What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 8pm Tuesday 8:30am - 8pm Wednesday 8:30am - 8pm Thursday 8:30am - 8pm Friday 8:30am - 7pm Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 4pm

Great Rail Journeys

Name: Great Rail Journeys
Address: York, GB
Telephone: +441904521936
Price range: ££££

Home
United Kingdom
York
Great Rail Journeys

Great Rail Journeys GRJ is the UK’s leading provider of holidays by rail with 50 years of award-winning expertise.

29/03/2025

👫 Explore Australia & New Zealand👫

With our expert Tour Managers, all the hassle of planning is taken out of your holiday as you experience all the must-see landmarks on our escorted tours of Australia and New Zealand.

Ride the Kuranda Railway through a rainforest, sail to the Great Barrier Reef and enjoy a Sounds of Silence dinner as the sun sets over Uluru. Uncover New Zealand’s beautiful Milford Sound and spend an evening learning about Māori culture.

Discover why an escorted tour is the best way to see Australasia in this article, in partnership with the Telegraph. telegraph.co.uk/travel/escorted-rail-holidays/australasia-holidays/

👉 greatrail.com/ANG

27/03/2025

🏔️🏨 Did you catch tonight’s episode of Great Continental Railway Journeys? It showcased one of our favourite hotels—the stunning Grand Hotel Giessbach—featured in our First Class Mountaintops of Switzerland holiday!

Overlooking Lake Brienz, the Belle Époque hotel sits at the top of its own funicular in exquisite surroundings, with a mountain forest and an impressive waterfall in addition to the lake views.

Definitely one for your travel list 👉 greatrail.com/MTS

25/03/2025

🌸 Experience the beauty of Japan 🌸

Our Tour Manager, Julia Denny, recently spoke to the Times about our tours to Japan. “I enjoy the contrasts. There are high tech cities like Tokyo with amazing modern architecture sitting beside thousand-year-old temples,” she says.

Discover the cherry blossoms of Kyoto, soak up views of Mount Fuji on a cable car journey, and visit Kanazawa – home of the best sushi in Japan!

Read more 👉thetimes.com/static/japan-travel-tokyo-fuji-rail-journeys/

23/03/2025

🗺️ Uncover the wonders of Asia's finest cities 🗺️

From the laid-back spice trading port of Kochi on the Indian Ocean to the colourful sakura blossoms of Kyoto in Japan, Asia's cities delight with their dazzling attractions.

🌅 Watch Mumbai slowly come to life on a dawn walking tour
🏮 Learn how to make traditional Vietnamese lanterns in Hoi An
🏛️ Venture into the Cambodian jungle to discover the lost temples of Angkor Wat near Siem Reap

Discover more highlights of Asia here 👉 telegraph.co.uk/travel/escorted-rail-holidays/asian-cities/

21/03/2025

👫 Moments of great connection with new friends, authentic insights into fantastic destinations and none of the hassle of planning holidays.

These are just some of the benefits of joining a sociable escorted tour.

With Great Rail Journeys, you also benefit from our 50 years' experience in planning expertly crafted itineraries all around the world, hand-picked excursions and the expertise of dedicated Tour Managers and local guides.

Discover why an escorted journey is so much more than the sum of its parts 👉 telegraph.co.uk/travel/escorted-rail-holidays/why-book-guided-tour-train-journeys/

20/03/2025

❤️ Fall in love with India ❤️

Be spellbound by India's regal Golden Triangle on an enchanting discovery of breathtaking palaces and majestic wildlife.

Journalist Tracey Davies, in partnership with the Telegraph, joined us on our popular Five-Star India’s Golden Triangle & Shimla tour. Read Tracey's article here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/escorted-rail-holidays/india-golden-triangle-shimla/

🌟 Highlights of the journey:
🕌 Explore the iconic Taj Mahal
🐯 Seek tigers in Ranthambore
🏔️️ Uncover history in Himalayan Shimla

👉 greatrail.com/LTC

11/03/2025

🍂 Embrace Autumn in Scandinavia! 🍂

Parks shimmering with golden leaves, cinnamon swirls, and cosy hygge—Scandinavia in autumn warms the soul.

