See the World on These Much Loved Train Trips

There is a certain comfort to be found in the gentle rock of a train carriage, particularly when you are passing through some of the most incredibly scenic places on the planet. The world of train travel brings holidaymakers a unique collection of experiences and rail journeys that make their trip not just about the incredible destinations, but about the voyage itself. Here are some of the world’s best loved train trips you can experience on a guided tour.

Luxury Trains of India

India’s Palace on Wheels lives up to its name, welcoming guests aboard a luxury train journey through Rajasthan and Agra showcasing the majestic charm of India in complete comfort. On this round trip from Delhi you’ll take in the Pink City of Jaipur, keep your eyes peeled for Bengal tigers in Ranthambore National Park, cruise Lake Pichola in Udaipur, explore the twisting streets of Jaisalmer, admire the sandstone carvings in Jodhpur, and be captivated by the Taj Mahal at Agra.

Another luxury train winding its way through India is the Deccan Odyssey. Inspired by the maharajas’ imperial carriages from a bygone era, it whisks travellers along a series of different routes to discover the treasures of this incredible country. Ride the Deccan Odyssey from Mumbai to Delhi, immersing yourself in the spirit of India as you enjoy a traditional Indian high tea at the royal Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, explore the Old Town of Udaipur, and dine in the maharajah courtyard at one of India’s largest forts in Jodhpur. Continue on to visit the stunning Taj Mahal, the reserve of Ranthambore National Park, and the architecturally rich streets of Jaipur before disembarking the Deccan Odyssey in Delhi.

Perhaps take a different route on the Deccan Odyssey, uncovering the contrasts of India on a round trip from Mumbai. Enjoy a folk performance in Vadodara, discover the 900 ornate Jain temples on the hilltop of Palitana, and take a wildlife safari through the Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Further along the tracks the salt desert of the Little Rann of Kutch materialises, the Sun Temple of Modhera stands proud, and the ancient Pandavleni Caves in Nashik await discovery before the Grover Zampa vineyards call.

Africa’s Rovos Rail

The Rovos Rail network winds its way through Africa on a series of different routes, one of the most popular being the journey from Cape Town to Victoria Falls. Watch the juxtaposition of mountain ranges and the barren Great Karoo whizz by, uncover the traces of Kimberley’s diamond mining past, spend time exploring Pretoria, and enjoy a game drive in Hwange National Park. Your journey brings you to Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River, where you swap the soothing sounds of the railway for the wild roar of the tumultuous waterfalls. An adventure to remember!

The Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian Railways

Joining the west and the east, these iconic rail journeys traverse incredibly varied countryside and cultures. The epic Trans-Siberian journey between Moscow and Vladivostok crosses the Ural Mountains, visits the Soviet-style city of Yekaterinburg, travels through the Siberian taiga forests, and stops to explore some of the picturesque, historical and cultural sites en route to Vladivostok. Board the Golden Eagle train to take in the Trans-Siberian Express journey in style, enjoying the opulence, glamour, and world-class fine dining as history and scenery unfolds before you.

The Trans-Mongolian adventure peels away from the Trans-Siberian railway after a stop to explore the small town of Listvyanka on Lake Baikal. It then travels into Mongolia where travellers have time to discover the intriguing city of Ulaanbaatar and head into Gorkhi-Terelj National Park for a night in a traditional ger camp. Back on the train, the Trans-Mongolian whisks you to the vibrant city of Beijing, where you disembark to discover the hutongs, markets and historical wonders of China’s capital.

The Scenic Railways of Switzerland

Switzerland may be small, but it packs a big punch in terms of scenery. Take in scenic Switzerland by train as you travel through the picture book landscapes on a round trip from Zurich. Journey through the Alps from Zermatt to St. Moritz on the Glacier Express and traverse the breathtaking Bernina Pass drinking in the views through the panoramic windows of the Bernina Express. You’ll also get the to ride the dome windowed GoldenPass Panoramic train, and the Gornergrat open-air cogwheel train along Europe's highest rack railway.

