As 2024 comes to an end, I wanted to share the highlights of what our customers are choosing in 2025 and 2026.
Firstly, thanks to everyone who travelled with us this year and to all those that registered their interest with Great Rail Journeys. It was a record-breaking year which saw us experience growth of nearly a third and our highest levels of customer satisfaction, and we're looking forward to taking you to wonderful new places in the years to come.
Award Winning
For the second year running, we were recognised at The Times Travel Awards as Best Guided Adventure Operator, and the Best Travel Company for Rail Holidays at the Business Travel Awards. We have also been awarded Which? recommended provider status. I must take this opportunity to thank all of my team at Great Rail Journeys and in particular our Tour Managers. From all the feedback I get, the research I read and the experiences I've seen first-hand, our Tour Managers are second to none in the industry.
More Choice with our Collections
The past year also saw the consolidation of two of our businesses, with Rail Discoveries moving into Great Rail Journeys. With all the same great tours available under one name, we are now able to offer more choice to more people. Our Discoveries range provides great value while our Classic tours represent our signature holidays. For those wanting that extra indulgence and unique activities, you can find an inspiring selection of holidays in our Landmark collection.
As a result, we've seen phenomenal growth in Italy with a firm customer favourite being our Puglia All Inclusive - Undiscovered Southern Italy tour. Due to popular demand, we've added in departures from regional airports.
Best of British
Closer to home, we've launched a new tour to celebrate our hometown of York and surroundings. Glorious Yorkshire showcases the beauty of the county through explorations of York, Harrogate and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. You can read more about it in our blog here Discover Glorious Yorkshire.
A perennial customer favourite is the Sensational Isles of Scilly. Our Product Manager Gary recently experienced this tour for himself read here. This tour is again expected to sell out quickly for 2026.
For me, I am hoping to be able to return to Scotland to explore Skye, Orkney and the Wild North. With breathtaking Scottish scenery and the mystical sites of Orkney and Skye, this tour makes a wonderful holiday.
Heading into Europe
Looking at current trends, it seems Italy is very much the place to go to in 2025. I was recently asked what my favourite tour was. My answer… Lake Garda All Inclusive - I love the hotel!
Another personal favourite is the Basque Country of northern Spain, which I was fortunate enough to visit a few months ago read here and experience the delights of both tours to this region - our Classic tour The Beautiful Basque Country and The Basque Country from our Discoveries range.
Of course, we love trains, and Switzerland has some of the world's best. You really can't beat climbing through the Eiger to the highest train station in Europe on the Jungfrau Express. Discover the top reasons to visit here.
Worldwide Travel Increasing
Over the past few years, we have noticed a return to growth in international travel. One of our most popular tours outside Europe is the fantastic India's Golden Triangle, Tigers and Shimla. I really enjoyed this when I travelled on it in February 2019, viewing iconic sights such as the Taj Mahal and setting out on safaris in search of Bengal tigers.
Due to unprecedented demand, we are adding more dates to our tours in Australia and New Zealand. With spectacular natural wonders like Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef and Milford Sound - as well as characterful cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Wellington - it's no wonder these tours are becoming very popular.
Canada is epic, in every way. Whether you're combining a tour of the Rocky Mountains with a cruise along the Inside Passage to Alaska on our The Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska Cruise, or crossing Canada from Vancouver to Niagara Falls, the majestic scenery and jaw-dropping natural wonders are sure to amaze. You can hear about our Wonders of Canada and The Rocky Mountaineer tour from one of our fantastic Tour Managers, Richard.
First Class River Cruises
Focusing on our luxury river cruises, 2024 was the year we introduced our own Great Rail Journeys branded chartered ships and increased capacity on Europe's most picturesque rivers. As a result of this, our improved itineraries and our partners delivering award-winning service, our customer satisfaction has increased.
We are also unique in the market as we offer combined Tour and Cruise holidays, which blend an escorted rail tour with a fantastic river cruise - including my favourite, the Glacier Express and the Romantic Rhine.
Looking to the Future
As we start to look ahead to 2026 and beyond, why not think about travelling further afield? How about uncovering Uzbekistan and the Ancient Silk Road or embarking on a Grand Tour of Vietnam and Cambodia? I am also excited to see the introduction of new tours to India and an amazing exploration of southeast Asia, including Thailand and Laos - available soon.
We also have some more exciting destinations in the planning stages, and I hope to able to share news of these with you soon! I hope you all have a wonderful festive period and wish you the very best for 2025.
