The Wait is Over: Our Brand-New 2027 Cruise & Rail Collection Has Officially Arrived!

• The Ultimate 'Rail & Cruise' Combo: Enjoy an expertly managed, escorted land-tour and scenic train journey seamlessly paired with a relaxing ocean cruise.

• Exclusive Cruise.co.uk USPs: These packages are uniquely built by us. They feature small group sizes (around a maximum of 25 guests on land) and fully escorted land itineraries led by professional tour managers.

• Total Peace of Mind: We manage every single detail, from train seat reservations and high-quality 4* or 5* central hotels to overseas transfers and port connections.

At Cruise.co.uk, we’ve always believed that a truly memorable holiday shouldn’t just be about where you end up, it should be about the spectacular sights you see along the way. 

While flying might get you from A to B, it robs you of the magic of watching a country transform outside your window. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our brand-new 2027 Cruise & Rail Collection is officially live! 

If you’re looking to trade stressful airport terminals, strict cabin liquid rules, and generic departure halls for panoramic train carriages, historic mountain tracks, and epic cruise lines, you’re in the right place. 

Crafted exclusively by our very own experts, known as ‘The Rail Cruise People’, this collection represents our most ambitious, deeply immersive, and luxurious multi-centre itineraries to date.

What Exactly is a Cruise & Rail Holiday?

A Cruise & Rail holiday pairs a world-class scenic train journey with a sensational cruise, seamlessly bridged by handpicked hotel stays in the heart of iconic destinations.

Instead of staring at a blanket of clouds from 30,000 feet, you might spend a few days winding along the "Roof of Norway," tracking the Colorado River through rugged canyons, or speeding between historic capitals on a high-speed train. 

You’ll enjoy guided excursions and the expertise of a dedicated land-based tour manager before being whisked to the port to begin your premium voyage at sea. 

It’s the perfect balance for those who want to "do it all" without the exhaustion of a traditional multi-stop holiday.

Why Book with 'The Rail Cruise People'?

Planning an intricate multi-stop land and sea holiday on your own is a logistical puzzle. Trying to coordinate foreign train timetables, secure seat reservations on exclusive scenic routes, select centrally located hotels, and arrange port transfers is enough to cause a travel headache.

At Cruise.co.uk, ‘The Rail Cruise People' handle all the heavy lifting for you. Led by our resident rail specialist, our exclusive itineraries bundle your rail tickets, train seat reservations, escorted land tours, high-quality hotel stays, selected meals, and all overseas transfers into one complete package.

Additionally, our land tours are strictly limited to smaller, highly sociable groups (usually a maximum of 25 people), fostering a wonderful sense of community that is safe and welcoming for both couples and solo travellers.

A Note on Suitability

While we love welcoming all kinds of holidaymakers, it’s important to note that Cruise & Rail holidays are generally not suitable for children or young families. 

These itineraries often involve longer periods of relaxed, quiet rail travel where silence and relaxation are part of the onboard experience. Furthermore, the land-based portions frequently require a significant amount of walking between platforms, centrally located hotels, and historic sights. 

For this reason, these holidays are best enjoyed by adults looking for a sophisticated, steady-paced adventure.

First Look: Brand-New 2027 Cruise & Rail Itineraries

Ready to find your next bucket-list escape? Here is an exclusive, in-depth look at the six spectacular packages hitting our site this morning. 

Grab your calendar- our land tour sizes are kept small so these spaces are set to sell out extremely quickly!

Western Mediterranean Cruise Featuring Lake Garda & Venice By Rail

The Experience

Savour the ultimate Mediterranean and Italian escape on this magnificent land, rail, and sea holiday. You’ll embark on a sweeping 7-night sun-drenched cruise before diving deep into a bespoke, escorted rail tour through Northern Italy's absolute jewels.

The Cruise Line & Ship

You will spend 7 nights in full-board indulgence onboard Princess Cruises’ revolutionary Sun Princess. 

As one of the newest and most innovative ships in the fleet, she features breathtaking glass architecture, next-generation entertainment spaces, and world-class dining options.

Itinerary & Tour Highlights

• The Cruise: Sail away from Barcelona to call at the unique peninsula of Gibraltar, the historic French charm of Marseille, the maritime jewel of Genoa, and La Spezia- your gateway to Florence and Pisa.

