Great Escapes: Rail holidays

There’s a romance to rail that few other journeys can match – the gentle rhythm of the tracks, the ever-changing landscapes framed by your window, and the sense of stepping back into a golden age of travel. Below, our experts have picked their favourite rail holidays designed to capture this timeless allure, combining elegance, comfort, and a host of unforgettable experiences.

Travel aboard the Golden Eagle for epic transcontinental adventures, or indulge in the refined glamour of Belmond’s iconic trains, from the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to the Royal Scotsman. In India, the Maharajas’ Express offers a regal passage through palaces and vibrant cities, while in Spain, luxury rail journeys reveal the cultural treasures of Andalusia and beyond. For those drawn to spectacular wildlife, Southern Africa’s legendary trains pair safari thrills with five-star service.

And it doesn’t stop there. Our tailor-made rail holidays let you explore at your own pace, using local trains to uncover the beauty of Japan’s bullet routes, Scandinavia’s fjord-side tracks, and New Zealand’s alpine panoramas – all designed by our experts to suit your style.