Travel by rail
My first experience of rail travel was in China, its one of the best ways to immerse yourself in this fascinating country. I enjoyed the relaxed pace as I made myself at home in my comfortable sleeper berth. The ever-changing scenery was at times beautiful & other times fascinating but always interesting. I loved the opportunity to meet people who I wouldn't have met otherwise, trying out my Mandarin & sharing food with my fellow train mates.
Since then, I've taken sleeper trains in Vietnam as well as the epic Trans-Mongolian through China & Mongolia to Russia. I've experienced travel on trains in Sri Lanka, Japan, Austria & Spain too.The most unusual though is probably the train from Pyongyang, North Korea to Beijing (but that's a whole other story!).
We like these amazing rail experiences:
Bernina Express in Switzerland / Italy
This gem of a train ride goes from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy through the stunning Swiss Alps. Aside from the spectacular Alpine scenery, the journey takes in 55 tunnels and almost 200 bridges.
Settle into your panoramic car to enjoy the almost unbelievable vistas in style. Highlights include:
- Switzerland's oldest town
- the impressive Landwasser Viaduct
- and incredible glaciers
Rocky Mountaineer in Canada
This luxury train option only travels during the day so you don't miss any of the spectacular scenery. The amazing scenery is just part of the experience though, the streamlined experience also offers superb dining, snacks & drinks & entertaining hosts. You stay overnight in a hotel before continuing onto your final destination. Choose between:
- SilverLeaf offering panoramic viewing windows with at seat dining
or
- GoldLeaf offering the gorgeous glass dome roof & upper floor seating, with a la carte dining on the lower level
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Complete the enquiry form to plan your next rail adventure.
The Tranz-Alpine in New Zealand
This spectacular rail journey across the Southern Alps is considered one of the world's greatest train journeys. It runs between Christchurch & Greymouth in under 5 hours, taking in soaring mountains, pristine rivers & glacial lakes.
Engineering fans will love the 73m high Stairway Viaduct & the 8km long Otira Tunnel. The latter goes underneath the Main Divide (the spine of mountains which divides New Zealand's South Island).
The Ghan in Australia
Stretching from Darwin in the north to Adelaide in the South, the Ghan is an incredible all inclusive experience. Depending on the option you choose, this up to 4 day & 3 night journey offers world class dining, fine wines, comfortable cabins & excellent service, all included in your price.
Off train excursions are also included, with several to choose from. HIghlights include
- Boat trips to explore gorgeous Nitmiluk Gorge
- A signature dining experience at the Historic Telegraph Station in Alice Springs
- A tour of surreal Coober Pedy, Opal capital of the world with its lunar-esque landscape.
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I can't recommend rail travel highly enough, the journey is so much a part of your holiday. With so many amazing rail journeys all over the world from steam rail experiences to the multi-day adventures, there really is something for everyone.
EXCLUSIVE for newsletter subscribers, book any rail holiday by 28 Oct & save £100 per booking*.
*Subject to availability & terms & conditions, based on 2 sharing.
Send us an enquiry & we'll be in touch to arrange your rail holiday.
