Latest news with #GreatRailJourneys
Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Telegraph
Win a six-night Carcassonne escorted tour in France worth more than £3,500
Great Rail Journeys is offering you and one guest the chance to discover the charming city of Carcassonne and surrounding region in France in what will be an unforgettable adventure. On the six-night Five-Star Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards tour, you'll be captivated by the timeless charm, landmarks and gastronomy of this compelling French region. You'll explore historic Carcassonne, the Cathar castles and Narbonne on this luxurious five-star break, which includes a private lunch and wine-tasting at a historic château. There will be time to stroll amongst the city's magical walled fortress on a guided tour of its medieval marvels and uncover the mysterious history of the four hillside Châteaux de Lastours, before discovering the beautiful city of Narbonne. Then, soak up the atmosphere on a trip to Mirepoix's famed weekly market and savour a delicious lunch and wine tasting at the wonderful Château de Pennautier. Departing from London's King Cross on Eurostar with your dedicated tour manager, you will travel to Paris then connect to Toulouse – travelling first class – then transfer to Carcassonne, where you will stay at the elegant five-star Hotel du Roi & Spa by Sowell for six nights. Among the excursions, all included on this escorted tour, you will visit the walled medieval city of Carcassonne, which has earned Unesco World Heritage Site status thanks to this beautifully preserved citadel's architecture. Continuing the journey back in time, you'll also tour the majestic hilltop castle of Château Comtal. The Roman port of Narbonne is also on your itinerary, giving you the chance to explore the imposing Gothic cathedral and the main square before diving into Les Halles, the intoxicating indoor food market, which is an explosion of tastes and scents. Here you can sample locally produced delicacies before moving on to the sweeping grand Archbishop's Palace, with its impressive art collection. An excursion to Châteaux de Lastours is another part of this enriching escape. After being wowed by the panoramic views of the glorious landscape of hills and valleys from the Belvedere Viewpoint, you'll head to the scenic Minevois wine region where you can enjoy the local wines over a four-course lunch. The trip will end on a high as you head to Château de Pennaultier, a picturesque 17th-century stately home, set in idyllic surroundings. After a tour of this majestic landmark you'll be given rare access to the wine cellar, where you'll be treated to a private tasting session, followed by a four-course lunch and pairings in the château's charming restaurant. Enter before 23.59 on July 4 2025. UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland residents only. 18+. Submit entries and see full terms and conditions at Visit Great Rail Journeys' website for mobility rating information - Tour rated Level 3 'Comfortable Traveller'. Your prize includes:
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GREAT RAIL JOURNEYS, PARENT COMPANY OF US-BASED VACATIONS BY RAIL®, ACQUIRED BY VITRUVIAN PARTNERS AS POPULARITY OF RAIL TRAVEL CONTINUES TO SKYROCKET
CHICAGO, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Great Rail Journeys, a leading provider of luxury tours serving over 40 countries globally, announced that it has been acquired by UK-based private equity firm Vitruvian Partners. Great Rail Journeys is the parent company of Chicago based Vacations By Rail®, North America's premier small group and independent tour operator and trusted authority on rail. The acquisition will see the departure of previous investors Duke Street Capital, and the current management team, led by Great Rail Journeys' CEO Dave Riley, will remain. Great Rail Journeys was founded in York, England in 1973 as a family-run business focused on rail tours for UK travelers in the UK and Europe and grew to its current position of offering more than 400 itineraries around the world and becoming the global provider of premium experience-led travel. In 2019, it acquired Vacations by Rail to tap into the growing United States travel interest. "We have tripled the size of our US business, achieved market leading growth in the UK, and grown beyond rail with the addition of European river cruises and wider land touring program. For more than 50 years, we have set the standard in tours for both new and returning customers, and I am excited about the next chapter of our journey. I look forward to working with Vitruvian to deliver on our growth ambitions," said Riley. Vitruvian Partners is a global investor in the travel and travel tech sector, with current investments including Travel Counsellors, Sykes Cottages, Civitatis, Klook and OAG, in addition to prior investments in Skyscanner and JacTravel. Ben Johnson, partner at Vitruvian Partners, said, "We are excited to partner with Dave and his team and share their ambition for the company to become the global market leader in escorted travel for those who enjoy discovering magical destinations by rail and river." Liz Owens, SVP & General Manager of Vacations By Rail said, "Today marks a momentous next step for our company. Our business has been through an impressive growth transformation in recent years. This acquisition