Rail Discoveries

19/04/2024

Don’t miss out on your dream trip. Be spontaneous and book that last-minute break!

Picture yourself exploring the hidden beauty and pristine beaches of Puglia, marvelling at majestic Swiss peaks from the Jungfrau Express or cruising the serene Dordogne in France. Wherever you’re dreaming of, we can help.

We have a limited number of spaces to fantastic destinations departing in the next few months.

Discover more! 👇👇

Are you planning a spontaneous, last-minute holiday? Browse our available late departure tours, each with available departure dates and prices listed.

16/04/2024

Unwind on a fly-rail exploration of the undiscovered beauty of Puglia in the ‘heel’ of Italy, uncovering labyrinthine ports, white-washed villages and unique ancient dwellings.

Discover the spectacular 'trulli' homes of Alberobello and the 'sassi' cave dwellings in the cliffside town of Matera in Basilicata. Uncover the cities of Lecce and Bari while soak up the amazing scenery and appealing culture of this laid-back region.

Hurry! Book before 10th May 2024, and save up to £150pp on selected 2024 Europe holidays! 👇👇

Join Rail Discoveries on this superb escorted rail tour around the 'heel' of Italy, from Polignano to Lecce and Bari.

13/03/2024

Embark on an enchanting rail journey through Italy, a country synonymous with romance, history and delicious cuisine.

Discover picturesque Lake Garda and the captivating cities of Verona and Venice, or explore the undiscovered treasures of southern Italy, from Puglia's unique trulli homes in Alberobello to the cliffside sassi houses of Matera.

Be quick, book by 18th March to save £100pp on selected 2024 Italian holidays! 👇

Escorted tours of Italy by train on a comprehensive holiday that includes a range of excursions and meals as well as all accommodation and transport.

16/02/2024

Experience Switzerland's most spectacular train journeys from a family-run hotel in the heart of the beautiful, forested Albula Valley. Here you can enjoy dinner with drinks each evening on your all-inclusive break.

Discover more- raildiscoveries.com/TFS

09/02/2024

Soak up the laid-back atmosphere of one of Italy's most beautiful lakes on a rail escape to peaceful Lake Garda. Sail across shimmering waters to the idyllic lakeside towns of Sirmione and Malcesine to uncover colourful streets, impressive scenery and amazing views.
Enjoy guided tours of two of the region's most fantastic and fascinating cities as you explore remarkable Venice and historic Verona, the setting for Romeo and Juliet.

Experience the inimitable charm of Lake Garda on an all inclusive escorted rail tour. Take in the sights of Venice, Verona and Sirmione.

30/01/2024

Embark on an enchanting rail journey through Italy, a country synonymous with romance, history and culinary delights.

Our escorted Italian rail holidays are carefully put together to make sure you experience its iconic landscapes, from the multi-coloured villages of Cinque Terre to the untouched beauty of Puglia's white-washed villages and twinkling blue waters.

Book by the 31st January 2024 to save up to £100 per person on the wonderful delights of Italy 2024 holidays.

Discover more- raildiscoveries.com/italy

26/01/2024

Discover Portugal's charming Douro River on cruises operated by our sister company, Great Rail Journeys.

Sail through grape-filled valleys and pretty towns, admiring authentic traditions and stunning vistas.

Enjoy outstanding 5-Star service and delicious cuisine aboard our beautiful ships. These luxury journeys along the Douro are the perfect way to experience the beauty of this ancient and picturesque wine-growing region.

Book by 31st January 2024, and save up to £300 per person!

Discover more- greatrail.com/douro

25/01/2024

Experience the beautiful landscapes of Norfolk by heritage railway, uncovering historic towns and treasures along the way.

Based in historic Norwich, enjoy scenic journeys on the Mid and North Norfolk railways, sail the Norfolk Broads on a Mississippi paddle boat, and visit Sandringham - the Royal family's country retreat!

Explore the inland waterways and heritage railways of Norfolk on this escorted relaxing holiday. We discover this rural getaway from historic Norwich.

20/01/2024

Beat the crowds to beautiful Spain! ❤

Embark on an unforgettable exploration of Spain, a country rich in history, art, and diverse cultural tapestries.
Our rail tours offer a unique and intimate perspective of Spain's charm, from the bustling streets of its grand cities to the serene beauty of its hidden villages.

Book by the 31st January 2024 to save up to £100 per person on selected Europe 2024 holidays!

18/01/2024

Set sail with the experts and discover a world of carefully curated cruises and attentive service!

Explore new 2024 itineraries, operated by our sister company Great Rail Journeys, which pair luxurious cruise ships with escorted excursions at unbeatable prices.

The tours have been crafted to offer optimum sunlight sailing and more relaxed timings. Designed for an easy pace, enjoy vibrant culture, rich history and fascinating sights, with plenty of time to unwind on board and admire the views!

