Ten best rail holidays in Europe

Travelling by train is one of the best ways to absorb Europe's rich cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery. Watch the varied landscapes from the comfort of a carriage, discover vibrant cities and sleepy villages, and stay overnight in authentic, charming hotels. Here are ten of stunning rail holidays in Europe, from the impressive Italian Riviera to the imperial cities of Russia.

Travelling on the luxurious Trans Siberian Express, with breathtaking views

Eastern Europe and Russia

Prague, Vienna and Budapest by train
Start point: London St Pancras International
Duration: 6 days

Visit the capitals of Prague, Vienna and Budapest on this rail holiday through Central and Eastern Europe. Explore these stunning, atmospheric cities that have an impressive sense of history. This trip includes all your rail tickets and charming accommodation including the gothic-style Elite Prague Hotel, dating from the 14th century, with 78 rooms, restaurant, bar, and an open-air atrium, which houses a day-bar and garden.

For full itinerary and booking details, see: Prague, Vienna and Budapest by train

The red-tiled roofs of Dubrovnik in CroatiaSlovenia, Croatia and the Adriatic by Rail
Start point: London St Pancras International
Duration: 13 days

Discover this breathtaking region towards the Adriatic, including the historic Bohinj Railway, peaceful Lake Bled, the dynamic Slovenian capital Ljubljana, the coastal city of Split and the fascinating city of Dubrovnik. As part of your tour, you will board the 'Oldtimer' steam-hauled locomotive, travelling along part of the historic Transalpina route, through the Julian Alps, the Soca and Sava river valleys, as well as staying in lovely hotels throughout your trip.

For full itinerary and booking details, see: Slovenia, Croatia and the Adriatic by Rail

Travel on the Trans Siberian Express train
Start point: London St Pancras International
Duration: 18 days

Enjoy the opulence of the golden age of rail travel as you take in the imperial cities of Russia and Asia, Lake Baikal, Ulaanbataar and a range of breathtaking scenery on the justly famous Trans Siberian Express train from Europe to the Sea of Japan. Some of the highlights include exploring the Russian capital, notably celebrated sites such as the Kremlin, Red Square and St Basil's Cathedral, an epic journey to Vladivostok, visiting Yekaterinburg, where you'll visit the Romanov family memorial church, and seeing the deep waters of Lake Baikal, the world's largest freshwater lake (by volume).

For full itinerary and booking details, see: Travel on the Trans Siberian Express Train

Italy

Travelling along the sun-drenched Italian RivieraTravel by train along the Italian Riviera
Start point: London St Pancras International
Duration: 10 days

Surrounded by harbours and sleepy villages, travel along the riviera coast where the impressive buildings of northern Tuscany meet the glowing Mediterranean fishing villages. Discover the impressive Cinque Terre, a collection of five idyllic villages that speckle the coast and cruise over to Portofino where terraces of houses lead down into the smart harbour filled with luxury yachts.

For full itinerary and booking details, see: Travel by train along the Italian Riviera

Single travellers' train holiday to Lake Garda & Venice
Start point: London St Pancras International
Duration: 10 days

The most popular destination of northern Italy, this holiday includes the combination of scenic lakeside vistas and the fun-filled cities of Verona and Venice. You will visit a historic wine estate deep in the Valpolicella wine region, indulge in a cooking course, and boat along canals via St. Mark's Square and the magnificent Doge's Palace.

For full itinerary and booking details, see: Single travellers' train holiday to Lake Garda & Venice

A popular rail holiday to Venice via the Alps - expect specacular views along the wayVenice via the Alps by train
Start point: London St Pancras International
Duration: 6 days

Enjoy this fantastic holiday to the romantic city of Venice passing through the stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy a relaxing 3-night break by train to Venice, experiencing the grandeur of the Swiss Alps en route, with a stop in charming Zurich, and glimpses of Mont Blanc as you travel back through the breathtaking Val d'Aosta. Stay in lovely hotels along the way to help you completely unwind.

For full itinerary and booking details, see: Venice via the Alps by train

Florence, Siena and Lucca by train
Start point: London St Pancras International
Duration: 9 days

Tour the stunning Tuscan cities of Florence, Siena and Lucca, with their Renaissance heritage, art and architecture. Spend a couple of nights in each at charming hotels transfering by train as the sun-baked Tuscan countryside unfolds outside your window. In Florence you will stay in a traditional hotel, with a rooftop terrace bar and 'Terrazza Rossini' Restaurant, as well as a rooftop swimming pool.

For full itinerary and booking details, see: Florence, Siena and Lucca by train

UK

View of Edinburgh's old city from Carlton HillTrain holiday to Edinburgh and the Highlands & Islands
Start point: Edinburgh Waverley
Duration: 9 days

Enjoy breathtaking views of Scotland from the comfort of a train. You will cross the western Highlands, visit the wonderful Hebridean isles of Skye and Mull pass through lochs and glens then meander through the Cairngorms back to the Scottish capital. A highlight includes taking the Isle of Mull Railway for a short journey along the Sound of Mull, a 10.2inch (260mm) gauge track offering views of Ben Nevis, the Glencoe hills and the island of Lismore.

For full itinerary and booking details, see: Train holiday to Edinburgh and the Highlands & Islands

Spain

Andalucia: Granada, Cordoba and Seville by train
Start point: London St Pancras International
Duration: 10 days

Explore the Andalucian cities of Granada, Cordoba and Seville on this Spanish rail holiday. From the ancient Alhambra in Granada, to the Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba, and eating delicious Seville organges, there is something for everyone. Enjoy the stylish hotels on your way including The Hospes Palacio del Bailío hotel in Cordoba, a luxury hotel, housed within a 17th century building with 4 patio areas, Bodyna Spa with indoor roman baths and an outdoor swimming pool.

For full itinerary and booking details, see: Andalucia: Granada, Cordoba and Seville by train

Switzerland

Glacier Express: Switzerland by train
Start point: London St Pancras International
Duration: 5 days

Sit back and enjoy some of most spectacular views of the Swiss Alps from the seat of the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express. This world famous train journey is a panoramic trip through the Swiss Alps from Brig to Chur, taking around five hours and travelling through mountain forests, tranquil Alpine meadows, and past flowing mountain streams and valleys. Departing from Chur the Bernina Express crosses the Alps, offering impressive views as you travel over viaducts, through rock gorges and alongside mountain streams and glaciers.

For full itinerary and booking details, see: Glacier Express: Switzerland by train

Travelling by train through the Swiss Alps on the impressive Glacier Express