supports our long-term objectives and ensures our shared commitment towards giving our customers the best travel experience possible." The Great Rail Journeys family of brands has grown transactional values by extending its range of tours. The US acquisition of Vacations By Rail will enhance the company's more than 50 years of experience as a global tour operator. This acquisition by Vitruvian Partners will further the momentum seen across the UK and US markets. For more information on Vacations By Rail or the Great Rail Journeys family of brands, please visit and visit the About Us section. About Vacations by Rail® Vacations By Rail® is a premier small group and independent tour operator and the trusted authority on rail. Vacations By Rail offers adventurers a complete range of itineraries, including the largest selection of independent rail vacations, escorted rail tours, and rail and cruise vacations. Vacations By Rail is part of UK-based Great Rail Journeys, an award-winning tour operator with 50 years of experience designing global train vacations. The Great Rail Journeys family of brands, which also includes Rail Discoveries, is backed by Duke Street Private Equity. For additional information on Vacations By Rail and its collection of rail tours, visit About Great Rail Journeys With more than five decades of experience, York-based Great Rail Journeys Ltd offers over 400 itineraries to destinations all around the globe. Great Rail Journeys caters for a growing demographic group of culturally interested 55+ year-old travellers who typically prioritise travel spend within their household budgets. Popular escorted itineraries include witnessing the Swiss Alps from the Glacier Express, exploring the Scottish Highlands onboard the Jacobite steam train, and discovering India's Golden Triangle on the luxurious Maharaja's Express. Since 2018, Great Rail Journeys has expanded its offering to include European river cruises. For more information, please visit About Vitruvian Partners Vitruvian Partners is a global growth-focused investor with offices across London, Stockholm, Munich, Madrid, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Singapore, Shanghai, Miami, and San Francisco. Vitruvian focuses on dynamic situations characterised by rapid growth and change across asset-light industries. Vitruvian has over $20 billion of active funds which have backed many global winners and leaders in their sectors, including Just Eat, EasyPark, Trustpilot, Skyscanner, Wise, Global-e, CFC, Darktrace, and Bitdefender. For more information, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Vacations by Rail Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Telegraph
14-03-2025
- Telegraph
Win an eight-night escorted tour in Spain worth more than £3,500
Great Rail Journeys is offering you and one guest the chance to discover the region of Catalonia in Spain in what will be an unforgettable adventure. On the eight-night Roses, Cadaqués & the Catalan Coast escorted tour, you'll be captivated by the coastal charm, historic landmarks and gastronomy of one of Spain's most beautiful regions. Departing from London's King Cross on Eurostar with your dedicated tour manager, you will travel to Paris then connect to the Spanish town of Figueres – travelling first class – then transfer to Roses. This charming coastal town sits on the Costa Brava, which translates as the 'wild coast' and is known for its historic fishing port and sandy beaches, will be your base for the tour with accommodation in a four-star hotel right by the beach. Among the excursions, all included on this escorted tour, are a visit to the medieval town of Besalú, which sits at the foot of the volcanic Garrotxa Natural Park, and Figueres where you'll explore the Dalí Theatre-Museum. You'll have free time to explore the cobbled streets and plazas of this picturesque Catalan town too, which was the birthplace of the visionary modern artist Salvador Dalí. The following day will take you on a cruise round the craggy coastline of the Cap de Creus peninsula, stopping to spend some time in the pretty fishing village of Cadaqués, which inspired the work of both Dalí and Pablo Picasso. No exploration of the Catalan coast would be complete without time spent in beautiful Barcelona and you will have the chance to spend a whole day here. After a guided tour of the city, you can wander around at your leisure, exploring the narrow lanes of the Gothic quarter, discovering its galleries and museums, or strolling along the beachfront. Be sure to try some local delicacies in the city's tempting tapas bars. A highlight will no doubt be a journey aboard the mountain railway, known as the Little Red Train, which travels between Rivesaltes to the small town of Axat in France's Pyrenean foothills. The final day will give you the chance to enjoy a delicious brunch of local cheeses, meats and estate-grown wines on a vineyard in the Empordà wine region followed by a memorable seafront dinner at a family-run restaurant in Roses. Enter by 23:59 on 09 May 2025. UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Republic of Ireland residents only. 18+. For mobility requirement information visit Great Rail Journeys website. Your prize includes:
Telegraph
14-03-2025
- Telegraph
A tourism insider's guide to seeing Scotland at its very best