Discover more- greatrail.com/rhine

16/01/2024

Rediscover the beauty of the British Isles, a land steeped in history, culture and picturesque landscapes.

From the ancient castles of Wales and the meandering waterways of Norfolk to the verdant hills of the Lake District, each tour offers a diverse array of experiences, telling its own unique story of a rich and varied past.

Book before 31st January, 2024, and enjoy savings of up to £50 per person on selected British Isles 2024 holidays- raildiscoveries.com/uk

25/12/2023

Wish everyone a very merry Christmas, from our Rail Discoveries family to yours! ❤

12/12/2023

Meet John Grundy - Rail enthusiast, linguist and experienced traveler - and one of our fabulous tour managers!

John has led more than 75 tours for us across Canada and Europe since 2010. He knows Canada from coast to coast and specialises in Germany and Switzerland. Fluent in German, he interprets the wonderful sights and traditions with verve.

One of his most memorable experiences is looking out from inside the north face of the Eiger on the stunning Jungfrau railway trip to see how hardened climbers have conquered the majestic mountain.

Explore some of John's top picks:
- raildiscoveries.com/TFS
- raildiscoveries.com/SIS

03/11/2023

Enjoy the beauty of the Dordogne!

From your base in charming Le Bugue, explore the attractions of southwest France, renowned for its gorgeous villages, history and excellent cuisine.

The charming Truffadou Steam Train that once transported truffles to Martel's market is a wonderful experience, before visiting a fantastic château, previously home to a star of the Roaring Twenties! 👇

Embark on one of our escorted Dordogne train holidays, enjoy delicious gastronomy with fine wines and explore the underground.

27/10/2023

Our Tour Manager, Michelle, wrapped up the season in a fab way recently!

"Fabulous All inclusive Puglia with Rail discoveries! Lovely group and the perfect end to the season!"

25/10/2023

Take your pick of Europe in 2024!

Let the Basque coast fill your senses with culinary temptations, striking views and culture you’ll love. Enjoy quaint seaside towns, quirky fishing villages and fascinating, historic cities.

Or maybe an all-inclusive journey to the mesmerising Swiss Alps with stunning snowscapes and crisp peaks is more for you. If you’re chasing the sunshine, the crystal, turquoise harbours of the Italian Riviera will make an impression! 👇

Save up to £100pp on selected Europe 2024 holidays when you book by 31st October 2023.

20/10/2023

Enjoy an adventure to four of Europe’s finest capitals!

Explore the fascinating cities of Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest on a fly-rail adventure to uncover their rich heritage of art, history and culture, while savouring world-class castles, palaces and museums.

Fly to intriguing Berlin, a vibrant and friendly city, before experiencing the stunning architecture, panoramic views and ornate buildings these distinctive cities have to offer.

Clock's ticking! Book before 31st October and save up to £100pp on Europe 2024 holidays! 👇

Delve into the imperial past and modern energy of four of Europe’s finest capitals in one fantastic fly-rail tour.

19/10/2023

Winter escapes to lift your spirits!

A winter break is the perfect contrast to grey days. Maybe escape to the mysterious Arctic and see the wondrous Northern Lights or join an all-inclusive tour to the spectacular Swiss Alps, with breathtaking trips on iconic trains. Or book a bestselling break to the Netherlands in Springtime.

Some Christmas and New Year places are still available, but don’t hesitate! These popular winter holidays sell out fast! 👇

View Great Rail Journeys collection of escorted train and rail holidays of winter rail holidays to some fabulous locations.

17/10/2023

Exploring the medieval streets of historic York and admiring the haunting ruins of Whitby Abbey makes it easy to understand why Yorkshire’s friendly locals call it “God’s Own County”.

Journey through Yorkshire’s picturesque scenery on the heritage North York Moors Railway and charming Settle-Carlisle Railway to be captivated by this welcoming county.

Enjoy savings of up to £50pp by booking before 31st October 2023-

From the untamed Yorkshire Moors to the rolling hills and valleys of Cumbria’s Lake District, experience this county at its best from a heritage railway.

14/10/2023

Popular with our customers all year round, Switzerland’s incredible landscapes sparkle in winter. A blanket of snow covers alpine meadows and majestic mountains, while the renowned Swiss hospitality adds extra cosiness to the experience.

Enjoy the wonders of a Swiss winter and remarkable views on the iconic Glacier Express and Jungfrau Express, while unwinding in all-inclusive hotels.

Don't miss out! 👇

From the stately cities of Vienna, Prague & Berlin to the stunning scenes of The Unspoilt Isles of Scilly, we have gathered together a range of our absolute favourite tours that are beloved by customers.

13/10/2023

Experience a warm welcome in the popular Basque Country!

Enjoy the unique culture, cuisine and art of this fascinating region. You’ll fall in love with the breathtaking views while travelling in 1920s vintage carriages to the summit of La Rhune mountain. Wander medieval towns, thriving cities and discover delicious dishes to take you to foodie heaven.

