THE BEST RAIL HOLIDAYS

Topic	The Best Rail Holidays
Read Time	5 Minutes
Author	Laura Radford, Travel Writer

THE BEST RAIL HOLIDAYS

There are so many advantages to rail travel. Not only is it one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel, but there is less chance your journey will be delayed either by weather or other environmental factors, its simple with less hassle meaning than navigating airports and you get to sit back and enjoy the scenery, usually with plenty of legroom! But searching for a rail holiday can be overwhelming, as there are so many options. Here we highlight some of the best rail holidays worldwide…

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

One of the world’s most famous and best rail holidays is the Rocky Mountaineer, a truly iconic experience through the picturesque beauty of western Canada. Travel between culturally rich Vancouver to Jasper and Banff National Parks and enjoy nature at its finest. With GoldLeaf status, you can enjoy exclusive access to an outdoor viewing platform on a glass dome carriage and your choice of tours in Jasper and Banff, as well as an Ice Explorer ride onto Athabasca Glacier.

GLACIER EXPRESS

Wind through the stunning Swiss Alps on the world’s slowest express train – the 8-hour Glacier Express journey is up there as one of the best rail holidays you'll ever experience. Discover some of Europe’s most picturesque scenery, from towering mountain peaks to lakes, and vast gorges, and enjoy incredibly luxurious food in both 1^st and 2^nd class carriages. The Glacier Express is perfectly combined with time exploring Geneva or Zurich, or other areas in the Swiss Alps and can be enjoyed throughout the year, with less frequent services during the winter.

THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN

The Belmond Royal Scotsman is the most luxurious way to explore the Scottish Highlands. Sister train to the famous Venice-Simplon-Orient Express, the Royal Scotsman will take you on a scenic tour through Scottish history, all whilst travelling in an intimate setting with a maximum capacity of 40 passengers. Explore romantic castles, whisky distilleries, and other iconic sites in the Scottish Highlands, including Glenfinnan Viaduct and Loch Lomand.

EASTERN ORIENTAL EXPRESS

An incredible journey through exotic southeast Asia, the Eastern Oriental Express runs from Singapore to Bangkok, and is the perfect luxury add-on to trips in Thailand, Malaysia and beyond. This is truly one of the best rail holidays offering sophisticated glamour, with incredible gastronomy expertly prepared by onboard chefs, opulent polished wood and silk furnishings done to a classic Asian design, a glamourous piano bar, and at the trains rear, an observation car, where you can relax and enjoy a cocktail as you take in the stunning scenery.

THE BLUE TRAIN

A 31-hour journey between Pretoria and Cape Town, South Africa’s Blue Train is one of the world’s most historical and best rail holidays, having been in operation since 1923. This five-star hotel on tracks, takes you through the stunning scenery of the African sub-continent, as you enjoy the luxuries of a private cabin, signature dishes using fresh local ingredients, and if you’re staying in a suite, your own private butler! This rail journey can also take you into the heart of the Limpopo Province which is home to the Kruger National Park, the perfect combination to an African safari.