Rail travel is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore Europe. Travelling by train allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery while moving comfortably between destinations.

Unlike flying or driving, train travel connects cities, towns and countryside, giving you the chance to see lakes, mountains, villages and landscapes along the way. You can also move around the train, stretch your legs, or visit the café or buffet carriage during the journey.

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.

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.

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.

For the land touring portion of your cruise and rail holiday, comfortable and practical clothing is recommended.

Helpful items include:

• Comfortable casual clothing suitable for the climate

• Sturdy walking shoes or trainers for excursions

• Layers such as a fleece or a light jacket

• A waterproof jacket and sunglasses

Packing light is recommended, as you will be managing your own luggage during the rail portion of the trip.

Your cruise and rail holiday itinerary is carefully planned by our UK team before you travel. During the rail touring portion of your trip, an experienced Tour Manager will accompany the group to ensure everything runs smoothly.

They will:

• Hold group train tickets and reservations

• Help coordinate train departures and connections

• Provide guidance and assistance throughout the journey

While they are there to support you, Tour Managers are not able to carry guests’ luggage

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.

Because guests handle their own luggage on rail tours, we recommend travelling with a compact and easy-to-move suitcase.

Helpful tips include:

• Choose a wheeled suitcase with a retractable handle

• Consider two medium suitcases instead of one large case if travelling as a couple

• Pack light for easier movement between trains and stations

This makes travelling between destinations much more comfortable.

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.

Yes. For long-distance train journeys, seats are usually reserved in advance, and we allocate them to keep your party seated together whenever possible.

On short local rail journeys, seat reservations may not be available, but there is typically plenty of space to sit together.

In some cases, upgrades to First Class or Business Class train seating may be available. However, this could mean sitting away from the rest of the group and the Tour Manager.

Please speak to your cruise consultant to check availability and upgrade options for your cruise and rail holiday.

Your Tour Manager usually holds all train tickets and reservations, often in electronic format. This means you simply arrive at the station, meet the group and enjoy the journey- everything is organised for you!

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

Most long-distance European trains offer onboard catering, which may include a café carriage, bar, snack bar or trolley service. You are also welcome to bring your own food and drinks onboard, which can be helpful if you have specific dietary requirements.

Most European rail operators prohibit smoking and vaping on trains and within stations.

In some countries, there may be designated smoking areas on station platforms, but it’s best to assume that smoking is not allowed from the moment you enter the departure station until you leave the arrival station.

Most trains do not have outdoor areas. However, some scenic tourist trains, such as the Canyon Spirit, offer outdoor viewing platforms so you can enjoy the scenery.

These areas are for sightseeing and are not designated smoking spaces.

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.

Many European trains now offer onboard WiFi, although the connection can sometimes be limited due to terrain or remote locations.

For long-distance trains with reserved seating, we will always try to accommodate requests such as forward-facing or aisle seats. However, seating direction and configuration cannot be guaranteed, as trains are part of the public transport network and equipment may occasionally change.

Short regional trains usually do not offer seat reservations.

Yes. Most modern European trains provide power outlets or charging points at your seat, allowing you to charge phones, tablets and other devices during the journey.