Great Rail Journeys Reviews 

Chris was very helpful for getting everything we needed to complete our trip.

We were recommended GRJ while on another tour by the Tour Manger if we wanted a train and river cruise. Booking was far way too complicated or did we get it wrong? Imperial cities and delights of the Danube we booked or what we thought was Passau To Budapest but when we paid our deposit we had the confirmation that it was the opposite. When returning to the website we were bombarded with other tours and took a guess at the one we booked and made cabin and day tours to complete the booking. Using the “BAG MAN” was a great idea this saved lugging baggage from train to train. The cruise was exceptional and picked up a GRJ Magazine to book our next holiday on the Rhine when we get home. However………………
The tour manager to start with appeared okay, setting up a what’s app group to relay all the information regarding train, hotel and tour times. However from St. Pancras to Budapest, at every opportunity disappearing to have a cigarette, at one point on a train journey offering the group a taste of an alcoholic drink from the cap of a bottle of an alcoholic drink from his bag. Not sure on GRJ Policy is for employees regarding this. At Hradcany Castle the Tour manager with another tour manager from another group exchanged a vigorous tête-à-tête regarding queue jumping. In Prague they made issue with a street beger rather than walk on by. Was curt to my partner when they asked a question regarding train seating on the return journey.
As an avid train enthusiast and having been on so many European trains and tours these past plus 20 yearsI to sign off the lines and stations that I have been through. NOT on this tour! For some reason we were always given tickets for seats whereby we had seats next to the train pillar (no window or partial) and thought it unlucky to be always given tickets for these seats.
This, by far was the worst rail travel experience in the company of a tour manager. We will not be using GRJ on the basis we may get this tour manager again.

Tuscany: Florence, San Gimignano & Pisa.

We were doing this GRJ tour for the third time, and never cease to enjoy this Tuscany area.

Overnight in Turin was first class. Hotel Concord in the centre of Turin is so convenient for tourist attractions and railway stations, and is our preference over the out of town NH Lingotto that GRJ has used in the past. Our late evening meal outside the local Kipling restaurant created a superb atmosphere to end the day.

Day 3 (free time) in Montecatini was completed by our Tour Manager Annette. She had been recommended La Casina for an evening meal, a restaurant in the park within walking distance of the hotel. A majority of the party accompanied her for a very enjoyable meal.

Day 5, Lucca and Pisa. We love Lucca, and spent the day there, making our own way back to Montecatini later in the afternoon.

Day 7, another free day, was again completed with a meal at La Casina.

The journey home via the Cote D’Azur was a disaster. Montecatini to Saint Raphael was coach/train/train/coach, far too many changes. The evening meal was good in the Best Western Plus, but being on the coast and next to the marina, we were constantly being attacked by gnats. Because other residents were dining on the terrace, the doors were open all the time. Breakfast was no different.

Worse was to come on the final day. Coach to the local railway station to catch the double decker TGV through train to Paris. We understood that we had 3 minutes to board, 24 people with luggage, 6 on the lower deck, and 18, with their luggage, on the upper. We were positioned correctly on the platform for our designated carriage, but with only one door to enter, and the staircase just inside the door, it was all a bit of a panic. We must have delayed the train. Montecatini to Paris, 3 coaches and 3 trains.

The route home on our two previous tours, was Montecatini to Florence by coach, the train to take us to Turin for an overnight stay was terminated in the station, so everyone had time to board and find their seats at ease. On the final day, a train from Turin to Paris. Montecatini to Paris, 1 coach and 2 trains. GRJ should seriously consider ditching the Cote D’Azur, and revert back to a more direct route with fewer changes, although we notice next years itinerary shows no changes. They are however now showing two hotels in Montecatini – our room in Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale was classified as “deluxe”, and had a Juliet balcony that overlooked the back of a derelict hotel and empty swimming pool. It may be time to try the other one, Hotel Adua.

Because of the route home our star rating for this tour would have been 4, but because of the excellence of our Tour Manager Annette, and the best group of fellow travellers we have encountered in 10 GRJ tours to Italy, easily makes up for the missing star.

We wanted to make a booking for a trip in 2027 and we had vouchers as compensation for some problems on a previous trip so we couldn't book online as we normally would. GRJ called me back and with their representative we went through the trip choosing various options. He was able to add the value of our vouchers as an extra payment after I paid the usual deposit. Documentation followed by email shortly after our call ended. Smooth process, so I give it full marks.

Glen was very helpful in making our trip reservation and could immediately answer all our questions. Excellent friendly customer service.

Easy to book. Very pleasant and helpful. Straight through to a human being!!!!

Why are you asking me to tell you how good you are? All you have done so far is take my money for my booking!

This is the third holiday I have booked through Great Rail Journeys which I think speaks for itself. The lady that dealt with me was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. An excellent level of service. Thankyou

Always a great experience booking with Great Rail Journeys. Customer service excellent, very professional and able to answer all our questions.

Very helpful when I telephoned to check that my dietary requirements could be catered for. I then confirmed the booking on the phone. All information emailed and arrived in the post the next day. They were recommended to me from two separate friends.

Agent was very professional, knowledgeable and personable. She made it very easy to work with me in making our reservation.

My questions answered and booking made,very straight forward

I received helpful information from Aldo. He was patient in listening to my questions and provided answers.

Quick easy informative helpful

Sarah understood my query and solved it efficiently and courteously.

We’ve only just booked- customer service reps Renaya and Gabe were both friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

So far so good tell you when holidays over

Booking a holiday is always easy via the phone. Everyone are very friendly & helpful. Confirmation is sent via email very quickly

Person was very knowledgeable about the trips and booking procedures.