Book now and enjoy complimentary First Class travel on your European rail holiday

If you’re planning a rail holiday to Europe, now is the perfect time. Book your holiday between 17 July and 25 September, and we’ll upgrade your standard class rail travel to First Class, free of charge.

Available on most European rail holidays, including many tailor-made itineraries, for departures between 1 October 2026 and 30 June 2027.

Whether you’re travelling to Switzerland, the Italian Lakes, Scandinavia or Spain, you’ll enjoy a little extra comfort from the moment your holiday begins.

At a glance

• Book between 17 July and 25 September
• Travel between 1 October 2026 and 30 June 2027
• Available on most European rail holidays (see terms)
• Many tailor-made holidays included
• Upgrade to Eurostar Plus, where available
• New bookings only

Why travel First Class?

A rail holiday is about enjoying the journey as much as the destination, and First Class makes travelling by train even more comfortable.

Depending on the rail operators included in your itinerary, First Class may include:

• More spacious seating and extra legroom
• Quieter carriages
• Power sockets and Wi-Fi
• Additional luggage space
• Complimentary food and drinks on Eurostar Plus

Exactly what First Class includes varies by operator and country. Read our Guide to First Class Rail Travel to find out more about each service.

Our most popular First Class rail holidays

We’ve already chosen our Top 10 favourite European rail holidays in First Class.

Ranging from the Glacier and Bernina Expresses to our Austrian Explorer, Provence in Detail and three-city Warsaw, Krakow and Prague holiday, see if you agree with our selection! Along with our ten picks, many of our best-selling European rail holidays qualify for the free First Class upgrade. Just look for the red box on the itinerary page to see what holidays qualify.

Discover Switzerland by first-class rail

Switzerland is one of Europe’s great rail destinations, with mountain railways, panoramic trains and spectacular scenery around almost every corner. The rail system is meticulously planned, with seamless connections and trains that run like (Swiss) clockwork! And these journeys are even better in first class.

Our Magical Journeys of Switzerland holiday combines world-famous trains including the Glacier Express and Bernina Express.

Other itineraries explore destinations such as Lake Geneva, Lucerne, Interlaken and the Jungfrau region. Or, tailor make your own itinerary, combining one of Switzerland’s famous scenic trains with 4 or 5-star mountain and lakeside hotels.

Explore more Switzerland Rail Holidays or browse our collection of Scenic Rail Holidays.

Explore Italy in first class comfort

Italy’s extensive high-speed rail network makes it ideal for first class travel.

The Italian Lakes and Venice are our most popular destinations in Italy, and you’ll travel through the Alps to get there. Or, explore the colourful villages of the Cinque Terre, visit Florence or Rome, or travel south to the Amalfi Coast and Sicily, all while enjoying spacious First Class travel between destinations.

Browse our full collection of Italy Rail Holidays.

Winter holidays by rail

Some experiences you can only get if you travel outside the summer peak season. Escape the heat and the crowds and enjoy a different perspective on Europe. Think snow-covered mountains, Christmas markets, carnival season and winter warmth.

The offer travel period – from 1 October to 30 June – includes departures throughout autumn, winter and spring, the perfect excuse to plan an off-season holiday, or squeeze in an extra one!

Head to Scandinavia in search of the Northern Lights, enjoy festive city breaks in Cologne, Prague or Budapest, or escape to milder weather and winter sunshine in destinations such as Sicily, Malta and Morocco.

Browse our Winter Holidays by Rail for more inspiration.

Scenic rail holidays

Some journeys are every bit as memorable as the places they take you, and even more special if you’re seated in first class.

Travel on world-famous routes including the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and Gotthard Panorama Express, or enjoy spectacular alpine scenery on holidays through Switzerland, Austria and northern Italy.

Explore our collection of Scenic Rail Holidays.

Grand Tours – save even more

If you’re planning a longer European adventure, don’t forget to look at our Grand Tours collection.

Our Grand Tours also qualify for the free First Class upgrade, worth up to £250 per person. And we’re also offering a £100 per person saving on top.

That means you can enjoy savings of up to £350 per person on your holiday while travelling by first class rail.

Find out more about our Grand Tours £100 saving per person offer.* 

*The Grand Tour of Ireland is excluded from the offer.

Tailor-made rail holidays

More than 60% of the holidays we arrange are tailor made.

If you’ve got your own itinerary in mind, our Travel Designers can create a holiday built around your preferred destinations, hotels and travel dates. Many tailor-made itineraries qualify for the free First Class upgrade, giving you even more flexibility when planning your next rail holiday.

There are many ways to tailor one of our itineraries. Read our guide to Planning a Tailor-made Rail Holiday or contact our team with your ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which holidays are included?

The free First Class upgrade applies to most European rail holidays and many tailor-made itineraries. Holidays including sleeper trains and short breaks to one destination are excluded. See our terms below for exclusions, or talk to your Travel Designer. We’ve also included a red flash on pages with holidays that are eligible.

When can I book?

Book between 17 July and 25 September to qualify.

When can I travel?

The upgrade is available on holidays departing between 1 October 2026 and 30 June 2027.

Does the upgrade include Eurostar Plus?

Yes. Where your itinerary includes Eurostar and Eurostar Plus is available, your upgrade will include Eurostar Plus.

Are tailor-made holidays included?

Yes. Many tailor-made itineraries qualify for the free First Class upgrade. Your Travel Designer will confirm this when you book.

Terms & Conditions

• Offer applies to new bookings only, made between 17 July and 25 September 2026, inclusive.
• A booking is a confirmed booking with a deposit or full balance paid.
• Available on bookings made for travel between 1 October 2026 and 30 June 2027.
• First Class upgrades apply to eligible rail journeys included within your holiday.
• First Class is not available on all rail services. Upgrades will only be applied to rail journeys where First Class is offered.
• Includes an upgrade to Eurostar Plus, where available. Find out more about Eurostar classes here.
• Does not include access to First Class lounges.
• Excludes luxury holidays, most short breaks and sleeper train holidays.
• UK holidays and holidays outside Europe are excluded.
• Check with your Travel Designer whether your holiday is included at the time of booking.
• All holidays and First Class upgrades are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• This offer may be combined with the Grand Tours £100 per person offer, where applicable.

Start planning your next rail holiday

Whether you’re looking for a winter break, a scenic journey through the Alps, a city-hopping adventure or a Grand Tour of Europe, there’s never been a better time to travel in First Class.

Book between 17 July and 25 September to take advantage of our complimentary First Class upgrade and start planning your next European rail holiday today.