Belle Trains

21/04/2026

Known for its lush, verdant landscape, Ireland has earned the nickname ‘The Emerald Isle’.

On closer inspection, however, it’s a rainbow of bright flora and fauna, dramatic golden sunsets, colourful architecture and of course, the distinctive blue of the locomotive and carriages of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland.

We can’t wait to experience the rainbow of Ireland’s true colours on our tour next June.

Video credit:
Failte Ireland
Sean Twohig

05/04/2026

As the vibrant colors of spring burst forth, we hope you’re enjoying this joyful season with loved ones.

We're looking forward to welcoming you on board in just two month's time to enjoy views like this from our base in Lake Constance.

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25/03/2026

We are delighted to share with you details of our 2027 tour, The Emerald Isle Belle,
a Midsummer rail spectacular which will be visiting the rugged coasts, tranquil lakes and charming towns of Ireland, including stays at some award-winning hotels.

Find out more on our website: https://www.belletrains.co.uk/emerald-belle-2027

21/03/2026

A locomotive is like a good song. It allows you to travel down the tracks of nostalgia. Delve into a bygone era with a holiday on steam throughout Austria this June. Check the details in the comments and join us on the holiday of a lifetime!

12/03/2026

No plans for this year’s holiday? 🚂
Step aboard a truly unforgettable adventure — a nine-day journey through the breathtaking Alpine heartlands of Austria. Travel in style on a privately chartered steam train, relaxing in luxurious vintage carriages as you wind through spectacular mountain scenery.
Visit three beautiful Alpine destinations, each offering charming villages, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences — all while enjoying the romance and elegance of classic rail travel.
✨ Magnificent mountain views
🚂 Exclusive private charter train
🏔️ Three idyllic Alpine locations
🍷 Relaxed, luxurious vintage travel

Just 84 days to go…

10/03/2026

There are just under three months to go until our Alpine Belle departs Cologne for a nine-day rail spectacular taking in the glittering lakes and towering peaks of Central Europe in true Belle Trains style.

Passengers travelling 5 Star are seated in the opulent Prestige Continental Express carriages including the Salon Bleu (pictured), with custom upholstery from the same Scottish mill as the original Orient Express, brass luggage racks and wood panelling recreating a rich, historic ambiance.

Will you be joining us on board this year?

27/02/2026

For many, the highlight of our tours are the travel days spent on board our private steam-hauled train which traverses stunning landscapes. A close runner-up, however, is the chance to personalize your experience with optional excursions available on each leisure day.

Our optional excursions for next year's tour are now confirmed, including journeys along the Rheinbähnle & Wälderbähnle narrow gauge railways, the famous Achenseebahn and Schafbergbahn cog railways.

Away from the railways. passengers can visit neighbouring Liechtenstein for a winery tour, discover the history of rigid airships at the Zeppelin Museum, enjoy a guided walking tour of Innsbruck or Salzburg or the Eagle's Nest at Berchtesgaden.

Find out more on our website: https://www.belletrains.co.uk/itinerary

18/02/2026

With just a few months to go until our Alpine Belle tour, why not explore one of our destinations virtually? Here is a link to a video of a summer walk through Innsbruck, revealing vibrant streets framed by towering Alpine scenery. The city atmosphere feels lively yet relaxed.

Walking through Innsbruck reveals vibrant streets framed by towering Alpine scenery. The city atmosphere feels lively yet relaxed.

13/02/2026

One of this year's tour destinations has been named in list of Top 7 Tiny European nations you must visit in 2026.

Although slightly smaller than Washington, DC, Liechtenstein's attractions include fascinating museums to explore, from the Liechtenstein National Museum to the Kunstmuseum (for modern art), and charming cafes to linger in. While at the picture-postcard Vaduz Castle you can soak in panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

Discover more about Liechtenstein and read the full list of tiny nations here: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/best-small-countries-europe-vacation-b2892879.html

06/02/2026

On day 3 of our Alpine Belle tour this June, as we head through the Appenzell Alps of Switzerland, our train will be hauled by Swiss locomotive A/35 "Zurich".

Built in 1904, it was operational until 1964, based at Zurich, Biel, Lucerne and finally Bern. In 2022, it completed a restoration by the Zurich Steam Group Association (VDZ) and returned to the mainline.

This photo was taken by Ivan Moeckli of the locomotive crossing the Aare bridge in Solothurn with train 31770.

📸: Ivan Moeckli

28/01/2026

Over the course of nine days, our steam-hauled private train will make its way through the tunnels, mountain passes and along the viaducts of the Alps, including plans to travel through three countries in one day!

Meeting in Cologne, we venture south, along the Main Valley and through southern Germany to the foothills of the Alps, on the German shores of Lake Constance. Traverse some of the most scenic railway lines in the world as the Alpine Belle weaves its way along the foothills of the Apenzell Alps, past Lake Zurich and Lake Walen before heading through the Arlberg Pass into the Austrian Tyrol at Innsbruck. From here we travel through the heart of the Alps to Salzburg, Austria’s musical mountain city. Journey’s end will be in Wiesbaden, one of Europe’s oldest spa towns. The perfect end to an unforgettable journey of alpine adventures.

View the full itinerary on our website: https://www.belletrains.co.uk/itinerary