Great Rail Journeys is proud to have launched a collection of tours for 2026 which combine scenic walks with fascinating excursions to some of Europe's most beautiful destinations.
For more than 50 years, we've been leading the way in escorted travel. We're always listening to your feedback on more ways to help you create lifelong memories and give you the best possible experiences on your holiday.
As someone with two decades of experience in creating award-winning walking holidays, I have helped thousands of travellers explore the world on foot.
I especially love the paths and byways of rural Europe. This goes back 40 years to when I bought a bike and spent four months cycling across the continent.
I went way off the tourist trail and discovered such a rich diversity of place, tradition and scenic beauty. Europe's hidden corners still fascinate and draw me to this day.
It's been a pleasure and a privilege to develop this new range of Walking holidays for Great Rail Journeys. I've been able to revisit some of my favourite places and I'm looking forward to sharing some of their highlights with GRJ walkers.
Why have GRJ introduced a range of Walking tours?
In a nutshell - because our customers have asked us to!
We're always looking for ways to increase the range of experiences on our holidays, and walking is one of the most popular leisure activities for people of all ages and many differing abilities.
Our collection features explorations of landscapes to suit all interests - from coasts, rivers and lakes to rolling countryside, hills and mountains (but no summits!).
Not only do they show off hidden parts of Europe, but they are also long overdue!
What are GRJ Walking tours and how are they unique?
These are Walk & Tour holidays, a blend of scenic walks taking you to lesser-known corners of Europe and local excursions that ensure you don't miss the highlights.
We typically include two or three days of guided walking during a week's stay. Each guided walk has a choice of two options to suit differing levels of fitness and ability, with each option led by an expert local guide. Both options are usually in the same area, so everyone has a similar experience, but one option usually covers more distance than the other with more ascent and descent. In either case, we will keep a comfortable pace so there will be plenty of time to soak up our surroundings and explore places as we walk. It's all about immersing ourselves in these beautiful but lesser-visited locations.
The excursions are designed to complement the walking days with visits to some of an area's most significant sights - perhaps a historic city, palatial gardens, a scenic rail or boat trip, or a natural wonder.
And much of the character of a place is experienced through its gastronomy and wines, so we'll indulge in these at every opportunity!
What's the appeal of a Walking holiday with GRJ?
Walking encourages you to slow down, pause, look and soak up what's around you; to feel a part of the landscape rather than rushing through it. It offers unique perspectives that others don't experience.
This could be an unexpected encounter with someone along the path; spotting wildlife or unfamiliar flora; stumbling across an ancient church or a ruined castle hidden amidst the trees; that stunning view that no-one sees from the road; or just taking time to watch day-to-day life happening around you as you walk.
For me, walking is a truly enriching, energising way to travel. Nothing beats it.
What tours are available and why did GRJ choose them?
We've chosen four destinations for our first holidays, running from April to October 2026.
This wasn't an easy choice, because there are so many wonderful walking experiences to be enjoyed all across Europe. However, each of the places we've chosen was named by GRJ customers as somewhere they would love to walk, and we couldn't disagree!
The Coast of Catalonia has some of the best coastal walking in Europe - impossibly picturesque coves, pretty fishing villages, sweeping beaches, historic towns, imposing monuments, and great food and wine.
Lake Maggiore has been an Italian favourite since the days of the Victorian Grand Tours, and we don't miss the highlights, but we also visit lesser-known sights. From nearby lakes that are absolute gems best discovered on foot to a jaw-dropping alpine valley, this is a spectacular exploration of northern Italy.
The village of Alpbach in the heart of the Austrian Tyrol is renowned - with good reason - as 'Austria's prettiest village'. It's surrounded by picture-book Tyrolean scenes of meadows, lakes and mountains which we discover on a selection of accessible walks.
There are two itineraries showcasing beautiful regions of France.
Discover world-renowned vineyards and historic landmarks on an exceptional walking holiday in scenic Burgundy or uncover hidden Provence on guided walks alongside emerald rivers, through stunning ravines and into otherworldly landscapes of bright oranges.
And walking in two of Switzerland's premier walking destinations - Zermatt in the shadow of the Matterhorn, and the historic Engadine valley - is linked by the classic rail journey through the Swiss Alps, the iconic Glacier Express. An unforgettable trip!
Any advice for customers?
Be comfortable with what you have on your feet. Make sure your boots or shoes are tried and tested before the holiday - and try out different thicknesses of sock or experiment with lacing.
It's essential to have footwear that has a firm sole and deep tread - a Vibram sole or similar. Even on some of our easier grade walks, you may be walking on uneven and rough surfaces and it's very easy to misplace your footing and turn an ankle.
For this reason, I'd strongly recommend that you wear lightweight or leather walking boots that provide good ankle support. Definitely not trainers or sandals - even if they're marketed as hiking or trekking sandals.
And pack some blister plasters. A blister can ruin a walk, and a good, padded plaster can save the day!
What are some of the highlights?
The highlight for me in developing these holidays has been discovering the little-known Anzasca Valley, tucked into a corner of the far north of Italy between Lake Maggiore and the Swiss border.
The walk there follows paved mule tracks high above a deep river gorge with stunning views (on a clear day) towards the snowy peaks of the Monte Rosa massif at the head of the valley. The start of the walk is quite steep in places for a short while, but it's worth every step, and not only for the views and the tranquil sound of the cascading river below.
There are tiny shrines, chapels and frescoed churches all along the route, and several very picturesque ancient stone villages where we can pause and explore.
There are highlights and special moments on all of these holidays. The views of forested promontories and glistening waters from the headland at the tip of the wild Cap de Creus in Catalonia are memorable. A rewarding beer and apfelstrudel in a traditional Tyrolean mountain hut after a hike through alpine pastures and forests is an absolute treat.
Plus, no matter how many times you've seen the photos and images, nothing is more awe-inspiring than standing amidst mountains with a fresh breeze across your face in full view of the iconic Matterhorn.
Discover the joy of slow travel with GRJ
My team and I have personally walked all these routes. Every detail of these itineraries has been fine-tuned to ensure the perfect blend of hidden gems and cultural excursions, giving you the best possible experience.
One of the main benefits of a GRJ walking tour is that you're supported throughout. A dedicated Tour Manager will escort your group on the holiday from departure to return. All our walks are guided by local experts so you're free to soak up the views of some of Europe's most beautiful regions in small, sociable groups.
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