How much time is spent actually traveling on trains?

The time on trains varies depending on your route. In Italy, trips between major cities are pretty manageable - Rome to Florence takes about 1.5 hours, while Venice to Milan is around 2.5 hours. If you're doing something like the Swiss Glacier Express, you'll spend about 8 hours on the train, but that's part of the experience. As one of our TourRadar travelers put it: "The train rides were comfortable and the perfect length to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed."

What types of trains are used on train tours through Europe and Switzerland?

You'll travel on modern trains across Europe, including the famous Glacier Express in Switzerland and fast trains throughout Italy and France. The Glacier Express is special - you'll ride in trains with big windows that cross 291 bridges and climb up to 6,700 feet (2,044m) in the Swiss Alps. In Italy, the fast trains connecting Venice, Florence and Rome are smooth and quick, usually getting you there in 2-3 hours. Our TourRadar travelers consistently mention how comfortable these trains are.

What are the typical accommodations like on a train tour?

You'll stay in comfortable 3 to 4-star hotels picked because they're close to train stations and city centers. For example, places like the Welcome Piram Hotel in Rome or Hotel Campanile in Venice Mestre make it easy to get to and from the trains. Here's what one TourRadar traveler said: "Hotels were in good location from train station with excellent breakfasts and clean, comfortable rooms."

What's the best season for train tours in Europe?

These tours run all year, but most people travel between April and September. If you want to avoid crowds but still get nice weather around 68°F (20°C), try going in spring (April-May) or fall (September-October). Summer (June-August) is busy but gives you more daylight hours to explore.

What's the best time of year to take a train tour?

It really depends on where you're going. Switzerland is great in summer (June-September) when you can see the mountains clearly. Japan is popular when cherry blossoms bloom (March-April) or when fall colors appear (October-November). One of our TourRadar travelers shared: "We took the Switzerland tour end of April/first of May and got to see both snow in the mountains and spring flowers in the valleys."

How physically demanding are train tours?

You'll need to be comfortable walking with your luggage between stations and hotels, and some stations don't have elevators. Plan on walking about 3-6 miles (5-10km) each day while exploring cities. Weather can be a factor too - Italian summers can hit 95°F (35°C), while German winters can drop to 30°F (-1°C). As one TourRadar traveler mentioned, "be prepared for lots of walking and managing your luggage through busy stations."

What's the best time of year for train tours in Europe?

May through September is peak season, with temperatures around 75°F (24°C) - perfect for sightseeing, but expect more crowds. March-April and October are quieter with mild 60°F (16°C) weather. Winter trips (November-February) are cooler at about 40°F (4°C) but offer special treats like Christmas markets. One TourRadar traveler noted: "shoulder season travel means fewer tourists and better rates while still enjoying good weather."