• The High-Speed Rail: Disembark in Rome, meet your tour manager, and use your included Hop-on Hop-off bus ticket to explore the Eternal City. The next day, sit back and relax as you depart Rome Termini station by Frecciarossa high-speed train, whizzing via Milan to the southern shores of Lake Garda.

• Lake Garda & Venice: Enjoy a 4-night stay on the golden banks of Lake Garda. Your tour includes a scenic boat excursion to the medieval fortified peninsula of Sirmione, plus a full-day rail excursion from Desenzano directly to the Grand Canal of Venice, complete with a romantic Vaporetto water taxi ride to St Mark’s Square.

Scandinavian Capitals Cruise & Rail Including The Stunning Bergen Railway

The Experience

Experience the majestic wonders of Scandinavia and Northern Europe on a remarkable cruise and rail holiday that ticks off four incredible nations. 

From a scenic voyage through historic coastal ports to high-speed rail journeys between iconic capitals, you’ll witness Stockholm’s cobblestone streets and the breathtaking "Roof of Norway."

The Cruise Line & Ship

Your holiday begins right here in the UK as you step onboard Princess Cruises' elegant Regal Princess in Southampton. 

Renowned for her spectacular over-the-ocean glass walkway (The SeaWalk) and world-class lounges, she is the perfect vantage point for Northern Europe.

Itinerary & Tour Highlights

• The Cruise: Sail from the UK to explore the enchanting medieval canals of Bruges (via Zeebrugge), the cutting-edge architecture of Rotterdam, the maritime energy of Oslo, the sunny beaches of Kristiansand, and the pristine sandy shores of Skagen, Denmark.

• The Capital Connections: Disembark in Copenhagen for a 1-night stay with an included Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing ticket. Next, board an international high-speed train across southern Sweden to Stockholm for a 2-night stay and an expert-led orientation tour of medieval Gamla Stan. From there, hop on an SJ high-speed tilting pendolino train through Sweden's unspoilt heartland straight into Oslo for a 2-night stay.

• The Bergen Railway: Experience one of the greatest, most dramatic railway journeys on Earth- the epic Bergen Line. Coast to coast, your train climbs high above the treeline across the rugged "Roof of Norway," reaching over 1,300m above sea level before descending to the charming city of Bergen for a 3-night stay. Here, you'll take a scenic trip on the Fløibanen funicular for panoramic fjord views!

Mediterranean Cruise With A Tale Of 3 Cities - Rome, Florence & Venice By Rail

The Experience

This spectacular holiday seamlessly blends a serene voyage through the Western Mediterranean with an escorted rail adventure through Italy’s iconic "Big Three" cities. 

From the salt-aired charm of coastal ports to the golden light of the Tuscan hills, this journey offers an elegant tapestry of sun-drenched scenery and Renaissance wonder.

The Cruise Line & Ship

You will step onboard Sun Princess for a 7-night full-board cruise, indulging in her multiple pools, top-tier wellness sanctuaries, and a vast array of global dining venues as you cruise between Spain and Italy.

Itinerary & Tour Highlights

• The Cruise: Fly to Barcelona for a 1-night stay before setting sail on your 7-night cruise. Your ports of call include the majestic Rock of Gibraltar, the vibrant waterfront of Marseille, the beautiful historic architecture of Genoa, and La Spezia, which positions you perfectly for excursions to Florence and Pisa.

• Rome & Florence by High-Speed Rail: Disembark in Civitavecchia and transfer to your hotel in Rome for a 2-night stay, complete with a guided orientation tour of landmarks like the Colosseum. Next, your tour manager guides you to your reserved seat on a Frecciarossa high-speed train, whizzing through the Tuscan countryside to Florence for a 2-night stay and an expert-led art and heritage walking tour.

• Venice Canal Magic: Board your second high-speed Frecciarossa train to Venice Mestre for a 2-night stay. A short regional rail link places you at Venice Santa Lucia station, where you will step straight out onto the Grand Canal and use your included Vaporetto water taxi tickets to explore St Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, and the romantic Bridge of Sighs.

Canyon Spirit Private Train Through The Rockies, Las Vegas, The Grand Canyon, The Great National Parks & West Coast USA Cruise

The Experience

Experience the untamed beauty of the American West on this grand escorted adventure. 

