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.
Curious about the benefits of traveling Independent?
There are many advantages to booking independent tours:
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(59 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.
(46 reviews)If there is one thing Switzerland is known for, it is its otherworldly mountain scenes. The Swiss Alps are an icon, and when views of them are combined with stays in charming resort towns and rides aboard some of the world's most scenic railways, it is the recipe for an unforgettable vacation. Begin in Zurich with a day to get acclimated to the...
(74 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,...
(59 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...
(25 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...
(19 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 through...
(18 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...
(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 towns,...
(14 reviews)From Alpine peaks to glacier-fed lakes and beloved cities that exemplify cultural nuances, this journey delves into the wonders of Switzerland and Italy. There is no shortage of beauty to behold as you explore Switzerland from thought-provoking bases in Zürich, Chur, and Lugano and then cross the border into Italy, settling aside beautiful Lake...
(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...
More than two weeks of dramatic alpine scenery, charming destinations and remarkable rail adventures beckon on this independent trip to Switzerland. With an included Swiss Travel Pass providing unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat; complimentary admission to 500-plus museums; select mountain rail excursions; and a 50% discount on many other...
(17 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...
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...
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.
Jul 15, 2025 · By Co-Founder 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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Jul 03, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Fresh and exciting opportunities await to explore Europe next year, and you can be among the first to explore our collection of brand-new vacations for 2026.
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May 29, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Find your ideal way to explore as you discover tours of France for 2026 that present the country’s history, culture, cuisine and vistas in four distinct ways.
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May 28, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Discover our top destinations in Spain and Portugal with Vacations By Rail, from the inspiring city of Seville to the trendy neighborhoods of Lisbon.
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