Aerial view of Train passing through famous mountain in Filisur, Switzerland. Landwasser Viaduct world heritage with train express in Swiss Alps snow winter scenery. — Our Top Five Rail Experiences

The phrase “life is a journey, not a destination,” is a fitting metaphor for train travel. While flying may be an efficient way to cover long distances, and road trips offer adventurers the flexibility to stop and start as they please, it’s hard to beat an overland journey by train for its relaxation, style and service.

Europe’s rich tapestry is seamlessly stitched together by an extensive and well-connected rail network. No matter where you venture, whether it’s across the continent or to its remote isles, you’ll be delighted by the variety and character of trains available. We’ve handpicked five premium train experiences across Europe and the United Kingdom that set the benchmark in rail that others can only aspire to.

Glacier Express: A Sensory Delight

“The energy of the group always lifts when we prepare to board the Glacier Express,” says Travelmarvel operations manager Salomi. As you settle into your seat and look out through wrap-around panoramic windows to Switzerland’s breathtaking alpine scenery, it’s hard to decide where to cast your gaze.

While the ever-changing scenery takes centre stage, turn your attention away just long enough to enjoy the attentive onboard service. Choose your two-course lunch, paired with a glass of wine or beer, which is served right to your seat, before returning your gaze to the captivating panoramas unfolding outside your window. By any measure, a rail journey through the dazzling Swiss Alps aboard the Glacier Express, complemented by a fresh, chef-prepared meal, is a travel experience to savour. “For many of our guests, riding the iconic red-and-white train is a highlight of their holiday in Switzerland,” says Salomi.

Jacobite Steam Train: A Steam-Train Journey Steeped in Magic

The plume of steam rising from the stack leaves a ghostly trail as the locomotive winds its way through Scottish Highlands like a mythical dragon surveying its heavenly realm. Such is the image of the Jacobite Steam Train as it carves a path from Fort Williams to Mallaig on the final leg of the West Highland Line on Travelmarvel’s Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands Rail Tour. Along the way, cross the iconic 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct, which overlooks emerald-green valleys, craggy mountains and gleaming lochs.

Operating since 1984, this epic journey across the Highlands has become forever linked with a certain famous wizard. In the Harry Potter series, the Jacobite Steam Train, coined the Hogwarts Express, whisks young wizards and witches from London to the magic academy of Hogwarts.

On your own enchanting rail adventure from Fort Williams to Mallaig, tap into your childlike sense of wonder as you journey through landscapes so magical they spark the imagination.

Flåm Railway: From Fjord to Summit

Nestled at the end of Aurlandsfjord, Flåm Railway Station is the first step in what is considered one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Known as Flåmsbana in Norwegian, the train's carriages feature rich timber interiors with seats upholstered in red fabric, providing a plush and warm setting from which to enjoy the spectacular alpine scenery on Travelmarvel’s Ultimate Norway and Sweden Rail Tour.

While the train offers comfort and charm, it’s the sublime landscape that takes your breath away. As one of the steepest railway lines in the world, with a 5.5% gradient, Flåm Railway steadily climbs from sea level to Myrdal, reaching 867 metres above sea level in just 50 minutes.

As the Flåm Railway winds through a series of tunnels, passengers are treated to stunning views of glacial lakes, snow-speckled mountains, and a symphony of waterfalls at every turn. A brief stop at the majestic Kjosfossen Falls offers a precious photo opportunity from a purpose-built viewing platform. The journey concludes — or begins, depending on your direction of travel — in Myrdal, where it can connect to the Bergen Line and onward routes to Oslo.

Jungfrau Railway: Journey to the ‘Top of Europe’

When a destination is chosen as the backdrop for a James Bond film, you can guarantee it will be dramatic, cinematic and brimming with potential for high-octane action. With a landscape made up of soaring Swiss Alps and year-round snow, the striking Jungfrau region in Switzerland was an obvious choice for the villain’s headquarters in the 1969 Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Here, journey to Europe’s highest railway station, Jungfraujoch, on Travelmarvel’s Grand Alpine Explorer Rail Tour.

From Kleine Scheidegg railway station, the Jungfrau Railway climbs an astonishing 1,400 metres in just 35 minutes to Jungfraujoch station, perched at 3,454 metres above sea level. The train travels through tunnels carved into the glacier, stopping briefly midway at Eismeer station, where passengers can disembark to gaze in awe through a series of viewing windows at the imposing, snow-covered mountains beyond.

At the summit, choose to explore the remarkable Ice Palace, a series of corridors filled with ice sculptures carved by artists, or step out onto the Sphinx Observatory’s viewing platform for unrivalled mountain vistas that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.

Trenitalia: The Last Remaining Train-on-Ferry Service in Europe

Italian ingenuity has long shaped civilisation. It’s gifted us Roman law, the battery, modern banking, and eyeglasses – just to name a few. When faced with the challenge of transporting a passenger train across the Strait of Messina, that same inventive spirit prevailed. The solution? Load the train onto a ferry.

As part of Travelmarvel’s premium rail journey from Venice to Taormina, the Trenitalia passenger train is ingeniously shunted onto a purpose-built ferry at Villa San Giovanni train station in Calabria, on mainland Italy. The ferry then crosses the Strait of Messina to the island of Sicily. Once aboard, passengers are free to roam about the ferry during the 30-minute crossing to Messina.

As the last passenger train in Europe to offer this unique train-ferry service, it’s an experience not to be missed during your rail journey in Italy.