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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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$2029

Next available from 13th Apr 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Porto, Portugal

ENDS AT

Lisbon, Portugal

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

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$3199

Next available from 20th Apr 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Madrid, Spain

ENDS AT

Malaga, Andalucia

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

landscape with balloons floating in the air

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.