Hayley Norris
Travel DesignerWith 15 years of experience in the travel industry, Hayley has developed a particular passion for creating unforgettable rail holidays, especially throughout Switzerland. Her expertise includes some of the country’s most iconic destinations and rail routes, including St Moritz, Chur, Zurich, Geneva, Zermatt, Lucerne, the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express. Switzerland remains one of her favourite destinations thanks to its breathtaking scenery, world-renowned railways and the incredible variety of experiences it offers.
Hayley’s love of travel began later than many. She didn’t leave England for the first time until she was 18 years old, but has certainly made up for lost time ever since. That experience gave her a genuine appreciation for discovering new places and the excitement that travel can bring.
When creating a tailor-made holiday, Hayley believes the most important starting point is understanding her clients. By listening carefully to their ideas, inspirations and priorities, she can create an itinerary that reflects exactly what they are looking for. She takes pride in remembering the small details and genuinely cares about ensuring every client has a holiday that exceeds expectations.
For Hayley, rail travel is about far more than simply reaching a destination. She loves the opportunity to slow down, watch the scenery unfold and experience the landscapes, villages and cultures that lie between each stop. She believes some of the world’s most memorable holidays are those where the journey becomes just as important as the destination.
Hayley loves being part of the Marvellous Escapes team, where she can help turn travel dreams into reality while working alongside colleagues who inspire her every day.
Personal Travel Philosophy
‘The best holidays combine extraordinary journeys, spectacular scenery and authentic experiences, with just the right balance of careful planning and spontaneous discovery’.
Hayley's Favorite Packages
Journey to the Amalfi Coast & Sicily
Explore Italy’s iconic cities, stunning coastlines, and Sicilian charm on a 16-day rail adventure, combining culture, history, and scenic train journeys.
View Details
Norway Rail & Fjord Escape
Discover Norway’s breathtaking beauty on a journey of fjords, mountains, and scenic railways, from Oslo to Flåm, Balestrand, and Bergen.
View Details
Kraków, Prague & Vienna by Rail
A timeless journey through Kraków, Prague and Vienna
View Details
The Rockies & Beyond by Rail
A spectacular cross-Canada journey combining the luxury of Rocky Mountaineer, the charm of VIA Rail’s sleeper train, and unforgettable moments in Vancouver, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Toronto, plus the iconic Niagara Falls
View Details
Central Europe to the Adriatic
A scenic rail journey linking elegant Vienna, charming Ljubljana and historic Zagreb with the sun-drenched Adriatic shores of Split.
View Details
Mystical Malaysia & Langkawi
A luxurious rail journey through Malaysia with the Eastern & Oriental Express, paired with four relaxing nights on the tropical island of Langkawi.
View Details
Barcelona & Andalusian Treasures
Journey through Spain by rail, from the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the historic wonders of Andalusia, ending with the elegance of Madrid.
View Details
Switzerland’s Natural Wonders
Embark on an unforgettable six day Switzerland holiday, combining air and rail travel for a truly scenic adventure.
View Details
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express +Glacier & Bernina Express
Journey through the Swiss Alps and Italy before experiencing the timeless elegance of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express on an unforgettable luxury rail adventure from Venice to Paris.
View DetailsWhy Choose Marvellous Escapes
Expertly Curated Journeys
Every holiday is crafted around your preferences by your own personal travel designer , no templates, no shortcuts
Explore Without Limits
From Europe’s great rail journeys to adventures across the globe, we offer an unparalleled choice of tailor-made holidays
Support from Start to Finish
From booking to your return home, we’re here whenever you need us with 24/7 on-trip support.
Trusted by Travellers
Rated 5.0 ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, we’re trusted by real customers, many of whom return to travel with us again and again.
ATOL Protected & Trust Account Secured
Your money and your holiday are always fully protected.
Flexible Ways to Pay
Choose from a range of secure payment options, including instalments.
Testimonials & Reviews
Popular Rail Holiday Packages
Get Questions and answers
How would Hayley help clients choose between the Glacier Express and Bernina Express?
I often tell clients that both journeys are exceptional, but they offer different experiences. If you can fit both into your holiday, I always recommend doing so because they complement each other beautifully and showcase completely different sides of Switzerland. If I had to recommend just one, I’d ask what kind of experience you’re hoping for. If you dream of a leisurely, iconic rail journey, I’d suggest the Glacier Express. If you want the most dramatic scenery and a route that takes you from the Swiss Alps into Italy, I’d recommend the Bernina Express. Either way, you’re choosing one of the world’s great scenic rail journeys, and if time allows, experiencing both gives you the very best of Switzerland.
What is one experience in Switzerland Hayley always recommends to clients?
The Bernina Express It’s more than a train journey, it’s an experience that combines spectacular Alpine scenery with authentic travel, crossing dramatic mountain passes, glaciers, lakes and viaducts before descending into Tirano.
How does Hayley tailor a holiday around each client’s interests and priorities?
Every client travels differently, so I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all holidays. I take the time to understand what’s most important to you—whether that’s spectacular scenery, iconic rail journeys, local culture, history, food, wildlife, or simply having time to relax. I then build a tailor-made itinerary that reflects your interests, pace and travel style.
How has Hayley’s 15 years in travel shaped the way she designs holidays?
My experience has shown me that it’s often the little details that make the biggest difference. Whether it’s choosing the right scenic rail journey, recommending a hotel in the perfect location, allowing time to explore independently, or planning a holiday around a special celebration, every element is chosen with purpose. I want every client to feel that their holiday has been thoughtfully designed just for them, with expert guidance before they travel
What kind of holiday would Hayley recommend for clients who want scenery, culture and authentic experiences?
If you’re looking for breathtaking scenery, rich culture and authentic experiences, I’d recommend a rail holiday through Switzerland or Europe. Travelling by train lets you slow down and really experience each destination, with spectacular landscapes unfolding outside your window instead of rushing through airports. The journey becomes part of the adventure, whether you’re crossing the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express or Bernina Express, travelling by Eurostar to the continent, or winding through mountain valleys on scenic regional trains.
Latest Travel Insights
