great rail journeys 2023 uk

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Reviews 4.8.

8,030 total

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August 5th Grand Train Tour

Our 11 day train tour was amazing, sights that were breathtaking. Good group of people led by Simon Lowe. He was great in getting us to and from every stop, as well as sharing his knowledge. Hotels were just ok, mainly due to most having no AC. Trains were great. in 11 days we rode on 27 different trains and never missed a connection. Thank you Simon.

Date of experience : 05 August 2024

The ease of booking is great

The ease of booking is great. Having travelled with Great Rail Journeys on our Passau to Budapest, Danube River Cruise honeymoon last September I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate our first anniversary. Our ship was the MS Amadeus Riva and the customer service was excellent. We can't wait to embark on our Moselle and Rhine river cruise aboard the MS Amadeus Imperial.

Date of experience : 12 August 2024

Reply from Great Rail Journeys

Hi John, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and your continued support. That is wonderful to hear! Have an amazing anniversary tour! Sophie.

A good intro

Gail was friendly and efficient in finding and advising on our choice of cruise. She explained luggage allowances, practical advice about the holiday and necessary things to check before travel. I also felt that if I needed more information, this would be dealt with courteously, rather than as a nuisance for not listening properly in the first place.

Date of experience : 11 August 2024

Hi Sandy, Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. I will make sure to pass your praise across to Gail directly! Sophie.

Very excited to book our 11th GRJ

Very excited to book our 11th GRJ. Plenty of suitable holidays for us to choose from and the booking process was straightforward.

Date of experience : 16 August 2024

The only thing that I would add is that…

The only thing that I would add is that on the form you said that I HAD TO HAVE INSURANCE. A telephone call to one of your operatives soon cleared that, and she said that will be removed from your website.

Date of experience : 13 August 2024

Hi Kevin, Thank you for your review. I am sorry for any miscommunication, although we always recommend taking out insurance, this is completely up to you. We are in the process of updating our details. Sophie

Booking easy and good communications

I found almost exactly the trip I had wanted to do to Portugal, in the latest brochure. I had been planning to organise it myself but Great Rail itinerary is even better than my planed trip

Date of experience : 08 August 2024

Hi Martin, Thank you for your review. That is wonderful to hear! Have an amazing time in Portugal! Sophie.

EXCELLENT help

EXCELLENT help including recognition of our Gold membership. care and effort put into our booking eg with use of record to confirm our passport number. The highstandard lof Great RAIIL was maintained. Geoffrey Mercer

Date of experience : 14 August 2024

Hi Geoffrey, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, and for your continued support! That is wonderful to hear! Sophie

Complex booking handled skillfully

Lynn was the agent and handled the bookings for three couples who wanted to travel together. Very informative and very helpful

Dear Mr Brabrook, Thank you for your review. That is wonderful to hear! I have made sure to pass your lovely praise across to Lynn directly! Sophie

Knowledgable Chloe made it easy!!

Knowledgable Chloe made our booking easy!! We have always enjoyed having a holiday with rail discoveries. Good value for money and helpful guides and fellow passengers!!

Date of experience : 07 August 2024

Hi Richard, Thank you for your lovely review and continued support. That is fantastic to hear! I will make sure to share your feedback with Chloe directly! Sophie

Chloe helped us and made it hassle free…

Chloe helped us and made it hassle free and an enjoyable experience to book our holiday. We had a few questions which she helped us with and allayed any worries we had.

Date of experience : 10 August 2024

Hi Chris, Thank you for your lovely review. That is brilliant to hear! I will make sure to pass your praise across to Chloe directly! Sophie

Very helpful travel advisor

Lynne the travel advisor was very helpful in resolving my query. Now looking forward to my holiday.

Dear Mrs Walker, Thank you for your review. That is brilliant to hear! I have shared your praise with Lynne directly. Have a wonderful tour! Sophie

Very easy to make the booking and very…

Very easy to make the booking and very helpful on the phone if you have additional questions.

I was delighted with the first class…

I was delighted with the first class service I received from Lyn when booking our holiday to the Isle of Man. She spent considerable time ensuring we got what we requested. Many thanks Lyn

Hi Gerald, Thank you for your review. That is wonderful to hear! I will make sure to pass your lovely praise across to Lyn directly. Sophie

Lot of information on website

Lot of information on website, very easy to book

Date of experience : 15 August 2024

Staff gave all information sand helpful with changes

Booking went well, but after reviewing the cabin allocated rang to change. That was done ok. Then got a letter indicating I could get a discount, and that was applied. I had booked Eurostar standard premier but did not appear on booking sheet. Rang to check. It would be very helpful, is the train ticket class was added to the train information. The advert for the trip indicated a £250 saving for train, but it did not apply unless you booked an expensive cabin. I think that information should have been made plain in the advert.

My booking was handled promptly

My booking was handled promptly, with all questions answered, and in a pleasant manner, making it an enjoyable experience.

Hi David, Thank you for your review. That is brilliant to hear! I will make sure to pass your praise across to our team! Sophie

Customer service professional and polite…

Got through to customer service person quickly. He was very professional, polite. Seems to have sorted out my issue but I think I will follow up with an email. Just in case.

Date of experience : 02 August 2024

Hi Linda, Thank you for your review. That is great to hear! I completely understand sending a follow up email to make sure. I will make sure to pass your praise across to Luke directly! Sophie

So helpful, it was really easy to call and book my holiday, the website is full of useful tips when travelling. I'm extremely happy with the service I recieved.