Australia’s Great Southern Rail Journeys

Traverse Australia’s vast countryside on one of the premier trains rocking through the Australian outback – The Ghan or The Indian Pacific. The Ghan takes you through the heart of Australia from Adelaide to Darwin (or in reverse), mixing comfort onboard with adventure along the way. This route can be broken up into two journeys giving you even more time to discover these remote reaches of Australia. Travel from Adelaide to Alice Springs where you can disembark and spend time in the Red Centre, or discover Uluru and Kata Tjuta before boarding the train from Alice Springs to Darwin.

The Indian Pacific cuts across Australia between Sydney and Perth, travelling east to west (or the other way around) over four days. Make your way across the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world, taking in everything from the splendour of the Blue Mountains to the vast Nullarbor Plain and beyond. Off train excursions differ depending on which direction you travel and may include activities in Broken Hill, Adelaide, Barossa Valley, Rawlinna, Kalgoorlie or the Blue Mountains.

New Zealand’s Tranz Alpine Train

Spend five hours traversing the diverse landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island from Christchurch and Greymouth (or the other way around) on the TranzAlpine Railway. Pass through the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps, through lush fields, over deep gorges and through rugged mountain passes. The verdant leaves give way to gnarly trees and shrubbery as you climb, and towering viaducts provide the perfect vantage point to look back across the valleys and take it all in.

Enjoy the view from the warm carriage where the big panoramic windows make you feel like you can reach out and pick up a smooth pebble from the crystal-clear streams as you rock by, or head out to the open carriage to feel the cool wind whip your hair. The seats are equipped with headphones to tune into the commentary as you go, and there is an onboard café to fuel your photo taking.

Exploring Canada by Rail

The iconic Rocky Mountaineer winds its way through the stunning landscapes of Western Canada taking in the rugged peaks, alpine forests, and turquoise lakes. There are different journeys to choose from, each offering a combination of incredible destinations and scenery. Travel between Vancouver and Banff (via Kamloops and Lake Louise), or Vancouver and Jasper (via Whistler and Quesnel or Kamloops). These routes are also offered in reverse, and are combined with coach travel to showcase more of the region on a tour of Canada’s West Coast. The Rocky Mountaineer train is an experience in itself. With a glass domed coach, outdoor viewing platforms, informative Hosts and an onboard culinary team, the only thing you have to do is choose between the SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf experience.

If you’ve not yet had your fill of trains in Canada, then you can also jump on the VIA rail network and cross the continent on an array of Canada train journeys. Pass through rugged mountain ranges contrasting soft prairie fields as you traverse the Canadian countryside on The Canadian train, operating between Toronto and Vancouver.

Rail Journeys in Scotland

Between Scotland’s rolling hills and still lochs weaves a rail network worth exploring. Discover Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands by train on a round trip from Edinburgh, taking in some of the most iconic rail journeys in Scotland. Skirt the western banks of Loch Lomond and travel through ancient forest on the West Highland Line, traverse the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train, and rock through wooded hillsides and over sparse moors on the Kyle Line. A series of incredible journeys brought together for a holiday of a lifetime!

The Bullet Trains of Japan

Ride the Bullet Trains of Japan as you check out the neon-lit cityscapes and quiet zen gardens of this incredible country. Immerse yourself in majestic Japan as you travel from Osaka to historic Hiroshima and on to sightsee the temples of Kyoto. A juxtaposition of modernity and tradition awaits in Tokyo, and the scenic countryside turns it on as you take in the views of Mount Fuji, explore Sendai in Northern Japan, and be serenaded by the bubbling waterfalls of Oirase Gorge. A melting pot of culture, cuisine, scenery, tradition, and modernism, Japan is the perfect place to discover the times of old on one of the most innovative rail networks in the world.