Castles · TRAIN EXPERIENCES
Every trip has one free day too few. These 11 castle rail trips justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get on with the packing.
Review of Versailles by train from Paris, with guided gardens, timed palace entry, fountain shows, costs, and practical tips.
“Our tour guide Toby was very knowledgeable and took us to many of the fountain displays ensuring we saw the ‘dancing waters’ with music accompaniment.”
Explore Blarney Castle, Cork, and Cobh from Dublin by train, with reserved seats, guided transfers, scenic views, and practical tips.
“Excellent tour with Norman. He is an extremely informative individual. Norman takes care of all his passengers individual. A kinder man you cannot meet. On the way back we were guided by Andrew who was also and guided us through Saturday track work.”
Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, then explore waterfalls, alpine views, Lake Pearson, and Castle Hill by minibus.
“Great experience, the train ride was fun. Exploring Arthur's Pass and Devils Punchbowl walk was very interesting, but we really like walking around the Castle Hill. Anuj was a wonderful guide and took very good care of everybody and providing a lot I f interesting information. We definitely recommend this tour!”
Ride Vietnam’s scenic coastal train through Hai Van Pass, then explore Hue’s citadel, tombs, pagoda, and local cuisine from Da Nang.
“Interesting travel, mix of train experience and mini bus. Sky the tour guide was very informative and helpful. The city history was very interesting.”
Ride the TranzAlpine to Arthur's Pass, hike to waterfalls, spot kea, and visit Lake Pearson and Castle Hill on a full-day small-group tour.
“Fantastic day! Great views and such an unbelievable experience!”
See Blarney Castle, Cork, the Ring of Kerry, Bunratty, the Cliffs of Moher, and Galway on a practical 3-day Irish rail tour.
“A fantastic trip! All of the tour guides, all of the sites, all of the people we met. I would certainly do it again and suggest it for anyone!”
Review of Ireland’s rail tour to Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Galway, with practical tips on timing, value, and comfort.
“Our experience was amazing! We loved, Bob, our guide. His narrative was the perfect mix of history and personality. The group we were with was small and friendly, so interaction with them made it even more fun. It's a lot for one day, but what a wonderful way to see the Atlantic coast of Ireland.”
Review of a Cardiff day tour with Welsh castles, Brecon Mountain Railway, Brecon, and Cyfarthfa Castle, plus practical booking advice.
“Though we had somewhat drizzly weather, it was still a fabulous day out in the Wales countryside and with the wonderful guide, Fredrico! I loved the nature-based things the most -- Becon Breacons park and the oldest yew tree -- but the castles were fun, too. Fredrico was so knowledgeable about what we were visiting and seeing. And a very safe driver, too. I would have loved longer at the Becon Beacon's National Park site.”
Review of Cardiff’s castle, mountain, and steam railway tour, with honest advice on sights, costs, timing, guides, and who should book.
“Vi var en lille gruppe på fem mennesker ialt. Det var super hyggeligt og Jim var en god og charmerende tourguide og chauffør. Det var en interessant og alligevel afslappende dag.”
Review of a private Segovia day trip from Madrid by high-speed train, with the aqueduct, Alcazar, guided old town walk, and free time.
“Enjoyed it very much. Segovia is more than the aqueduct, although that is why I went. The hiking is strenuous but very pretty. Our guide was great”
Review of a small-group Windsor Castle tour by train from London, including royal rooms, St. George’s Chapel, Eton, and guide tips.
A keep, a citadel, a palace with battlements, or a day trip to reach one.
