From snow-capped Alpine mountains to sun-drenched coastlines, Europe is a truly diverse continent, and we believe there is simply no better way to experience its ever-changing landscapes than aboard a sleeper train. Train holidays in Europe are all about the journey itself, rather than just the destination. As you cross borders and traverse breathtaking terrain, you are treated to a cinematic landscape outside your window, perfectly matched by unrivalled food, drink and service inside.
A European rail holiday is the ultimate way to discover parts of the world most people are never fortunate enough to see. While aeroplanes fly thousands of feet above the scenery and cruise ships skirt around the edges, travelling by train immerses you completely. You get to travel through the landscape, ensuring every second of your journey is visually and emotionally memorable.
Retracing the glamorous routes made during the roaring twenties, today’s European train holidays are a unique tribute to the Golden Age of Travel. Just like the original Orient Express, modern-day luxury trains offer white-glove service, exquisite fine dining, and Art Deco opulence. From the moment you step on board and are handed a glass of champagne, your every need is tended to by dedicated stewards, who are available 24 hours a day.
A Note for Our US Travellers: Planning your dream European rail adventure has never been easier. We are delighted to offer all our luxury train ticketing and pricing in USD, allowing you to book with confidence. Furthermore, the majority of our popular European train journeys depart from or arrive at major hubs, such as Paris, Rome, and Venice. This makes it very convenient to fly directly from the US into major airports, spend a few days exploring these iconic cities, and then board the train for the adventure of a lifetime. Our concierge team will be on hand to offer recommendations and can assist with hotel bookings.
Whether you are seeking a romantic one-night escape between Paris and Venice, a comprehensive exploration of the Balkans, or a three-day break on the Italian coast, our portfolio of European luxury trains offers something extraordinary for every type of traveller.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Solo Escape Offer. Valid for all 1-night journeys in November 2026. When booking a historic twin cabin or a double suite, solo travellers can book without paying a single-occupancy charge.
You can save 5% on any European sleeper journey with the code ORIENT5
Save £50 on any UK day trip with the code DAYTRIP50
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is arguably the most famous luxury train currently in service. Every one of its gleaming blue carriages dates back to the 1920s and 1930s, possessing its own unique marquetry and history.
Staying on the VSOE feels just like staying in a five-star hotel. The private accommodations are celebrated worldwide for their thoughtful design and comfort. During the day, your private cabin serves as a seating area, perfect for watching the scenery pass by outside. While you enjoy dinner in the restaurant car, your steward seamlessly transforms your lounge into a comfortable bedroom. For ultimate indulgence, the train also features Grand Suites, offering expansive space, a private en-suite bathroom with underfloor heating, free-flowing champagne, and the opportunity to dine in your suite.
The dining experience onboard the VSOE is nothing short of exquisite. Talented chefs prepare spectacular gourmet meals in the train’s kitchen car, sourcing fresh, local ingredients from the regions the train passes through. After dinner, passengers are invited to the famous Bar Car ‘3674’, where a resident pianist plays jazz late into the night as the bar staff serve bespoke cocktails.
Highlights: The classic route runs between Paris and Venice, taking you through the Swiss Alps. Other sought-after routes include Paris to the Amalfi Coast, Amsterdam to Venice, and routes threading through Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. The crowning jewel of this train’s calendar is the five-night journey from Paris to Istanbul - a spectacular voyage that takes place just once or twice a year.
Nights: 1 to 5 nights, depending on the route.
Price From: £3,800/$5,030/€4,494 per passenger
Discover the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express journeys here.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express represents the newest and most vibrant chapter in luxury European rail travel. While the Venice Simplon embraces 1920s Art Deco nostalgia, La Dolce Vita Orient Express leans into mid-century modern design. It is a joyful celebration of Italy in the 1960s - the era of Federico Fellini and Sophia Loren.
Designed by Dimorestudio, the train’s interiors are a feast for the eyes, featuring terracotta hues, glossy lacquered surfaces, curved lines, and luxurious Italian leathers. The train is a masterclass in Italian excellence, not just visually, but in its soul.
Dining aboard La Dolce Vita is a vibrant celebration of Italian produce and cuisine. The menus are curated by the three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck, offering passengers a culinary journey that changes as the train travels through the country. Each meal is paired with award-winning Italian wines, and the lounge car serves bespoke cocktails as live music plays into the night.
The itineraries available are designed to immerse guests in the hidden gems of Italy, as well as the famous landmarks. The optional off-board excursions offer exclusive access to private vineyards, grand palaces, and cultural sites that are typically closed to the public.
Routes: Explore the magic of Italy. Iconic routes include the one-night route from Rome to Venice, which takes guests to Siena and then on to Venice, weaving through the sunlit hills of Tuscany along the way. For a longer journey, choose the Grand Tour, a four-night trip that departs from Rome and takes you to Venice, Matera, Taormina, Palermo, before returning to Rome.
