European train tours

Yes, they’re one of the best. Europe’s rail network is fast, scenic, and deeply woven into the continent’s history. You can wake up beside glaciers in St. Moritz, then end the day with pasta and gelato in Milan.

Train travel is a more sustainable way to move through Europe. You arrive in city centres, avoid airports, and can move freely between carriages. It’s a thoughtful way to travel.

Because we take care of the details you don’t want to think about – tickets, hotels, and timings. Our local travel experts plan everything, so you can focus on the fun. Alpine views on the Bernina Express, fjords rolling past on the Flåm Railway, and that perfect cannoli in Italy.

You’re also backed by people who know these routes well. Our travel teams are based in Stockholm, Edinburgh, Munich, and Rome. Help stays close, even when you’re crossing borders.

There’s no single “best” train trip. It truly depends on what kind of magic you’re chasing.

For Alpine drama, Switzerland’s Glacier Express and Bernina Express are hard to beat. The carriages glide past glaciers, through deep valleys, and over famous viaducts – all in one smooth, scenic sweep.

If fjords and waterfalls call your name, Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours might be the one for you. It combines the Flåm Railway, one of the world’s steepest lines, with a cruise through the Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Or, take the Vienna–Prague–Budapest route through Central Europe. Four capital cities in one trip, linked by trains, a shared love of café culture and imperial architecture.

The simplest way? Let us do the planning. These European train tours come with pre-booked tickets, handpicked hotels, and a personalised itinerary – all without the stress.

If you prefer a DIY approach, a Eurail Pass gives you the flexibility to hop on and off trains across the continent. But here’s the catch: you’ll still need to reserve seats on many lines, book your own accommodation, and figure out timetables.

With us, everything’s done for you. You’ll travel at a comfortable pace, with support from your dedicated travel consultant and our 24/7 helpline.

Whenever possible we choose hotels that make your arrival effortless. Often just a short walk or quick taxi from the platform. Think central stays near Zurich Hauptbahnhof or Stockholm Central Station, with comfort checked and approved by our team.

Pretty fast. Europe is home to high-speed trains like Italy’s Frecciarossa and Sweden’s X2000 lines can reach up to 300 kilometres per hour (186 miles per hour). But some routes, particularly in the Alps, slow down on purpose, so you can savour every snow-capped view.

Of course. We build your itinerary around you. Add extra nights or choose optional extras that make your trip even more special.

You can visit the Fram Museum on an Oslo sightseeing tour. In Stockholm, join a guided food walk through Östermalm, the city centre, and Old Town, with tastings along the way. Or even try your hand at chocolate making in Switzerland. Tailor your tour when you book online, or speak to your travel consultant to fine-tune your itinerary so it feels just right.

Yes, you can. Your tour starts when you want it to. Pick a date that fits your schedule. Spring for wildflowers, summer for long daylight hours, or winter for Christmas markets in Prague or Salzburg. It’s your trip and your timetable.

Book your flights once your tour is confirmed. That way, your itinerary is locked in before you buy. Your travel consultant can share flight guidance if you’d like, but you choose the timings that work best for you.

The weather in Europe can change quickly. When it comes to clothing, layers work best – and you’ll want luggage that’s easy to lift onto racks or into overhead storage.

• Day bag for essentials and valuables
• Warm jumper or fleece
• Waterproof jacket or coat
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots
• Warm socks, hat, gloves, and scarf (for winter trips)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (for summer tours)
• A good book, playlists or podcasts for long rail journeys
• Reusable water bottle

When it comes to luggage, we recommend wheeled suitcases or soft-sided bags that are easy to manoeuvre through train stations. European trains have overhead racks for smaller bags and large storage areas at the end of carriages for bigger suitcases. Consider packing a day bag for essentials that you’ll want easy access to during the journey.

For more tips on what to bring, check out these packing guides for the Alps, Italy, Norway, and Scandinavia.