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    The Glacier Express Route

    Running between St. Moritz and Zermatt, an iconic rail journey.

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Neuschwanstein Castle rises above forested hills in Bavaria, Germany, with a lake beyond.

History holidays by rail

From hilltop castles to Roman ruins, Celtic folklore to Cold War architecture.

Below is a selection of our favourite self-guided train trips through some of Europe and the UK's most history-filled spots.

Historic adventures by train

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Europe's Imperial Cities

Explore Europe’s imperial capitals by sleeper. Wander palaces, castles and museums shaped by centuries of royal power.
/ 15 nights
See trip

Ancient East of Ireland

Sail to Ireland to see the best castles, cathedrals and historic sites, with an option to visit the last port of call of The Titanic.
/ 10 nights
See trip

Historic Bosnia and Herzegovina

Follow winding rivers through Bosnia and Herzegovina, exploring Ottoman bridges, hillside towns and layered history.
/ 13 nights
See trip

Italy & Sicily's Roman ruins

Get under the skin of Italy’s Roman ruins as you head through Rome, Naples and across the Strait to Sicily by sleeper.
/ 14 nights
See trip

Spain’s ancient cities

Discover Andalusia's Moorish palaces, Gothic cathedrals and Córdoba’s Mezquita, where Islamic and Christian art meet.
/ 13 nights
See trip

Renaissance capitals

Discover jewels of Italian Renaissance history on this journey by rail through cities brimming with artistic and cultural heritage.
/ 10 nights
See trip

Carpathian crossroads

Explore Cluj-Napoca’s Gothic and Baroque landmarks, then continue to Brașov, where medieval streets meet forested slopes.
/ 14 nights
See trip

A Czech expedition

Travel across the Czech Republic to experience its capital, medieval castles, breweries and traditions of Moravia.
/ 16 nights
See trip

Cities and mountains of Poland

Explore southern Poland, from Gothic cities to the Tatra Mountains, linking wartime history, arts hubs and Zakopane villages.
/ 14 nights
See trip
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Shorter historic journeys

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Edinburgh's UNESCO old town

Explore Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns beneath Castle Rock, linking closes, Georgian streets and landmark viewpoints.
/ 4 nights
See trip

Cathedral city of York

Explore York beneath its Minster, walking Roman walls and weaving through the Shambles’ medieval lanes.
/ 2 nights
See trip

To the Borders

Travel through Yorkshire villages and the Dales, then follow the Settle–Carlisle Line to Hadrian’s Wall on the English border.
/ 8 nights
See trip

WW1 history of Northern France

Visit Amiens, Arras and Compiègne for Somme battlefields, Clairière de l’Armistice and Chemin des Dames.
/ 6 nights
See trip

Bath short break

Discover Bath’s Roman baths, Georgian terraces and literary heritage, with spa time, riverside walks and honey-coloured streets.
/ 3 nights
See trip

Alsace escape

On France’s eastern edge, Alsace and Burgundy combine wine villages, timbered towns and countryside walks.
/ 6 nights
See trip

Transport

Customisable, beautiful routes across Europe by land and sea

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