Date of experience : 06 August 2024

Hi Karen, Thank you for your review. That is wonderful to hear! Sophie

Very poor customer service follow up…

Very poor customer service follow up and communication. My husband left behind a hat in our recent trip. I was told by Tina McCoy that the hat was found. Sophie Cramb said they were sending it to us. (7/5/2024/. Luke Sidaway said he would get an update for me. So far no one has responded to my request. Poor follow up

Hi Cecilia, Thank you for your review. I do apologise for the service you have received post tour. I have reached out to you directly, so we can resolve this. Sophie

This was our first Great Rail Journey and it exceeded all our expectations. All the train journeys were outstanding with breathtaking views. Catherine, our tour manager, was excellent, ensuring that everyone had the best time. All the hotels were excellent, but the Hotel Continental is definitely worthy of 5 stars. The staff were exceptional and we felt thoroughly spoilt (we upgraded to the superior room). The balance of escorted trips and rest days were perfect. I thoroughly recommend this trip.

Date of experience : 22 July 2024

Hi Jackie, Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. That is wonderful to hear! I will make sure to pass your comments across to our team, suppliers and Catherine directly. We hope to see you again in the future for more fantastic tours! Sophie

Give us a bell: 07738 472320

Great Rail Journeys New Tours to Explore for 2023

• Posted on November 2, 2022

Travellers can step into their next European adventure, with leading escorted tour provider’s new Hidden Treasures of Tuscany and Classical Greece tours launching next spring.

The UK’s leading escorted rail provider, Great Rail Journeys , is excited to announce the addition of two brand new European tours to its ever-growing portfolio of destinations next Spring.

Following Great Rail Journeys research revealing that Italy is the number one European destination for 2023 [1] , holiday goers will relish in the chance to explore one of its many wonders via its brand new Hidden Treasures of Tuscany tour . From a perfectly picturesque walking tour of the Renaissance city of Florence to celebrating the rustic treasures of local villages, this new tour is set to be in high demand as travellers are on track to visit this sought-after destination next year.

Those wanting to step back in time can retrace the steps of the ancients on an epic tour of Cla s sical Greece and Athens . Travellers can take a trip through ‘the cradle of Western Civilisation’, as they have the opportunity to visit the birthplace of the Olympic Games, view the medieval monasteries of Meteora, as well as enjoy authentic cultural experiences like truffle hunting and a Greek cookery class. This fantastic tour offers holiday goers the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the wonders of this picturesque country and experience it through the eyes of a local.

Both perfectly curated escorted tours will guarantee memories to last a lifetime. Hosted by an experienced tour manager throughout, and with no hidden costs, holidaymakers can be reassured that their trip will run smoothy from start to finish as they embark on an adventure filled with incredible experiences along the way.

Hidden Treasures of Tuscany – 10 days from £2,495 per person Celebrating the rustic treasures, culinary delights and Renaissance cities of beautiful Tuscany, this tour explores everything this region has to offer from its idyllic Tuscan countryside to medieval villages as well as unique rail journeys to food and wine festivals where passengers can sample local delicacies.

Food fanatics will love travelling on a classic steam-hauled journey ahead of immersing themselves in local village festivities that celebrate the delicious local selection of wine, truffles and olive oil. Travelers will also visit Perugia, home of the famous ‘Baci’ chocolates – a perfect pit stop for those who have a sweet tooth.

The tours final destination is picturesque Florence, providing the perfect end to this charming Italian adventure. Passengers will have the opportunity to submerge themselves in the Tuscan capital’s rich history and vibrant culture before travelling back to London.

PRICE: £2,495 per person. Includes all rail and transfer travel throughout your tour. 9 nights’ in 4* accommodation. 19 meals including 9 breakfast’s, 1 lunch and 9 dinners. The services of a professional UK Tour Manager is provided from start to finish.

Classical Greece and Athens   13 days from £2,995 per person*

A wondrous discovery of Classical Greece, these tours offer passengers the chance to step back in time as they explore everything this wonderful country has to offer.

Key highlights of the tour include the opportunity to climb Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where travellers will visit two of the six surviving medieval monasteries perilously perched on rocky pinnacles. History lovers will also relish the opportunity to explore the fascinating fortress city of Mycenae and experience the extraordinary Amphitheatre of Epidaurus, as well as discover the major sites of Athens’ Acropolis and Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Wine aficionados will enjoy tasting local wines at a Nemea winery alongside an authentic lunch and truffle hunting experience, before enjoying an authentic Greek cookery class.

This tour also includes a journey on the scenic Odontos rack railway from Kalavryta to Diakopto, on the Corinthian Gulf providing picturesque views and creating memories certain to last a lifetime.

PRICE: £2,995 per person. Includes all rail travel. 13 nights in 4* accommodation. 19 meals including breakfast’s each day, 4 lunches and 5 dinners. The service of a professional UK Tour Manager is provided from start to finish.

[1] Consumer research commissioned by Great Rail Journeys with Research Bods, to 1,000 nationally representative UK adult respondents, 11.02.22 – 16.02.22.

Images courtesy of unsplash.com

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24 of the greatest rail journeys around the world

The world's greatest train holidays to take for an amazing adventure

With more travellers choosing trains over planes these days, we thought we'd take a look at the world's greatest rail journeys for an unforgettable holiday.

