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Lately, train travel has experienced something of a revival. As travellers seek more sustainable ways to explore the world, many are also embracing slower, more intentional journeys – and trains offer the perfect blend of both.
It’s been a century since the golden age of rail travel, when the Orient Express rolled across Europe with its Art Deco elegance and unhurried luxury. But the recent rail renaissance recalls this glittering era, when train journeys were the ultimate expression of romance, adventure, and modernity. While today’s trains are sleeker and more contemporary, the spirit remains the same: the idea that the journey is just as important as the destination.
Travellers can journey in style through cinematic landscapes, watching the world unfold beyond the window, and savouring a sense of space and freedom that’s unmatched by air travel. But there are other reasons to swap the runway for the railway. Trains are kinder to the environment and stress levels; imagine a holiday with no luggage restrictions, arduous security checks, or long check-in queues.
If you’re keen to explore the world by rail, why not consider a journey with Cox & Kings? The world’s longest-running travel company is known for high-quality tours that allow you to connect with each destination on a deeper level. Organised by experts and brought to life by local guides, these journeys give you the option to forgo air travel altogether, and see another side of our world from a brand new perspective.
So what are some of the best destinations to discover by train? Here are eight incredible journeys for 2026/27.
1. Andalucía by Rail
Uncover the culture and beauty of Andalucía on an immersive seven-day rail journey. Travelling aboard Spain’s efficient AVE high-speed trains, discover the region’s fascinating blend of Roman, Moorish, and Catholic heritage. Begin in Seville, the vibrant Andalucían capital, where you can wander the narrow, orange-scented streets, unwind in leafy plazas, and marvel at the magnificent Seville Cathedral.
Continue to Córdoba to admire the UNESCO-listed Mezquita, stroll across the ancient Roman bridge, and experience the city’s lively tapas scene. In Granada, the exquisite Alhambra Palace complex will take your breath away, while in the Moorish Albaicín quarter, you can uncover the city’s artistic and culinary spirit. Throughout your travels, enjoy stays in four-star hotels, or, for extra indulgence, upgrade to the elegant Hospes boutique properties.
2. Sarajevo to Split by Road & Rail
Discover the diversity of the Balkans on this nine-day journey through Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia. Start in Sarajevo, exploring the atmospheric Ottoman quarter and touring the landmarks that tell this city’s poignant story. Travel to Mostar on one of Europe’s loveliest rail routes, winding through mountain valleys and along turquoise rivers. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its iconic Stari Most bridge, cobbled streets, and riverside cafés.
Continue south to Herzegovina’s sun-kissed vineyards for wine-tasting before crossing into Croatia to unwind in coastal Split. Visit the Roman Diocletian’s Palace, savour fresh seafood on the waterfront, and swim in the Adriatic’s gin-clear waters. Throughout your trip, stay in a selection of handpicked 4- and 5-star hotels, each chosen for its distinctive blend of heritage, comfort, and charm.
3. Vienna, Munich & Zurich by Rail
Discover the charm of Central Europe on this nine-day rail journey to the region’s most iconic cities. Beginning in the capital, Vienna, you can admire grand Habsburg palaces, catch an opera performance, or relax in the many historic coffee houses. Then, in Munich, marvel at the bejewelled Palatine Crown, sample Bavarian cuisine in a traditional beer garden, and get a taste of local life at the bustling Viktualienmarkt.
The last stop is Zurich, Switzerland’s spectacular lakeside city. Framed by snow-capped Alpine peaks, its natural beauty is dazzling, but the culture and history are equally impressive. Wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town, enjoy a cruise along the Limmat River, and treat yourself to world-class Swiss chocolate from chic boutiques. Plus, stay in characterful, centrally-located hotels throughout.
4. Porto to Lisbon by Rail
Explore two of Portugal’s beautiful cities on this luxurious seven-day rail adventure. Begin in Porto, the country’s second city, renowned for its historic charm and world-famous port wine. Lose yourself in the cobbled streets of the UNESCO-listed Ribeira, admire the azulejo-tiled facades, and take a scenic Douro River cruise, following its winding course past terraced vineyards, lush countryside, and pretty villages.
