Three of our different European tours finish in towns which connect to remarkable railway routes, and we encourage our guests to make the most of the opportunity to experience these fabulous journeys.
The Bernina Express is a scenic train journey that runs between Chur or St. Moritz in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy. Built in the early 1900s and operated today by the Rhaetian Railway, it is renowned for offering one of the most breathtaking rail experiences in the world. The route passes through the Swiss Alps, revealing stunning landscapes such as glaciers, mountain peaks, lush valleys, and picturesque villages, and the railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights along the way include the Landwasser Viaduct, the Bernina Pass, and the Brusio Spiral Viaduct. The journey takes about 2.5 hours between Tirano and St Moritz and is enjoyed in panoramic coaches that allow for unobstructed views of the landscape. It operates year-round, offering unique views in each season, from snow-covered winter peaks to vibrant summer pastures. It is possible to exit the Bernina Express at some of its alpine stops on the route and book to stay for a spectacular night or two in this panoramic scenery. Guests on our Northern Lombardy tour can extend their holiday by taking the Bernina Express across the border and exploring Switzerland.
The “Little Train” or “U Trinicellu” is a network linking three of Corsica‘s important coastal cities: Ajaccio on the west side, Calvi to the north-west and Bastia to the north-east. The first stage of the railway opened in 1888 and, as it expanded in the following decades, it crossed mountain valleys, scaled remote hilltops and connected historic interior towns like Corte. It is an unforgettable way to discover Corsica and has a choice of request stops so that adventurous passengers can be dropped off at remote inland spots for hiking, or discover hidden beaches far from the tourist hot spots. It’s incredible construction includes 32 tunnels and 52 bridges and viaducts, across a jaw-dropping array of mountains and gorges. It’s a very affordable way to explore the island with great value one-week passes available. Guests on our Island of Corsica tour can extend their holiday by connecting with the Little Train in Bastia to enjoy the experience and discover interesting and different parts of the island.
The Settle to Carlisle Railway is a historic and scenic railway line in northern England, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and engineering marvels. Stretching 73 miles between Settle in North Yorkshire and Carlisle in Cumbria, it traverses the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. Opened in 1876, the line is famed for its impressive Victorian engineering, including the Ribblehead Viaduct, which features 24 arches spanning a windswept moorland. Once threatened with closure in the 1980s, the line was saved by a passionate group of campaigners and now serves as both a vital transport link and a beloved tourist attraction. Its picturesque route offers passengers sweeping views of rolling hills, quaint villages, and dramatic peaks, making it a favourite for rail enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Guests on our Derbyshire Peaks and Yorkshire Dales tour can extend their holiday by taking the train from Settle where the tour ends up to Carlisle and beyond into Scotland or the Lake District.