Proving that trains aren't just about getting you from A to B, the world's greatest rail journeys take in fantastic sites, picturesque towns and villages, and amazing wildlife.

We all know that rail travel provides a more eco-friendly and often more affordable way of getting around, but you don't have to compromise on style and luxury when you travel by train.

The great railway journeys of the world include incredible train holidays in the UK, such as the Jacobite in the Scottish Highlands, and amazing train journeys in Europe, like the Bernina Express .

They also allow you to experience the finest things in life, like the champagne and gourmet meals served on the British Pullman and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and the impressive picture windows and comfy interior of the Glacier Express .

To show you why we're celebrating the beauty of great rail journeys, we've picked the very best ones in the UK and the rest of the world to take this year or next.

Whether you're looking for Swiss train holidays in summer or winter or far-flung adventures by rail, you'll love our dreamy bucket list escapes.

Check out the greatest rail journeys, from steam train rides in England to scenic rail holidays in Europe.

Jacobite Steam Train - Great rail journeys

The wonderful Jacobite steam train takes rail holidaymakers from Fort William to Mallaig on an 84-mile steam-hauled journey through spectacular Scottish Highland scenery.

You’ll encounter craggy coastlines and sparkling loch waters on a route that’s packed with superlatives.

One highlight is passing over the amazing 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, just like Harry Potter did in the films.

Experience the Jacobite, along with a Loch Katrine cruise and a ride on the Falkirk Wheel during a four-day Scottish steam adventure, which includes the chance to meet broadcaster Kirsty Wark.

FIND OUT MORE

Rocky Mountaineer - Great rail journeys

The iconic Rocky Mountaineer train takes passengers across the dramatic wilderness of Canada’s epic mountain range the Rockies, weaving through tunnels across glacial rivers and verdant woods.

It offers a chance to spot grizzly bears, golden eagles and other alpine wildlife from its panoramic windows for a world-class rail holiday.

There are routes through Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise, Kamloops, Whistler and Vancouver, and because the train only ever travels during daylight hours, you'll be able to enjoy astonishing views of Canada's scenery as you travel.

Ride the Rocky Mountaineer through Canada's stunning scenery on an unforgettable 13-day tour of Canada and Alaska.

Bernina Express - Great rail journeys

An excellent rail line for anyone wanting to take in the beauty of the Italian and Swiss Alps is the breathtaking Bernina Express, which offers scenic European train travel at its finest.

This world-famous alpine train route takes passengers from Tirana in Italy to St Moritz in Switzerland, passing stunning mountain tops and pristine lakes along the way.

The spacious, panoramic carriages provide a unique viewpoint for you to admire the best of Switzerland’s scenery on a rail holiday you'll never forget.

Travel on the Bernina Express to St Moritz on Good Housekeeping's eight-day trip to Italy and Switzerland.

Renon Railway — Great rail journeys

Take a trip on the narrow-gauge Renon Railway in the South Tyrol in northern Italy, a small, hundred-year-old train that transports passengers across the Ritten plateau on an 18-minute journey to Collalbo, a pretty town that's a real magnet for walkers.

Some of the original cars are still operational, whereas others have been replaced with modern counterparts. Either way, you'll get simply superb views of the mountainous scenery.

Try the Renon Railway and other famous train journeys through the Dolomites on Good Housekeeping's delightful nine-day trip to Italy.

Poppy Line - Great rail journeys

One of Britain's best heritage railways is the North Norfolk Railway, or the Poppy Line as it is also known.

The relaxed train journey takes passengers from Sheringham along the coast to Weybourne and through beautiful heathland to Holt.

Its steam trains are run by volunteers and offer a slow-paced holiday in Norfolk. You'll want to check out the 1950s waiting room and restored signal box at Sheringham Station.

Ride the Poppy Line with Lucy Worsley on a tour of Norfolk and Sandringham by rail with celebrated historian Lucy Worsley.

The Centovalli Railway - Great rail journeys

The Centovalli Railway is one of the lesser-known routes between the lakeside Swiss town of Locarno and the northern Italian city of Domodossola.

The enchanting route will take you past romantic villages, lush green hills, sweeping valleys, and glistening waterfalls. You'll also cross an incredible 83 bridges and viaducts on the 50-kilometre route, including the impressive viaduct at Intragna.

Take a ride on the Centovalli Railway as part of Good Housekeeping's nine-day no-fly tour of the Italian lakes and the majestic peaks of Switzerland.

Bure Valley Railway - Great rail journeys

One of Britain’s most picturesque regions, Norfolk is full of beautiful sights, from the famous Broads to its magnificent stately homes. It's also a great spot for a foodie break, with its rich agricultural heritage and long coastline. As if that wasn’t tempting enough, you can travel by train through Norfolk on a number of historic railways.

The Bure Valley Railway is one of the best. Hop on board a steam train for a nostalgic trip along Norfolk’s longest narrow-gauge railway. The 18-mile round trip runs from the quaint market town of Aylsham and bustling Wroxham, taking you through the delightful Bure Valley.

You can enjoy a ride on the Bure Valley Railway during a five-day trip to Norfolk - where you'll also tour Sandringham with Lucy Worsley.

Rauma Railway - Great rail journeys

Lovers of lakes and mountain scenery will want to add Norway’s Rauma Railway to their travel plans for 2024.

Stretching 114km, the route takes you from the pretty winter sports resort of Dombas all the way to the mouth of the River Rauma at Andalsnes, passing over 32 bridges and through six different tunnels.

