
Best Holiday Destinations for 2026
29/12/2025 · By Ian Holt
To inspire your travels for 2026, Great Rail Journeys reveals our Top 10 best holiday destinations and expert tips, from bucket list sights to hidden gems.
Read moreAlight in the heart of Venice, ready to explore its iconic canals and hidden corners. Start the day with a cappuccino at Caffè Florian, soaking in the morning buzz of Piazza San Marco. Meander across the Rialto Bridge, pausing to watch gondolas glide by before stepping into the history and grandeur of the Doge's Palace. Venture further to uncover peaceful pockets of the city, where locals still gather for cicchetti and wine along quiet canals.
In Venice, the magic lies in the mix of well-trodden landmarks and personal discoveries. From artisan workshops in tucked-away alleyways to sunsets over the Grand Canal, every moment connects you to the city's timeless charm. Ready to experience it for yourself?
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Cruise across the sparkling waters of Lake Garda to discover picturesque islands, medieval towns and elegant villas from a family-run hotel in charming Desenzano, the perfect base for exploring the beauty of Lake Garda. Visit enchanting Isola del Garda, where you explore the renowned Venetian Villa Borghese-Cavazza and its magnificent hanging...





Soak up the laid-back atmosphere of one of Italy's most beautiful lakes to peaceful Lake Garda, staying in the hidden gem of Garda town. Sail to the idyllic lakeside towns of Sirmione and Malcesine to uncover colourful streets and amazing views of the lake circled by alpine foothills. Stroll amid the botanical gardens of Sigurtà, admiring the...





Embark on a captivating holiday, uncovering the highlights of Lake Garda and northern Italy, travelling by First Class rail and staying in the fortress town of Sirmione, where your welcoming, family-run hotel - owned by the same family since the 1970s - enjoys a prime lakeside setting on the water's edge. Glide along the canals of Venice on a...





From the Alpine foothills to the island of Sicily and all that lies between, uncover the best of Italy. Travelling the country's length, we delve into the history and culture of Italy's remarkable destinations, including Venice, Florence and Rome. Bask in the beauty of the Amalfi Coast and marvel at the remains of ancient Pompeii before venturing...





Join us on a tour of six of Italy's great historic cities, encountering a wealth of artistic and cultural treasures including World Heritage sites, with guided tours of ancient Rome and the world's Renaissance capital, Florence. With day trips to the walled Tuscan city of Lucca, Pisa's iconic tower and its gleaming white Duomo, we take a day trip...





Celebrate the festive period in two of Europe's most spectacular winter destinations. Shimmering Lake Garda at Christmas is truly enchanting, while traditional Innsbruck is the perfect place to enjoy New Year's celebrations. This wonderful holiday includes day trips to historic Verona and timeless Venice, two heritage rail journeys, a visit to a...





Experience a majestic journey aboard the opulent Venice Simplon Orient Express on this tour of three iconic trains. Travel on the world-renowned Glacier Express and Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps, passing the dramatic Swiss scenery of mountains and lakes, as you experience this unique journey. Stay in Swiss towns of Zermatt and St Moritz,...





Take a once in a lifetime trip on the Venice Simplon Orient Express to travel between Paris and Venice, two of the most romantic and mesmerising cities in the world. Relax in style as this luxury train takes you from Paris to Venice, where you'll explore the city at leisure and delve deeper into its culture. Aboard the Venice Simplon Express...





Take two iconic train journeys through dramatic mountain scenery and beautiful lakes, and travel in Panoramic carriages on the famous Glacier Express and Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps. All rails lead to Venice on this trip, where you'll stay over, wander the romantic streets and cross the ornate bridges, perhaps riding a gondola to soak...





Begin your adventure with three unforgettable nights in the iconic city of Rome, immersing yourself in its rich history and vibrant culture. Then, board the luxurious Orient Express La Dolce Vita Train and travel in opulent style to Venice. Savor a gourmet lunch curated by Michelin 3-star chef Hans Beck as you glide through Tuscany. In Venice...





After two wonderful days taking in the sights, sounds and tastes of Rome, your journey on the La Dolce Vita Orient Express begins with a sumptuous meal curated by 3-Michelin starred chef Heinz Beck. As the train travels northwards, disembark for time in magical Venice, followed by an evening of cocktails and live music that creates a...





Experience absolute luxury aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express on this tour, when you visit the water city and the eternal city on this tour of two Italian giants, and travel back to Paris on the luxurious Venice Simplon Orient Express. Start in Rome where the Vatican City, the Colosseum, and the Trevi Fountain, are iconic tourist attractions...