Rail Travel Blog

TAILOR MADE RAIL

Here at Tailor Made Rail, we don’t just talk the talk. We regularly travel abroad to check out the train journeys, destinations and hotels that feature on our suggested holiday itineraries. This means we can have a better understanding of journey logistics and make recommendations based on personal experiences. You can read about some of these experiences and recommendations below as well as those of some of our customers who have travelled with us.

21 December 2023
Find out more about the 10-year history of TMR, from its first year based out of a flat in Battersea to its anniversary celebrations in 2023.
12 April 2023
The magnificent Grandhotel Giessbach sits alongside Lake Brienz in the heart of the stunning Swiss Alps.
1 December 2021
Our lovely regular customers Vivien and Eric Carter recently took a trip inspired by our Harz Mountains and Fairytale Germany holiday, but extended to 3 weeks, with additional stops in such places as Celle, Bremen and Hameln.
17 September 2021
It might not be the first thing you think of when putting together a Tailor Made Rail holiday, but there are some beautiful islands that you can visit as part of a package with us, all with their own history and cultural influences.
28 June 2021
From April 14 to October 9, 2022 the Floriade International Horticultural Expo will be taking place. This unmissable event only takes place once every 10 years - and next year it will be in Almere, which is just a short train journey from the centre of Amsterdam.
30 April 2021
The varied and beautiful landscapes of Scotland can easily be accessed by rail. Indeed, some of the scenic rail journeys through the country are widely recognised as amongst the the most beautiful in the world. In this guide, we'll talk you through the six main routes, where to consider stopping and what to look out for.
9 April 2021
Whilst medieval and romantically ruined castles might be firmly on the radar for many visitors to Scotland, there are a good number of castles that are now used as hotels, where you can enjoy luxurious accommodation in stunning surroundings
10 March 2021
Looking for a quiet getaway with crisp mountain air and sweeping alpine vistas? How about incorporating a night or two at a mountain hotel? Since Thomas Cook took his first intrepid group of Victorian tourists up into the mountains of Switzerland, there has been a demand for accommodation above the clouds.
19 February 2021
We're all now familiar with the idea of jumping aboard a Eurostar service in London or Kent and disembarking on the Continent - something that was once unheard of in our island nation. But you may still be surprised at how far you can travel overland by train without the need for flights.
24 January 2021
For the first time this year, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is embarking on some adventurous new routes, taking in cities such as Amsterdam and Brussels, as well as Geneva and Florence.  It is also making a welcome return to Rome for the first time in over a decade, linking the Italian and French capitals in an overnight journey in comfort and style.
19 January 2021
Some of the world's stations have become tourist attractions in their own right for their epic scale, iconic features and artistic flourishes. Our list of favourites also includes a few stations simply for their jaw-dropping locations. This may be considered cheating, but we hope you forgive us.
23 November 2020
Travelling between two of Europe’s most iconic capital cities is exciting enough, but to do it by train along such a gorgeous stretch of scenery is the icing on the cake.
23 November 2020
If you're travelling to Switzerland from the UK and you have the time, taking the train over a couple of days with a stunning journey along the Rhine Valley is highly recommended. It's possible to get to Zurich, Basel or Interlaken in one day, but this route is far more scenic.
15 November 2020
The Bernina Express is one of Switzerland’s most famous rail journeys, alongside the iconic Glacier Express. But there are other options for travelling along this iconic route, including regional trains which can be less crowded than their panoramic tourist-focussed cousins.
9 November 2020
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express may have a famous Italian city in its title, but there are plenty more destinations that this luxurious train serves. Find out which cities the Venice Simplon-Express goes to here. 
23 October 2020
Did you know that we can add UK rail from your local station to your holiday package, often for no additional cost? Find out more here.
20 October 2020
If you've ever wondered what it's like to work for a tailor made rail holiday company, this is the insider's guide, provided by our Senior Travel Consultant, Madeleine.
9 October 2020
Eurostar is the only international train linking London with continental Europe.  Trains depart from St Pancras station every day for Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, with some services also calling at Lille Europe and Calais-Frethun.
2 October 2020
Naples is one of the oldest cities in Europe and is also home to the very best of Italian cuisine. Its culinary history is older than Rome itself. The humble pizza was invented here and the city is also famous for its fresh seafood and amazing volcanic wine. The traditional food in this region is characterised by simple ingredients, and cuisine executed with great skill and a sense of perfection.
