9 Incredible Day Trips You Can Experience on a Railbookers Stay & Explore Holiday
One of the best parts of travelling by train is how easy it becomes to see more without constantly packing and unpacking. That’s exactly the idea behind Railbookers’ Stay & Explore collection.
Instead of changing accommodation every couple of nights, these itineraries let you settle into one central city while taking scenic rail day trips to nearby towns, villages, and landmarks. You get the comfort of a consistent home base with the excitement of discovering somewhere new each day.
From castles and wine regions to alpine villages and coastal escapes, here are nine unforgettable places you can experience as part of a Railbookers Stay & Explore holiday.
1. Graz, Austria
Featured in: Stay and Explore Austria: Culture, Mountains, and Valleys
Approximate train time: 2.5 hours
For a different side of Austria beyond Vienna’s imperial grandeur, Graz makes an excellent day trip.
Austria’s second-largest city blends Renaissance courtyards, red-roofed streets, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels noticeably different from the capital. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is easy to explore on foot, with charming cafés, local markets, and hillside views from the city’s iconic clock tower.
Graz is also known for its food scene, making it a great destination for travellers who enjoy local cuisine and slower-paced exploring.
The train ride from Vienna is comfortable and scenic, turning the journey into part of the experience itself.
2. Bergamo, Italy
Featured in: Stay and Explore Italy: Milan and the Italian Lakes
Approximate train time: 50 minutes
Often overlooked in favour of Italy’s bigger cities, Bergamo feels like a hidden gem.
The city’s medieval upper town is filled with cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and panoramic views across Lombardy. It’s the kind of place where wandering without a plan becomes part of the experience.
From Milan, it’s an easy and rewarding day trip that offers a more local and authentic side of northern Italy.
3. Waterford, Ireland
Featured in: Stay and Explore Ireland: Castles, Coast, and Kilkenny
Approximate train time: 2 to 2.5 hours
For a day trip filled with history, craftsmanship, and classic Irish charm, Waterford is an excellent choice.
As Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford blends Viking heritage with a lively waterfront atmosphere. Visitors can explore landmarks like Reginald’s Tower and the Medieval Museum, stroll through the historic Viking Triangle, or visit the world-famous House of Waterford Crystal to watch skilled artisans create intricate crystal pieces by hand.
The scenic rail journey from Dublin adds to the experience, passing through Ireland’s countryside before arriving in a city that feels rich with character and history.
4. Rapperswil, Switzerland
Featured in: Stay and Explore Switzerland: Alpine Classics
Approximate train time: 40 minutes
For a relaxed Swiss day trip with lakeside charm, Rapperswil is a beautiful choice.
Known as the “City of Roses,” Rapperswil sits on the shores of Lake Zurich and offers a lovely mix of medieval streets, waterfront views, and alpine scenery in the distance. Visitors can explore Rapperswil Castle, stroll the lakeside promenade, wander the old town, or enjoy a café with views across the water.
The short train ride from Zurich makes it an easy and rewarding escape, giving travellers a softer, more local side of Switzerland without the need to change accommodation.
5. Windsor, England
Featured in: Stay and Explore England: London and the West Country Explorer
Approximate train time: 1 hour
For a classic English day trip filled with royal history and riverside charm, Windsor is hard to beat.
Best known for Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, the town offers a mix of history, elegant streets, and a relaxed atmosphere just outside London. Visitors can tour the castle grounds, stroll along the River Thames, or explore quaint shops and traditional pubs in the town centre.
The short train ride from London makes Windsor an easy and rewarding escape that feels worlds away from the city without requiring an overnight stay.
6. Toledo, Spain
Featured in: Stay and Explore Spain: Castilian Cities by Rail
Approximate train time: 35 minutes
Toledo is one of Spain’s most fascinating historic cities and an incredibly easy day trip from Madrid.
Known as the “City of Three Cultures,” Toledo reflects centuries of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influence through its architecture, churches, synagogues, and winding medieval streets. The city sits dramatically above the Tagus River, creating incredible panoramic views as you approach.
It’s the perfect contrast to Madrid’s energy and gives travellers a deeper look into Spain’s rich history.
7. Pitlochry, Scotland
Featured in: Stay and Explore Scotland: Edinburgh and Highlands Rail Adventures
Approximate train time: about 2 hours
For a peaceful escape into the Scottish Highlands, Pitlochry is an ideal day trip from Edinburgh.
Surrounded by forests, rivers, and rolling hills, this charming Victorian town offers a slower pace and some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery. Visitors can stroll the quaint main street, explore nearby whisky distilleries, walk along the River Tummel, or visit Blair Castle just outside town.
The rail journey north is part of the experience, gradually transitioning from Scotland’s cities into the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.
8. Regensburg, Germany
Featured in: Stay and Explore Germany: Bavaria by Rail
Approximate train time: 1.5 to 2 hours
For travellers who love medieval charm and historic architecture, Regensburg is one of Bavaria’s most rewarding day trips.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Regensburg is home to one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval old towns, filled with cobblestone streets, Gothic towers, and colourful historic buildings. Visitors can explore landmarks like the Stone Bridge, Regensburg Cathedral, and the lively squares along the Danube River.
The rail journey from Munich is easy and scenic, making it a perfect way to experience a quieter, more historic side of Bavaria while still returning to Munich the same evening.
9. Annecy, France
Featured in: Stay and Explore France: Culture, Cuisine, and Provence by Rail
Approximate train time: about 2 hours
For a day trip that feels straight out of a postcard, Annecy is hard to top.
Often called the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy is known for its pastel-coloured buildings, canals, crystal-clear lake, and mountain backdrop. Visitors can wander the charming old town, stroll along Lake Annecy, explore local markets and cafés, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that makes the town so memorable.
The scenic rail journey from Lyon makes it easy to experience the beauty of the French Alps while still returning to your accommodation the same evening.
Why Stay & Explore works so well
Traditional multi-city holidays can sometimes feel rushed. You spend as much time packing and checking into accommodation as you do enjoying the destinations themselves.
Railbookers’ Stay & Explore collection changes that dynamic. By staying several nights in one hub city, you can settle in, explore more comfortably, and still experience a wide variety of destinations through easy rail day trips.
It’s a style of travel that feels more immersive, more relaxed, and ultimately more enjoyable.
One day you’re sipping champagne in Reims. The next you’re standing beneath waterfalls in the Swiss Alps or exploring a medieval Spanish city, all while returning to the same comfortable accommodation each evening.
With Railbookers handling the rail connections, accommodation, and planning details, you can simply enjoy the experience and discover more from one perfectly chosen base.
