Travel by rail and see life from a different angle…
Travelling by rail is one of our favourite ways to experience a destination. It’s not just an efficient way of getting around – letting you see more on your holiday – it’s also a great opportunity to enjoy local life and drink in scenery you would otherwise miss by plane. Jump on board, relax, and watch as marvellous landscapes unfold before your eyes.
There’s so much variety when it comes to rail travel, but we’ve done our best to select our highlights from around the globe. You could experience the living history of South Africa on board the atmospheric Rovos Rail, or speed through Japan on sleek bullet trains. But perhaps you’d prefer to soak in the elegance of the Belmond Hiram Bingham as you weave through the enchanting Peruvian Andes. Whatever your interests may be, we can create the ideal railway holiday for you.
Venice-Simplon Orient Express
Experience the romance of the Golden Age of travel aboard the Venice-Simplon Orient Express. This Art Deco-style train will whisk you away to some of Europe’s most alluring cities – Paris, Venice, Krakow and Prague – in total style and comfort. Cabins feature gorgeous period furnishings and polished wood, whilst the three restaurant cars serve world-class cuisine.
Japan’s Bullet Trains
Japan’s legendary high-speed bullet trains (known as Shinkansen) will whizz you from one side of the country to another in a flash, making them a fantastic way to see more on your trip. You could go from the bright lights of Tokyo to the temples of Kyoto in just over two hours, whilst the journey to Hiroshima from the capital takes only four hours through picturesque countryside.
Belmond Hiram Bingham, Peru
Machu Picchu is one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites, and the Belmond Hiram Bingham is surely the most luxurious way of getting to the ‘Lost City of the Incas’. Named after the American explorer who re-discovered the site in the early 1900s, the Hiram Bingham oozes old-world charm with sumptuous carriages inspired by 1920s Pullman trains. Dining aboard – on traditional Peruvian cuisine with a modern twist – is equally impressive.
Rovos Rail, South Africa
Reserve a cabin on one of Rovos Rail’s luxury trains and you will find yourself gliding through awe-inspiring natural landscapes, from the windswept grasslands of the Highveld to the dramatic mountain ranges of the Cape. With beautifully restored Victorian-style carriages and no televisions or radios on board, the Rovos Rail perfectly captures the spirit of travel in days gone by.
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
Marvel at the spectacular beauty of the Canadian Rockies from the comforts of the Rocky Mountaineer. This is one of the world’s classic rail journeys, with spacious seating, over-sized windows, entertaining hosts and overnight stays in beautiful hotels. The glass-domed coaches are perfect for admiring the passing landscapes, as well as enjoying the local flora and fauna.