Cambridge, Mass. – September 13, 2026 -- EF Go Ahead Tours has launched seven new guided train tours across Europe and North America, with departures beginning in June and July 2027 and prices starting at $3,499.
Survey shows travelers crave the journey itself
New research from EF Go Ahead Tours and Qualtrics polled nearly 900 U.S. and Canadian travelers, who rated their interest in train-centric travel at an average of 73.06 on a 100-point scale. Comfort ranked as the top motivator at 66%, followed by scenic views (64%), the uniqueness of rail-only destinations (63%), convenience (49%), and sustainability (29%).
Seven new routes span continents
The collection's marquee offering, Alps by Train: Germany, Austria, Switzerland & Italy, runs 12 days from $5,209 and combines five scenic railways, including the Zugspitze Cogwheel Train and the Gotthard Panorama Express. The Grand Train Tour of Europe: London to Venice spans 14 days from $5,299, retracing sections of the historic Orient Express route through Paris, Lausanne, Milan, and Venice.
Shorter options include A Week in Switzerland by Train: St. Moritz, Zermatt & Interlaken (9 days, from $4,849), featuring the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway and the Glacier Express, which crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels over six and a half hours. A Week in Italy by Train: Venice, Florence & Rome (9 days, from $3,499) links three cities via high-speed rail in just over three and a half hours of total travel time.
Imperial Cities by Train: Berlin, Prague & Vienna (10 days, from $3,499) connects three former imperial capitals via EuroCity and Railjet service, with an optional Budapest extension. In North America, Pacific Northwest by Train: Portland, Seattle & Vancouver (8 days, from $4,599) uses the newly renovated Amtrak Cascades train, passing Mount St. Helens and the San Juan Islands, with an optional day trip to Mount Rainier.
Company frames rail as a growing niche
"Train travel has always carried a certain romance and nostalgia, but today's travelers are looking for experiences that let them slow down, take in the scenery, and enjoy the journey,