Nights: 1 to 4 nights, depending on the itinerary
Price from: £2,615/$3,465/€3,093 per passenger, based on two sharing
Discover La Dolce Vita Journeys Here
For travellers looking to fully immerse themselves in the fascinating and culturally diverse regions of Central and Eastern Europe, the Golden Eagle Danube Express is the ultimate way to do so. Different to our other luxury trains, the Danube Express is often referred to as a “Hotel on Wheels.” It was specifically designed for longer tours, covering multiple countries, making it one of the only luxury trains of its kind in Europe. The accommodation is incredibly comfortable, which is perfect for long journeys. Both cabin types - The Deluxe Cabin and the Superior Deluxe Cabin - are complete with an en-suite bathroom, cosy beds and 24-hour steward service.
The atmosphere onboard is both refined and relaxed. The beautifully appointed Bar Lounge Car is the social hub of the train, where the resident pianist plays, and the Tour Manager hosts engaging talks about the history and culture of the upcoming destinations. Dining is a grand affair, with menus reflecting the culinary traditions of the countries you visit, ensuring that the local culture is experienced in the dining car just as much as it is on the guided tours off the train.
What we believe sets the Golden Eagle Danube Express apart from our other European luxury trains is the all-inclusive, highly curated nature of its itineraries. Every journey includes expert-led tours in every destination. Delight in private walking tours of ancient ruins, exclusive classical music concerts in majestic palaces, and guided explorations of historic Balkan towns.
Routes: The 12-day Balkan Explorer journey takes you from Venice to Istanbul, weaving through Trieste, Ljubljana, Sarajevo, and Mostar. The 12-day Eastern Europe Discovery tour travels between Budapest and Vienna via fascinating places like Krakow, Warsaw, Berlin and Prague. One of the shortest journeys on the schedule is the Castles of Transylvania journey, transporting you from Istanbul to Budapest, visiting iconic castles in Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria.
Nights: 6 to 12 days depending on the itinerary
Price From: £11,800/$15,633 per passenger, based on 2 sharing
Although it is located in the UK, Scotland is an undeniable jewel in the European crown, and the Royal Scotsman is the most luxurious way to experience it. Carrying just 40 guests, this is one of the most intimate luxury trains in the world, offering an atmosphere similar to that of a country house.
The carriages are lined with mahogany and traditional Highland tartans that exude Edwardian Excellence. Departing from Edinburgh Waverley Station, the train travels deep into the dramatic Scottish Highlands, passing lochs, forests and towering peaks.
The onboard cuisine showcases the very best of Scotland’s natural larder - with wild salmon, Aberdeen Angus beef, and seasonal game - paired perfectly with an extensive selection of rare malt whiskies and wines. The Royal Scotsman also holds the title of featuring Europe’s first onboard spa carriage, The Bamford Haybarn Spa, where you can enjoy a deep tissue massage while the Highland scenery rolls past the window. Off-board experiences include clay pigeon shooting, private castle tours and whisky tastings in legendary distilleries.
Routes: The 2-night Taste of the Highlands journey features a visit to Rothiemurchus Estate to learn about wildlife and survival skills, followed by a barbecue lunch with kombucha pairings and a trip to Strathisla Distillery. The 4-night Scotch Malt Whisky Tour includes a visit to Glenmorangie House and Distillery in Tain, and a trip to the Tomatin Distillery in Aviemore for a guided tour and tutored tasting of three Highland single malts. There will also be multiple whisky tastings on board with your dedicated whisky ambassador.
Nights: 2 to 7 nights, depending on the itinerary
Price From: £6,400/$8,425 per passenger, based on two sharing
Not every luxury train experience requires an overnight stay. For visitors travelling to the UK, adding a luxury day trip to your itinerary is a great way to elevate your vacation.
The British Pullman (sister train to the VSOE) operates predominantly out of London Victoria. Its beautiful, individually named 1920s carriages have carried royalty and heads of state. It is famous for its decadent multi-course dining experiences, exclusive access to places like Highclere Castle, and a fully immersive murder mystery. Full-day trips such as Historic Bath at Leisure include a champagne brunch on the outward journey and dinner with wine on the way back to London.
The Northern Belle is sometimes described as the Orient Express of the North. It departs from various stations in places like the Midlands, the North-East, Yorkshire, the South West, Scotland and East Anglia. The train features 1930s Pullman carriages and offers journeys to places like Edinburgh and Bath. Their most popular trip is the steam-hauled Settle & Carlisle journey, which takes guests across one of the most scenic rail routes in the UK. Another favourite is the West Highland Lunch - a six-course lunch served as the train glides through beautiful Highland scenery.
If you wish to add a hotel stay to a UK day trip, just let us know, and we’ll be happy to put together a package for you!
Your journey aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express begins with a morning departure from Palermo. At midday, enjoy an exquisite lunch created by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck. In the afternoon, the train reaches Taormina, a beautiful coastal town set high on the cliffs of Sicily. Take time to discover the fascinating history and magnificent vistas at your own leisure, or choose from optional curated excursions to experience more of the island. As night falls, the train continues towards Maratea.
