Scenic Rail Holidays in Europe

This journey traces one of Europe’s most captivating coastlines, where railway lines cling to cliffs between mountains and the shimmering Ligurian Sea. In Menton, the softer, more authentic side of the French Riviera reveals itself in pastel façades, lush gardens and a gentle blend of French and Italian influences, all bathed in a warm Mediterranean light.

In Genoa, the atmosphere shifts to something deeper and more historic. Its vast port and labyrinthine medieval quarter speak of centuries of maritime power and mercantile wealth, while grand palaces and narrow alleyways hint at a city shaped by trade, seafaring and cultural exchange.

Beyond, the Cinque Terre offers a landscape unlike any other - five villages carved into steep terraces above the sea, their colourful houses clinging to rock and connected by rail and footpaths. Here, dramatic scenery and human ingenuity combine to create a setting that feels both timeless and extraordinary, making this a rail journey defined as much by what you see between destinations as the places themselves.

Few journeys showcase nature on such a grand scale. Beginning in Bergen, with its colourful Hanseatic waterfront and mountain backdrop, the route quickly immerses you in Norway’s fjord country, where sheer cliffs plunge into deep blue waters. The Flåm Railway climbs dramatically through waterfalls and valleys, before wider landscapes unfold across the Dovre and Nordland lines - vast plateaus, remote wilderness and the crossing of the Arctic Circle.

Further north, Trondheim introduces a historic pause, before the scenery grows ever more elemental en route to Bodø and beyond. The final stretch to the Lofoten Islands reveals jagged peaks rising straight from the sea, scattered fishing villages and beaches of startling clarity - a raw, untamed landscape that feels like the edge of the world, and one of Europe’s most unforgettable scenic rail journeys.

This fly-drive journey follows Croatia’s Adriatic coastline, where Roman, Venetian and Slavic influences meet a landscape of olive groves, islands and shimmering sea. In Istria, hilltop towns rise above vineyard-covered countryside, their medieval cores offering sweeping coastal views.

Moving south through the Kvarner Gulf, the scenery shifts to a mosaic of islands and inlets, with ferries and coastal routes revealing ever-changing perspectives across the water. By the time you reach Zadar, history and setting combine beautifully - Roman ruins, Venetian walls and a seafront that looks out over a scattering of islands, where sunsets are famously among the finest in Europe.

In Puglia, railways cut through a landscape of ancient olive groves, whitewashed towns and open countryside that stretches towards the Adriatic. Each stop reveals a different facet of southern Italy - from the conical trulli houses of Alberobello to the honey-coloured streets of Lecce, rich in Baroque detail.

Coastal towns offer glimpses of turquoise water and fishing harbours, while inland villages feel timeless, shaped by centuries of agriculture and tradition. It’s a journey defined by light, space and authenticity - where the scenery unfolds gently, and the rhythm of travel matches the unhurried pace of the region.

This is rail travel at its most iconic. Crossing the heart of the Swiss Alps aboard the Glacier Express, you travel through a world of snow-covered peaks, deep gorges and frozen rivers. Panoramic carriages frame the scenery as the train winds across viaducts, through tunnels and over high mountain passes, revealing a landscape shaped by both nature and remarkable engineering.

Beyond the train itself, alpine villages sit beneath towering peaks, their wooden chalets surrounded by pristine winter scenery. The journey is as much about atmosphere as views - crisp mountain air, vast white landscapes and a sense of quiet grandeur - making this one of Europe’s most celebrated scenic rail experiences.

A scenic rail holiday focuses on the journey as much as the destination, taking you along some of Europe’s most beautiful railway routes - from mountain passes to coastal lines - with time to enjoy the views and explore along the way.

Yes. All Inntravel rail holidays are self-guided. We arrange your trains and accommodation, and provide detailed notes and guidance so you can travel independently with confidence. Some holidays in our Journeys range include boat or car travel (including our fly-drive scenic journey in Croatia) - all self-guided too.

Yes, you will carry your luggage between stations and hotels, but distances are typically short and manageable, with clear instructions provided. 

Yes. All rail travel is pre-arranged and included in your itinerary, with seat reservations on the most scenic routes.

Many scenic railways were engineered through dramatic landscapes, crossing mountains, fjords and valleys, offering views you simply can’t access by car. Some, like alpine routes, include panoramic carriages designed specifically for sightseeing.

We select characterful, well-located hotels - often boutique or family-run - chosen for comfort, atmosphere and proximity to stations and key sights. We've researched and selected the best places for you to stay to get the most from each stop you reach.

Absolutely. Our itineraries are designed with overnight stays in key locations, giving you time to explore beyond the train journey — whether that’s coastal towns, mountain villages or vibrant cities.

Yes. Travelling by train is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to explore Europe, offering a lower-impact alternative to flying or driving while enhancing the overall travel experience.