Rail tours cover more ground, letting you relax and observe as the constantly morphing landscapes roll by. And when you’re not on the move, there are ample opportunities to get to know cities and cultures, take walking and boating excursions, and sample local wines and delicacies. Browse these budget train tours today and get yourself on track for adventure.

One of the beauties of train holidays is the ability to get a taste of different countries in one package. For instance, you can start in Italy and travel all the way through central and eastern Europe to the ancient city of Istanbul. These low-cost European rail holidays often take you on heritage railways traversing some of the continent’s most beautiful countryside while stopping for tours of prominent cities like Zagreb, Belgrade and Sofia.

Budget guided train tours for young adults are amazing fun, giving you the run of Europe’s cities, beaches and night-life venues. On these multi-country jaunts, you can tick off the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Sagrada Familia in a matter of days while also experiencing the majestic beauty of the Alps, the achingly photogenic Cinque Terre, the quaint streets of old Lisbon and the gorgeous sands of the Algarve. What’s not to like?

There is such a wide variety of rail tour itineraries in Europe. You can concentrate on Mediterranean coastal cities or explore particular regions such as the Pyrenees, splitting your time between France and Spain and enjoying stunning mountains views. Other budget France/Spain train trips focus on food culture, exploring for instance the wines of Bordeaux and the pintxos of San Sebastian. Meanwhile, low cost Spain/Morocco rail journeys immerse you in the Moorish culture and history that has left such a spectacular legacy in both countries.

Further afield, we have excellent value railway tours of India which provide a perfect way to delve deep into the culture, traditions and religious heritage of this fascinating country. You can watch the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, watch a Ganga Aarti ceremony at the ghats in Varanasi, and learn about Sikhism at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. From rides along the Himalayan foothills to boat trips on the Ganges, these tours offer an authentic experience of India in its many guises.

Cheap rail-based tours in China cover large swathes of this vast country, meaning that you discover the great metropolises of Beijing and Shanghai but also get to see a different side of China in small rural villages. Boat trips on the Li and Yangtze, visits to the Chengdu Panda Centre and tours of historical highlights such as the Terracotta Army and the Forbidden City will make your Chinese adventure complete.

Rail tours are an ideal option for solo travellers, blending relaxation and discovery. Browse our full range of solo traveller packages to amazing destinations throughout the world.

Less