Europe is a beautifully diverse continent, home to some of the world's most influential cities and dramatic landscapes ranging from the staggering peaks of the Swiss Alps to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. It is these contrasts and the railways that connect them that sparked our founding more than 20 years ago and continue to inspire our itineraries across Europe.
With hand-chosen routes to countries where history, culture, cuisine and scenery collide, our vacations offer a true immersion into your chosen region through exciting excursions and meals that celebrate local flavors. See the highlights of the Emerald Isle, explore Italy from Top to Toe or savor the artistic landscapes of France. Set your sights on Eastern Europe's Imperial Cities or find yourself surrounded by Bavaria's fairytale scenery.
Connect destinations by rail, uncovering more of the continent while traveling on acclaimed railways like Norway's Bergen Railway, or drift along Europe's scenic waterways on a luxurious river cruise. Whether on an escorted tour or traveling solo with an independent itinerary, enjoy an unforgettable glimpse at Europe with Vacations By Rail.
Call and ask for an exclusive flight
quote to pair with your vacation.Explore our top escorted and independent vacation packages in Europe
(36 reviews)
(226 reviews)
(17 reviews)
(570 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...
(285 reviews)Discover the amazing scenery 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 GoldenPass Express. Each locale...
(226 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...
(174 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,...
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...
(36 reviews)Bask in boundless displays of jaw-dropping views on a spectacular First Class vacation through the Alps. Soak up the atmosphere of historic Munich on a beer tour, marvel at the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle and indulge in a Mozart concert dinner in Salzburg after a tour. Enjoy a cruise in the Austrian Lake District and explore charming...
Explore Norway's iconic mountains, glaciers and fjords, and discover Swedish Lapland's untamed wilderness on this epic vacation. Soak up hallmarks of regional culture and set out on each and every one of the great Scandinavian rail experiences, crossing the Arctic Circle to the "Land of the Midnight Sun." This ultimate tour combines...
(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...
(61 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...
(83 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,...
(51 reviews)Beautifully scenic Scandinavian rail journeys take us from the ancient Viking capital of Trondheim to wintry Kiruna in Swedish Lapland, as we enjoy many opportunities to be dazzled by the ethereal Northern Lights. Traveling through amazing landscapes, the Nordland Railway carries us across the Arctic Circle to Bodø. From here, we explore the...
(50 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...
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.
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.
Read more
Oct 10, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Follow in the footsteps of travel influencer Michael Downie as you uncover Switzerland on a 15-day vacation featuring the convenience of a Swiss Travel Pass.
Read more
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