Cruise through Stockholm & Copenhagen as colourful hues reflect on the waterfront, stroll through the golden tree-lined streets of Oslo, and cross the Øresund Bridge, surrounded by stunning autumn seascapes.

Enjoy the perfect mix of culture, history, and breathtaking seasonal beauty
👉 greatrail.com/CNS

10/03/2025

❄️ Scandinavian winter wonderlands ❄️

From the snow-covered landscapes to the enchanting Northern Lights, winter in Scandinavia offers a unique experience.

Cross into Swedish Lapland aboard the Arctic Train, take a thrilling husky-hauled sled ride and visit the breathtaking Ice Hotel in Kiruna.

💡 Did you know? In Scandinavia, the sun doesn't rise above the horizon for several weeks during the winter months in the Arctic Circle. This phenomenon is called the "Polar Night," where the region experiences magical twilight hours instead of full daylight! 🌌

Discover the wonders of the Arctic on The Northern Lights & Lapland tour
👉 greatrail.com/NHW

09/03/2025

✨ Magical moments in Scandinavia ✨

Whether it's a quiet moment by a lake, that first glimpse of the dancing Northern Lights, or a journey through stunning landscapes, every corner of Scandinavia holds an unforgettable experience.

✨ Magical views of the Northern Lights
🚂 Scenic rail journeys on the Nordland & Ofoten Railways
🦌 Meet the indigenous Sami people and their reindeer
🏰 Explore the iconic Kiruna Ice Hotel
❄ Cross snow-covered tundra and fjordside villages

Journey through enchanting landscapes and rich folklore on our Northern Lights & Lapland tour 👉 greatrail.com/NLW

08/03/2025

🌞 Experience a Scandinavian summer 🌞

From amazing landscapes aboard the Flåm Railway to the serene beauty of Geirangerfjord, journey through Norway’s dramatic fjords, glaciers, and mountains, and into Swedish Lapland’s wild landscapes.

Did you know? Sweden has more than 100,000 lakes, making it the perfect destination for a summer adventure 🌊

Join us on our Ultimate Norway, Sweden & the Arctic Circle tour
👉 greatrail.com/ACJ

07/03/2025

🌟 Brand-New Itinerary! Highlights of Norway’s Fjords & Cities 🌟

Journey through breathtaking landscapes on the Flåm Railway and Bergen Railway. Cruise through stunning fjords from Bergen to Flåm, then take in panoramic views with the Voss Gondola.

A perfect mix of Norwegian nature and culture awaits

👉 greatrail.com/FJS

06/03/2025

☀️ The Midnight Sun phenomenon ☀️

In destinations above the Arctic Circle, the Midnight Sun creates endless daylight during summer – sometimes for up to 76 days straight!

This occurs because the Earth's tilt keeps the polar regions exposed to sunlight even at midnight, preventing the sun from setting.

Check out our Grand Tour of Norway to witness one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles on departures between 27th May and 26th June

👉 greatrail.com/AYJ

05/03/2025

🌟 Brand-New! Capital Cities of Finland, Estonia & Latvia 🌟

Discover the charm of Northern Europe with our newly launched holiday.

Explore Helsinki’s modern design, Tallinn’s medieval streets, and Riga’s stunning Art Nouveau architecture.

Join us on this incredible journey through three captivating capitals 👉 greatrail.com/BES

01/03/2025

🚂 The Deccan Odyssey - India's iconic luxury train ✨

Stepping aboard this famous train makes you feel like royalty as you explore ancient forts, opulent palaces, and exciting cities—all while indulging in world-class comfort.

🌟 Highlights of the journey:
🕌 Explore the spellbinding Taj Mahal
🧱 Visit the historic complex, Agra Fort
🍽️ Indulge in gourmet Indian cuisine

It’s a moving palace through India’s most breathtaking landscapes.

28/02/2025

🗺️ ✨ Around the World in UNESCO Sites: Machu Picchu

Nestled high in the Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu remains one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the world.

Once a sacred Incan city, this ancient wonder is an enduring testament to the advanced engineering and culture of the Inca civilisation.

💡 Did you know? Machu Picchu was never discovered by the Spanish conquistadors and remained hidden from the outside world until its rediscovery in 1911 by Hiram Bingham.

