Why Rail Holidays Are Perfect for Slow Travel Lovers

Rome ruins are one of many hotspots within easy reach on a slow travel holiday

Author: Paul, Owner Marvellous Escapes Jul 10, 2026 05 Minutes Read

A train glides through the fresh Swiss landscapes

Why do we prefer slow travel holidays?

When you choose slow travel, you’re choosing to experience destinations in a more thoughtful and intentional way. Rather than trying to see everything, you focus on seeing things to their full extent. That might mean spending several days in one city, revisiting your favourite places or simply allowing time for a spontaneous discovery or two. Booking a rail holiday with Marvellous Escapes enables entire flexibility, so you can choose when to move on right in the moment.

Slow travel is also about how you feel while you’re away. You’re not rushing to meet tight schedules or constantly checking transport connections. Instead, you’re giving yourself permission to explore at your own pace.

For many travellers, slow travel holidays feel more rewarding because they create space for genuine connection with places, people and experiences that stay with you long after you return home.

When embarking on a slow travel holiday, you aren’t isolated from the landscape. You become a part of it. With our luxury train holidays including travel in carriages with large panoramic windows, and some with personal iPads providing tours along the way, you bring the magic of the Swiss Alps, the Tuscan vineyards and the fairytale-like Czech villages right to your seat.

Upon arrival at your destination, you are closer to the heart of the action. Many stations are located in city centres or within easy reach of towns and cultural landmarks, meaning you can step off the train and begin exploring straight away.

Bernina Express is kitted out with panoramic windows and ceilings

Our favourite slow travel holidays

When you explore slow travel destinations, train journeys open up an impressive variety of experiences across Europe and beyond.

Where can you travel by rail from London?

Scotland

In the Scottish Highlands, train journeys take you through vast, dramatic landscapes where mountains, lochs and open skies dominate the view. It’s the kind of journey where your mind naturally slows down, simply because the scenery captivates you in such a magical way.

“In my experience, visiting Scotland by train, especially the Caledonian Sleeper, is just wonderful. I feel at my most peaceful when it’s just me, my carriage and the mountains either side of me. You wouldn’t get this on a plane” – Christian, our travel designer

Switzerland

In Switzerland, rail routes wind through alpine valleys and past crystal-clear lakes, offering some of the most iconic panoramic journeys in the world. Here, slow travel holidays feel effortless, as efficient connections make it easy to move between mountain towns without rushing. Our luxury trains, such as the Bernina Express and Lucerne-Interlaken Express are a true highlight of our Switzerland rail holiday packages.

Italy

In Italy, rail travel allows you to experience the contrast between historic cities, vineyard-covered countryside and coastal regions. Instead of focusing on just one destination, you can take your time exploring multiple regions while still maintaining a relaxed pace. Italy holidays are full of opportunities to sightsee across cities like Florence, Rome and Venice.

The Trevi Fountain, Rome, is a popular spot for those on a rail holiday from London

Why should you choose a slow travel holiday?

Choosing rail-based slow travel holidays gives you a different relationship with time. Instead of trying to maximise every hour, you begin to value how you spend it.

You’re able to explore more deeply without feeling rushed, which often leads to more memorable experiences. You also have the flexibility to adapt your plans as you go, staying longer in places you love or moving on when you’re ready and not because the schedule says so.

There’s also a growing appreciation for more sustainable travel choices. Rail journeys generally produce lower carbon emissions than short-haul flights, allowing you to travel more consciously without compromising on experience.

Ultimately, slow travel by rail gives you the space to enjoy travel in its purest form, not as a checklist, but as a journey.

Ready to explore at a slower pace?

Time for a more relaxed break without the chaos of airports? We’ve been curating tailor-made holidays for over 20 years. To book yours, get in touch with our friendly team via our Contact page, or give us a call on 020 3820 7496.

We can’t wait to hear about your dream holiday.

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