Rail Holidays

Travelling by train is about more than just reaching your destination - it's an experience in itself. From sweeping landscapes visible from your window to the comfort and freedom of moving about on board, rail travel lets you enjoy the journey as much as the holiday. Whether you're taking a high-speed train across Europe or a scenic route through the Alps, our escorted rail tours combine convenience, comfort, and adventure. We have put together some Frequenetly Asked Questions (FAQ's) below, designed to answer the most common questions about travelling by train, from journey times and luggage tips to seating classes and station transfers. It will help you feel confident and prepared so you can relax, enjoy the scenery, and make the most of your rail holiday.

Why travel by train?

Rail routes often pass through breathtaking scenery. Unlike flying, you don't miss the landscapes - and the journey itself becomes part of the holiday. Trains offer a great environment for travel - more spacious seating than many aeroplanes, and the freedom to get up and move around, or even visit an on-board café or restaurant! You can avoid the stress of the airport & having to check luggage. And rail travel produces significantly fewer carbon emissions, so you are really making an eco-friendly choice when you choose to travel by rail.

How long are the train journeys on your tours?

Journey times vary depending on the route, but we carefully plan our itineraries to keep travel comfortable and enjoyable. High‑speed services such as Eurostar and TGV Lyria cover long distances quickly - for example, Paris to Geneva takes just over 3 hours. Scenic journeys like the Glacier Express are longer (around 3.5 hours from Chur to Brig for example), but these are designed as part of the holiday experience, with breathtaking views and opportunities to relax on board. Please note that on the outward and return travel days, journeys may be longer overall, as these involve reaching or returning from your destination, but travelling by rail becomes part of the experience as you can enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your seat. Wherever possible, we balance longer train rides with sightseeing and free time, so you can enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Are there any luggage limits when travelling by train?

As train travel doesn't come with strict luggage limits, it's tempting take as much as you can. However, packing light will make your journey smoother, and much more enjoyable. You'll be carrying your bags through stations, onto public transport, and to your accommodation (and back again) several times so please bear this in mind with your packing.

What type of suitcase should we take?

As porterage is not included on our tours, you will need to carry your own case on and off trains, and find somewhere to stow it once on board. With that in mind, we suggest the following dimensions as ideal: 61cm x 38cm x 23cm - (24" x 15" x 9"). Suitcases with wheels are highly recommended. If you are travelling with a companion, take a smaller suitcase each rather than a larger one between you. It is easier to find space on a luggage rack for two small cases than one large one.

What class of travel will I be in?

Unless otherwise stated, our tours are based travelling in standard class. Standard Class accommodation in Europe is generally more comfortable than you may be used to in the UK, and for longer journeys we use some of Europe's best high-speed services, such as TGV Lyria on routes between Paris and Switzerland, which offers the fastest journey times, comfortable and spacious accommodation, and great on-board amenities including free wi-fi and a buffet coach with gourmet-style food available for purchase.

What are the different levels of service on board the different trains and can I upgrade my journey? What's the difference between First and Standard Class?

Eurostar journeys offer 3 classes which are Standard, Eurostar Plus and Eurostar Premier. Standard seating consists of comfortable 2 + 2 configuration and food and drink is available to purchase at the buffet car. Eurostar Plus seating is in a 2 + 1 formation, with a light meal and drinks are served at seat. Eurostar Premier offers the most spacious seating on board, and features a full meal with fine wines and champagne. Additional benefits of Premier include access to lounges in London, Paris and Brussels, and fast track security.

On other European trains there are usually options to upgrade, and these vary between different train operators, but usually offer more spacious seating, and often some kind of on-board catering.

Prices for upgrades are available upon request and once the booking window is open, which varies between operator, and is usually around 120 days in advance of travel (longer for Eurostar).

Can I request specific seats on the train?

We're not able to guarantee particular seat allocations (e.g. windows, top deck). This is because European seat reservation systems do not allow for the booking of particular seats, and some operators don't offer seat choices at all, however please feel free to let us know any preference and we will try to accommodate wherever possible.

What time will we need to meet at St Pancras International for my tour departure?

Our meeting time will usually be set 90 minutes prior to the scheduled Eurostar departure time. We will confirm your meeting time and place in your final documents sent to you prior to travel. Your tour manager will meet you in St Pancras, and will hand out Eurostar tickets at this time.

Will my rail trip be fully escorted?

Yes, your tour manager will meet you at St Pancras International and will be with you throughout to take care of all the logistics and to help you make the most of your time away.

I've seen that my tour includes a Swiss Pass - what is this?

Our Glacier Express trips to Switzerland include a Swiss Travel Pass. The Swiss Travel Pass is an all-in-one ticket for visitors to Switzerland that provides unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats across the country, plus free entry to hundreds of museums and discounts on mountain excursions. So whilst as a group we will follow a pre-described itinerary, you do have the flexibility to do as you wish, or to complete additional journeys in your free time using the pass, at no extra cost.

How will we change stations in Paris?

Most of our Paris connections involve a change of station between Gare du Nord (Eurostar's Paris terminus) and Gare de Lyon. We make this transfer using the Paris RER underground system, and it is a direct journey which takes around 8 minutes once on board. This is the quickest and most reliable way to move between the two stations - due to waiting restrictions around the stations, and Paris traffic, making the transfer by coach is often unreliable and can involve quite a walk, whereas the RER line D is accessible directly from the station concourse at Gare du Nord.

I'm concerned about making connections between trains.

Our itineraries are carefully planned to allow comfortable connection times, and stations in Europe are designed for easy transfers with clear signage and efficient layouts. In most cases, connections are straightforward and only involve a short walk between platforms (to give some examples, in Paris from leaving the Eurostar to entering the RER would be around 200 - 300 metres, in Basel which is Switzerland's busiest rail hub, maximum distance between platforms would be around 250m - 300m) . Your Tour Manager will be on hand throughout to guide the group, ensure everyone boards the correct train, and provide assistance if needed. This means you can relax knowing that the logistics are taken care of and you won't be left to navigate connections on your own.

Are there any specific mobility requirements to join a rail tour?

Joining one of our escorted rail tours requires a moderate level of mobility. Guests should be comfortable walking reasonable distances in and around train stations, managing steps when boarding trains, and carrying or wheeling their own luggage. Excursions can often include walks over uneven surfaces such as cobblestones, so a steady pace and good stamina are important. While lifts and escalators are available in most major stations, please note that our tours may not be suitable for those who require significant ongoing mobility assistance.

How many people will be in the group?

Our escorted rail tours typically operate with small to medium‑sized groups, generally between 20 and 30 travellers. This size allows us to provide a friendly, sociable atmosphere while still keeping the group manageable for train travel and sightseeing. It also means your Tour Manager can give personal attention and ensure everything runs smoothly without the feeling of being in a very large crowd.