Experience the Inca Trail by train where the breathtaking views and mysterious stone structures will leave you speechless on our Machu Picchu and the Andes tour 👉 greatrail.com/PUJ

27/02/2025

🌿🐆 Best times for wildlife viewing! 🦌☀️

For the ultimate wildlife experience, timing is everything! Cooler temperatures from November to March make for comfortable adventures, while April’s warmer months bring thinner vegetation—perfect for spotting animals near watering holes in Ranthambore.

Looking for elusive leopards? February is the ideal time to explore Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park!

Join our Five-Star India’s Golden Triangle & Shimla Tour for unforgettable wildlife moments 👉 greatrail.com/LTC

26/02/2025

🗺️ ✨ Around the World in UNESCO Sites: The Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, continue to captivate travellers and historians alike.

These iconic structures, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, have stood for over 4,500 years, guarding the secrets of ancient Egypt.

💡 Did you know? The Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure for nearly 4,000 years!

The Giza Plateau is not just about the pyramids – explore the enigmatic Sphinx and the ancient tombs that tell the stories of pharaohs on the Treasures of Egypt and Five-Star Nile Cruise 👉 greatrail.com/EYJ

25/02/2025

🚂 The Bergen Railway - A journey through Norwegian beauty 🌲🏔️

One of the most scenic train journeys in the world, The Bergen Railway takes you through Norway’s breathtaking landscapes—from the fjords to towering mountains and charming villages.

Experience:
🏔️Majestic snow-capped peaks
🌳Lush green valleys
💧Glacial lakes and waterfalls

It’s an experience that’ll stay with you long after the tracks are behind you.
👉 https://bit.ly/Bergen-Rail

Address

York

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 8pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 8pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 8pm
Thursday	8:30am - 8pm
Friday	8:30am - 7pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm
Sunday	10am - 4pm

Telephone

+441904521936

Website

https://www.greatrail.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Great Rail Journeys posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Great Rail Journeys:

Videos

🌏 🏔️ New for 2026! Spirit of the Himalayas & Amritsar’s Golden Temple On our newly launched tour, experience the serenity of the Himalayas and the spiritual beauty of Amritsar’s Golden Temple. Stay near the sacred source of the Ganges, visit the peaceful Wah Tea Estate in Palampur, and explore Dharamshala, home of the Dalai Lama. Your journey to India’s breathtaking north starts here 👉 greatrail.com/HMJ #LuxuryTravel #IndiaTour #GoldenTemple #Himalayas #SpiritualJourney #TrainTravel #GreatRailJourneys #AdventureAwaits

🌏 🌊 New for 2026! Highlights of Australia & New Zealand Discover the best of these two incredible countries – from the Great Barrier Reef and a sunset over Uluru to a Māori cultural evening and the stunning Fiordland National Park. Explore vibrant cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland and Christchurch. Discover the breathtaking wonders of Australia & New Zealand on our newly launched tour 👉 greatrail.com/ANG #AustraliaTravel #NewZealandAdventure #GreatBarrierReef #UluruSunset #FiordlandNationalPark #MāoriCulture #LuxuryTravel #GreatRailJourneys #AdventureAwaits

🌏 🍜 New for 2026! Grand Tour of Southeast Asia From the historic tracks of the Burma Railway to the buzzing streets of Bangkok, our brand-new tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through Southeast Asia. Master local flavours in a Luang Prabang cooking class, sail the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, and stand in awe before the ancient wonder of Angkor Wat. Tick these incredible destinations off your wish list 👉 greatrail.com/VTG #SoutheastAsia #BucketListTrip #HaLongBay #AngkorWat #BangkokAdventures #CulturalExploration #GreatRailJourneys #TravelMore

🌏 🐯 New for 2026! Exclusive India’s Golden Triangle & Oberoi Hotels Experience India in style with stays at Six Senses Fort Barwara and premier Oberoi hotels. Travel by Rail Motor Car to Shimla, see the iconic Taj Mahal, and explore Jaipur by rickshaw. Take a jeep to Amber Fort and head out on safari in Ranthambore. Start planning your India adventure with our brand-new tour 👉 greatrail.com/LTP #LuxuryIndia #GoldenTriangle #TajMahal #OberoiHotels #JaipurDiaries #ShimlaByRail #RanthamboreSafari #GreatRailJourneys #BucketListTravel

