collection
Italy, Switzerland
From your base at a beautiful lakeside hotel in Baveno, discover the most picturesque landscapes of Italy and Switzerland by boat and train.Premier CollectionSmall Group+ 4 More
  • Travel on the scenic Centovalli Railway to Locarno and Lake Maggiore in Switzerland
  • Enjoy a free day to explore Baveno’s city centre and waterfront promenade
  • Explore the three Borromean Islands by boat, which are home to beautiful villas and terraced gardens
  • 8 days from £1,944 pp

    was £2,159 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    October 2026 - October 2027

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    10 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    6 included

  • Meals

    7 included

The Bernina Express going across a bridge, with grassy mountains in the background
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Lake Como, St Moritz and the Bernina Express
Italy
Stay on the shores of Lake Como, visit Bellagio, & take the Bernina Express to St Moritz. Book your escorted break with confidence from Newmarket Holidays.Best SellingRail+ 2 More
  • Ride the Bernina Express to St Moritz
  • Discover Bellagio, "Italy's most beautiful town"
  • Enjoy a week on the shores of Italy’s most romantic lake
  • 8 days from £1,641 pp

    was £1,930 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    July 2026 - October 2027

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    14 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    6 included

  • Meals

    7 included

Discover our blog

All aboard: 5 amazing rail journeys around the world

All aboard for adventure: Five of the best rail journeys around the world

From heritage railways across Europe to luxury sleeper-train journeys throughout Northern India, these are some of the best train holidays in the world. 

Steam train approaches Kinchurdy Bridge against Cairngorms

Wish-list moments by rail: Europe and the UK’s best train journeys

Whether you’re a train enthusiast or want to kick back in comfort as you soak up Europe’s finest sights, this is your sign to embrace a more leisurely way to travel.

The Bernina Express train winding through snow-covered Alpine mountains on a scenic railway route

Full steam ahead: Our top five wish-list rail journeys across the world

From the idyllic Italian countryside to travelling on a high-speed bullet train through Japan, your next unforgettable adventure is ready to depart!

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