The Best Rail Trips to Take in Europe

Always dreamt of interrailing around Europe? Train travel is the best way to explore the continent’s glorious countryside and endless array of fascinating cities. Book a spot on one of these Rail Trips and join us for the European train trip of a lifetime.

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A yellow tram en route alongside the Danube in Budapest

Berlin to Budapest: The Best of Central Europe by Train

This 10-day border-crossing epic is our definitive take on the classic Euro rail adventure. See it as an homage to the romance of train travel, as well as a symbol of eco-friendly overland travel as the future, not just a nostalgic relic of the past. This itinerary takes in five countries across the heartlands of Central Europe, carving through huge swathes of the continent’s most scenic rural communities and stopping off in the capital city of each nation. We start in Germany, with Berlin’s unique combination of old and new. From there it’s onto Prague, one of the most spectacular medieval cities on the continent, and a haven for beer lovers. Next up is Austria, where you’ll gorge on schnitzel and sachertorte in Vienna and go cycling down the Danube in the Wachau Valley. Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is one of Europe’s most underrated capitals, with a gorgeous old town. Our final stop? Budapest, with its grand works of architecture overlooking the Danube. The city’s soothing thermal baths and trendy ruins bars make it the perfect place to wind down and reflect on the Euro adventure of a lifetime.

From US$2473

Next available from 13th Apr 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Berlin, Germany

ENDS AT

Budapest, Hungary

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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Palace of Pena in Sintra, Lisbon, Portugal.

Complete Portugal by Train

This eight-day tour of Portugal is slow travel at its best. Scenic train journeys and a series of stunning towns and cities make this laid-back southern European gem perfect for exploring via the tracks. The itinerary connects the country’s two major cities, starting in the northern powerhouse of Porto and ending up in the glorious capital, Lisbon. In Porto you’ll get a guided tour of the city’s charming old streets, as well as a Port wine tasting session in one of the old riverfront cellars. You’ll trace the grape all the way into the Douro Valley, where you’ll get a scenic boat ride through the region’s rolling hills, as well as lunch at a local winery. Then it’s time to head south to the lagoon city of Aveiro, which challenges Venice in beauty thanks to its colourful buildings and charming canal boats, not to mention a wonderfully sweet local delicacy. The train ride to Lisbon is incredible scenic and, upon arrival in the capital, you’ll be treated to a guided food tour – featuring the best pastel de nata you ever had – and a live Fado (traditional folk music) show. From Lisbon you’ll also get a day trip to the fairytale town of Sintra, a must-visit on any trip to Portugal.

From US$1522

Next available from 13th Apr 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Porto, Portugal

ENDS AT

Lisbon, Portugal

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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City Hopping in Spain by Train

Spain’s speedy and efficient rail network might just be the most underrated in Europe. It certainly allowed us to conceive this culture-infused journey through the heartlands of central and southern Spain. It starts in the capital, Madrid, where you’ll visit the city’s major landmarks and be treated to a sumptuous tapas tour. Then it’s time to head to the gorgeous Atocha Train Station for a journey south, through the scenic countryside of La Mancha and into Andalusia. Our first stop is Cordoba, the stunningly well-preserved city with an ancient Roman bridge and a rather unique mosque-cathedral that speaks to the region’s multicultural history. After that it’s the fiery city of Seville, filled with incredible architecture both old and new. You’ll embark on another tapas tour in the city’s most authentic neighbourhood, as well as having the chance to watch a live flamenco show. In Granada you’ll get another taste of Moorish Spain at the Alhambra Palace complex, a stunning fort overlooking the city, and overlooked itself by the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Our final destination is Malaga, as we finally reach the Spanish coastline. Art galleries, ancient churches and golden beaches galore await in this glorious old coastal city.

From US$2399

Next available from 16th Mar 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Madrid, Spain

ENDS AT

Malaga, Andalucia

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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The,Train,Station,Of,Atocha,,Madrid,(spain)

Magical Madrid to Marrakech by Train

If you want to trace the cultural and historical connections between Spain and the Islamic world even further, then this trip doesn’t stop at the Spanish coast. In fact you’ll be crossing continental borders on day six of this 12-day odyssey. On the Spanish side you’ll still get to explore Madrid, Cordoba and Seville, but you’ll also get to discover the similarities and differences in Morocco, where we’ll stop off at Tangiers, Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech.

From US$2635

Next available from 5th Nov 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Madrid, Spain

ENDS AT

Marrakech, Morocco

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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Jacobite steam train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, as seen in Harry Potter

Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands by Train

If train travel in Europe makes you think of charming old steam locomotives chugging through the countryside, then boy are you going to love this weeklong adventure through the rugged Scottish Highlands. It starts with a more modern touch, as we take the overnight sleeper train from London, so you can wake up to glorious views of handsome Scotland. After whisky-tasting in Fort William, the next train journey gets even more dreamy, as you hop onboard the Jacobite steam train. This beautiful old machine was made famous by its performance as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films, and you’ll get to cross the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct – as seen in the movies – from the comfort of your carriage. From there you’ll explore the Isle of Skye, Inverness, the Cairngorms and, last but not least, the gorgeous gothic streets of Edinburgh. Expect castles, lochs and fairytales along the way – and a haggis dinner or two, if you fancy it?

From US$2109

Next available from 25th Sep 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

London, England

ENDS AT

Edinburgh, Scotland

DURATION

7

GROUP SIZE

15

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.