I'm going into my 15th season leading tours to Scotland and I've loved it ever since my first visit. The Scots would do anything for you and are very proud of their heritage. The food is great and the scenery is absolutely stunning. Great Rail Journeys is a real specialist in Scotland with no less than 15 different tours to the country, covering everywhere from Edinburgh all the way up to the Shetland Isles including off the beaten track areas such as the Outer Hebrides. There is so much to see and do here – which is why we see customers returning time and again. When you visit Scotland at different times of year, the landscapes completely change too. There are wild hydrangeas in April and all the different heathers in August and September. Then in late September and October you begin to get the burnished colours of autumn. For me, I love the Scottish history that ties in with the scenery, such as Glencoe's link with the Jacobite uprising – it really brings the landscape to life. After leading different tours to Scotland, I was delighted to become a tour specialist for the nine-day Edinburgh, the Highlands & Islands tour because I think it's a great itinerary for immersing people in the Scottish experience. It gives a real flavour of the Highlands and what Scotland is really about. As a Great Rail Journeys tour manager, I want to get to know my guests and find out what each of them wants to get from their tour with us, wherever possible. I always begin by asking why they chose this specific tour. Some are interested in Scottish history, others are there to explore their clan heritage while others might be interested in the engineering of the railways. If someone says to me, they just really want to see a Highland coo, then we go out of our way to make that happen! The tour starts in Edinburgh, from where we travel on to Glasgow, which is a great city. But it is when you leave there that you start to see the history of Scotland come to life. Travelling on the West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William is often a real surprise for guests, because they don't know what to expect from it and can't believe how remote it is. The railway crosses the wilds of Rannoch Moor and the only way you can get there is by rail or by walking. The peaceful serenity gives this place a mystical feel – sometimes it feels like the only sign of life is a herd of deer, which makes you wonder how they built this railway in such an isolated place. On this tour we do a lot of different things. We take the ferry to the Isle of Mull, and enjoy a cruise across Loch Linnhe and Loch Ness. Even though I've done it so many times, I always find myself staring in the dark waters wondering 'could there be something in there?'. It captures the imagination. We take the Jacobite steam train to Mallaig, a journey that is as iconic as it is scenic, thanks to its appearance in the Harry Potter series of films and books as the Hogwarts Express. This is one highlight that excites our guests and their children (or grandchildren). For me, a highlight is driving through Glencoe, which is one of the most stunning drives imaginable. Of course, we have plenty of stops for enjoying the scenery and taking photos. Often, on this part of the journey, people will be completely quiet because they're so captivated by the landscape. Eilean Donan Castle is the archetypal Scottish castle, set on the most amazing inlet. It's a truly remarkable sight to behold. Our guests are always surprised to see that it's also a working castle, where they host weddings and events. The whole trip is wrapped up in stories, which is done really well. Willie Cameron, aka Mr Loch Ness, is our storyteller on the trip. There is nothing he and his team don't know about the area. We enjoy an informative commentary on the Loch Linhe cruise and we have a lot of local specialists who come in and talk to us throughout the tour. Even our coach drivers will share their stories and talk about their clans – what they don't know isn't worth knowing. It all makes for a thoroughly enjoyable trip and I've never met anyone who doesn't enjoy it. Having dedicated so much of my time to sharing my knowledge of the country with visitors, Scotland is a special destination for me. I do a lot of tours to different places around the world, but the Edinburgh, the Highlands & Islands itinerary is one of the few I can do over and again and discover something different every time. See more of Scotland As well as the Edinburgh, Highlands and Islands trip, Great Rail Journeys offers a whole variety of different itineraries around Scotland, weaving together its landmark sights with little-known surprises. On the eight-day Skye, Orkney & the Wild North itinerary, for example, you'll combine rail journeys through stunning Highlands scenery with picturesque villages and the history of the Orkneys. You'll also enjoy a whiskey-tasting session on the Isle of Skye, visit Dunvegan – one of the greatest Hebridean castles – and soak up the views from the West Highland Line to Glasgow. Another standout Scotland itinerary is the eight-day Lewis, Skye & the Highlands of Scotland tour, which immerses guests in the wild beauty of the Outer Hebrides and the Highlands. You'll see the Old Man of Storr rock formation on Skye and the Callanish Standing Stones of Lewis, then explore Stornoway and the artsy village of Ullapool before making your way to the storied streets of the capital, Edinburgh.
