If enjoying natural landscape is one of your most loved hobbies, then embarking on a scenic railway journey through Europe should appeal

A train holiday in Europe offers unique and diverse opportunities in some of the world's most incredible locations. It is possible to experience extreme contrasts in cultures alongside natural wonders that exist in these fantastic places.

Northern France and Benelux

France and Benelux is the cultural heart of Europe, there is a great selection of tours that are sure to delight and amaze each traveller. The trains that travel around Europe will transport its passengers swiftly and safely whilst providing views of incomparable beauty. You can also choose to venture northeast to the charming market villages of Belgium and the port towns of the Netherlands - perhaps enjoying a trip to Floriade 2012, one of the worlds leading horticultural expos.

For example, enjoy a Flanders tour and visit Bruges. This city is peppered with inspiring buildings to explore and relaxing waterways to journey down. The tour would involve discovering the interesting history of the city, museums and art galleries - excursions down the canals are a relaxing way to explore.

Home to WWI, a visit to Yprees is imperative as you would visit the Hooge Crater War Museum exhibiting collections related to the Great War. You would also experience the interactive museum of ‘In Flanders Fields', which focuses on the human cost of the war.

Southern Europe and the Mediterranean

An exploration of Southern Europe and the Mediterranean will offer a quiet alternative for holiday, as the seclusion beside the waters of the Italian lakes or islands offers a relaxing atmosphere with a variety of cultures.

If you would like to indulge in the romance of Venice, the Venice Carnival and Lake Bled tour would create an atmosphere never to be forgotten. This brilliant rail holiday offers a tour of Venice that includes the Rialto Bridge and the St Mark's Basilica, alongside your independent exploration of the city's twisting lanes, alleys and canals. The Venice Carnival exhibits costumes, masks and entertainment, which is based on St Mark's square and a fascinating aspect of the culture. This tour of Venice will also visit Lake Bled in Slovenia and Bled Castle, as well as Postonja Caves, Ljubljana and Predjama Castle.

The Alps

A rail tour in the Alps could take you to the waterfalls and peaceful crystal lakes of the Austrian Tyrol or the dazzling cities of Vienna and Salzburg. The Glacier Express could provide views of Switzerland's dramatic peaks, which would display sensational landscapes.

The Swiss Alps offer a scenic trip to Zermatt and Poschiavo. The journey would involve a stay in the small town of Brig that is located at the bottom of the Simplon Pass, which is a fantastic base for exploration. The trip continues to the idyllic resort of Zermatt, which is higher into the mountains and involves a memorable trip on the Glacier Express. The trip also includes a pleasurable day in Chur, which is the oldest town in Switzerland, home to a stunning cathedral. Travellers will end at Rhine Gorge where vineyards and castles are available to roam at your leisure.

There are numerous journeys available in Europe, and they can be put together to cater for your every requirement. Whilst Northern France and Benelux, Sothern Europe and the Mediterranean, and the Alps have so much to offer, there are many other incredible opportunities in Europe to experience by rail. These include the Fjords of Norway in a tour of Scandinavia and the Baltic. Also, tours in Germany and Eastern Europe offer another option, for instance the Imperial Cities of Vienna, Budapest, Prague and Berlin are extremely appealing for many.

Europe has lots to offer and is full of history and attractions to appeal to everybody. Make your adventure more exciting, travel by train and experience more.

Great Rail Journeys are specialists in rail holidays and escorted train journeys. They offer 230 rail tours to over 40 countries across the world. As the UK's largest rail holidays company, they have over 30 years' experience organising holidays by train. Visit www.greatrail.com for more informatio.