Luxury Europe Rail
Tours made for you
Start PlanningLet Europe unfurl before you on a luxurious rail travel adventure
Only the very best luxury trains are featured in our bespoke European trips, including the lovingly restored 1920s art deco Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and British Pullman. There’s the panoramic Glacier Express that criss-crosses the vertiginous Alps and the Presidential Train (Comboio Presidencial) that winds through the terraced vineyards of Portugal’s Douro Valley. The Belmond Royal Scotsman offers delightful views of the Highlands with its comfy armchairs positioned for optimal views of the landscapes. We also love the Jacobite steam train over Scotland’s Glenfinnan Viaduct, otherwise known as the Hogwarts Express.
European trains reflect a meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of their craftsmanship – from detailed marquetry and hand-blown glass to original brass fittings – and the very highest standards of service. Onboard staff anticipate your every need, and everyone from porters and stewards to the train manager and your own personal concierge, are impeccably professional, and impeccably dressed.
On your luxury rail journey in Europe, it’s impossible to overdress for dinner – black tie and evening dresses are de rigueur for your decadent evening meal in the intimate dining car. Then you need only relax to the clink of crystal glasses in the bar car, as the pianist plays out the night on a baby grand piano, before you retire to the comfort of your sumptuous private cabin or suite.
Get in touch with our expert travel designers if you’d like to include a one-day or multi-night train tour as part of a longer luxury European tour.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
I recommend making the most of your time off the train too. Some of my favourite excursions that take place during luxury rail itineraries are the exclusive visits to distilleries, wineries and country estates, and the hikes on glaciers and cruises along fjords.
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury European trains
There are many incredible European sleeper trains. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Europe train trip inspiration
Get inspired with our example train trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
11-Day Trip
A Journey through Scotland by Land and Rail
11-Day Trip
A Journey through Scotland by Land and Rail
12-Day Trip
A Luxury Train Journey Through Switzerland
12-Day Trip
A Luxury Train Journey Through Switzerland
14-Day Trip
A Luxury Discovery of England and Scotland
14-Day Trip
A Luxury Discovery of England and Scotland
Where to go
England
Of the many reasons why England is one of the best places to visit is its varied geography. The diverse country is filled with history, culture and natural beauty. It offers travellers innumerable sights to see. From quaint villages, beautiful coasts and countrysides to some of the world’s most celebrated cities.
France
In Western Europe, France is home to some of the continent’s most iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Palace of Versailles. It is also a destination with incredible food offerings. The country has some splendid wine regions too like Bordeaux, Champagne and Burgundy.
Italy
Incredible history, celebrated cuisine and iconic cities are just a few things you can expect from a luxury trip to Italy. Whether you’re looking to step back into the past and discover an ancient civilisation, dine on some of the world’s finest and most famous dishes, or perhaps cruise the coastline in search of ‘La Dolce Vita; Italy is a country that truly treats, indulges and rejuvenates its visitors.
Norway
With a combination of glaciers, mountainous terrains and charming villages, Norway is one of Europe’s most multifaceted destinations. There is a wide variety of experiences to take part in - snowmobile, husky sledding, hiking are a few of them. Norway is also one of the best places in the world to go on outdoor expeditions to see the northern lights.
Portugal
At the western edge of Europe, Portugal is a culturally rich country with vibrant cities and villages steeped in history. Quaint towns stand proud on rugged cliff tops, gothic spires rise majestically and charming cobbled streets invite you to explore winding old towns.
Scotland
Lochs, rivers and mountain ranges make up Scotland’s many different landscapes. Its capital, Edinburgh, entices with cobblestone streets and lamplit alleys while Glasgow captivates anyone’s attention with its collection of museums and art galleries.
Switzerland
Switzerland, the chocolate capital of the world, is a place that waltzes between urban and outdoors. Zurich is home to some of the world’s finest art, while Lausanne and Lucerne, two elegant lakeside cities, offer a glimpse of the country’s thriving cultural scene.
Meet your Europe team
When to visit Europe by rail
European train tours follow seasonal patterns that reflect both weather conditions and the availability of regional experiences. Many services operate from March to October, when daylight hours are long and high passes in the Alps are clear. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and the Royal Scotsman, for instance, don’t operate year-round, but the Glacier Express will operate a winter timetable.
As a general rule, the best time to explore Europe by train is from April to June and September to October, allowing you to enjoy warm and sunny weather whilst avoiding the peak summer crowds.
Swiss Alps sightseeing
Year-round
Royal Scotsman to the Highlands
April–October
Grape harvest
September–October
Bergen line and fjord cruise
Year-round
Plan your trip to Europe
Whatever you want from your European train tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