Train & Rail Tours & Trips

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Train & Rail
Whole Hog: 2 Weeks - Self Guided Rail Tour
5.0 (6 traveler reviews)
"This was my first taste of travelling and having someone sort it all out for you and look after whilst still giving you that independence was amazing."
Caitlin, traveled in August
Duration
15 days
Destinations
England France Netherlands Germany Czech Republic Austria Italy+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Euroventure Travel
From
US$1,820per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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Explorer
Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento: signature (4* hotels) low carbon tour by train
4.7 (7 traveler reviews)
"This was a 25th Anniversary trip and it could not have been better!"
Marcus, traveled in September
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Venice, Murano, Burano, Florence, Rome, Sorrento, Positano,Amalfi,Ravello,Pompeii+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Meet and Greet Italy
From
US$3,123per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Europe by Rail Budapest to Milan
5.0 (66 traveler reviews)
"Effortlessly effervescent and full of sunshine. She really brought an unbeatable energy to this tour."
Harrison, traveled in October
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Hungary Austria Slovenia Italy
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
TruTravels
10% Off
From $1,975
US$1,778per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
2-day Steam Train & The Great Glen
4.6 (15 traveler reviews)
"We had a wonderful time and enjoyed the whole trip."
Beth, traveled in July
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Cairngorms National Park, Dunkeld, Fort Augustus,Culloden,Forth Bridge,Glencoe,Mallaig+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Highland Experience Tours
10% Off
From
US$481per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Machu Picchu by Train: 2-Day, 1-Night Adventure
4.9 (87 traveler reviews)
"All the food was delicious for all meals. JJ does a great job setting expectations."
Elizabeth, traveled in July
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
TreXperience
10% Off
From
US$860per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Rome, Sorrento, Florence, Venice: signature (4* hotels) low carbon tour by train
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"The quality and ease of access for the daily tours seemed largely dependent on the individual tour groups that Tour Radar consults with."
Lauryn, traveled in April
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Rome, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Pompeii, Florence,Venice,Murano,Burano+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Meet and Greet Italy
10% Off
From
US$3,182per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Naples Express & Sorrento - Small-Group Tour
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Amalfi CoastSouth ItalyCampania+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Omega Tours
10% Off
From
US$1,377per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Cliffs of Moher, Connemara & Aran Islands Travel West by Train
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Answers to all my questions after booking but before the trip. Prompts and nice answers."
Marie-Josée, traveled in July
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Dublin, Kildare, Limerick, Doolin, Cliffs of Moher, Galway,Inishmore Island,Aran Islands,Connemara National Park+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic WayConnemara National Park+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Railtours Ireland First Class
10% Off
From
US$953per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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$27-Day China Loop: Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Xi\'an, Chengdu and Beyond Tour$
$27-Day China Loop: Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Xi\'an, Chengdu and Beyond - 10 destinations$
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In-depth Cultural
27-Day China Loop: Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu and Beyond
4.6 (32 traveler reviews)
"The itinerary was very comprehensive with several of China's flagship destinations. The tour touches on all the iconic aspects that China has to offer."
Nicolas, traveled in September
Duration
27 days
Destinations
Hong Kong, Yangshuo, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi'an, Dengfeng,Beijing,Hangzhou,Shanghai+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18-55
Operated in
English
Operator
The Dragon Trip
10% Off
From
US$2,977per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento: essential (3* hotels) low carbon tour by train
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Mestre, Venice, Murano, Torcello, Burano, Florence, Rome,Sorrento+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Meet and Greet Italy
10% Off
From
US$2,852per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
In-depth Cultural
13-Day Japan Tour: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka & Beyond
4.4 (167 traveler reviews)
"Really well made itinerary covering the more well known touristy spots, as well as going further into less travelled towns and cities."
Shounak, traveled in March
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Oshino, Kyoto, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Okayama,Osaka+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-55
Regions
Southern JapanHonshu+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
The Dragon Trip
10% Off
From
US$3,194per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
Explorer
Japan Essentials 9 Day - One Life Adventures
4.8 (353 traveler reviews)
"The places we visited were absolutely beautiful—clear, white beaches, and unforgettable views."
Laura, traveled in June
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Hakone, Mount Fuji, Owakudani, Kyoto, Arashiyama,Osaka+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
One Life Adventures
15% Off
From $1,845
US$1,568per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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Explorer
5-Day Vancouver to Rockies VIA Rail Adventure
4.1 (18 traveler reviews)
"The train was on time, the seats were comfortable, and the view during the journey was great."
Edna, traveled in June
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Vancouver, Jasper National Park, Banff National Park,Lake Louise,Yoho National Park,Calgary+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
West Coast CanadaAlbertaThe PrairiesIcefields ParkwayCanadian Rockies+4 more
Operated in
English, Chinese
Operator
Tourland
8% Off
From $2,158
US$1,985per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Western Europe Group Rail Tour (18-30 year olds)
4.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"Everything about the process was easy and allowed us to spend more time enjoying our vacation."
Bryan, traveled in June
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Italy Vatican City (Holy See)France Spain England
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Euroventure Travel
8% Off
From
US$2,843per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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Explorer
Italy By High-Speed Train
4.4 (93 traveler reviews) award winner
"The seamless travel, remarkable excursions, and superb hotel accommodations exceeded expectations."
Tiffany, traveled in July
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Rome, Florence, Siena, Castellina in Chianti,San Gimignano,Venice+2 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Central ItalyTuscany+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Flag Travel Holidays
8% Off
From
US$1,947per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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