You will traverse the formidable American Rockies on an exclusive private train before deploying by dedicated coach to explore three breathtaking National Parks, the electric energy of Las Vegas, and the cinematic sights of Los Angeles, concluding with a magnificent Pacific cruise to Vancouver.

The Cruise Line & Ship

Following your massive overland expedition, you will embark on Celebrity Cruises’ sophisticated Celebrity Summit for a 6-night full-board West Coast cruise. 

Celebrated for her upscale, modern-luxury aesthetic, outstanding service, and exquisite dining venues, she offers the ultimate relaxation after your desert explorations.

Itinerary & Tour Highlights

• The Private Train Journey: Depart Denver aboard the Canyon Spirit private train for a spectacular journey through the heart of the Rockies, crossing the Continental Divide and following the Colorado River into Glenwood Springs. Continue west into Utah's red sandstone country to Moab, where you'll visit Arches National Park to marvel at its iconic stone formations.

• The Great National Parks & Vegas: Board a dedicated coach along the famous, photo-worthy Highway 12, winding from desert basins into lush forests and the high plateaus of Bryce Canyon en route to Cedar City. The next day, drive through the towering sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park before arriving at the electric Las Vegas Strip for a 2-night stay. Your stay includes an unforgettable excursion to the Grand Canyon and the mighty Hoover Dam.

• West Coast to Canada: Journey across the Mojave Desert and ancient Joshua tree forests into Los Angeles for an overnight stay near Hollywood. Embark your ship to cruise the Pacific Coast, calling at historic Astoria, Seattle, and the charming British Columbia capital of Victoria, before disembarking for a final night in Canada's stunning coastal jewel, Vancouver.

Switzerland's Big 5 Mountain Railroad Adventure & Mediterranean Cruising

The Experience

Experience the pinnacle of European exploration on this spectacular escorted cruise and rail journey. 

You will establish a beautiful alpine base in Switzerland for a 6-day escorted tour running five of the greatest mountain rail experiences on Earth. Next, ride down from the mountains to Rome for an overnight stay before boarding a phenomenal Mediterranean cruise.

The Cruise Line & Ship

Following your high-altitude alpine adventures, you will board Princess Cruises' stunning Enchanted Princess for a 7-night cruise. 

Known for her lavish Piazza, world-class Sanctuary retreats, and premium balcony staterooms, this is the perfect floating sanctuary to enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine.

Itinerary & Tour Highlights

• The Big 5 Rail Adventure: Fly to Zurich and transfer by rail to Lucerne for a 6-night stay. Accompanied by your tour manager, you will complete five legendary rail excursions: The Rigi (Europe’s oldest mountain cogwheel track), The Stanserhorn (via a vintage 1893 funicular and the open-topped CabriO cable car), the record-breaking Stoosbahn (the world's steepest funicular with self-levelling barrel cabins), Mount Titlis via the revolving Titlis Rotair cable car, and finally the world-famous Pilatus Railway (the world's steepest cogwheel railway).

• Sailing the Med & Aegean: Travel south through the beautiful alpine passes by rail directly to Rome for an overnight stay. Embark your ship the following day to call at the pizza-famed city of Naples, before sailing out to the iconic blue domes of Santorini. Continue to Kusadasi (your gateway to the ancient ruins of Ephesus) and the Greek fishing village of Katakolon.

Swiss Glacier Express, The Bernina Red Train & Mediterranean Cruising

The Experience

Witness the jaw-dropping snowy peaks of the Swiss Alps on two of the world’s most legendary railway journeys on this remarkable escorted tour. 

Experience the Bernina Red Train through UNESCO landscapes and the panoramic Glacier Express toward car-free Zermatt and the iconic Matterhorn, before joining a premium Adriatic and Mediterranean cruise.

The Cruise Line & Ship

You will step onboard the elegant Enchanted Princess for a 7-night full-board cruise. 

Indulge in open-air movies under the stars, premium Broadway-style theatre productions, and exceptional global dining as you sail between Italy, Greece, and Montenegro.

Itinerary & Tour Highlights

• The Legendary Swiss Rails: Fly to Zurich and take the efficient Swiss rail network to Chur, Switzerland’s oldest town, for a 2-night stay. Board the iconic Bernina Red Train to traverse the UNESCO-protected Albula and Bernina lines, crossing the mountains into Tirano, Italy. The next day, step onto the world-famous Glacier Express (the world's slowest express train) to glide through the spectacular Rhine Gorge and over the Oberalp Pass to Brig for a 2-night stay.