Book your visit to this much-loved region of Spain by Tuesday 31st October and save up to £100pp.

Even better, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a river cruise when you book by 18th October.

Book now- raildiscoveries.com/BHS

12/10/2023

Discover incredible alpine scenery and fairytale castles on our hassle-free, all-inclusive escorted tours to Austria and Germany.

Enjoy heritage rail excursions and view enchanting timbered Bavarian towns, the dreamlike Neuschwanstein Castle and the serene Austrian Lake District, before returning to your all-inclusive hotel for dinner and drinks each evening.

Book by 31st October 2023 and save up to £100pp on selected European getaways in 2024-

Save up to £100pp on selected Europe 2024 holidays when you book by 31st October 2023.

10/10/2023

Great reasons to get away this Spring!

There are lots of advantages to holidaying out of season. For one, there are fewer crowds so there is more space to explore. Some places, like Switzerland, are magical in winter. Others show their authentic charm, like atmospheric Yorkshire and Wales. And of course, springtime is a joyous season in the Netherlands, while on the French Riviera, February’s Nice Carnival is one of the liveliest events of the year!

Explore more- https://www.raildiscoveries.com/train-holiday-ideas/

07/10/2023

Peaceful escapes and energising cities!

Famed for its incredible history, Scotland has endless opportunities for stunning scenery and cultural attractions.

In the vibrant capital, you’ll find stunning architecture, colourful characters, and a lively atmosphere. While further north in the Highlands, you can unleash your inner explorer amongst some of the most dramatic scenery in the UK.

Explore Scotland's famous lochs, highlands and cities with our wide range of comprehensive escorted rail tours.

06/10/2023

Two great countries, each with a unique culture. Which will you explore in 2024?

The rugged coastlines of Spain’s Catalonia, the Moorish cities of Andalucia, or the foodie flavours of the Basque country?
Or how about Portugal’s grand coastal cities, the fantastical palaces of Sintra, and the breathtaking Douro Valley by rail?

Don’t miss out! Book by Tuesday 31st October and enjoy £100pp off selected holidays to Europe!

05/10/2023

Choose your perfect lake and mountain break!

Escape to one of Europe’s serene lakes – Italy’s stunning Lake Garda, Orta and Maggiore, or Switzerland’s stylish Lake Geneva – based in a historic lakeside town or a traditional Alpine village, you’ll enjoy lake cruises and scenic rail trips to stunning mountain peaks.

Hurry! Book by 31st October to save up to £100pp on selected 2024 European holidays! 👇

Lakes and Mountains holidays take you to some of the most beautiful locations in Europe. Browse Rail Discoveries' escorted train holidays.

04/10/2023

Didn’t Sicily look amazing on the latest episode of Nick Knowles’ Amazing Railway Adventures?

If you would like to experience this beautiful Italian island for yourself, have a look at our Sicily, Etna and the Aeolian Islands tour.

View Mount Etna’s incredible craters before boarding the delightful Circumetnea train for a scenic journey past the active volcano’s otherworldly lava fields, uncover the ancient towns of Taormina and Syracuse, and sail to the spectacular, volcanic Aeolian Islands.

Visit raildiscoveries.com/SCF to learn more.

Sicily boasts a combination of scenic coastline, cities and breathtaking landscapes. Visit Mount Etna and the Aeolian Islands on this escorted holiday.

29/09/2023

From the glistening promenades of the glamorous Côte d’Azur to the tantalisingly fresh produce of the rustic Dordogne, France combines laid-back charm with excellent cuisine.

Explore the palm-lined French Riviera and sparkling seaside resorts of Nice, Cannes and Monaco, or bask in the charming Dordogne with trips to Sarlat’s mouthwatering market and the adorable villages of Rocamadour and La Roque-Gageac.

Book before 31st October 2023 to enjoy our 50th anniversary savings of up to £100pp! 👇

Enjoy a relaxing break amongst the countryside, cities and villages of France with our incredible escorted rail holidays.

28/09/2023

Wales is a place where ancient legends meet modern charm. The folklore of dragons adds a magical touch to the region, and medieval castles share stories of kings and knights from the past.

Whether you're exploring the pretty seaside towns of ancient Tenby and distinguished Mumbles, wandering the enchanting streets of Portmeirion, or visiting the UNESCO-listed Conwy Castle – adventure awaits aboard scenic Welsh railways.

Wales by escorted train travel, admire stunning coastlines, lush valleys, National Parks and vibrant cities when you journey through Wales by train travel.

23/09/2023

Enchanting Norway is renowned for its breathtaking scenery whatever the season.

Marvel at soaring mountains and thundering waterfalls on the beautiful Flåm Railway, delight in the culture and cuisine of Oslo and Bergen, explore Kiruna’s wintry Ice Hotel - and, of course, cruise among spectacular fjords and seek out the spellbinding Northern Lights.

Book before 31st October 2023 to enjoy our 50th anniversary savings of up to £100pp!