Last-minute Rail Tour Adventures

Adventure just a train ride away. Photo: Thalys

Planning is difficult, time consuming and just a bit of a pain. But now there's the perfect solution to a stress-free adventure holiday. 

In association with Great Rail Journeys, we’re offering some limited availability packaged rail tours for 2011 that mean you’ll not only beat the crowds, but be guaranteed a relaxing and engaging holiday. All of these breaks are quality rail tours across Europe, ranging from the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, taking you by snowy slopes, wooded valleys and the hidden towns of Russia, to the Edinburg Tattoo 2011, combining a world famous marching band spectacle with Scotland’s glens, highlands and lochs. Book now while these are still available for 2011.

All of these great last minute rail tours can be found on Great Rail Journeys, or booked by calling 01904 734182. To help you decide, we’ve included a selection of our favourite rail holidays below:

Soft evenings in the Lake District. Photo: Belle Isle Estate>>Railways & Castles of Wales (Dunoon Hotel) 2011
Experience not one but three lush and colourful scenic railways that explore the nocks and mountains of the very green North Wales. See the Conwy and Caernarfon medieval castles, Portmeirion and climb Snowdon’s slopes.

>>The English Lake District 2011
What better way to see the spectacular scenery of the Lake District than soaring along by rail. Take vintage trains to lake Windermere and then ride a lake steamer over the still and graceful water.

>>Torquay & the Eden Project 2011
If you haven’t had the chance to visit the eco-wonder the Eden Project, then this is for you. A perfect tour to not only see the world’s largest greenhouse hosting fauna and flora from around the world, but Torquay’s majestic Victorian villas and the scenic English Riviera. 

>>Paris, Venice & the Verona Opera 2011
See Europe's most romantic side with this trip, from the moon-lit Eiffel Tower to the narrow Venetian canals. 

The radiant and inviting Châteaux of the Loire are a sight to behold. Photo: Inntravel>>Châteaux of the Loire (Tours) 2011 
With a 4-star hotel and cosy French trains, everything about this journey is made so that you can feel the luxury and wealth of the fantastic Loire Valley châteaux up close. Taste rich wines, artisan chocolates and see the grand Château of Chenonceau, the Clos Lucé Manor and much more on this fabulous holiday.

>>Bruges & the Flavour of Flanders 2011
Like a fairytale come to light, Bruges is a preserved and wondrous city filled with alcoves, belfrys and waterways. Enjoy this scenic town and then the rest of Flanders with quaint Ghent and beautiful Ypres.

>>Riva del Garda & the Dolomites 2011
Sunbathing by Lake Garda, Italy's stunningly beautiful and largest lake, is the perfect way to melt into to the Verona’s Mediterranean climate. 

As the desert stretches away, take your own step. Photo: Intrepid Travel>>Athens & Peloponnese 2011
Unfold ancient civilisations on this adventure through mainland Europe to the Greek capital: Athens. Discover the famed Greek Theatre and the Acropolis after exploring historic and intricate Florence, the Corinth Canal and Epidavros’s ruins.

>>Marrakesh Express by Train 2011
Snake your way down to Morocco through France, Spain’s Andalucia and finally a ferry over the Straits of Gibraltar. Visit the vibrant souks, towering minarets and sample rich and spicy Moroccan cuisine.

>>Traditional Glacier Express 2011
Past whistling hills and snowy mountain tops, this rail journey will take you to the cool and stunning Swiss Alps on the iconic and well-named Glacier Express. See Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland and experience all the Alps has to offer.

Through and along the mountains, the Glacier Express offers much to see. Photo: Neil Warren