Travelling on a budget doesn't have to mean sacrificing the most impressive views or losing out on unforgettable experiences. On our extensive selection of tours, we offer rail passengers far more views, activities, excursions, and adventures for their money than any standard single-destination package holiday.
With the cost-of-living crisis impacting household budgets, many of us are now prioritising spending hard-earned cash on value for money breaks when planning our next trip. According to our recent research data, 1/3 of UK adults are now looking for holidays that offer multiple destinations to explore in one single trip. A further 1/3 agreed that the journey to their holiday destination is just as important as the holiday itself. This makes rail tours an obvious choice for 2023 holidays - with inclusive train travel, hotel accommodation and activities, escorted rail travel is the ideal option to make holiday funds go further whether it be for romantic couples breaks, group trips or even for solo travellers wanting to see the world.
Experience over 40 views, destinations and experiences for under £1,000 on a tour of Catalonia, or explore the wonders of Wales at just £11 per view. With Rail Discoveries, travel is about so much more than the destination.
Take a look at the European and British rail tours that pack in the sights without hiking up the price!
Rail Holidays in Europe
Treasures of Andalucía - 7 days from £899 per person*
29 views, destinations and experiences - approx. £30 per view*
This Spanish sojourn includes five towns and twenty-four cultural and historic highlights, from museums and galleries to culinary delights. Passengers witness stunning scenery from their luxurious seats onboard our trains, and at a range of stand-out stopovers.
Highlights of the Treasures of Andalucía tour include:
Antequera - Our travellers have the chance to explore the cultural patchwork of medieval, Roman, Christian, Moorish and baroque architecture that makes this stunning town unique. There is also the option to visit the Dolmen Tombs, some of the largest prehistoric burial chambers in Europe.
Seville - We stop in Seville to admire the atmospheric Plaza de Espana fountains and alcoves, and to soak up the panoramic views from the towering Gothic cathedral and bell tower. Travellers can also escape to the peace and tranquillity of the Alcazar Palace gardens.
Cordoba - In Cordoba, we explore the exterior of the famous Mezquita and get a feel for the city's Islamic past, then tour the sprawling warrens of the Jewish Quarter.
Malaga - At our next stop, we discover Malaga's ancient Roman amphitheatre and take in views of the city skyline from the heights of Alcazaba castle. Travellers can also visit the bustling port, where shopping for souvenirs comes with a sea view.
Grenada - As we roll into Grenada, we witness the splendour of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Here, our travellers tour the famous Alhambra Palace and gardens on foot, taking in the regal Islamic architecture and landscaping. Finally, there's time to tour the Moorish Quarter of Albacyin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Catalonia & Little Trains of the Pyrenees - 8 days from £949 per person*
44 views, destinations and experiences - approx. £20 per view*
We double the wonder on this 8-day tour, which takes travellers through the mountains of the Pyrenees and along the sparkling coast of Catalonia. The French and Spanish scenery is varied, and every stop has something to entertain and impress - we've counted up a grand total of 25 breath-taking views to marvel over on this tour.
Highlights of the Catalonia & Little Trains of the Pyrenees tour include:
Roses - Perfectly positioned for dual views of the Mediterranean Sea and mountains, our passengers find stunning scenery everywhere they look in Roses. We'll see monuments from the Roman, medieval and neolithic periods, and there's plenty of free time to take a walk up to La Ciutadella, a Renaissance-style fortress. Alternatively, travellers can stroll along the coast to the Trinitat Castle and the lighthouse at Poncella Point. The church of Santa Maria in the town centre makes a perfect pit stop for all that exploring. Travellers particularly enjoy relaxing on one of the many blue flag beaches that dot the bay. The town's many terraced restaurants make the ideal scenic spot to refuel with lunch and drinks.
Rivesaltes and Axat - On our journey aboard the quaint Little Red Train we witness the glory of the Pyrenees close up. The open-air carriages are the perfect place for passengers to immerse themselves in the passing mountain scenery between Rivesaltes and Axat.
Girona - At our next stop, the eccentric winding maze of Girona's medieval architecture unfolds before us on a guided walking tour. A stop off at the cathedral and the Jewish Quarter provides a taste of the town's cultural and religious history.
