The travel scene is ever-changing and constantly evolving to include new and exciting ways to explore. At Vacations By Rail, we embrace these opportunities to grow our collection and pass on incredible experiences to you, our valued travelers. The upcoming travel season is no different, and there are some fantastic things on the horizon in 2026, especially throughout the historical and cultural landscapes of Europe.
From its coastal islands to its mountainous nations, Europe is filled with diverse cities that beg exploration and quaint destinations where regional heritage is only enhanced by the surrounding natural beauty. For our new tours for 2026, we looked to all of these elements to create itineraries filled with intrigue. Explore mountaintop resorts and riverside towns. Wander among classical regions like Bavaria and sightsee amidst the stunning landscapes of the Emerald Isle. Whether you are looking for a well-planned luxury river cruise adventure or a classic rail vacation, see where our tours can take you next year.
Fresh Ways to Explore Europe by Rail
Our bread and butter for more than 20 years, rail vacations are the heart of our catalog and a meaningful way to explore. Delve into the nooks and crannies of a region while riding aboard its railways, traveling aboard scenic lines, local inter-city trains and heritage railways whose routes were carved centuries ago. Set out alongside expert Tour Managers as you follow captivating routes, and delve into each location's essence with a mixture of well-planned guided excursions and independent exploration time. Our new rail vacations for 2026 include:
Essential Switzerland: Glacier Express & Zermatt
Spend eight days wrapped in the surreal scenery of the Swiss Alps on this awe-inspiring rail journey. This vacation is bookended by stays in Zürich, and in between, features two nights in the car-free resort town of Zermatt and the breathtaking Engadine Valley. Enjoy time in the old-world city of St. Gallen and time to get to know your beautiful base locations. See all of Switzerland's essential views while riding the Gornergrat Mountain Railway to see the symbolic Matterhorn, traveling the full length of the iconic Glacier Express, and dipping into northern Italy on the UNESCO-listed route of the Bernina Express.
Highlights of the Mediterranean: Spain, France & Italy
The sun-drenched Mediterranean hosts this epic 12-day adventure along the sea. Get to know the sights, flavors and laid-back ambiance of this corner of the world while visiting Barcelona, Carcassonne, Nîmes, Nice and Genoa, and the stunning French and Italian Rivieras. Tour places like Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, and relish experiences like local wine tastings. Sail to idyllic villages on Italy's coast, including Portofino and San Fruttuoso, and get an unforgettable look at the stacked, color-laden villages of the Cinque Terre by rail. Every day offers an immersion into a region where you are forced to slow down and take life at leisure, just like the locals.
First Class Swiss Mountains & Italian Lakes
Mountainous views and romantic lakeside settings form the backdrop of this idyllic vacation to Switzerland and Italy. Over ten scenery-packed days, experience Switzerland from the shores of Lake Lucerne, traveling on the Rigi Mountain Railway, and cross into the stunning lake region of Northern Italy on the Gotthard Panorama Express. Stay aside beautiful Lake Lugano, and tour Lake Maggiano's towns, cruise to the Borromean Islands, witness jaw-dropping views from the Monte Generoso Mountain Railway, and sail on Lake Como before wrapping up the tour with a visit to stylish Milan.
A New Perspective in 2026 on Luxurious Rail and River Cruise Vacations
The magic of a vacation is in the details, and perhaps no other type of itinerary captures this idea more than our European rail and cruise vacations. These journeys combine two classic forms of transportation to create routes filled with wonder. Travel on some of Europe's most beautiful and history-rich waterways to classical cities and smaller destinations where local traditions hold firmly in modern times. Combine these voyages with memorable land touring, made possible by rail, for a trip filled with memorable moments and endless amenities. See where our rail and cruise vacations can take you next year:
Paris, Provence & the Elegant Rhône
Spend 11 days immersed in France's romance on this seamless adventure featuring four days of land touring and a seven-night cruise on the elegant MS Amadeus Provence. Begin in the "City of Love," touring Paris' greatest landmarks and visiting the Palace of Versailles before traveling to Lyon to take to the River Rhône. As our cruise unfolds, taste the wines of the famous Burgundy wine region in Beaune and tour cultural Lyon. Continue with an excursion through the Gorges du Doux region on the steam-powered Train de l'Ardèche, touring in Avignon and Van Gogh's Arles, and spectacular views in "Europe's Grand Canyon."
