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Our Favourite Summer Rail Journeys
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Rail holidays offer a view of the world that no other means of transport can provide. Across fjords, mountain ranges, lakesides and vineyards, you truly experience the best of what the world has to offer via train.
Each destination along our rail journeys provides a unique experience, from gastronomic scenes, unforgettable landscapes and iconic landmarks, all year round. But, if you’re wishing to embrace these places under the warmth of the sunshine, here is our guide for the best summer rail journeys, helping you to make the most of the warmer months.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Be transported back to the Golden Age, aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express, where comfort and class take centre stage. Connecting you to the centre of popular cities like Paris, Venice, Prague, Vienna and Budapest, this luxury rail journey is a standout choice for summer train tours.
On an Orient Express holiday, you’ll reside in one of its beautifully decorated cabins, which are transformed between living and sleeping spaces by your personal steward throughout the day.
Each cabin is fitted with a large panoramic window, where you can watch the breathtaking surroundings from the comfort of your room. Booking your summer train tickets in advance ensures you won’t miss out on these unforgettable views during peak travel months.
This summer train tour has a destination for all interests and tastes. Paris offers stunning architecture of the Renaissance period, with the likes of the Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe nestled proudly within the streets. Alternatively, continue to Vienna on the Orient Express, where its art galleries are home to some of the most impressive artworks across the centuries, or wander through museums rich in Austrian history.
El Transcantábrico
Cruising along the Spanish countryside is the El Transcantabrico– a train so stylish, there’s a chance you won’t want to step off. On this Spanish rail holiday, you’ll travel through rugged coastlines and lush rolling hills, exploring hidden gems like Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country.
Aboard the El Transcantabrico, you’ll experience exceptional 5-star service, and stay in spacious 1920’s style carriages designed with comfort in mind. The train’s traditional wooden interior creates a sense of cosiness and warmth amongst its walls, with dedicated reading spaces scattered between the rooms. After dining, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy live entertainment, ranging from music to cultural performances.
It’s no surprise that summer is one of the most popular times to visit Spain. This summer train journey winds through quieter yet vibrant villages and towns, letting you explore at your own pace, with the comfort of your tranquil cabin awaiting your return.
Lucerne-Interlaken Express
Switzerland is often mistaken as being solely a winter holiday destination. However, the summer months bring just as much serenity. With temperatures reaching around 25 degrees, you might find yourself picnicking or swimming by Lake Lucerne and hiking through the dramatic peaks that Switzerland is known for.
Aboard the Lucerne-Interlaken Express, you can enjoy large panoramic views of the Swiss alps in every carriage. Each seat is cushioned, so whether you’re sitting back and watching the unmissable views unfold, or taking the time to get some rest between locations, you’ll truly feel relaxed, comfortable, and immersed in the beauty of Switzerland’s landscapes.
Interlaken is the perfect place to spend your summer days, with plenty of green spaces, refreshing lakesides and outdoor restaurants. This contrasts well with Lucerne, where the streets are bursting with historic monuments and museums.
To find out more about this spectacular rail journey, check out our blog, where we highlight key hotspots to look out for and the train’s itinerary.
If you are wanting to extend your Switzerland rail holiday, combine the Lucerne-Interlaken Express with the GoldenPass Express and relax as you pass by snow-capped peaks, sparkling lakes, and lush alpine valleys.
Central Europe
If you are looking to escape the summer crowds and travel off of the beaten path, we have plenty of summer-suited rail holiday packages perfectly curated to your wishes. One of our favourites is the ‘Highlights of Central Europe’, allowing you to explore iconic cities across Europe with everything taken care of for you- from accommodation, transport and activities.
When booked onto this tour, you’ll travel through postcard-like cities such as Munich, Prague, Vienna and Budapest, carried over 9 days. This tour even includes a 48-hour bus pass, giving you the freedom to easily access tourist hotspots like vibrant city squares and world-famous beer gardens in Budapest and Prague.
With overnight stays in all of this tour’s locations, you can fully embrace what makes each city unique, from unwinding in the historic baths in Budapest to tasting local delicacies in artisan cafes, including Sachertorte, Vienna’s famous chocolate cake.
A full list of our Central Europe train tours are available for you to discover. Tours can be extended or shortened depending on your requirements.
Get in touch
Our travel experts have been crafting tailor-made rail holidays for decades. If you’re ready to get away or find out more about other inspiring summer train tours, you can give us a call on 020 3764 2445, or get in touch via our online form.
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