What Makes us Special

“We had a fantastic holiday and much of that was due to you! All the travel arrangements went very smoothly and we particularly appreciated the taxis in Paris. We loved the food and wine, the staff, the fellow passengers (all either American or Australian) and particularly Magali who was our bus driver and expert guide – we learnt so much more about the history of France and about wine than we have done in all the years we have been going there! I hope we will be able to book a holiday with you again and would have no hesitation in recommending you.”
Mr. & Mrs. Crossley – East Yorkshire

“My holiday to the Verona Opera went like clockwork from start to finish – our seats were perfect and the Opera itself was a wonderful experience” Mrs. Gill – London

“This was one of the best holidays we have ever had – thank you for all your personal service and attention to detail. We will definitely book with you again.”
Mr & Mrs. Lewis – St. Helens

“A most well-organised and superb break, away from all airports and hold-ups! Great food and great company!”
Mr. Bobbie Caplin OBE – Leeds

What the press have said about us

‘Site of the Week’ – The Times June 28th 2008 – “Trying to avoid air travel? This new Yorkshire-based rail holiday company promises a more personal service, regional departures, special offers and greener trips than those available from your local airport. A sensible option for travellers who believe the journey is as much a part of the holiday as the destination”

Daily Telegraph – 5th July 2008 – 50 last-minute summer holidays – “Take to the rails, France – The new rail specialist Planet Rail promises to offset all the carbon emissions of its holidays to Europe and beyond at no extra cost to travellers. A six-night luxury rail and barge holiday from London to Lyons start at £895, with weekly departures in July and August”

The Observer – 8th June 2008 – “Green Track – New rail specialist Planet Rail is promising to offset all the carbon emissions of its holidays to Europe and beyond at no extra cost to travellers.”

Yorkshire Post 14th June 2008 – “France – Special offer six-night holiday by First Class rail, with departures from Leeds and York, to Dijon where customers board the Libellule hotel barge for a First Class cruise along the river Saône to Lyon (return by First Class rail). From £895 per person for departures in July and August.”

The Press – York 9th June 2008 – “Travel man launches green site – A Travel agent from York has launched his own internet rail travel company. Guy Saunders, 46, has left his role as general and commercial manager at York-based Great Rail Journeys to start www.planetrail.co.uk from his home in Stillington. His new venture boasts carbon neutral “green” credentials, regional departure points, including York, and holidays by first- class rail, such as the Verona Opera which begins in June, plus French hotel barges and destinations in Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Russia and France. The tailor-made holidays also include staying at hotels en route to break the journey. Guy, who has worked at a senior level in the travel industry for 15 years, is fluent in French and also speaks German, Italian and Spanish. He is a former regional manager with My Travel, responsible for holidays to Italy, Greece, Austria, Bulgaria, North Africa and Turkey. He has also worked as an area manager in France for self-drive camping specialists Eurocamp.

Yorkshire Post 16th August 2008 – “Italy. Special offer six-night holiday by First Class rail, with departures from Yorkshire to Venice. Travel on daytime trains with a meal and drinks on Eurostar, through France to Dijon overnight. Four-night stay in Venice at boutique Una Hotel Venezia. Return home via Montreux. Travel, six nights’ B&B, private transfers including water taxi in Venice included in price from £995 for departures this autumn/winter.”

  • We are experts in holidays by rail
  • Our specialist knowledge of all our featured regions, especially Italy, Switzerland and France, and, of course, rail travel developed over more than 15 years
  • We are a small, family-run company with an ethical approach to travel and a belief in providing a more personal and comprehensive service
  • We can tailor-make an itinerary to create your perfect holiday by rail
  • Our tailor-made service is available for both individuals and groups
  • Our holiday prices include First Class rail travel to/from London to your destination
  • We also include private transfers in the holiday price (where necessary)
  • All our rail holidays are Carbon Neutral at no extra cost to you
  • Travel by train produces far lower emissions than air travel so you can relax in the knowledge that you are doing your bit for the environment(rail is greener than flying)
  • We offer complete flexibility so if you prefer to fly to/from your destination we can book this for you
  • We can organise some fantastic days out to further enhance your holiday such as a private boat trip, dinner in an exclusive restaurant, city sightseeing or a night at the Opera
  • Should you wish to extend your holiday we can offer additional nights or help you to craft a multi-centre holiday
  • You can save money by choosing to travel on a sleeper train on your way to/from your destination
  • We include First Class rail travel on all our holidays. However, we can book Standard Class Rail for all or part of your journey enabling you to reduce your holiday costs
  • Planet Rail is a member of the Travel Trust Association giving your holiday complete financial protection and you peace of mind