Great Rail Journeys

Great Rail Journeys GRJ is the UK’s leading provider of holidays by rail with 50 years of award-winning expertise.

Tour Manager Tim is back on his travels – and this time, he’s joined our guests on a scenic adventure through Spain and ...
13/06/2025

Tour Manager Tim is back on his travels – and this time, he’s joined our guests on a scenic adventure through Spain and Portugal.​

Along the way, guests have been:​
🏛️ Exploring Salamanca’s stunning golden architecture on a guided tour​
🥘 Enjoying the flavours of San Sebastián, home of world-famous pintxos​
🚆 Journeying along the Linha do Douro – Portugal’s most scenic railway – through the heart of wine country​

Tim is capturing the journey and sharing highlights from our travellers’ experiences. From guided walks to scenic rail journeys, it’s a trip to remember.​

📍 Where do you think Tim is headed next? Stay tuned on our social pages for more from the Douro and beyond!

Explore some of Asia’s most captivating cities on unforgettable GRJ holidays – where every city is a new story waiting t...
10/06/2025

Explore some of Asia’s most captivating cities on unforgettable GRJ holidays – where every city is a new story waiting to be told 🚆🌏​

🌅 Discover the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia​
🎀 Get lost in the colourful chaos of the Pink City’s bustling bazaars in Jaipur, India​
🌸 Stroll past remarkable temples and traditional wooden houses in Kyoto, Japan​
🌇 Be dazzled by the spectacular skyline in Shanghai, China​
🛺 Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the lively lanes of Chandni Chowk in Delhi, India ​
🛕 Uncover Buddhist relics at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka ​
🕌 Step back in time at the striking 10th-century Djuma Mosque in Khiva, Uzbekistan​
🕍 Marvel at the splendour of the largest temple complex in Bangkok, Thailand ​
⛩ Feel the buzz of Shibuya Crossing then unwind in peaceful parks in Tokyo, Japan​
🚤 Embrace the laid-back charm of the Mekong Delta in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ​

From ancient temples to bustling cityscapes, these 10 magical Asian cities are highlights across a range of Great Rail Journeys you can explore with us.​

Feeling inspired? 👉 Book now at greatrail.com/asia

🎉 Congratulations to Marian Campion, the lucky winner of our Discover the Douro river cruise! Marian recently returned f...
08/06/2025

🎉 Congratulations to Marian Campion, the lucky winner of our Discover the Douro river cruise! Marian recently returned from her amazing trip and shared some lovely feedback with us:

"I was lucky enough to win your Douro cruise recently and have just returned home. I just want to thank you again - It was an amazing experience. The ship was incredibly comfortable, the crew could not have been kinder, and the food was world class! I’ll be recommending Great Rail Journeys to everyone I know!"

Stay tuned for future competitions – your next adventure could be just around the corner! Could you be next? 🚢✨

📺 Tonight’s the night! Joanna Lumley’s epic Danube adventure comes to an end!​From starting in Germany to concluding in ...
06/06/2025

📺 Tonight’s the night! Joanna Lumley’s epic Danube adventure comes to an end!​

From starting in Germany to concluding in the heart of central Europe, Joanna has uncovered the rich history, culture and beauty along this legendary river.​

✨ Highlights include:​​
🏙️ Germany’s bustling streets and lively squares​
🎼 Vienna’s grand palaces and musical heritage​
🏰 Budapest’s dramatic skyline and stunning buildings​
🖼 Slovakia’s fascinating museums and interesting galleries ​

⛴️ Feeling inspired by Joanna’s adventure? Our luxury river cruises along the Danube offer an unforgettable experience. Travelling with experts in escorted tours, you will experience many magical moments in this beautiful part of Europe. ​

📺 Don’t miss the final episode, airing tonight at 9pm on ITV. ​

👉 Follow in Joanna Lumley’s tracks and book your Danube adventure today greatrail.com/danube

🗺 Discover authentic France on our popular Avignon, Rhône & Provence tour 🗺​​From Avignon, the seat of the papacy in the...
03/06/2025

🗺 Discover authentic France on our popular Avignon, Rhône & Provence tour 🗺​

​From Avignon, the seat of the papacy in the 14th-century, explore this beautiful region through its idyllic villages, ancient architecture and renowned gastronomy​.