During your journey, you’ll glide past rocky peaks, deep valleys, iconic fjords and thick forests, all of the countryside making Norway a special destination for nature lovers. The granite Kylling Bridge is a highlight, with the Rauma River tumbling over the rocks 200 feet below and the dramatic Vermafossen waterfall nearby.

You'll have the chance to ride the Rauma Railway on our week-long cruise around Norway's incredible fjords and enjoy one of the most scenic parts of the country by rail.

Shinkansen - Great rail journeys

Clean, punctual and speedy, the Shinkansen, or Japan 's bullet train, is the fastest and most comfortable route between Tokyo and Osaka, arriving in a record time of just 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Thanks to the incredible feats of engineering, your surroundings will mostly whizz past so quickly that you’ll be lucky to catch a glimpse! Riding the Tokaido Shinkansen is a fascinating cultural experience that makes for a long-haul rail holiday to remember.

Experience the thrill of the bullet train on our 13-day trip to Japan. You'll ride the iconic train from Tokyo to to Odawara, where you'll a boat trip on tranquil Lake Ashi before ascending over 2,000 metres up Mount Fuji.

Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway - Great rail journeys

Transporting you through the atmospheric landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales in beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages, this great rail journey conjures up scenes from countless classics of English literature.

You’ll stop at Oakworth Station along the way, which you might recognise from the 1970 film The Railway Children . It’s barely changed in the decades since and adds to the sense of nostalgia on this charming English steam train journey.

Ride the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway during Good Housekeeping's delightful five-day walking tour of the Yorkshire Dales.

Trinichellu — Great rail journeys

Crisscrossing Corsica are the little trinichellu, small trains mounted onto narrow tracks, which make their way across the island and up and down the coast between Calvi and Ile-Rousse. They're mostly used as a shuttle service for the beaches, providing passengers with glorious views as they're transported to Corsica's lovely coastline, lapped with clear water.

Board the trinichellu in Corté, and the train crosses the Eiffel bridge - or the Vecchio Viaduct to give it its official name - and it seems to zig-zag around the bends all the way to the beach at Ajaccio.

Ride the little trains of Corsica during Good Housekeeping's delightful nine-day holiday, including a ride along the coast to Calvi, where you'll enjoy its beautiful beaches and crescent-shaped bay.

Glacier Express - Great rail journeys

Another must-do Swiss rail holiday is the Glacier Express, a wonderful train that allows you to truly appreciate the romantic scenery of the Swiss Alps. Autumn and winter are great seasons to visit, where the landscapes are enhanced by fiery orange hues or covered in a thick blanket of pristine snow.

Dubbed the world's slowest express train, it's an eight-hour experience that takes you through forests, over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, with the majestic peaks of the Alps all around.

The large windows allow you to take in all the views, with highlights including the arches of the Landwasser Viaduct and the jagged scenes of the Rhine Gorge.

Join Good Housekeeping for a very special ride on the Glacier Express during a five-day trip to Switzerland. You'll enjoy a three-course lunch while you ascend into the mountains, travelling through the dramatic Oberalp Pass.

Mont Blanc Express - Great rail journeys

Glide through the beautiful French Alps all the way to the foot of their tallest mountain, Mont Blanc , on this magical journey that’s straight out of a postcard.

Comfortable carriages with large picture windows will let you take in all of the beautiful views as you travel from Martigny in Switzerland to the French village of Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains – with mighty Mont Blanc views along the way.

You’ll pass over arched bridges, across leafy valleys, through tunnels and by pretty pine forests, and you can connect to the Brevent cable car in Chamonix. This will take you 2,525 metres above sea level for truly spectacular panoramic views of the Chamonix Valley.

Experience the Mont Blanc Express on a relaxing six-day holiday with Good Housekeeping, which includes a stay on the shores of Lake Annecy.

British Pullman, A Belmond Train - Great rail journeys

This opulent train is steeped in history. Its elegant carriages have starred in Hollywood films, formed part of Winston Churchill’s funeral train, and transported several members of the Royal Family.

A ride on the British Pullman, A Belmond Train will have you feeling like a royal yourself. You'll be welcomed aboard this beautifully restored 1920s train with a chilled Bellini cocktail before sitting back in a decadent art deco carriage at a table set with crisp white linens.

The Ghan - Great rail journeys

In 2024, one of the world’s most iconic rail journeys sees the 20th anniversary of the final section of its line opening – the portion from Alice Springs to Darwin. This is probably the best and certainly the most civilised way to discover some of Australia’s vast and breathtaking interior, with off-train experiences available en route now including the Cutta Cutta Caves and Standley Chasm as well as the likes of guided camel tours and scenic helicopter rides.

The Adelaide–Darwin trip, available in both directions, takes three days and two nights, or you can also do The Red Explorer from Adelaide or Darwin to Alice Springs (or vice versa) over two days and one night.

Avon Valley Railway - Great rail journeys

When you picture the English countryside, chances are the image in your head is a lot like the stretch of endless green from the Cotswolds to the West Country. This charming rural region is a land of rolling hills, ancient fields and pretty stone villages – and a lovely way to experience it is onboard the Avon Valley Railway.

Taking passengers between Bitton – which has been restored to match a classic Victorian station – Oldland Common and Avon Riverside, the line operates classic heritage carriages that will take you back to the glory days of rail travel.