• Zermatt to Rome: Take a regional cogwheel train up to the pristine, car-free alpine resort of Zermatt, spending the day under the shadow of the mighty Matterhorn. Your tour then transitions south, winding past the shores of beautiful Lake Maggiore and Milan to arrive in the historic heart of Rome for an overnight stay.

• The Mediterranean Jewels: Embark your ship in Civitavecchia to cruise the glittering waters of the Mediterranean and Adriatic. You'll call at the lush Greek island of Corfu, navigate the breathtaking fjord-like bay of Kotor in Montenegro, explore the medieval stone walls of Dubrovnik, Croatia, and enjoy the lively seaside energy of Naples.

Secure Your 2027 Space Today!

Because our land tours are strictly limited to small groups to preserve an upscale, unhurried atmosphere, these brand-new packages are set to sell out quickly. If you want to trade the airport hustle for the ultimate duel-adventure holiday, do not wait- book now!

Frequently Asked Questions: Cruise.co.uk 2027 Cruise & Rail Collection

Are these holidays only for rail enthusiasts?

No. Our cruise and rail holidays are designed for travellers who want to experience destinations in a more scenic and relaxed way.

The focus is on beautiful landscapes, convenient travel and memorable destinations, rather than the trains themselves. That said, some itineraries do include iconic scenic train journeys, so rail enthusiasts will certainly enjoy the experience too.

How big are the tour groups?

Our cruise and rail tours operate as small group holidays. Because travel is by public transport, smaller groups allow for a smoother and more enjoyable experience. Group sizes vary depending on the itinerary, but most tours are limited to around 25 guests, unless otherwise stated.

Do we sleep on the trains?

No. Our rail holidays travel during the daytime, allowing you to fully enjoy the scenery along the route. Instead of overnight sleeper trains, we stay in comfortable and conveniently located hotels so you can relax properly after each day of travel and sightseeing.

How does luggage work on cruise and rail holidays?

While luggage handling is included on the cruise, guests are responsible for managing their own luggage during the rail tour portion of the holiday.

Most European train stations do not offer porterage, so you will need to move your suitcase:

• between platforms

• onto trains

• into onboard luggage storage areas

Our hotels are chosen for their convenient locations and quality. If a hotel is within walking distance of the station, the group will walk together. If it is further away, a coach or taxi transfer will be provided, although you will still need to move your luggage from the train to the transfer vehicle.

We recommend bringing a small piece of hand luggage for essentials during train journeys.

Are cruise and rail holidays suitable for families?

Our cruise and rail holidays are generally designed with adult travellers in mind. While older children can be accommodated, the experience typically appeals to a more mature travel audience.

Long train journeys and sightseeing itineraries may not suit all younger travellers. If you’re planning a family cruise and rail holiday, our cruise consultants can help you find the most suitable option.

How long are the train journeys?

Rail journeys vary depending on the itinerary, but trains offer a fast, comfortable and scenic way to travel between destinations.

Departures are planned at convenient times, usually avoiding rush hour, and we aim to arrive with plenty of time to settle in.

Example journey times include:

• Glacier Express (Chur - Brig): 4 hours

• Bernina Express (Chur - Tirano): 4.5 hours

• Brig - Zermatt: 1 hour 20 minutes

• Brig - Rome: 6 hours (via Domodossola & Milan)

• Rome - Lake Lucerne: 8.5 hours (via Milan & Lugano)

• Rome - Lake Garda: 4.5 hours

• Lake Garda - Venice: 1.5 hours

• Rome - Florence: 1.5 hours

• Florence - Venice: 2 hours

• Copenhagen - Stockholm: 8 hours (including a change)

• Stockholm - Oslo: 6 hours

• Oslo - Bergen: 7 hours

Do we go through passport control when crossing borders by train?

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) launched in October 2025. UK passport holders travelling to Schengen countries must register biometric details at their first port of entry or exit.

When travelling between Schengen countries by train, passport checks are not usually required. However, occasional checks may take place (for example, between Switzerland and EU countries), so you should carry your passport with you during train journeys.

Why should I book for 2027 so early? 

The most famous trains in the world, such as the Rocky Mountaineer or the speciality carriages in the Swiss Alps, have very limited capacity. By booking your 2027 journey now, you secure the best seats and the best ship cabins before they sell out!