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Classic Rail Journeys

From winding around the Swiss Alps on narrow-gauge railways to relaxing by the beautiful coast at the Côte d'Azur, Rail Discoveries' classic rail journeys visit some of Europe's most exquisite places. Whether you are looking for areas of outstanding natural beauty or places that are culturally rich, we have a classic tour to suit you.

These exciting holidays have proven themselves popular with customers year upon year and new guests are continually thrilled when they embark on one of our classic tours. Everyone from groups of friends to solo travellers are welcome on these holidays which boast a friendly group atmosphere along with exciting excursions and exploration into the area the holiday is based. Browse our full range of classic rail journeys.

Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travel inspiration and offers in our e-newsletter.

Expert opinions & guides

Jacobite Steam Train

What to see

"My most memorable rail experience is the Jacobite Steam Train in the Highlands of Scotland. From a rain-soaked Fort William, the grey clouds miraculously cleared as the train puffed over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Sitting in the carriage at the rear end of the train, we were treated to the whole curving expanse of the viaduct and the steep drop into the valley below."

Karen Priest, Tour Manager

Jungfrau Express

What to do

"The summit station of the Jungfrau Express is inside the mountain, and there is so much to see and do upon arrival. There are exhibitions, a chocolate making experience, ice sculptures inside the glacier, restaurants, and on a good day in summer you can walk outside in the snow, or even sit at a bar made out of snow, and enjoy your favourite tipple in the sun."

Beverley Goring, Tour Manager

Manx Electric Railway

What to discover

"The Electric Railway ride from Ramsey to Douglas is an unforgettable experience. On a clear day, you can see across to the Lake District. It goes along the edge of the rugged coastline for 17 miles and the views are stunning. It dates back to the 1890s and still uses some of the original carriages. In the early season, the railway is edged with stunning yellow gorse which is replaced later in the season with a display of wild pink fuchsias."

Caroline Bryan, Tour Manager

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Yorkshire's Steam Railways

With its wild heather moorlands, glorious coastlines and villages that transport you back in time, God's Own Country is seemingly made for exploring by rail. From the Gothic arches of Whitby Abbey to landscapes made famous in the 1970's movie, 'The Railway Children', discover the best of scenic Yorkshire on the Discovery Blog. 

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22 results matching: Classic Rail Journeys

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Glacier Express All Inclusive
Save £100pp
4.2 stars(368 reviews)
2024AprMayJunJulAug...
8 days from
£1,599 pp £1,499 pp
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8 days from
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£1,499
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  • DestinationSwitzerland
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Jungfrau Express All Inclusive
Save £100pp
4.5 stars(228 reviews)
2024AprMayJunAugSepOct
8 days from
£1,499 pp
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8 days from
£1,499
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  • DestinationSwitzerland
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Glacier Express All Inclusive in Winter
4.8 stars(78 reviews)
2024JanFeb
8 days from
£1,849 pp
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8 days from
£1,849
per person
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  • DestinationSwitzerland
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Railways of Wales
Save £100pp
4.4 stars(428 reviews)
2024AprMayJunJulAug...
6 days from
£579 pp £529 pp
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6 days from
£579
£529
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  • DestinationWales
  • Starts / EndsLlandudno
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Lake Windemere
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4.1 stars(277 reviews)
2024MarAprMayJunJul...
5 days from
£499 pp £449 pp
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5 days from
£499
£449
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  • DestinationEngland
  • Starts / EndsCarlisle
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Scottish Highlands
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4.0 stars(112 reviews)
2024MayJunSepOct
6 days from
£929 pp £829 pp
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6 days from
£929
£829
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  • DestinationScotland
  • Starts / EndsGlasgow
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation

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North Devon & Somerset
Save £100pp
4.2 stars(28 reviews)
2024AprMayJunAugSep
6 days from
£779 pp £749 pp
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6 days from
£779
£749
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  • DestinationEngland
  • Starts / EndsBarnstaple
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
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Save £100pp
13 days from
£3,495
£3,395
per person
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  • DestinationCanada
  • Starts / EndsLondon Heathrow
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportFlight, Rail
Map and accommodation
12 days from
£3,495
per person
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  • DestinationFrance, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationCruise
  • TransportRail, Cruise
Map and accommodation
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  • DestinationUSA
  • Starts / EndsLondon Heathrow
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportFlight, Rail
Map and accommodation
13 days from
£4,495
per person
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  • DestinationSouth Africa
  • Starts / EndsLondon Heathrow
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportFlight, Rail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Save £100pp
16 days from
£2,695
£2,495
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  • DestinationIndia
  • Starts / EndsLondon Heathrow
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportFlight, Rail
Map and accommodation
Our customers love our Classic Rail Journeys tours
Jungfrau Express All Inclusive
5/Nov
Nitro
5 stars
“Brilliantly organised; group size ideal, enjoyable itinerary, and our tour leader Angie was lovely: friendly, funny, caring, professional and knowledgeable. I'd go again!
Collected by Trustpilot
Railways of Wales
3/Nov
Robert Overall
5 stars
“very good holiday
Collected by Trustpilot
Glacier Express All Inclusive
1/Nov
gordon sivyer
5 stars
“Totally amazing loved every minute
Collected by Trustpilot
Loch Lomond & The Scottish Highlands
14/Oct
Ian Whitfield
5 stars
“The tour apart from a problem with a Scotrail train was good despite inclement weather. Food at BW Crianlarich was excellent as were the staff made us all very welcome I’d give it 5 stars . Jacobite Train trip excellent despite the Scotch mist , also the Loch Lomond trip, and our coach Driver Brian was excellent. Last but not least our tour guide Gareth was excellent throughout the trip. In short a really good holiday and thanks to all involved in making it so. Regards Ian Whitfield
Collected by Trustpilot
North Devon & Somerset
15/Sep
Sharon
5 stars
“Great holiday made even better by the fantastic weather. The itinerary is just right, packing plenty in with 1 free day to do as you please. Our tour manager Colin was knowledgeable about the area which is an added bonus of course. As regular customers with the company we're very aware that this is not always the case, they are after all tour managers not tour guides. The 3 star Barnstaple hotel is only let down by it's location, a half hour walk from town with an industrial estate behind it. This made it a bit noisy at times as they worked through the nights. If it wasn't for that I suspect this would be a 4 star hotel as everything else was excellent and the food outstanding, best choice and menu we've ever had on a Rail Discoveries or Great Rail Journeys holiday. I believe that next year they're using a hotel closer to the town centre by the same hotel chain, so hopefully that will help make a great holiday into a perfect holiday.
Collected by Trustpilot
Glacier Express All Inclusive in Winter
18/Mar
Customer
5 stars
“Excellent and well organised tour from beginning to end. Very knowledgeable and supportive guide.
Collected by Trustpilot
Glacier Express All Inclusive at New Year
17/Jan
customer
5 stars
“It was a wonderful experience at a very special time of the year.
Collected by Trustpilot
Lakes and Dales by Rail
5/Oct
Jan J
4 stars
“Well organised holiday with a helpful 'Hostess'. An excellent hotel in Wetheral, and good choice menus, but a lift to the bedrooms would have been much appreciated for those less mobile!
Collected by Trustpilot
Glacier Express All Inclusive at Christmas
14/Jan
William Fyans
4 stars
“Lovely places to see/be in, but too much time pressure and stress during travel. Took days to recover. Better for the young/fit. Everyone was very disappointed as the actual Glacier express we were on, being I believe a special extra train due to demand, offered no buffet or refreshments at all, all the way. Much cynical laughter at the lavish videos.
Collected by Trustpilot