Rail Holidays
Travelling by train offers a unique way to explore the world, with iconic routes providing both breathtaking landscapes and a touch of luxury. In Canada, the Rocky Mountaineer is a renowned railway that journeys through the majestic Rocky Mountains, offering unparalleled views of towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests. The train’s glass-domed carriages allow passengers to fully immerse themselves in the scenery, while world-class service and gourmet meals enhance the experience. Similarly, the Glacier Express in Switzerland takes travellers through the Swiss Alps, connecting Zermatt and St. Moritz, and is famous for its panoramic windows and dramatic views of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and picturesque villages. Both these iconic trains provide a leisurely, unforgettable way to see some of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders.
For those seeking something more exotic, the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a glamorous journey through Europe, connecting cities like Venice, Paris, and London. The train is a time capsule of elegance, with its restored 1920s carriages, fine dining, and exceptional service, allowing passengers to step back in time to an era of opulence and refinement. In Australia, the Ghan is a once-in-a-lifetime rail journey across the outback, stretching from Adelaide to Darwin. This iconic train travels through vast desert landscapes, offering a chance to experience the rugged beauty of Australia’s interior. Meanwhile, India’s Palace on Wheels offers a royal journey through Rajasthan, with opulent interiors and visits to grand palaces, forts, and temples, providing a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture while travelling in comfort and style. Each of these legendary trains offers a distinct and memorable way to explore new destinations while enjoying luxury and comfort.
There’s something incredibly relaxing about watching the world roll by from the comfort of your seat. I’ve done a few of these trips now, and each one felt like an adventure in itself.
Not only do you get to see breathtaking scenery that you’d otherwise miss on a plane, but there’s also the added bonus of knowing you’re leaving a smaller environmental footprint. It’s like the ultimate guilt-free travel! And it’s not just the eco-friendly aspect that appeals to me, but the pure convenience – no need to rush through airports or sit in traffic. Everything is taken care of, from the meals to the scenic stops, and the trains themselves are so comfortable it’s almost hard to believe you’re on a train, not a five-star hotel.
Some Of The World’s Best Train Journeys
Venice Simplon Orient Express
1 night (onboard)
Paris – Venice, Venice – Paris
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a luxurious and timeless way to travel between Venice and Paris, with elegantly restored 1920s and 1930s carriages, exquisite dining in stylish restaurant cars, and private cabins transformed into sleeping berths by dedicated stewards. Guests can indulge in gourmet meals prepared by expert chefs, enjoy cocktails in the piano bar, and relax in comfort, with the option of suites or Grand Suites for added luxury. The train provides an unforgettable experience of glamorous, old-world travel, with routes across Europe, including special journeys to cities like Geneva, Amsterdam, and Istanbul. All meals are included, and private transfers and accommodation are arranged for a seamless journey.
Bernina Express
Day Train
Chur to Pontresina
The Bernina Express, often overshadowed by the Glacier Express, is a breathtaking journey through the Swiss Alps, offering spectacular views and engineering marvels. The UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway crosses dramatic landscapes, including 55 tunnels, 196 bridges, and iconic viaducts like the Landwasser Viaduct and Brusio Circular Viaduct. The route, which takes passengers from Chur to Tirano, reaches an altitude of 2,253 metres, passing snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes, before descending to the palm-lined shores of Lugano. The journey includes a flight to Zurich, a rail pass, reserved seats on the Bernina Express, and accommodation in Chur and Lugano, with a private car transfer to Milan. With panoramic coaches providing stunning views, the experience offers a comfortable and unforgettable way to explore the Swiss Alps.
The Al-Andalus Train
8 day holiday
Seville, Jerez, Cadiz, Ronda, Cordoba, Ubeda, Baeza, Granada
The Al-Andalus Train offers a luxurious seven-night journey through Andalucía, Spain, travelling between Seville and Granada (or vice versa). Guests can choose between Grand Class cabins or Deluxe Suites, both offering elegant, period-style comfort. The train features restored lounge cars from the late 1920s and early 1930s, where passengers can enjoy exquisite local cuisine, drinks, and music recitals. The journey includes guided excursions to historic destinations such as the Moorish cities of Granada and Córdoba, the Renaissance towns of Úbeda and Baeza, and the dramatic gorge of Ronda. With all meals, wine, and private transfers included, passengers also enjoy accommodation at the luxurious Alfonso XIII hotel in Seville and the Palacio Gran Via in Granada.
El Transcantabrico
7 day holiday
San Sebastián – Bilbao, Carranza, Santander, Potes, Cabezon de la Sal, Mantilla del Mar, Llanes, Oviedo, Gijon, Luarca, Ribadeo, Viveiro – Santiago de Compestela
El Transcantábrico is Spain’s most luxurious train, offering a seven-night journey across the north of the country, from Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastián. This historic train, made up of restored vintage carriages, features elegant lounges with panoramic windows, an award-winning restaurant, and just 14 comfortable suites with private shower rooms and living areas. The itinerary includes visits to cities such as Bilbao, Santander, and Oviedo, as well as the neolithic cave paintings at Altamira and the stunning Picos de Europa mountains. The trip also includes return flights, private transfers, meals with wine, excursions, and stays at luxurious hotels like the Parador de Santiago and the Maria Cristina in San Sebastián. Trains run between April and October, with all meals, wine, and excursions included.
Gotthard Panorama Express
Day Train
Lugano to Lucerne
The Gotthard Panorama Express offers a scenic 5.5-hour journey from Lugano to Lucerne, beginning with a train ride through the historic Gotthard Rail Tunnel and winding through the Swiss Alps. After reaching Flüelen, passengers board a vintage paddle steamer to cross Lake Lucerne, passing notable landmarks like Rütliwiese, Schillerstein, and Tell Chapel while enjoying a meal on board. The journey concludes at Lucerne’s harbour, near the iconic Chapel Bridge. The experience includes flights to Milan and from Zurich, a rail pass, and reservations on the Gotthard Panorama Express.
Le Dolce Vita Orient Express
1 or 2 nights
From Rome – to Venice, Piedmont, Portofino, Siena, Tuscany, Basilicata, Puglia, Sicily
La Dolce Vita Orient Express, launched in spring 2025, offers a luxurious rail experience across Italy, with itineraries ranging from one to two nights. Starting in Rome, the train travels to destinations like Venice, Piedmont, Portofino, Siena, Tuscany, Basilicata, Puglia, and Sicily. The train’s design evokes the glamour of 1950s and 1960s Italy, featuring 31 en suite cabins and suites, a stylish dining car, and a panoramic lounge bar. Guests can enjoy tailored itineraries with flights (or train travel), private transfers, and hotel accommodations before and after the journey.
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