6 of the Best Train Holidays to Take in 2023

It’s never too early to start planning that bucket list train holiday you’ve been dreaming about taking. Whether your style is history-centric, foodie, sun-seeker, or you're in search of the ultimate adventure, you can find inspiration with our top train journeys for 2023 which are the perfect cure for any lingering end-of-year wanderlust.

With the new year right around the corner, we present some of our favourite rail holidays over the years and we hope you'll be inspired to plan your own trip for 2023!

All Railbookers' holidays can be customised, so if you want to add days to your journey, experience a package in reverse, or add sightseeing tours and activities, we can help you plan it all. It's time to take the trip of your dreams!

1. The Glacier Express

Switzerland may very well be the most beautiful country in all of Europe — if not the world. There’s just something about how this country draws you in: its majestic beauty, charming cities and villages, and untouched wilderness. On this five-day rail holiday, you’ll surely be enchanted by what you both see and experience. Your trip begins with one night in Zurich before travelling to the peaceful lakeside retreat of St Moritz. The following day, board the Glacier Express to St Moritz. Along the way, the train will cross over 291 bridges, go through 91 tunnels, wind through the Swiss Alps, and traverse the countryside. Spend a final night in Geneva before continuing with your travels. Learn more about this 5-day train journey on the Glacier Express with Railbookers.  

2. Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Rome

Travelling by train is one of the best ways to experience Italy’s historic cities — and the journey is just as captivating as the destinations. Starting with two nights on the Canals of Venice, take the train to the heart of the Renaissance, Florence, then onto the Cinque Terre National Park and the gorgeous village of Manarola. Enjoy life like a local with three nights in your own apartment on the picturesque Ligurian coastline, before a scenic train ride south to Rome for your final two nights.  Learn more about this 10-day train journey through Italy with Railbookers.

3. Canadian Rockies Express with Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver

Are you searching for an epic adventure? How does exploring the Canadian Rockies sound? Begin in Vancouver with a chance to explore this beautiful city before boarding the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer. Spend two days aboard this unforgettable train taking in some of the most breathtaking scenery found anywhere. Explore the Canadian Rockies with a stay in wonderful Banff, Alberta before heading to Calgary for the journey home. Learn more about this 5-day train journey through the Canadian Rockies with Railbookers.

4. Paris, Brussels, and Bruges

Combine an adventure to the "City of Light" with a visit to Brussels, the "City of Europe", and Bruges, a Flemish canal-side gem that evokes the magic of a medieval fairy tale. Spend two nights in each city, soaking up the unique cuisine, iconic landmarks and contrasting ways of life in three quintessentially European treasure troves. Learn more about this 7-day train journey to Paris, Brussels, and Bruges with Railbookers.

5. Essential Belmond Royal Scotsman Western Scenic Wonders

For the fans of Scotland, this is the train journey to take in 2023. This weeklong holiday combines the rich and royal city of Edinburgh with the very best of Scotland’s wild side onboard the majestic Belmond Royal Scotsman. The luxurious service and surroundings onboard the train are complimented by some of Scotland’s most iconic sites: Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis, The Isle of Bute, and Mount Stuart. Learn more about this 7-day train journey to Scotland's scenic wonders with Railbookers.

6. Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro River

Discover Portugal’s 2 largest cities, as well as the beautiful rolling landscape and gastronomic delights of the Douro Valley on this fascinating holiday by rail. Starting in the colourful capital Lisbon, steeped in history it is a city that is easy to fall in love with. Enjoy a trip to the World Heritage site of Sintra, and the coastline that is Portugal’s Riviera, then take the highspeed train north to vibrant Porto for two nights. Then, take to the water for a full-day cruise along the winding and dramatic Douro river to Pinhão. Spend a night in the picturesque Douro Valley, and enjoy a wine estate tour and some well-earned wine tastings that make the region world-famous before enjoying the scenic train journey back to Porto. Learn more about this 8-day train journey to Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro River with Railbookers.