Explore The Surprising Lakes and Mountains of Europe with Great Rail Journeys
Explore The Surprisingly Stunning Lakes and Mountains of Europe
Great Rail Journeys shares its top picks of perfectly curated travel tours exploring the lesser-known beautiful lakes and mountains of Europe
From Sean Connery chasing Goldfinger through the Swiss Alps, to the star-studded villas of Lake Como, home to George Clooney, Sting and Sir Richard Branson, the lakes and mountains of Italy and Switzerland rightly garner a great deal of admiration from holidaymakers. For those looking to venture beyond the classic hotspots, Great Rail Journeys, Europe’s leading escorted rail tour provider, is shining a spotlight on the vistas that may be lesser known but are certainly just as beautiful.
Destinations off the beaten track allow us to step away from our hectic lives and embrace all that nature has to offer. Great Rail Journeys has something for every explorer from relaxing in the wonderful Bavarian countryside surrounded by fairytale castles and alpine scenery on the Romantic Road and Bavarian Alps tour, to soaking up the serene splendor of the quieter Italian lakes on the Centovalli Railway. Alternatively, travellers can venture a little further afield and discover the magical lands of the Adriatic, sampling all the delights of Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro.
Each escorted tour provides guests with an extensive amount of unforgettable experiences along with an experienced tour manager throughout. With no hidden costs, holiday makers can be assured that their holiday will run smoothly from start to finish – allowing passengers to relax and recharge amidst the beautiful vistas.
Example Rail Journey Travel Packages:
Romantic Road and Bavarian Alps
Zugspitze (Image from Canva)
9 days from £2,495 per person
On this nine day, perfectly curated tour, travellers will spend their trip admiring beautiful palaces in the depths of the Bavarian Alps as well as marvel at the picturesque forests and mountains as they venture down the renowned Romantic Road. Passengers will also have the opportunity to visit the mysterious Church of Wies, observe the elegant interiors of Lindehof Palace and enjoy a once in a lifetime rail journey up the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain - allowing travellers to lose themselves in the spectacular views of the marvellous mountaintops. There is also the opportunity for passengers to truly immerse themselves in the culture with a Bavarian dinner and sampling of local beers.
PRICE: £2,495 per person. Includes all rail and coach travel throughout the tour. 8 nights in 4* accommodation. 13 meals including 7 breakfasts and 6 dinners. The service of a professional UK Tour Manager from start to finish. Departing 19th May 2023.
The Best of Italian Lakes
Lake Maggiore (Image from Canva)
10 days from £1,995 per person
Combining the most beautiful lakes in Italy with rich Italian cultural experiences – this tour is perfect for travellers wanting to experience Italian traditions as well as escape the tourist hot spot cities. Travelling along the beautiful route of the Centovalli Railway, passengers can relax and unwind by the sublime shores of Lake Maggiore as well as cruise along the crystal clear waters of Lake Orta.
Starting in London, travellers will venture towards Turin where they will then continue north towards the spectacular Lake Orta, the base for the next seven nights. With an alpine backdrop, the town is a hidden gem nestled in the mountains with cute, cobbled streets and traditional, mouth-watering Italian cuisine. Over the next week, passengers will visit Lake Maggiore, the Borromeo Islands - where they will experience a guided tour of the exquisite Borromeo Palace - and Isola San Giulio, a peaceful island on Lake Orta with a fascinating convent home for silent nuns.
PRICE: £2,095 per person. Including all rail and coach travel throughout the tour. 9 nights in 3 and 4* accommodation. 18 meals including 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 8 dinners. The service of a professional UK Tour Manager from start to finish. Departing 4th October.
Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro
13 days from £2,895 per person
Plitvice Lakes Croatia (Image from Canva)
A voyage of discovery into the magical Adriatic Southeast Europe. Passengers can immerse themselves in European culture with visits to the lively and historic Zagreb, the seaside city of Split and the unspoilt Kotor. Stopping at seven spectacular locations, there truly is something to please everyone on this tour.
From London, explorers travel towards Munich for a short but delightful overnight stay before venturing through the mesmerising Austrian Alps to Bled in Slovenia. Surrounded by forest slopes, jagged peaks and the turquoise waters of Lake Bled, this enchanting setting is the perfect destination to enjoy a well-deserved break.
After a blissful three days, the adventure continues to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s thriving capital, where travellers will see the remains of the Roman Emona before venturing to Zagreb, known for its charming and enticing streets as well as its splendid architecture. The second half of the trip explores a UNESCO World Heritage site of cascading waterfalls and delightful bright blue lakes, provide the opportunity to sample the local cuisine in Split and offers the experience the UNESCO protected old town of Dubrovnik.
PRICE: £2,895 per person. Including all rail and coach travel throughout the tour. 12 nights in 4* accommodation. 18 meals including 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 5 dinners. The service of a professional UK Tour Manager from start to finish. Departing 29th April 2023.