Nuria Valley Rack Railway - Spectacular views of the steep mountains and slopes of the Nuria Valley are all visible from the comfort of our carriages. When we alight, the atmosphere is peaceful as sailboats bob on the lake in total tranquillity - the valley is a completely car-free zone, allowing travellers to take a step back from busy modern life.
Figueres - This classic Catalonian town boasts an impressive 11th-century church. From here, travellers have the option to visit Besalu and see its striking medieval cobblestoned lanes, staircases, bridges and churches.
Rail Holidays in Great Britain
Staycations should never compromise on scenery, and with Britain being home to both plenty of spectacular sights and the world's oldest rail network, there's nowhere better to explore by train.
Railways of Wales - 6 days from £459 per person*
33 views, destinations and experiences - approx. £13 per view*
Wales is often called the castle capital of the world, with over 600 castle sites remaining today. But the hills and valleys of this beautiful country have even more to offer, especially to those who choose to travel by rail.
Highlights of the Railways of Wales tour include:
The Ffestiniog Railway to Portmeirion - Our tour starts with the heritage Ffestiniog Railway line through Snowdonia National Park. After alighting at Porthmadog, we travel on to Portmeirion, whose unusual Italianate architecture and colourfully painted buildings make a picture-perfect postcard. Travellers can spend their free time here wandering along Harlech Beach for a closer view of the sea. A visit to the elegant Japanese gardens is essential.
The Llangollen Steam Railway - Our next train journey winds along the picturesque banks of the River Dee between Llangollen and Corwen. After alighting at Corwen station, travellers can take a horse-drawn boat trip along the Llangollen Canal in peaceful tranquillity.
Llandudno - At our next location, we experience the unrivalled views of Llandudno Bay, then take the Great Orme cable-hauled tramway into the hills for breath-taking views of Snowdonia and Anglesey. Once back on solid ground, the Victorian charms of the promenade and traditional seaside amusements await. Travellers can relax in Llandudno's pretty public gardens, or venture to Conwy to admire the historic town walls and castle. The nearby Great Orme Copper Mines are also well worth a visit.
Caernarfon and The Welsh Highland Railway - We travel through more dramatic mountainous scenery on the way to Caernarfon, where we take a guided tour of Caernarfon Castle. Next, the Welsh Highland Railway takes us through the foothills of Snowdonia to pretty Beddgelert, a picturesque stone village surrounded by wooded valleys, rolling hills and shining lakes. Here, we recommend a visit to Gelert's Grave, the mythologised burial ground of the village's loyal hound namesake.
The Jurassic Coast - 5 days from £449 per person*
28 views, destinations and experiences - approx. £16 per view*
Travellers combine the wonders of rail travel with seafaring on this 5-day tour that's jam-packed with the south coast's best scenery, natural wonders and historical sites. When you travel by rail, you don't have to go far or spend big to unlock Britain's beauty.
Highlights of The Jurassic Coast tour include:
Cruising the Jurassic Coast - The adventure starts when we board a cruise from Poole Quay to Swanage, a Victorian seaside town on the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. Along the way, we pass Brownsea Island, Studland Bay's beaches, and many unique geological formations. The white cliffs of Old Harry Rocks greet us on our arrival in Swanage and once docked, travellers are free to explore Swanage's lovely, long beach and quaint local shops. Next, we ride the heritage steam-hauled Swanage Railway to Corfe Castle on the Isle of Purbeck.
The New Forest - Exbury Gardens in Hampshire's New Forest is next on the agenda, where the world-famous Rothschild Collection of plants and flowers makes a fascinating and beautiful diversion. The narrow-gauge Exbury steam railway from Exbury Central, a replica Victorian station, transports passengers through the gardens to view areas that are only accessible by rail. Our trip to Exbury concludes with a look around the Beaulieu Motor Museum, which includes the characterful Palace House, a medieval turreted house remodelled in the Victorian era.
The Watercress Line from Alton to Alresford - Travellers next hop aboard the Watercress Line and travel from Alresford to Alton in an elegantly restored historic carriage. We arrive at the Victorian-style station complete with shops and historical exhibits. In fine weather, travellers often stop to picnic in the picturesque surroundings. We continue along the coast to Christchurch, taking in more impressive sea views along the way.
*Prices and included views correct at time of posting.
