The Three Best European Train Tours to take Post-Cruise

March 13, 2026 - Cruises - by Georgia Carter

The best European cruises certainly take you on a magical adventure. But if you're still craving more once you've disembarked, have a few extra days to spare, or want to be spontaneous and extend your trip, a European train tour could provide you with the stretched-out exploration you seek. On board one of these, you can witness destinations your cruise ship skimmed past and feel more in touch with the land you've been floating beside. And don't forget that if you booked via a cruise provider, sometimes you can tag on these rail tours with last-minute cruise deals for big savings. So, without further ado, here are our top three European train tours.

1. Glacier & Bernina Express: Alpine Majesty Between Switzerland and Italy

If you've docked somewhere like Genoa or Venice, you can take a relatively quick train to Switzerland and join the Glacier Express. This route, starting in St. Moritz and ending in Zermatt, takes you through epic high-cliff mountain passes and alongside snow-capped peaks for an awe-inspiring panoramic experience. Just as breathtaking is The Bernina Express, which connects Chur and Tirano. It crosses the Swiss Engadin Alps and snakes through rock-carved tunnels and past mirror-like lakes. 

Insider Tip: Book wide-window seats and try to ride mid-morning when the skies are clearer to catch the best vistas.

2. Paris to Istanbul via the Golden Eagle: A Slow-Burn Eastward Epic

Ending one of the best European cruises in a French or Mediterranean port? Hop over to Paris and climb aboard the Golden Eagle eastern train route. It drifts through Vienna, the Carpathians, the Balkans, and finishes in Istanbul. This is both a scenic ride and a journey through Europe’s living story. One moment you’re tracing the spires of Gothic cathedrals, the next you’re sharing a rustic meal with locals in a riverside town. Experience the diverse cultures and languages at each unique destination, adding a deeper layer of understanding to the historical landmarks you may have previously viewed from your cruise ship. 

Insider Tip: Bring a phrasebook or language app along for the ride. You'll not only gain favor from the train staff but also find a deeper connection with the locals. 

3. Spanish Luxury Trains: From Andalusia to the North

After finishing your majestic cruise along the Spanish Mediterranean coast and landing at ports such as Barcelona, Valencia, or Malaga, you can switch tracks and take a luxury tourist train like the Transcantábrico or Al Ándalus. These leisurely journeys feature elegant carriages and serve decadent, regional cuisine. They also offer time to step off into the small towns and sample local food and wine, or even learn some flamenco dancing. This combo is especially rewarding, as if you're pairing your cruise with a curated inland encore. 

Insider Tip: Check out schedules ahead of time as some of the trains only operate in specific seasons. A few weeks' flexibility helps you snap up last-minute cruise deals or train-plus-hotel packages. 

Exploring Europe doesn't have to end when you reach the cruise docks. Linking one of these scenic train trips to the best European cruises gives you a chance to see the continent from a whole new angle. If you’re flexible with your timing, keep an eye out for last-minute cruise deals that pair perfectly with post-cruise rail adventures.