​🎨 Take a cruise along the Rhône to Arles, uncovering the inspiration behind many famous works by Van Gogh and its spellbinding Roman amphitheatre.​

📸 Visit the picture-perfect Provencal villages of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Gordes. ​

🏛 Marvel at the Pont du Gard, a breathtaking Roman aqueduct and a symbol of France.​

🍷 A Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine tasting and a gourmet food tour of Avignon provide the ideal way to discover the exceptional flavours of Provence.​

👉 Find out more at greatrail.com/AVB

01/06/2025

Why choose between river or rail… when you can have both? 🚆🛳​
️​
Enjoy the full Great Rail Journeys experience with a unique combination of scenic rail adventures and elegant river cruising on one of our signature escorted Tour & Cruise packages. ​

🚢🛤 Sail in style along the Rhine or Danube, then elevate your journey with an iconic rail adventure through Switzerland’s breathtaking landscapes on iconic trains including the Glacier Express and Jungfrau Express. ​​

🏰🏛 Alternatively, combine a cruise with a discovery of central Europe's grand capitals like Vienna, Budapest, Prague and Berlin on our Imperial Cities tour.​

With our expert Tour Managers and seamless escorted packages, effortlessly combine the elegance of river cruising with the magic of rail for an unforgettable adventure, whilst discovering the best of what Europe has to offer.​

Plus, with our extended offer, you can save £400pp on all last remaining River Cruise 2025 holidays when you book by 2nd June 2025.​

👉Find out more at greatrail.com/tour-and-cruise

Join us on our unforgettable Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley tour and save £100pp on 2025 departures when you book by 3...
30/05/2025

Join us on our unforgettable Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley tour and save £100pp on 2025 departures when you book by 31st May 🌞​​

🌆Wander the historic streets of Lisbon and charming Porto​
🏰 Uncover the Moorish Fortress and fairytale palaces in Sintra​
🍷 Sip your way through vineyard-covered hills in the Douro Valley​
🚂 Journey in comfort by rail between Portugal’s cultural gems​

✨ Only 100 seats remaining!​

With expert Tour Managers and historic hotels, discover Portugal through a perfectly balanced blend of comfort and culture.​

👉 Book now at greatrail.com/olf

⭐️ Our Marketing Executive Guoda recently joined a group of customers to experience our popular First Class: Lake Garda:...
28/05/2025

⭐️ Our Marketing Executive Guoda recently joined a group of customers to experience our popular First Class: Lake Garda: Sirmione, Venice & Verona tour. ⭐️

Throughout her trip, Guoda got to see exactly why it’s a customer favourite. From the glistening waters of Lake Garda to the terracotta roofs of ancient Verona, this region of northern Italy sparkled with many memorable moments.

Guoda also enjoyed a tour of the magical city of Venice, uncovered the charm of lesser-known lakefront villages such as Malcesine and savoured excellent food. Highlights included a Valpolicella wine-tasting and dinner in beautiful surroundings and exploring Sirmione, the ‘Pearl of Lake Garda’, from our family-run hotel on the shores of Lake Garda.

Dates are now available for 2026, so this is the perfect time to book and discover the delights of Lake Garda.

👉 Book now at greatrail.com/SRL

27/05/2025

⛴ Are you interested in a river cruise but not sure what to expect?

We’ve been operating luxury cruises for more than 20 years. Today, our exclusively chartered ships allow you to explore the charm and unique character of Europe’s beautiful waterways in style.

⭐️ Here are just a few of our favourite things about river cruises.

🛏 Unpacking just once
One of the main benefits of a river cruise is that you only unpack your case once. Enjoying one hotel and multiple locations, our floating hotels allow you to experience Europe’s rich tapestry in relaxed comfort.

🍽 5-Star dining included
Our chefs combine refined dining with the finest local produce and, with all meals included as well as a selection of drinks with dinner, simply sit back and enjoy the view from the elegant onboard restaurant.

✔️ Your cruise, your way
It’s your holiday and we want to make sure you get the best out of it. Our cruises include engaging excursions and a range of options for joining our ships to give you ultimate flexibility.

🌅 Incredible views
Enjoy sensational sunsets and sunrises from the sundeck, panoramic bar or your stylish cabin. Bask in beautiful new views as castles or spellbinding scenery greet you each morning.