Telegraph
11-03-2025
- Telegraph
Why an escorted tour is the best way to uncover Portugal's charms
From the lemon-hued streets of Lisbon to the emerald slopes and quintas of the Douro Valley, Portugal is overflowing with charm and character. Add in exceptional gastronomy, standout natural beauty, and history and culture by the bucket-load and it's hard to find a reason not to come here – all that is left to decide is the best way to explore it. Great Rail Journeys offers both river cruises and land tours in the region, helping you take in its myriad highlights hassle-free, and with an expert tour manager on hand throughout. Local guides will deepen the experience by offering in-depth insight into the places visited, and experiences – from fado performances to vineyard visits – have been hand-picked to fully immerse you in the culture. We've rounded up key cruises and rail tours in the region to give you a flavour of what you can expect. Sailing the Douro If you fancy admiring the Douro Valley's vineyard-carpeted slopes, storybook castles and engineering feats – among them the Carrapatelo Lock, the deepest of its kind in Europe – from the comfort of a ship, look to Great Rail Journeys' eight-day Discover the Douro river cruise. This grand fly-tour gets off to a strong start as you depart London and arrive in Porto. Exploring this historic city would be enough of an escape on its own, but that is just the start. From here the journey gives you the chance to unwind by taking in the quaint charms of Peso da Régua, a central hub for the region's port wine production. The serenity is maintained with a tour of Mateus Palace – an 18th-century Baroque and Rococo feat that embodies the timeless appeal and character of Portugal. A brief skip over the border into Spain will bring you to the ancient city of Salamanca – after filling your camera roll with its honey-hued sandstone architecture and its centuries-old university, you'll soon understand why this place is known as The Golden City. Once back in Portugal you'll work on your viniculture skills in the wine-making village of Pinhão, which will be topped off by the opportunity to sample ports at a local quinta. Suitably refreshed, you'll then set sail for the idyllic village of Lamego, known for its striking blue-and-white-tiled Baroque cathedral. If you feel that one visit to Porto isn't enough then you'll welcome the return to the timeless city. This time around you'll be able to truly dive into the heart of the nation with a visit to the medieval, cobbled city of Guimarães, considered by many to be the birthplace of the country. This will be a truly enriching adventure filled with unique cultural experiences along the way, from an azulejo tile-painting workshop to on-board flamenco dancing and folk entertainment. Cultural lures in the capital Portugal is a country that reveals its wonders to those who are happy to take their time and explore, which makes the 11-day Lisbon & The Douro Valley Cruise the perfect choice. After flying in from London, you'll begin in the bustling capital, taking in its many iconic landmarks on a tour of the city aboard a vintage tram, before a free evening to explore its cobblestone streets independently, soaking up the atmosphere and blending in with the locals at its many fine eateries and bars. A new day kicks off with a trip to the elegant, hillside town of Sintra. You'll quickly discover why it was once the summer retreat for Portuguese royals after gazing at its many ornate grand palaces and impressive gardens, before travelling to the lively Porto by rail to join the Discover the Douro cruise. On both itineraries, you can expect standout service throughout as you sail aboard MS Gil Eanes, a 132-passenger vessel decked out in bright, contemporary decor, with on-board cuisine inspired by the region. Great Rail Journeys' new Exclusive Golden Douro tour is perfect for those who want to travel in luxury and embrace the many memorable locations this stunning region has to offer. Sailing round-trip from Porto on a new custom-built five-star ship that can navigate the famously winding river, you'll cover all the highlights featured on the Discover the Douro cruise, notably the opportunity to admire the opulent Bolsa Palace, an Unesco World Heritage Site that is renowned for its architectural extravagance. You'll also have the added benefit of Insider Experiences, which are designed to help you delve deeper into this fascinating area, and will enjoy additional excursion visits, including one to the medieval village of Castelo Rodrigo. The ship holds fewer passengers, which creates a more intimate experience, and means you'll be treated to exceptional cuisine throughout. Rail explorations