Munich, Bavaria & the Classic Danube
Based in the capital of Bavaria, Munich, get to know the forests, mountains and castles of Germany's most fairytale-esque region as you begin your rail and cruise vacation. Enjoy a guided tour of this cultural city and a tasting of its world-famous beer, as well as a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, which inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty's castle, before joining the MS Amadeus Cara in Passau. On your seven-night cruise, the journey turns to the waters of the Blue Danube, docking in Austrian cities like Linz and Salzburg, sailing through the stunning Danube Bend, and pausing in imperial cities, including Vienna and Budapest.
Lisbon & Premium Golden Douro
Witness a marriage of culture, history, wine and cuisine on this new rail and cruise tour on the Iberian Peninsula. Lisbon, Portugal's colorful capital, is the starting point for this voyage, and here, we tour the main sights and visit the exquisite summer palaces of Sintra. Traveling to Porto by train, we board the brand-new, custom-designed MS Estrela for a seven-night cruise through the Douro Valley. A feast for the senses beckons as we visit cathedrals, quintas and even the ornate Mateus Palace. Our cruise takes us to the Spanish border, where we visit Salamanca, and opens the door to the Port Wine Route.
Fresh Takes on Old Favorites - Revised Itineraries for Next Year
Sometimes, a quick refresh is all it takes to transform a tour into something new and exciting. For 2026, we have taken several fantastic European rail vacations and incorporated even more elements to bring the locations to life. Whether changing destinations for better access to sightseeing, incorporating new ways to uncover regional charms or reworking itineraries to perfect the pace, these tours have been given the expert treatment to provide you with the best ways to explore.
Highlights of the United Kingdom
An escorted adventure from London to Edinburgh, this grand expedition is a showcase of the United Kingdom. Over 11 days, embark on a northward journey, beginning with time to explore London's landmark sites before moving on to Stonehenge and the spa town of Bath. From here, travel by First Class train to Liverpool, where you are immersed in Beatles history on a guided tour, and then continue by train to ancient York. The journey comes to a close as we cross into Scotland and spend three nights in Edinburgh, where experiences like a castle visit, a whisky tasting and a Great Scots Dinner offer a festive conclusion.
Highlights of Spain & Portugal
All the beauty of the Iberian Peninsula in one incredible 13-day tour, this new travel experience for 2026 covers some of the most enticing destinations throughout Spain and Portugal. Vibrant culture and authentic experiences lead the way as we begin exploring in Barcelona, seeing its grand architecture and the remarkable Sagrada Familia, and continue to Spain's capital, Madrid, where we visit the Royal Palace. We travel by rail to Granada, home to the breathtaking Alhambra, and then venture into Moorish Spain to Córdoba and Seville. A leisurely drive takes us through Andalucía to Lisbon, where guided touring, traditional dishes and Fado entertainment introduce Portugal.
Dublin & the Enchanting Emerald Isle
Lush landscapes, rugged coastlines and timeless strongholds call to you in beautiful Ireland. On this revised journey, spend nine days uncovering its history and witnessing its natural beauty on a round-trip itinerary from Dublin. Travel by rail to Cork for a Jameson whiskey distillery visit, and then kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle. Arriving in Killarney, we discover the Ring of Kerry before traveling north to cruise along the Atlantic, looking up at the Cliffs of Moher. The journey continues through the otherworldly landscapes of Burren to Galway and then into County Roscommon, where we stay in 18th-century Kilronan Castle ahead of our return to Dublin.
Whether embarking on the vacation of a lifetime or marking destinations off your bucket list, make 2026 the year you take "the trip." Our new tours provide a range of possibilities throughout Europe, giving you access to the continent's beautiful rivers, impressive landmarks and cities with timeless energy to make your travel dreams come true.
Book your adventure now to see where 2026 can take you.