Then board Portugal’s high-speed rail to Lisbon, the exhilarating capital. With a personal driver-guide to show you around, you can explore the city’s highlights, from the colourful neighbourhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto to grand plazas and world-class museums. In the evenings, enjoy exceptional dining as you sample Portugal’s modern and traditional culinary scene, and return to hand-picked, five-star hotels.
5. Treasures of Tuscany
Known as the cradle of the Renaissance, Tuscany gave the world a cultural revolution that reshaped art, architecture, and thought across Europe. Today, the region remains a living treasure, and this eight-day tailor-made holiday uncovers its very best. Kick off in Florence, visiting sights such as Michelangelo’s David and the magnificent Duomo, exploring the UNESCO-listed centre, and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling piazzas.
Travel by rail through rolling hills, vineyards, and slender cypresses to the walled town of Lucca. Take a walking tour of its elegant piazzas and tree-lined avenues, visit the hilltop town of San Gimignano, and in Siena, one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval towns, admire the timeless Gothic architecture. Along the way, enjoy authentic Tuscan food and wine and stay in cosy, characterful properties.
6. Copenhagen, Gothenburg & Stockholm
Discover the charm of Scandinavia on this eight-day journey through Denmark and Sweden. Travelling by rail and road, begin in Copenhagen, Denmark’s stylish capital, where historic palaces stand alongside striking modern architecture. Enjoy a scenic canal cruise, gliding past landmarks like the Little Mermaid statue and the colourful Nyhavn waterfront, lined with 17th-century townhouses and lively cafés.
Cross into Sweden to explore the old heart of Malmö, with its cobbled squares, half-timbered houses, and unique boutiques. Continue by train along Sweden’s scenic coast to Gothenburg, a maritime city celebrated for its laid-back coffee culture, distinctive blue trams, excellent galleries, and superb seafood. Finish in Stockholm, Sweden’s elegant capital, where you’ll have two days to explore highlights like the Vasa Museum and medieval streets of Gamla Stan.
7. Authentic Norway
Experience the authentic spirit of Norway on this tailor-made seven-day journey. Start in the capital, Oslo, where sleek architecture meets natural splendour. Take a walking tour through the city, exploring landmarks like the Royal Palace, Oslo Opera House, and lively Aker Brygge waterfront. Travel by train to UNESCO-listed Røros, known for its beautifully-preserved wooden houses, cobbled lanes, and traditional charm.
Continue your journey by rail to Trondheim, Norway’s former royal capital. Enjoy a boat tour along the Nidelva River, gliding past the city’s colourful merchant houses before emerging into the awe-inspiring Trondheimsfjord, the third-longest fjord in Norway. There’s ample free time to sample regional cuisine, discover local craft traditions, explore the unspoiled wilderness, and soak up the Norwegian hospitality.
8. London to Madrid by Rail
Journey across Spain by rail and road on a 10-day private tour, expertly tailored to you. Travel by train from London to the walled city of Girona, where you can uncover centuries of Catalan history on the winding cobbled streets. Continue to Madrid, Spain’s exciting capital, to explore the Royal Palace, visit award-winning museums, stroll grand leafy boulevards, and hop between the city’s lively tapas bars.
In the Castilian city of Burgos, admire the famous Gothic cathedral, wander through the old quarter, and sample delicious regional wines. Finally, conclude your adventure in coastal San Sebastián, in the Basque Country, a city celebrated for its world-class gastronomy. Indulge in pintxos snacks and local wines, relax on golden beaches, stroll along the La Concha promenade, and explore the lively Parte Vieja (Old Town).
Final thoughts…
From the sun-soaked hills of Tuscany to Norway’s fjord-lined coasts, Europe’s railways promise a richer, slower way to travel, where the journey becomes a meaningful and memorable part of the experience.
Whether you’re gliding past vineyards on Portugal’s Douro River, crossing the Alps between Vienna and Zurich, or following the coastline of the Adriatic, each of these journeys reveals the beauty and spirit of your destinations in a way that no flight ever could.
As train travel continues its revival, 2026 and 2027 are the perfect time to rediscover the romance of the rails. With Cox & Kings, you can embark on a journey that’s sustainable, culture-rich, and rewarding.
Planned by experts and privately guided, each of these adventures will show you a different side to your destinations. Travelling at a slower, more intentional pace allows you to connect more deeply to the places you visit – and to their culture and people – and experience moments you’ll remember long after you’ve returned home.