If you'd rather take in the Douro's charms from land, Great Rail Journeys' 15-day Portugal and the Douro trip might be just the ticket. You'll begin your adventure in the upscale and cosmopolitan Biarritz, after travelling by Eurostar from London to Paris, before boarding another train to this French spa town. From here you'll cross the Spanish border by rail to reach the beautiful city of Salamanca for a two-night stay, giving you the chance to step back in time, surrounded by centuries-old architecture, before travelling into the Douro Valley to explore the wine regions of Peso da Régua and Pinhão. The three nights you'll spend in vibrant Porto will feel like a city break within your holiday, topped off with a visit to historic Guimarães. Another cultural epicentre awaits in the form of Lisbon, where you'll stay for a further three nights; you could lose yourself in its stunning streets, filled with hidden corners that would make your stay memorable, such as the Belém neighbourhood, which is famous for its pastel de nata. After a brief sojourn admiring the charismatic hotspot of Sintra, you'll cross the Spanish border to discover the fascinating, lesser-visited university city of Valladolid. After all that culture and history you'll be ready to kick back and spend the final two days in San Sebastián, on Spain's unique Basque coast, where pintxos replace tapas and an atmospheric Old Quarter meets sandy beaches. There'll be ample opportunity to sample the local gastronomy too, with several included culinary experiences. Highlights include an exclusive private dinner at the family-run Quinta da Casa Amarela – renowned for producing some of the best wines in the region – and a tasting at Taylor's Port wine cellar in Porto's Vila Nova de Gaia. History, scenery and fine wine If a shorter jaunt fits the bill, look to Great Rail Journeys' eight-day Lisbon, Porto & The Douro Valley tour. You'll fly into Lisbon and spend four unforgettable nights in the heart of the Old Town soaking up the magic of this historic capital, taking time out for excursions to Sintra and the coastal resort of Cascais. This beguiling fishing town was once a popular holiday spot for royals, and its charms remain intact, thanks to its gold-sand beaches, cobbled streets and an elegant marina that harks back to its lavish past. The view from your train will bring a constantly changing stream of arresting landscapes on the three-hour train that takes you from Lisbon to Porto, with tempting views of the Atlantic flashing through the windows. From there you'll embark on a one-day rail trip into the fairy-tale region of the Douro Valley. Highlights include stops at Pinhão and the Quinta de São Luiz winery, which will leave you in no doubt why the area's lush, terraced slopes have been luring winemakers for more than 2,000 years. There's something special about the Douro – and whether you're seeing it by rail or ship, there's really a lot to charm here. Insider tips from a tour manager Roger Marsden has been leading escorted tours to Portugal for almost 20 years, 15 of which have been for Great Rail Journeys. He describes the country as one of 'Europe's hidden gems', and encouraged visitors to look beyond the beaches of the Algarve. 'Portugal is so much more than that,' he says, 'with two incredible cities to visit in Lisbon and Porto that each have such different characters. There is a whole range of destinations that are rich in culture, experience, history and gastronomy. It's also surprisingly cheaper than other mainland Europe destinations.' One of these culturally rich regions he loves to escort people around is the Douro, which is especially wonderful to explore on a river cruise. 'You pass through lush green scenery into the heartland of port wine country where incredibly steep terraces of vineyards rise either side of the river Douro. Here you'll find quintas [port wine lodges], some owned by small holders and others large manufacturers of port wine [such as Ferreira, Grahams and Sandeman etc], and fruit trees and olive groves that sit among the vineyards,' he says. Marsden strongly recommends guests join the optional excursions to visit a local quinta to learn about the role the fortified wine has had on the region's history and to try some, of course. His own personal favourite part of this pretty region is the stretch of the river from Barca de Alva to Pinhão. 'It's so tranquil, serene and beautiful,' he says. 'The countryside around the river is scattered with vineyards and the colours are exceptional – the light-brown fertile soil is intermingled with the green of the vineyards and trees. The sky is a bright azure blue and the river is a dark blue winding through the landscape' he says.