It’s the perfect nostalgic activity for a summer afternoon!

Flamsbana - Great rail journeys

To admire some of Norway’s most memorable mountain views without a difficult hike, simply hop onboard the Flamsbana 'Corkscrew Railway' – one of the world’s steepest standard gauge railways.

The spectacular one-hour route takes you from the village of Myrdal – 866 metres above sea level – down to Flam, on the shores of Aurlandsfjord, along tracks that spiral down the hillside.

You’ll glide past cascading waterfalls like the Kjosfossen as you head into the thickly forested valley – usually coated with glistening snow in winter – and come away with brilliant photos of your unforgettable train journey.

Royal Scotsman - Great rail journeys

Enjoy all the magic of the Scottish Highlands in total luxury on Belmond’s opulent Royal Scotsman train, whose ten Edwardian carriages include an elegant dining room, ensuite cabins with sumptuous beds and picture windows, and even Britain’s first spa on a train – so you can relax with an indulgent beauty treatment as you chug past sky-high peaks and dramatic valleys.

You'll see the highlights of the Highlands on your journey, including Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis, the Isle of Bute and Mount Stuart, all the while savouring exquisite dishes inspired by the Scottish countryside, as well as fine wines and luxurious malt whiskies.

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway - Great rail journeys

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the UK’s first-ever national park, the Peak District, on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. It’s Derbyshire's longest heritage railway and will transport you from the gorgeous stone market town of Wirksworth, all narrow lanes and listed buildings, to Duffield, at the mouth of the River Ecclesbourne in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Area.

The scenery along the way is timeless, think tumbling streams, wide valleys and rolling hills as you pass under ancient bridges and along tracks lined with wildflowers.

For lovers of British heritage railways, this is a unique experience in one of the country’s greatest landscapes.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express - Great rail journeys

Perhaps the world's most famous and decadent train, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, is a truly magnificent way to travel. Life onboard is an elegant affair of fine dining and fine wines, where conversation and music continue into the night in the fabled Bar Car 3674, and midnight brunch is served.

There are several routes to choose from that travel between some of Europe's most beautiful cities - the likes of Cannes, Rome, Florence, and Venice, with a new route that'll take skiers from Paris to the snowy slopes of the French Alps from next December, too.

Lucky passengers can gaze out of the window of their cabin and watch incredible scenery roll by from the carriages of one of the most splendid trains of all time.

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Great rail journeys consolidates discoveries arm under main brand.

• August 19, 2024

York-based Great Rail Journeys Group has announced a strategic consolidation of its Rail Discoveries brand into the core Great Rail Journeys business to drive future growth.

In 2022, the Great Rail Journeys group initiated a strategic refresh, which included a redesign of the brand logos. This consolidation marks the next chapter in the evolution.

Capitalising on a record-breaking 2024 with a 30% revenue increase, the company is targeting ambitious growth of 50% for the coming year. Great Rail Journeys (GRJ) has long been a leader in the travel industry, while Rail Discoveries offered a value-focused travel option within the group’s portfolio. By uniting the two brands, the company can build upon this combined strength to deliver a more comprehensive travel experience for its customers.

“Bringing Rail Discoveries under the Great Rail Journeys umbrella as our Discoveries collection, is a natural evolution for our business,” said Dave Riley, CEO of the Great Rail Journeys group. “By combining our strengths, we can offer an even wider range of exceptional rail journeys to suit our travellers’ needs while leveraging the power of the Great Rail Journeys brand.”

While this consolidation streamlines operations under the Great Rail Journeys brand, both have always been part of the same entity. They will continue to offer the same knowledgeable tour managers, award-winning customer service team and reliable transportation services customers know and trust.

The consolidation will result in a seamless customer experience with no disruption to existing bookings or itineraries. Rail Discoveries tours will transition to the Great Rail Journeys website (www.greatrail.com) and be rebranded as the “Discoveries Collection.” Customers can continue to expect the same high-quality service, expert tour managers, and carefully curated itineraries that have been hallmarks of both brands.

To mark the occasion Great Rail Journeys has expanded its range of holidays to include more flight options on popular itineraries, including those to the Italian Lakes.

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Rail Discoveries brand absorbed into Great Rail Journeys

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The Rail Discoveries brand is been absorbed into the core Great Rail Journeys business to drive future growth.

The consolidation aims to streamline operations under the Great Rail Journeys brand.

Rail Discoveries offered a “value-focused” travel option within the group’s portfolio.

However, chief executive Dave Riley said: “Bringing Rail Discoveries under the Great Rail Journeys umbrella as our Discoveries collection, is a natural evolution for our business.  

“By combining our strengths, we can offer an even wider range of exceptional rail journeys to suit our travellers’ needs while leveraging the power of the Great Rail Journeys brand.”

The consolidation marks the next chapter in an evolution which started with strategic refresh in 2022, including a redesign of the brand logos.

Capitalising on a record-breaking 2024 with a claimed 30% revenue increase, the company is targeting ambitious growth of 50% for the coming year.  

The range of holidays including more flight options on popular itineraries is being expanded, including those to the Italian Lakes.

Riley added: “We’re marking a significant milestone as Rail Discoveries joins forces with the core Great Rail Journeys brand.  

“Our commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences remains stronger than ever and we see this as an exciting new chapter and growth for the business, investing in our strength and building a platform for growth – through Great Rail Journeys.