🍚 We’re rewinding a few days to share one of our favourite moments from the Vietnam & Cambodia tour so far - a hands-on experience making Bánh cuốn (Rice Paper Rolls) on Cat Ba Island. Tim captured one of our travellers in action, and we couldn’t resist sharing the moment. With a pot of steaming water and a cloth stretched taut over the top, our local hosts showed us how fermented rice batter is transformed into delicate, paper-thin sheets. The skill and precision it takes to spread, steam, and roll the batter is harder than it looks! 🍜 Did You Know? While we often enjoy dishes like Bánh cuốn and Phở as main meals in the West, they’re typically served as breakfast in Vietnam! 👉 greatrail.com/VMG #Vietnam #Cambodia #GrandTour #TravelExperiences #CulturalJourney

⛰🚠 Breathtaking views from the Mount Pilatus cable car, captured by James Starkie. The beauty of Switzerland's landscapes never gets old!

At the Rikli Balance Hotel, Lake Bled, even the cakes travel First-Class - courtesy of robots! 🍰 Just another reason to visit the Adriatic Coast on our Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro holiday 🤖 Thank you to our Tour Manager, Suzie for sharing this cool video. https://bit.ly/4gRjl2f

🚂 We loved the last Mt Washington Cog Railway video, so here’s another one! Thank you Robert (one of our fabulous Tour Managers) for sharing. 👉 https://bit.ly/4dxl8HX

🎥 Huge thanks to Robert, one of our Tour Managers, for this fantastic Mt Washington Cog Railway video! Did you know this is the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway, built in 1869? Experience the breathtaking journey up New England's highest peak for yourself 👉 https://bit.ly/4dxl8HX

🌴 Get the ultimate experience with our Landmark collection! These premium journeys are designed for travellers seeking indulgence and exclusivity. Travel with smaller groups, led by our most experienced Tour Managers and local experts. Enjoy delicious meals, hand-picked accommodations, and exclusive excursions that take you beyond the typical tourist path. Spot African lions in Kruger National Park, cruise into the mist of Niagara Falls, or indulge in a five-star, all-inclusive holiday in the Swiss Alps - wherever you go, enjoy an exceptional experience. Explore our Landmark collection today and start planning your unforgettable experience. 👉 https://bit.ly/3Aj1nES

✨ Find your ideal travel experience at great value with our Discoveries collection! From wandering through the historic towns of Lake Garda to riding iconic trains through the Swiss Alps or enjoying the renowned cuisine of Puglia - it's all about enjoying the journey at your own pace with plenty of free time and some larger group excursions. Book your next holiday with our Discoveries collection. 👉https://bit.ly/3WAgQaU

🌟 Enjoy timeless travel with our Classic collection! For unforgettable travel experiences with a touch of elegance, these tours take you to the heart of your destination, offering premium travel options, insightful excursions and high-quality hotels. Whether it’s a private wine tasting in Valpolicella, a gondola ride in Venice or a journey through the Swiss Alps on the incredible GoldenPass Express - experience everything your destination has to offer. Start planning your Classic holiday with us today. 👉 https://bit.ly/4dE0RQd

Shortcuts

Our origin and ethos

Ever-since two passionate British Rail employees had the novel idea of opening up the railways of the world to a whole new audience over 45 years ago, the driving force behind everything we do at Great Rail Journeys hasn't changed much; deliver incomparable escorted holidays that include as much as possible in the price, and give travellers the freedom to make their own discoveries by arranging excursions, meals and accommodation that immerse you in the culture and heritage of your chosen destination.

Our ethos may be similar to those early days but a lot of other things have changed since then. We now have a whole team of tour advisors and destination specialists working hard behind the scenes to scout out new experiences, unique hotels and of course, ever more exceptional rail journeys.

We aim to take all the stress out of organising your dream trip so that all you have to concentrate on are the wonderful places, people, sights, sounds and tastes you're about to encounter.