Plus, you can save £400pp on all River Cruise 2025 holidays when you book by 31st May 2025.

👉 Find out more at greatrail.com/cruise

📺 Joanna Lumley returns to our screens tonight as she explores the Danube.Flowing from Germany’s Black Forest to Romania...
23/05/2025

📺 Joanna Lumley returns to our screens tonight as she explores the Danube.

Flowing from Germany’s Black Forest to Romania’s Black Sea coast, the river tells the story of Europe as it passes through 10 countries.

In the first episode, Joanna begins her adventure at the source, before travelling through Bavaria and into Austria. From tasting wine in the Wachau Valley to savouring cake in Vienna, Joanna enjoys some of our own favourite moments in Austria.

⛴ You can retrace Joanna’s journey on our luxury river cruises or on our signature Tour & Cruise holidays including Imperial Cities & Delights of the Danube. Travelling with the experts in escorted tours, you will experience many unforgettable moments in this beautiful part of Europe.

With our Bank Holiday sale offering £400pp off all 2025 River Cruises, now is the perfect time to uncover the Danube.

Tune in to ITV on Fridays at 9pm to watch Joanna Lumley’s Danube.

👉 Book now at greatrail.com/danube

🗺 Did you see last night’s Race Across the World? 🗺The teams explored northern India as they travelled from Varanasi by ...
22/05/2025

🗺 Did you see last night’s Race Across the World? 🗺

The teams explored northern India as they travelled from Varanasi by the Ganges to Dharamshala in the Himalayan foothills.

🕌 Their routes took them past some spectacular sights, including the spellbinding Taj Mahal and quieter hillside towns, on the way to the home of the Dalai Lama.

India is our most popular destination outside Europe, with more than 2000 visitors joining us to explore this incredible country last year. It's a fascinating place that blends spectacular landmarks, rich culture and bustling cities – and the best way to explore is with a Tour Manager and local guides on hand to guide you throughout, allowing you to embrace the sense of adventure and create lifelong memories.

🏔 Visit Dharamsala or follow in the Beatles’ footsteps to Rishikesh on our Spirit of the Himalayas & Amritsar’s Golden Temple tour or uncover India’s iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal on our bestselling holiday, Five-Star India’s Golden Triangle & Shimla.

✈ Plus, you can enjoy 2-for-1 flight upgrades on selected India holidays in 2026 when you book by 30th June 2025!

👉 Book now at greatrail.com/india

🗺 Inspired by Michael Portillo’s explorations of the British Isles? 🗺​Series 16 of the BBC's Great British Railway Journ...
19/05/2025

🗺 Inspired by Michael Portillo’s explorations of the British Isles? 🗺​

Series 16 of the BBC's Great British Railway Journeys saw Michael continue his travels around Britain by train, exploring some of the most scenic and interesting locations on our islands.​

For those looking to follow in his footsteps, we are showcasing several charming locations across the British Isles that can be reached by rail. ​

From the Scottish Highlands and northern England’s rural treasures to the castles of Wales and subtropical gardens of the Isles of Scilly, a wealth of culture, stunning landscapes and centuries of history are just waiting to be explored…​

Plus, you can save £100pp on British Isles holidays this year if you book by 31st May 2025.​

👉 Book now at greatrail.com/britain-by-rail

Address

York

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 8pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 8pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 8pm
Thursday 8:30am - 8pm
Friday 8:30am - 7pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+441904521936

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Great Rail Journeys posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Great Rail Journeys:

Share

Category

Our origin and ethos

Ever-since two passionate British Rail employees had the novel idea of opening up the railways of the world to a whole new audience over 45 years ago, the driving force behind everything we do at Great Rail Journeys hasn't changed much; deliver incomparable escorted holidays that include as much as possible in the price, and give travellers the freedom to make their own discoveries by arranging excursions, meals and accommodation that immerse you in the culture and heritage of your chosen destination.

Our ethos may be similar to those early days but a lot of other things have changed since then. We now have a whole team of tour advisors and destination specialists working hard behind the scenes to scout out new experiences, unique hotels and of course, ever more exceptional rail journeys.

We aim to take all the stress out of organising your dream trip so that all you have to concentrate on are the wonderful places, people, sights, sounds and tastes you're about to encounter.