Europe is a beautifully diverse continent, home to the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands as well as the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. Traveling Europe by train or a river cruise allows you to soak in the landscapes as you move between cities. On our well-planned itineraries the journey is part of the adventure.
Recommended Destinations: Scotland, Switzerland, Italy, Ireland, Spain & Portugal, France, Germany & Eastern Europe, Scandinavia
Ride Famous Trains: Glacier Express, Jungfrau Railway, Jacobite Steam Train, Royal Scotsman, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Bergen Railway and more.
Explore by Travel Type: Escorted tours guided by a tour manager, River Cruises on their own or paired with a scenic rail tour, and Independent itineraries to explore at your own pace.
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quote to pair with your vacation.Explore our top escorted and independent vacation packages in Europe
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(451 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...
(214 reviews)Small in size, endless in amazing scenery, discover the beauty of Switzerland from alpine peaks to brilliant blue lakes. Experience the best of this incredible country on an escorted grand tour, exploring stunning lakes and awe-inspiring mountains. Journey on some of its most iconic trains, including the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and the...
(178 reviews)From Switzerland's largest city, Zürich, this round-trip unveils an unforgettable perspective on this small but stunning European country. Uncover delightful towns such as medieval St Gallen and Lucerne, lakeside Montreux, upmarket St Moritz and charming Zermatt, traveling between them on Switzerland's famed trains. Renowned railroads provide a...
River Cruise
Join us on a stunning rail adventure in beautiful Switzerland - with a trip aboard the iconic Glacier Express - and a 7-night cruise on the magical Rhine and Moselle rivers. Stay in picturesque Zermatt, beneath the Matterhorn, then sail past the castles, forests and mythical Lorelei rock of the stunning Rhine Gorge. Next, ancient Roman ruins...
River Cruise
(48 reviews)Enjoy one of the world's finest rail journeys aboard the legendary Glacier Express to Zermatt and admire Matterhorn views from the charming Gornergrat Railroad. Descending the Alps, set sail on a sensational Rhine cruise, indulging in luxurious amenities and superb service. Enroute, savor incredible vistas of the stunning Rhine Gorge. Wander...
(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...
River Cruise
Feel the spirit of Christmas on this cruise along the beautiful Rhine. Discovering Germany at the most magical time of the year we stop at traditional Christmas markets along the way. Strolling through the stalls, admire the craftsmanship of local artisans and savor the flavors that define the season. On board, soak in the natural beauty of the...
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...
(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...
River Cruise
This scenic cruise along the River Rhine is a picturesque journey through captivating towns and cities. Glide past enchanting landscapes and explore the historical wonders of Heidelberg, the medieval charm of Strasbourg, and the breathtaking vistas of the Rhine Gorge. Starting from Cologne, our journey upstream leads us to the delightful town of...
(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,...
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...
Europe is home to some of the world's most beloved cities and acclaimed travel locales. Your dream may be to stroll the Champs-Elysees in Paris, to make a wish in the Trevi Fountain in Rome, to relax along the Amalfi Coast or to visit any number of big cities, medieval villages and coastal towns that lie in between these destinations. Perhaps you desire to soak in the culture of Eastern Europe's Imperial Cities or to be surrounded by the fairytale scenery of Bavaria. Many tour packages depart from London St. Pancras, giving you an easily accessible starting point for your grand adventures through Europe.
European train tours are a wonderful way to get a closer look at the landscape as you move between cities, thanks to the vast rail network that spans to virtually every country on the continent. As you make your way between destinations aboard local, regional and high-speed trains, such as the Eurostar or TGV, or upon scenic specialty trains, like Switzerland's Glacier Express, relax in your comfortable onboard accommodations and drink in the local scenery, which ranges from coastal passages and lush vineyards to majestic mountains and quaint villages. Select vacations include rail journeys on Europe's famous luxury trains, including the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, the Royal Scotsman and the Golden Eagle Trans Siberian Express.
For an even more unique experience, select an escorted rail and cruise vacation that presents the best of Western Europe and beyond by train and deluxe cruise ship. Sail along the winding waters of the romantic Rhine River, surrounded by castles and dramatic scenery, or along the mighty Danube, which weaves through 10 countries. Like our guided land tours, these combination holidays are thoughtfully designed with packages ranging from just a few nights to upwards of 14 days.
Have the urge to travel soon? Explore our last minute trips.
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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Jun 17, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Marvel at staggering mountains, glacial lakes and storybook villages aboard Switzerland’s iconic railways, from the Jungfrau Railway to the Glacier Express.
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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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