“This exciting evolution also allows us to offer an even wider array of exceptional travel experiences for our valued customers. We’re especially pleased to announce that we’re increasing the number of tours with flight options.  

“This means customers will have greater flexibility in choosing how to reach their destination, whether they prefer the classic charm of rail travel or the convenience of flying.

“The same great tours will be exclusively available on our Great Rail Journeys website and will be called our Discoveries collection.  

“There will be some slight differences on our website, however our brilliant tour managers, award-winning customer service team and reliable transportation services our customers know and trust with Rail Discoveries, will continue seamlessly.”

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Independent TV

Showing now | lifestyle.

Simon Calder | Saturday 17 August 2024 14:00 BST

How to travel sustainably around Europe by train

We're celebrating our favourite way to see Europe , by rail , in this episode of Travel Smart .

We look at how to see the best of France , Spain and Italy in the most sustainable way possible and Simon Calder answers your questions with Annabel Grossman on how to get the best ticket prices when travelling in Europe by train . So whether it's a short city break or an overnight sleeper, let Travel Smart get you to your destination.

Get all your travel updates with The Independent Travel section and Travel Smart , available on desktop, mobile and connected TV.

White-bellied pangolin pup born at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Business minister releases inner Swiftie in ticket tout warning

Sea lions carry cameras to help map ocean floor for first time

Ed Sheeran celebrates buying share of Ipswich Town with tractor ride

Editor’s picks.

Olympic climbers Erin McNeice and Shauna Coxsey share tips on strength

Team GB’s table tennis Olympians on how to get quicker

How did social media fuel the Southport rioters?

How to train like an Olympian: TeamGB’s Adam Burgess on decisions

Exploring the wilds of the Atlantic Islands

Lemoncello perform ‘Old Friend’ in Music Box session

How to spend your summer in Scotland

Simon Calder looks back on 30 years of travel with The Independent

Searching for the ‘Whitby Woman’

On the campaign trail with Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg

Life at 50C: Delhi’s streets struggling to cope with heatwave

Indian farmers use election to make voices heard against Narendra Modi

Baltimore will rebuild, but at what cost? | On The Ground

New Yorkers turn to self-defence classes as punching attacks continue

This 26-year-old could be Biden’s secret weapon | On The Ground

The NHS nurse fighting to be heard | On The Ground

What would a President Trump 2.0 look like?

When will the Cost of Living Crisis end?

How airlines greenwash the skies

Is it time to panic over AI? | Behind The Headlines

My personal struggle amid the global fight for abortion rights

Non-doms, ghost-doms and tax loopholes of the elite

The fight for LGBT+ rights in Poland

The war in Ukraine | Behind The Headlines

What is tactical voting - and why could it be a powerful tool?

Are ultra-processed foods bad for you?

Why are UK councils going bankrupt?

What causes the winter flu and how does it differ from other types?

How does the Iowa Caucus pick the next US president? | Decomplicated

Everything you need to know about the bedbug invasion | Decomplicated

What is Raac and why is it causing an issue in schools?

How does El Niño affect our weather? | Decomplicated

Viggo Mortensen on the role that got away

Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt pick their go-to karaoke songs

Actor Kevin Durand on how he found his inner ape

Go to Bat with Melanie Lynskey: My film that deserves more love

Oscars 2024: Who will win Best Actor and Actress?

Oscars 2024: Who will win Best Picture and Best Director?

Big Brother’s Jordan and Henry on life after the house

Baftas 2024: Best British film nominees you need to watch

Lemoncello perform ‘Sunflower’ in Music Box session

Boston trio Tiny Habits perform ‘Wishes’ for Music Box session

Boston trio Tiny Habits perform ‘Mudroom’ in Music Box session

The Mysterines perform ‘The Last Dance’ for Music Box

Rock band The Mysterines perform single ‘Stray’ for Music Box

Gareth Dunlop performs ‘Church’ in acoustic live set

Irish pop artist Gareth Dunlop performs Go Down Swinging for Music Box

The splendour along Lake Geneva as Montreux Jazz Festival plays

Go to where the wild things are with a safari holiday

How to master the art of the last minute holiday

How to island hop around the Caribbean like a pro

Here’s why Greece is still a firm family summer holiday favourite

Find your perfect seasonal city break

Mother of girl who died after Costa appeals for allergen training

Beijing launches drone food delivery service on Great Wall Of China

Paralympian on way to training saves driver from truck fire

Fight breaks out in Turkish parliament over jailed opposition MP

Harris outlines plans for first federal ban on food ‘price gouging’

Blackpool man sentenced for violent disorder in riots

Animal sanctuary rescues lion with ‘psychological issues’ from Ukraine

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visits flood-victim children

Olympic athletes let fans hold gold medals at homecoming

Arne Slot confident in Liverpool squad despite lack of transfers

Olympian watched opening ceremony at home before winning two medals

Meet the former Barcelona star promoting his content on OnlyFans

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui responds to Danny Dyer’s message

