Britons can now book new scenic train tours passing through Europe's stunning landscapes

Sarra Gray
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:18:57 +0000

Travelling by train is both a scenic and environmentally-friendly way to discover a new country.

For those hoping to book one, Co-op Holidays is rolling out a new collection of European rail tours, giving Britons more ways to explore during their next getaway.

Bookings for rail journeys have jumped 26 per cent compared to last year, showing just how much people love the idea of watching Europe's stunning landscapes glide past their window.

The new trips offer everything from speedy connections between major cultural hubs to more leisurely multi-stop adventures.

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Trains drop you right in the heart of each city, so there's no messing about with airport transfers or long journeys into town centres.

The Central Europe route whisks travellers through Prague, Vienna and Budapest over seven nights, with first-class rail travel between these three captivating capitals.

Those looking to explore Italy can hop between Florence, Rome and Venice on high-speed trains, making it easy to tick off Renaissance treasures and coastal gems in one trip.

Other Italian options include Rome paired with Sorrento, Venice combined with Verona, and Venice linked to Lake Garda.

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Down in Spain, the Andalusian journey weaves together Seville, Cordoba and Granada, taking in gorgeous Moorish architecture, historic old quarters and lively plazas along the way.

Head of Co-op Holidays, Mark Mitchell, said: "Travelling by rail in Europe is a seamless way to connect multiple locations while arriving straight into the heart of each destination.

"Rail is no longer a niche alternative - it's becoming a natural choice for multi-centre trips that feel relaxed, immersive and kick off a trip right from the get-go, and we expect that demand to continue building this year."

Every itinerary can be tailored to suit individual preferences, from trip length to accommodation choices. Selected tours are bookable online through to December 2027.

Book one of Co-op Holidays' new rail tours:

Venice, Florence and Rome

Hotel: Selected hotels across Verona & Desenzano del Garda
Room Type: Varies by hotel
Boarding: Room only or bed and breakfast

Dates and Prices: September 2 departing from London Gatwick (LGW). From £1,023 per person (includes £36 locally payable tax)

"Experience Italy by rail on this seven-night multi-centre journey. Includes return flights to Verona, private airport transfers, and first-class rail travel between destinations, with three nights in Verona and four nights in Desenzano del Garda."

Seville, Cordoba and Granada

Hotel: Selected hotels across Seville, Cordoba & Granada
Room Type: Varies by hotel
Boarding: Room only or bed and breakfast

Dates and Prices: September 2 departing from London Gatwick (LGW). From £948 per person (no locally payable tax included)

"Discover Andalusia on this six-night rail journey. Includes flights into Seville and out of Malaga, private transfers, and first-class rail between cities, with two nights in each destination."

Chicago to San Francisco - California Zephyr

Hotel: Selected hotels across Chicago, Denver & San Francisco (plus overnight rail)
Room Type: Varies by hotel
Boarding: Room only or breakfast (depending on hotel)

Dates and Prices: September 2 departing from London Gatwick (LGW). From £1,749 per person (includes £15 locally payable tax)

"Travel coast-to-coast on this iconic rail adventure. Includes flights to Chicago and return from San Francisco, airport transfers, and coach seats on Amtrak’s California Zephyr, with nine nights total including stays in Chicago, Denver and San Francisco, plus overnight rail journeys."