There are centuries of history and culture to uncover in every corner of the British Isles. Whether you want a deep dive into Scotland, Ireland, or a Grand Tour through the UK, our tours offer you the opportunity to explore these great destinations.
Recommended Destinations: Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales
Ride Famous Trains: Jacobite Steam Train, West Highland Line, Kyle Line, Royal Scotsman, and more.
Explore by Travel Type: Independent itineraries to explore on your own or Escorted tours guided by a tour manager.
When should you travel to the UK & Ireland? The spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant colors. The peak summer travel season brings the warmest weather and longest hours of daylight. Many sites are closed in winter, however the holidays offer unique experiences and markets to explore.
Call and ask for an exclusive flight
quote to pair with your vacation.
(502 reviews)
(29 reviews)
(19 reviews)
(60 reviews)
(151 reviews)
(502 reviews)Majestic lochs and glens await on this Scottish escape as we explore Edinburgh and cross the Highlands. Traveling on the scenic West Highland and Kyle rail lines, we discover historic castles, sail along glistening lochs, and stay in vibrant cities. Admire the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct on the world-famous Jacobite Steam train journey through the...
(29 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...
(60 reviews)Boasting rugged coastlines, rolling hills, dramatic castles and a culture rich in mythology; the Emerald Isle is as beautiful as it is fascinating. Travel around this captivating country, seeing the iconic Blarney Stone and admiring the natural beauty of the Ring of Kerry and dramatic Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy the scenery during trips in a Jaunting...
(19 reviews)Journey through the heart of Britain's most iconic cities and landscapes, savoring local cuisine and breathtaking vistas throughout. Starting by touring the streets of London, a visit to enigmatic Stonehenge adds a touch of ancient mystery, before uncovering reminders of Romans and Georgian elegance in Bath. Explore Liverpool, the historic port...
(151 reviews)Experience three of the British Isles' most scenic countries on a vacation showcasing the best of these Celtic destinations. Beginning in Scotland, we explore the majestic Highlands before travelling to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, nations with fascinating culture and history. Traveling on the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train,...
On this nostalgic escape, ride on celebrated railways, visit ancient castles, and discover the beautiful gardens of north Wales. Journey through stunning scenery on the Ffestiniog Railway, the world's oldest independent line, and ascend Snowdon's summit on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Step into the unique village of Portmeirion, the design of...
(7 reviews)Experience first-class amenities, luxury accommodations, and the fantastic traditions of the Emerald Isle on this luxurious tour of Ireland. Spend time uncovering the landmarks of Dublin and Belfast, visit the incredible Giant's Causeway, journey along the Wild Atlantic Way, and marvel at the Cliffs of Moher. Stay in castles, visit idyllic...
(20 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...
(56 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,...
(26 reviews)A land where legends are just as prevalent as natural beauty, Scotland plays host for this journey of a lifetime. Settle in as you explore from south to north aboard a legendary rail line, and by way of scenic roadways through the highlands. Incredible history and stunning neogothic architecture offer a grand introduction to the country as the...
(14 reviews)Uncover atmospheric castles, ancient archaeological sites and captivating wildlife in Orkney and Shetland. This magnificent Northern Isles vacation explores Scotland's mainland, with time in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness, and ventures by ferry to the beautiful islands of Shetland and Orkney. Encounters with Shetland ponies, seals and...
Encounter the untamed North York Moors and rolling Yorkshire Dales aboard the nostalgic North Yorkshire Moors Railway and famed Settle-Carlisle line, before discovering the gems of Northumberland on a tour which blends dramatic landscapes with fascinating history and culture. In Yorkshire, wander among the spectacular gardens of RHS Harlow Carr,...
Discover the legendary vistas and mesmerizing tales that can only be found in lands as old as the British Isles by embarking on thoughtfully crafted tours of UK and Ireland. Five countries, each distinct in their traditions and landscapes, beckon on these train tours and rail and sail vacations. Although together England, Wales, Scotland, North Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland are less than half the size of Texas, the countries' multifaceted offerings and layers of culture offer endless chances to explore.
Britain and Ireland tour packages that begin in England have so many delightful cities from which to choose. Without a doubt, London is one of the pinnacle cities of Western Europe, with its posh atmosphere and eclectic offerings. From the Tower of London, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge to Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus, and St. Paul's Cathedral, there is no shortage of highlights to capture visitors' attention. Venturing out of London, tour Bath, with its famous hot springs, or York, home to 2,000-year-old artifacts dating back to the Romans. Travel packages may showcase one of the wonders of the world, Stonehenge, or present history that spans centuries at castles such as Bamburgh Castle on the country's northeast coast. Traversing between destinations could not be more convenient, thanks to a well-connected network of local and scenic rail lines. Travelers may also take a train even further north into Scotland, where the Scottish Highlands' natural splendors are simply unmatched. Delight at heather moors, vast lochs, and rolling mountains while exploring the charming destinations of the Highlands - locales where castles dot the landscape, and wild expanses can be seen from miles around. Scotland is also home to well-known cities, including Edinburgh, and countless distilleries producing Scotch Whisky for centuries. Discovering the intricacies of the Scottish landscape by train is one of the great joys of traveling here, and the railways are certainly abundant. Favorites include the Kyle Line, the West Highland Line, and the one and only Royal Scotsman. Connecting one of these train trips with a ferry ride across the Irish Sea opens even more possibilities with British Isles tours, offering the key to North Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, both of which brim with adventure. Gaze upon dramatic coasts and famed natural points of interest, including the Cliffs of Moher and Giant's Causeway. Marvel at the remnants of the past at Ireland's ancient fortresses, or meander through cities where modern and historical features coexist. A trip to England, Ireland, and Scotland is more than just an experience to remember; it is the experience of a lifetime.
Sep 05, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Step into the pages of history while unveiling Europe’s best examples of ancient palaces, showcasing a range of architectural styles in spellbinding locations.
Read more
Sep 03, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
If you crave a change of scenery this winter, join a well-planned seasonal vacation featuring one of these three top destinations to spend the holidays.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more