14 July 2020
Provence is a place that seems to sum up all things that are enviable about French life. From the fantastic climate, delicious food, hilltop villages, amazing wines, bustling markets and pastoral landscapes, it is understandable that it is a popular tourist destination.
9 July 2020
If you're aiming to add some tranquility to your next city stop or would like to venture out in search of flowers on a day trip, there is a veritable profusion of beautiful gardens to choose from in Europe. With styles ranging from formal to English to wild and botanical, the options are endless.
29 June 2020
Canada’s vast expanses can be easily explored using the country’s rail network. Here are some of the highlights.
15 June 2020
From beautiful island beaches to tree-topped hills and soaring mountains, Italy is undoubtedly a spectacular destination. It is also renowned for having some of the world’s greatest gastronomy, art, fashion and history.  All this makes it an ideal location for a honeymoon.
15 June 2020
The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda sits to the west of the beautiful city of Verona and lies within the states of Veneto and Lombardy.  It is a popular destination with visitors from across the world thanks to the scenery, cuisine and culture. 
8 June 2020
Enjoying a meal on board a train around Europe is one of the pleasures of travelling by rail.  Many trains around Europe have excellent catering facilities and are a wonderful way to pass the time while taking in the scenery as you move from one city to the next.
8 June 2020
We have put together our top ideas for bucket list golf courses that you can include on a tailor made holiday by rail. We hope you enjoy!
1 June 2020
One of the most romantic and charismatic cities in the world, Rome is a vibrant mix of architecture, art and exciting street life. Three thousand years of urban development are apparent in world-famous landmarks like the Colosseum, Pantheon, St Peter’s Basilica and the Castel Sant’Angelo.
4 May 2020
The Amalfi Coast stretches along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula from the Gulf of Naples to the Gulf of Salerno. It’s been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1997 and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy.
28 April 2020
Why choose a spa holiday? A spa holiday offers a huge range of benefits. Not only does it provide a place to completely rest and recharge, but many spas are connected to thermal springs containing mineral and medicinal properties which are great for body repair and physical health. Here are some of our favourite spa hotels.
21 April 2020
Known as the most sought-after seats in Switzerland, the Excellence Class on the Glacier Express was introduced in early 2019 as a “super-first” class on board what is one of Europe’s most popular rail journeys.
17 April 2020
Ljubljana is a compact capital city with a picture-perfect historic core and a lively, welcoming atmosphere characterised by endless enticing pavement cafés and a lively calendar of events.
22 May 2020
Salzburg is one of the most popular city destinations in Austria, drawing music lovers from all over the world who want to tour the filming locations associated with The Sound of Music or visit the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
9 April 2020
Looking for inspiration for your next holiday? Then look no further! You can explore the world from your sofa with our top recommendations for guidebooks, travelogues and fiction on the subject of favourite journeys, destinations and of course, rail travel.
8 April 2020
The Mother City of South Africa, Cape Town sits proudly at the end of the African continent and boasts a rich cultural heritage in a cosmopolitan setting. 
8 April 2020
One of the biggest and most exciting cities in Central Europe, Budapest is renowned as a must see destination. At the heart of the city’s heritage is its legendary mineral-rich waters and steaming thermal baths, which have been enjoyed for over 2,000 years. 
7 April 2020
We can't wait to welcome you back so we're hoping to make things easier for you in these uncertain times by relaxing some of our normal terms and conditions so that you can benefit from that extra element of flexibility to get plans in place for your next holiday with us.
29 November 2019
Author Matthew Woodward has taken many long-range rail trips on railways around the world. He has written books on several of these journeys, the latest ‘The Railway to Heaven’ on a trip from his home in the UK to Tibet via Manchuria.
21 November 2019
Alpine Italy lights up for the Christmas season with some of the most interesting Christmas Markets on offer in Europe, combining Mediterranean flavours and German traditions.
26 September 2019
Have a look at our top picks to include in your tailor made rail holiday to Morocco. Currently, trains here are mainly 1970s or 1980s French rolling stock, in perfectly good working order. There is also a new TGV high-speed line between Tangier and Marrakech, via Rabat.
19 September 2019
Yes, it's that time of year again. Before we know it, wooden chalets draped with fairy lights and groaning with gifts will be popping up all over the place, from Antwerp, to Barcelona to Warsaw. With the dizzying choice of Christmas markets on offer, we thought it might be helpful to bring you our list of favourites, all of which (of course) are easily accessible by rail.
19 July 2019
We're always happy to hear about your travels here at TMR HQ. If you've really enjoyed your holiday and you're in a creative frame of mind, why not share your experiences with other future customers too, by writing a blog?