Earps becomes first female footballer to get Madame Tussauds waxwork

Boxer Khelif describes ‘joy’ on return home after winning Olympic gold

Fighter jets escort Taiwan’s Olympic athletes home after Paris Games

Surfers ride powerful 13ft waves amid weather warning

Floodwaters rage across Yelville as residents evacuated from homes

Greece shuts down Acropolis as temperatures hit almost 40 degrees

Eerie tornado sirens ring through downtown Chicago

Googlebox stars stuck in Jamaica as Hurricane Beryl makes landfall

Damaged boats sink in port after Hurricane Beryl lashes Barbados

Northern California wildfire forces thousands to evacuate

Cars swept away in New Mexico flash floods after wildfires

Ekin-Su: Going from one reality show to another has left me damaged

Taylor Swift shares the stage with Ed Sheeran at Eras tour in London

Kim Kardashian reveals her children try to set her up on dates

Celebrity Race Across The World: Jeff storms off from Freddie

Miranda Hart reveals she has been battling secret illness

Gen Z brings back retro item — but doesn’t know how to use it

Molly Mae Hague believed Tommy Fury relationship would last forever

First time Molly-Mae and Tommy meet resurfaces after split

Saudi Cup: ‘A true display of horsemanship’, says Prince Bandar

Princess Nourah praises young fashion designers on show at Saudi Cup

Andrew Strauss says Saudi is an eye opener

Saudi Arabia is ‘pushing limits’ of fashion creativity

Saudi Cup could become ‘the best race in the world’

Horseracing chiefs praise Saudi Cup

Saudi will become a ‘worldwide, year-long’ horseracing destination

Arabian horses ‘big part’ of global racing culture, says Damien Oliver

Galaxy the ripple effect.

Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE on the imposter syndrome epidemic

Finance coach Ellie Austin-Williams on the psychology of money

Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE on how to tackle imposter syndrome

Simple ways to boost your money situation with Ellie Austin-Williams

E.on next power switch.

Episode One - Cooking

Episode Two - Entertainment

Episode Three - Body Care

Episode Four - Lighting

Big in america.

Can Willsow’s children’s books pique the interest of the US market?

Will the founders of Spice Kitchen be able to find US retailers?

Co-founders of See.Sense bring their cycle safe tech to New York City

Collctiv fintech founder Amy Whitell tries to crack the US tech market

The maritime tech guru taking high-speed ferries across the Atlantic

Saudi green initiative.

Saudi government doesn’t ‘pay lip service’ on climate action

SGI ‘seems like a nest of harmony’, journalist says

SGI ambitions are ‘extremely high’, says Saudi climate envoy

Saudi Green Initiative aims to ‘not just preserve, but create’

Expert explains how ‘blended finance’ can help achieve net zero

SGI can be a ‘catalyst’ for Saudi Arabia, head of SABB says

Kaust professor ‘inspired’ by Saudi efforts to save coral reefs

Watch in full: Day two of the Saudi Green Initiative Forum

Gérard Mestrallet on the challenges of bringing infrastructure to the region of AlUla

Sir George Iacobescu, chairman of the Canary Wharf Group on the investment into the historic region of AlUla

Oliver Ripley of sustainable hotel group Habitas talks about how AlUla challenged his preconceptions of Saudi Arabia

Thomas Kaplan of wild cat conservation charity Panthera on the mission to save the Arabian Leopard

How AlUla’s sustainability plan will stand the test of time - webinar

Discover AlUla: The Journey Through Time

AlUla Oasis View Trail

Stargazing Experience

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Chaos at Waterloo station as severe disruption expected for ‘the rest of the day’

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Hundreds of passengers at London’s Waterloo station are in for a tough time this evening as major disruption is expected for the rest of the day.

Lines have been reopened after police dealt with a ‘trespassing’ incident at Gillingham this afternoon which led to departures grinding to a halt.

Trains running between Wimbledon and Surbiton may still be cancelled, delayed by up to 90 minutes or revised, National Rail announced.

Journeys between Richmond and Willesden Junction may be also be cancelled or revised after a fire next to the track between Gunnersbury and South Acton means that all lines are blocked.

Unused tickets dated for today will still be valid tomorrow, the operator confirmed.

• 11h ago Update after issues between Euston and Watford
• 19h ago Delays on trains through Hereford
• 19h ago Central lines disruption

Flights grounded at Lanzarote after haze

Flights have been suspended a Lanzarote’s Cesar Manrique Airport after intense haze and calima phenomenon which is caused by dust from the Sahara Desert.

Flights were rerouted to Fuerteventura, including flights from Dublin, Birmingham and Leeds, according to Canarian Weekly.

A number of other flights appeared as delayed on Flightradar24, while some holiday flight arrivals were listed only as scheduled.

Trespasser disrupts South Western Railway trains

Train service between Raynes Park and Surbiton closed the railway line this afternoon.

While all lines have now reopened, some trains could still be cancelled, delayed or revised as service tries to return to normal.

Disruption is expected until 4pm.

Following trespass on the railway between Raynes Park and Surbiton all lines have now reopened. ⏱️ At this time, we estimate that disruption to our services will end at 16:00. More information: https://t.co/imkvCCexC2 — SWR Help (@SW_Help) August 19, 2024

Congestion after giant harvester blocks road

A busy A-road was blocked in Berkshire after a harvester fell off the back of a truck and blocked the road.

Drivers are still facing delays northbound on the A34 between East Ilsley and the A4185 (Chilton) as traffic resumes to normal after the incident.

National Highways warned of severe delays and six miles of congestion on approach at lunchtime.

Delays on the Metropolitan line

The Metropolitan line is reporting minor delays between Moor Park and Chesham due to train cancellations, the latest TfL update shows.

Next train will depart from Chesham at 2.30pm, TfL says.

Update after issues between Euston and Watford

The disruption between London Euston and Watford Junction is no longer affecting Southern trains, but Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern Railway are still experiencing delays and cancellations.

