Luxury Europe Rail
Tours made for you
Let 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.
Highlights
Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to enjoy dedicated, detailed and personal care from an expert team and savour a decadent four-course meals by Chef Jean Imbert
Witness Britain’s spellbinding scenery from the comfort of an intricately restored carriage on an England and Scotland rail tour
Enjoy the romance of the luxurious trans-Alpine Swiss railways on a bespoke Switzerland journey by rail
Experience first-class service onboard La Dolce Vita with a private concierge to curate your luxury Italy rail experience
Visit exclusive Highland estates and whisky distilleries on curated off-train excursions from the opulent Belmond Royal Scotsman
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.
Melania Siriu
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury European trains
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
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.
Discover more
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.
Discover more
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.
Discover more
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.
Discover more
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.
Discover more
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.
Discover more
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.
Discover moreWhen 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
Travel Guides
Plan your trip to Europe
Whatever you want from your European train tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Plan with peace of mind
When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.
If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.