31 May 2019
Each day, EuroCity 87 runs from Munich to Venice, via Innsbruck, the Brenner Pass and Verona.  It is one of Europe's most spectacular journeys and one of our most popular routes through the Alps.
21 December 2021
We’ve put together a list of twenty rail holidays which will expand your world - without costing the earth!
3 April 2019
Last weekend I did three things I’ve never done before – travelled through the Alps by train, visited Venice (somewhere I’d wanted to go for ages) and limited myself to just 24 hours in two amazing places.
3 September 2018
If you're thinking of tackling a mountain - the easy way - on your next rail holiday to Switzerland, our handy guide will help you distinguish your Schilthorn from your Rothorn.
3 April 2019
Depending on whether you are looking for the quickest, most cost-effective or most scenic route, there are many different routes that will deliver you seamlessly into the heart of Italy.
15 November 2019
Spread the word about Tailor Made Rail! Recommend a friend to us who goes on to book a TMR holiday and we'll give you £25 off your next holiday with us. Your friends will also get £25 per person off their holiday. Everyone's a winner!
3 April 2019
Take a train from London to Madrid and experience the Spanish capital’s lively street life and insatiable appetite for art and music without the need to step foot on a plane.
3 April 2019
Mrs Hopkins was a client of Tailor Made Rail on the Glacier and Bernina Express short break itinerary in June 2014. She added an additional night in Cologne on the return journey.
3 April 2019
Being an enthusiastic city explorer and trainspotter myself, I was very delighted when Tailor Made Rail asked me to write about my home town, Berlin.
3 April 2019
The cream and brown liveried carriages of the British Pullman looked rather out of place on a Saturday morning in London Victoria station. This though was where we were beginning our luxurious train journey to Venice, an over-dressed group of commuters waiting at Platform 2.
3 April 2019
On Sunday 11 December 2016, the Gotthard Base Tunnel finally opened, after 17 years of boring work through the stubborn rock of the high Alps and over £9 billion of expenditure.
3 April 2019
Boarding a 12:00 boat from just in front of the railway station in Lucerne, we sailed serenely across the waters of what is known locally as Vierwaldstättersee.
3 April 2019
Ticino in southern Switzerland is the only canton (state) that is entirely Italian-speaking. “Where Swiss efficiency speaks Italian”, Ticino is a glorious blend of everything that is good about Italy combined with the clean, orderly Swiss modus operandi.
3 April 2019
As I sit at the cafeteria with a panoramic view out onto the Aletsch Glacier, I am totally awe-struck by the engineering of the mountain railway that brought me up here.
3 April 2019
A good holiday, for me, always starts with a good train journey. However, when time is short, a quick flight has to do. Emily takes the Brenner Pass route through the Alps to Venice from Munich.
3 April 2019
If you're lucky enough to be staying in Interlaken or one of the other resort towns nearby, and you have a day free, I would highly recommend a trip to the Schilthorn. This majestic summit in the Bernese Oberland towers over the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley.
3 April 2019
Swiss Rail Passes offer flexibility and great value for money on your Switzerland rail holiday. For a set number of days in a row, or a designated amount of days in one month, you can enjoy unlimited travel on trains, buses and boats on the Swiss Travel System network.
2 April 2019
From 4 April 2019, the Eurostar will begin running services from London and Ebbsfleet direct to Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The journey takes you non-stop to Brussels, and then move north out of the Belgian capital through into the Netherlands.
2 April 2019
Thinking of taking the train to Moscow? MD Simon has made the journey himself and has the low down on how best to get there, including visas and tips for each day.
2 April 2019
My Montenegrin adventure began overland. I entered the country from Croatia, Dubrovnik to be precise. The single-carriageway road from Dubrovnik into Montenegro is well-trodden and a plethora of vehicles of all shapes and sizes ply this route on a daily basis.
2 April 2019
Looking for some sightseeing inspiration? Have a look at our top tips for must-see museums in Continental Europe.
2 April 2019
From high-speed trains to the slowest Express train in the world, these top ten European train journeys offer the best the continent has to offer.
2 April 2019
The Orient-Express (first called by its French moniker, Express d’Orient) began in 1883 as a long distance passenger service from Paris to what was then Constantinople, now Istanbul.
2 April 2019
The village of Engelberg in the heart of the Swiss Alps is the perfect winter or summer destination by rail. Located just 45 minutes from Lucerne, Engelberg is a gem in the mountains.