Begin your second day with a classic Italian breakfast, featuring warm, freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Marvel at the remarkable process as the train is uncoupled and ferried across the Strait of Messina. Upon arrival in Maratea, take the opportunity to explore independently or take part in tailored local experiences. In the evening, say goodbye to Maratea as the train departs for Rome Ostiense.
The final morning begins with a leisurely Italian breakfast in your cabin or in the Restaurant Car, as the train journeys through southern and central Italy toward Rome Ostiense. Upon arrival, disembark with lasting memories of the beauty of Sicily and Maratea.
Prices from £6,800/$9,052 per passenger
Day One: Your journey commences in the enchanting city of Paris. Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and make yourself comfortable in your private cabin. A meticulously dressed steward will welcome you with a glass of chilled champagne. As the train gracefully travels south through the picturesque French countryside, indulge in a lavish lunch served in one of the exquisitely restored dining cars.
The afternoon is yours to unwind and soak in the breathtaking views, accompanied by pastries, tea, and coffee (or perhaps something a bit stronger). Soon enough, it will be time to don your finest attire for an elegant evening aboard. If you wish, you can visit the bar car for a cocktail before dinner. Although the onboard bar is cosy, it is well-stocked with a variety of drinks. Then, delight in a gourmet dinner prepared with seasonal ingredients, followed by live piano music and cocktails in Bar Car ‘3674’, where the ambience exudes timeless elegance.
Day Two: Awaken to breathtaking views of Italy and savour breakfast served in your cabin. If you prefer, you have the option to dine at the restaurant for your morning meal. After a relaxed morning and lunch on board, the train arrives at Pompeii station, where luxurious transfers await. Guests can opt for a VIP guided tour of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or participate in a personalised cooking class at the Caruso Hotel, led by Executive Chef Armando Aristarco.
As evening descends, all guests convene by Caruso’s iconic infinity pool for a private event that celebrates the flavours and artistry of the Amalfi Coast. Delight in exceptional local delicacies, fine wines, and live music as the sun sets over the glistening coastline.
Day Three: Start Your Day with a Mediterranean Breakfast and Tailored Experiences
Kick off your morning with breakfast while enjoying breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, followed by your choice of two unique experiences:
In the evening, indulge in a gala dinner set in the hotel gardens, surrounded by aromatic blooms and breathtaking views. Live music enhances the ambience, ensuring your stay concludes on a truly magical note.
Price from £9,100/$12,113 per passenger
Board the iconic Belmond British Pullman luxury train and travel back in time toward York, a city celebrated as one of Europe’s finest preserved medieval treasures.
Your extraordinary day starts at London King's Cross Station, where you will step aboard the majestic British Pullman. Settle into plush seating amidst refined décor and artisanal detail while your dedicated steward presents a welcome glass of chilled sparkling wine.
Bounded by ancient stone walls, York reflects centuries of Roman, Viking, and medieval heritage. As the historic county town of Yorkshire, the city centres around the grand York Minster, famous for its magnificent 15th-century stained glass windows. This exceptionally walkable destination offers world-class museums alongside the vibrant Shambles—a picturesque maze of cobbled streets featuring leaning timber-framed buildings and charming local shops.
After taking time to unwind and take in the captivating atmosphere, reboard the British Pullman for your return trip to London. Greeted once again with a glass of refreshing English fizz, you will soon enjoy an exquisite multi-course dinner on board, culminating in freshly brewed coffee and petits fours prior to your arrival back in London.
What's included:
Price from £609 per passenger
Experience Italy as it was meant to be discovered: slowly and intentionally.
This Golden Eagle Danube Express journey connects some of Italy’s most celebrated destinations, from the dramatic coastline of Sicily to the waterways of Venice. Along the way, explore ancient Roman treasures, Baroque cities, hilltop towns and vibrant Mediterranean cultures, while following one of the country’s most scenic rail routes.
From Palermo’s grand piazzas and the timeless beauty of Ragusa to the romance of Verona and the enduring allure of Venice, Taste of Italy is a celebration of the journey as much as the destination, combining exceptional hospitality, remarkable scenery and some of Italy’s most iconic experiences.
ACCOMMODATION
DINING
EXCURSIONS
SERVICE
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Price from £12,100/$16,114 per passenger
This is just a small sample of rail holidays in Europe, and with some of the very best journeys and prices available anywhere, we’re confident we can find the ideal holiday for you.
Our complimentary concierge service comes as standard with every booking you make. You’ll have access to a real person by phone or email whenever you wish to ask questions or for any other information you may need.
We’re also delighted to take payments flexibly by credit or debit card. We also welcome a deposit to reserve and guarantee your cabin on any journey, leaving you to pay the remaining 20 weeks before departure (deposit terms apply on certain journeys)
We pride ourselves on being the luxury train journey experts, so please contact us today with any questions you may have.
If you require assistance finding your perfect luxury train journey or would like to contact our friendly and knowledgeable team for any other reason, please call us directly on 020 3608 8670 or send us an email below.
Enter your telephone number below and one of our UK-based experts will call you back immediately.