Trains could be cancelled, delayed by up to 40 minutes or revised, and disruption is expected until 2.30pm, National Rail warned.

Here are the routes that are still affected this lunchtime.

• Avanti West Coast between London Euston and Birmingham New Street / Wolverhampton / Chester / Holyhead / Liverpool Lime Street / Manchester Piccadilly / Blackpool North / Lancaster / Glasgow Central / Edinburgh
• London Northwestern Railway between London Euston and Tring / Milton Keynes Central / Northampton / Rugby / Birmingham New Street / Crewe

Appeal after five motorcyclists die less than an hour apart

Five motorcyclists have been killed after a crash on the A52 near Buxton, Derbyshire, followed by another crash less than an hour later on the A4 yesterday.

Police have appealed for any eyewitnesses and dashcam footage.

Five motorcyclists die after two crashes less than an hour apart

Hurricane Ernesto could affect travel

The remnants of Hurricane Ernesto are expected to sweep across the UK this week, with the Met Office predicting heavy rain and wind gusts up to 60mph.

Scotland is set to feel the brunt of Ernesto as the forecaster issued three yellow weather warnings ahead of up to 150mm expected within 24 hours.

The Met Office said there could be delays to public transport, spray and flooding on roads along with potential power cuts and flooding in homes and businesses.

Tail end of Hurricane Ernesto to batter UK with weather warnings issued

Surge in drivers visited by bailiffs for unpaid fines

A record number of drivers were visited by bailiffs over unpaid fines, new figures have revealed.

Around 4 million penalty charge notices (PCNs) dished out to drivers were referred to enforcement agencies in the 2023-24 financial year, The Times reports.

There has been a steady rise in the number of drivers referred to bailiffs – up from 2.4 million in the previous year, and from 1.9 million in 2019-20.

Russel Hamblin-Boone, the CEO of the Civil Enforcement Association, the trade body for bailiffs who compiled the data, said the increase is caused by a combination of a post-Covid backlog of court proceedings and ‘clear air zones, Ulez and other emission reduction strategies.’

He said some have given themselves ‘permission to act with impunity.’

‘Antisocial behaviour is being normalised and we see selfish actions daily: motorists not respecting rules, parking where they want and ignoring traffic regulations,’ he added.

Edmund King, the president of the motoring organisation the AA, told drivers who receive a ticket to ‘pay up or challenge it rather than ignore it.’

He said he believes the increase is ‘partly due to the increase in local authority enforcement of moving offences, yellow box junctions, more complex bus lanes and bus gates, and clean air zones.’

‘Often the driver is concentrating on frequently changing speed limits and signage outlining restrictions, rather than the road ahead,’ he continued.

Sometimes drivers will ignore fines as their number plates have been cloned, but King said even then motorists should raise the issue with the council rather than ignore it.

Why do fines escalate to bailiffs?

When a motorist fails to pay a PCN despite several requests, councils transfer cases to an enforcement agency which initially sends a letter, costing the recipient £75 on top of their fine.

If payment is still not made, the agency sends bailiffs to take control of goods belonging to the motorist, such as their car.

This visit adds £235 to the bill.

Drivers warned of delays near M25 in Kent

The A21 was briefly shut northbound in Kent after a car fire.

The carriageway approaching the M25 at junction J5 at Chipstead was closed after the incident.

Drivers faced 50 minute delays and three miles of tailbacks until the road reopened.

National Highways said delays ‘should now start to ease’ after all lanes opened.

No trains between Shepherd’s Bush and Watford

There are no trains between Shepherd’s Bush and Watford Junction after another points failure.

Passengers will need to find an alternative route between these stations after the closure, which is expected to last until 2pm, National Rail said.

The route between East Croydon, Selhurst and Watford Junction is affected, with trains facing cancellations and delays.

Here are the affected routes.

• Avanti West Coast between London Euston and Birmingham New Street / Wolverhampton / Chester / Holyhead / Liverpool Lime Street / Manchester Piccadilly / Blackpool North / Lancaster / Glasgow Central / Edinburgh
• Southern between East Croydon / Selhurst and Watford Junction

🚧In case you missed it earlier, services are not running between Clapham Junction and Watford Junction due to a points failure 🕓Please allow extra time for your journey and use the journey planner below 👇 https://t.co/sy1p153kIN — Southern (@SouthernRailUK) August 19, 2024

Delays on trains through Hereford

Passengers face cancellations and delays to their train journeys through Hereford after a points failure.

Disruption is expected until 10am, according to National Rail, but this could change.

Trains running through Hereford could be cancelled or delayed by up to 35 minutes.

• Great Western Railway between Hereford and London Paddington
• Transport for Wales between Manchester Piccadilly and Cardiff Central / Carmarthen / Swansea / Milford Haven, and between Crewe and Cardiff Central / Carmarthen, and also between Holyhead / Shrewsbury and Cardiff Central
• West Midlands Railway between Hereford and Worcester Shrub Hill / Birmingham New Street

Central lines disruption

Part of the busy commuter line has been suspended this morning due to a signal failure at Woodford.

This means there is no service between Leytonstone and Epping, and between Woodford and Hainault until the fault is repaired.

The rest of the line has minor delays, the TfL status update says.

Elsewhere on the Tube, the Metropolitan line has minor delays, while part of the Piccadilly line is out of service for planned works for new trains.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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