The golden sun warms the landscape and travelers' souls in Southern Europe countries. Blue skies adjoin even bluer waters, and rolling countrysides fade into fascinating cities, where the offerings are as exotic as the surroundings. A Mediterranean trip itinerary may begin in Italy - a country renowned for its rich culture, incredible cuisine, luscious wine, pretty towns, and cosmopolitan cities. Trips may also dedicate their entirety to discovering the intricacies of this world-class destination from top to toe, exploring its ancient sites, like Pompeii, and its stunning coastlines between memorable excursions. Explore regions like Tuscany where a little bit of everything can be found, from local cuisines and wines to historic art to hiking the Tuscan hills. Mediterranean vacation packages may also venture to Spain, connecting coastal Barcelona with Madrid or Seville on the interior by high-speed train. Spanish traditions and undeniable ambiance surround each destination. Travelers can also connect Spain's cities with Portugal's incredible Douro wine region by embarking on a river cruising expedition aboard a luxurious ship. Closer to Portugal's oceanside, Porto - beloved for its Port Wine production - and the colorful city of Lisbon further weave the story of Southern Europe. Whether embarking on a guided tour or an independent adventure, it is hard not to fall in love with the vibrancy of the Mediterranean.
Beginning in the beautiful floating city of Venice, explore a thousand years of history before discovering the magnificent Renaissance city of Florence and unveiling the ancient classical sites of Rome on an expert-led tour. Staying in four diverse bases - Venice, the spa town of Montecatini Terme, Rome and romantic Sorrento - this...
(26 reviews)
From the alpine foothills to Sicily and all that lies between, uncover Italy's rich culture on an expertly crafted itinerary. See the highlights of Italy while traveling the country's length, delving into remarkable destinations, including Venice, Florence and Rome. Bask in the beauty of the Amalfi Coast and marvel at the remains of ancient...
(49 reviews)From Europe's exciting cityscapes to the stunning heights of the Swiss Alps and idyllic Tuscan countryside, this 12-day exploration opens the doors to Europe's rich history, culture and traditions. Uncover iconic landmarks in London, sail along the romantic Seine in Paris and marvel at Switzerland's stunning Alps during a lake cruise and...
(38 reviews)Uncover the beauty of one of Europe's most enchanting regions, the captivating Amalfi Coast. The journey begins with two nights in the "Eternal City" of Rome, where ancient landmarks and vibrant culture set the stage. From here, continue to the charming clifftop town of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples, the gateway to Capri and the...
Experience the wonders of two countries on one spectacular exploration of Switzerland and northern Italy. Explore Lake Lucerne, including a trip to Mount Rigi's summit on Europe's first mountain railway, from a lakefront hotel in Weggis before embarking on one of Switzerland's lesser-known yet equally spectacular alpine railways, the Gotthard...
(62 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...
(11 reviews)Delve into Italy's great historic cities, encountering a wealth of artistic and cultural treasures, including World Heritage sites, with guided tours of ancient Rome and the world's Renaissance capital, Florence. With day trips to the walled Tuscan city of Lucca, Pisa's iconic tower and its gleaming white Duomo, we take a day trip to San...
Delve into the diverse culture of Southern Italy and glorious Sicily, immersing yourself in its rich history, landscapes, and idyllic coastlines, and indulging in local cuisine. Each stop reveals layers of history, beauty, and local charm - from the unique houses of Matera and Alberobello to Sicily's magnificent Greek temples, the Palatine...
This superb Mediterranean adventure features five dazzling cities - Barcelona, Carcassonne, Nîmes, Nice and Genoa - and the idyllic French and Italian Rivieras. From Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and its unique culture, discover the medieval citadel of Carcassonne, and savor a private lunch with wine tasting at a French Château. Explore Nîmes' Roman...
(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...
(14 reviews)Savor the glorious colors, aromas and flavors of Tuscany on a vacation highlighting the true beauty of this beloved Italian region. Discover the great Renaissance city of Florence, visit historic Il Borgo Machiavelli for a tour and dinner, and explore the iconic monuments of Pisa, including the Leaning Tower. Explore the stunning sights of Siena,...
(19 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...
Oct 20, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Embrace the spooky spirit of Halloween by joining an expertly curated vacation to some of the most legendary and lore-filled destinations around the globe.
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Aug 01, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
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 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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