20 Great Train Journeys

LOCO Journeys has gathered together a selection of what we consider to be some of the world’s great train journeys.

Most train journeys serve a functionary purpose and take you from A to B.  Some are fast, some are slow.  Some will traverse urban sprawl, others will take you through beautiful countryside.

Then there are those great rail journeys that take their passengers to exotic landscapes and spirit you away to other worlds – ones in which glamour, elegance and the romance of rail’s golden age lives on. Here’s 20 of the best train holidays.

Great Train Journeys – North America

Rocky Mountaineer – Canada

With a stunning range of journey variations and rail holiday packages, the Rocky Mountaineer is synonymous with quality and serious wow factor. Regardless of which journey you choose,  the glass-roofed carriages will offer you spectacular access to the most amazing mountain landscapes and move you in ways you never dreamed possible.

The Canadian – Canada

Operated by VIA Rail, The Canadian takes four nights to travel between Vancouver and Toronto and lets you see the breadth of the Canadian countryside like never before.  The Canadian rail journey features all the elements of a classic train trip with dining car, glass viewing domes and your own private cabin.  Jump aboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver and then you will join The Canadian in Jasper. Two great rail journeys in one awesome trip.

Alaska Railroad – Canada

Alaska speaks to you like no other place can. The charm and scenic appeal of this great and vast land is amplified through panoramic windows and underscored by the historical narratives of the railroad’s Alaskan tour guides. The Alaska railroad links the most popular destinations and is your ticket to adventure.

Amtrak Vacations – United States of America

Amtrak vacations give you the opportunity to reach almost every part of the United States.  These independent itineraries are perfect for travellers who want to do their own exploring whilst still benefiting from the stress-free nature of pre-planned travel. Get ready to see stunning scenery and meet some interesting people along the way. Here we come USA.

Great Train Journeys – Europe

Venice-Simplon Orient Express – Europe

Become part of this celebrated rail journeys unique and glorious ever-changing history. You need only glimpse its gleaming carriages and be greeted by the VSOE steward in the distinctive uniform to know that the most memorable journey of your life has begun.  Offering a range of journeys from 1-5 nights, you’ll quickly understand that the art of voyaging in style is alive and well.

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Switzerland

Linking the country’s highlights along one spectacular route from glaciers, mountain villages and lakeside retreats, this independent Grand Tour delivers it all.  This 9 night rail packages combines all of the must-do train experiences that Switzerland is famous for including the Glacier Express and Bernina Express.  Tours depart daily.

Belmond Royal Scotsman – Scotland

Traditional style and elegant comfort provide an unparalleled way to explore the very best of Scotland and the Highlands.  Choose between a variety of journeys from 2-7 nights.  Belmond Royal Scotsman is an experience to be treasured.  It may have a beginning and an end, but the memories will be valued forever.

Belmond Grand Hibernian – Ireland

The first luxury rail experience of its kind in Ireland, Belmond Grand Hibernian traverses the sprawling countryside, dramatic coasts and fascinating cities that define this captivating land.  Your journey includes a modern private en-suite cabin, all meals, beverages, hosts and excursions.  Enjoy choosing between a 2, 4 or 6 night journey all departing from Dublin encompassing both the Republic and Northern Ireland.

El Transcantabrico – Spain

El Transcantabrico is Spain’s original luxurious train and has been delighting guests as they travel through Northern Spain.  The traditional itinerary includes 8 days/7nights aboard this delightfully furnished rolling hotel – although you can choose from a range of shorter itineraries which include private accommodation, en-suite facilities, all meals and beverages plus programmed excursions.

Golden Eagle Danube Express – Europe

The Danube Express is a truly unique train offering some of the finest rail accommodation available in Europe.  Combining modern amenities and traditional style, you will relax into any of the popular itineraries as the local guides bring your destinations to life.  Tours include Treasures of Eastern Europe (13 nights), Balkan Odyssey (10 nights),  Sicilian Odyssey (11 nights) and you can choose from Deluxe, Heritage or Superior Deluxe cabins.

Great Train Journeys – Asia

The Tsar’s Gold – Russia, Mongolia & China

Enjoy traversing the fabled Trans-Mongolian by private train experiencing the safest, most comfortable and fascinating mode of transport.  This historic route between Moscow,  Lake Baikal, Ulaan Bataar and Beijing delivers three of the world’s largest countries directly to your compartment.  This 15 day/14 night grand tour delivers some of the world’s highlights in the most epic style.

The Silk Road – China, Russia, & ‘The Stan’s’

Retracing one of the most important trading routes of ancient civilisation, the Silk Road follows in the footsteps of Alexander the Great and Marco Polo. For centuries merchants and traders have followed this route from Moscow to Beijing as you will aboard both the Golden Eagle and the Shangri-La Express in complete luxury travelling a total of 6,800 miles.

Eastern & Oriental Express – South East Asia

Discover the mystery and magic of Asia on-board a unique journey that will leave you with memories of the magic and splendour of this wonderful part of the world.  Travelling between Singapore and Bangkok, the scenery will unfold revealing a panoramic view of mystical landscapes of Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.  Journeys range from 3 to 4 days.

Palace on Wheels & Maharajahs’ Express – India

Both of these sumptuous rail experiences will transport you to the age of the Raj.  Tour Indian delights such as Rajasthan, the pink city of Jaipur, the jewel of the desert Jaisalmer and or course, one of the seven wonder’s of the world, the Taj Mahal.  Choose between multiple departures and itineraries offering  a vista of breathtaking landscape, culture and heritage of incredible India.  The four night Treasures of India is our most popular tour.

Great Train Journeys – Africa

The Blue Train – South Africa

Undeniably an absolute classic rail journey, The Blue Train has an aura of mystique about it.  Weaving a distinctive thread of blue across the tapestry of South Africa’s captivating landscape, the Blue Train is synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and personal service.  A five star hotel on wheels the train operates between Cape Town and Pretoria.

Rovos Rail – Southern Africa

An extravagant world class travel experience awaits when you step abroad Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa and begin a train safari through Southern Africa’s most spectacular destinations.  Luxurious wood panelled coaches are accompanied  by the most delicious cuisine and the most varied scenery imaginable.  Enjoy journeys that range from 2 to 14 nights to the most incredible destinations.

Great Train Journeys – South America

Machu Pichu – Peru

For many,  a visit to Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime experience. The Vistadome, a dedicated tourist train is the ideal rail experience for those who want to be in contact with the environment and appreciate the wonderful journey to Machu Pichu.  Surrounded entirely by glass and carriages with large panoramic windows offering incomparable views, there are numerous opportunities to capture the amazing landscapes.

Belmond Andean Explorer

Explore the Peruvian Andes on South America’s first luxury sleeper train.  The Belmond Andean Explorer journeys through Peru at a sedate pace as you pass by some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery.  Embarking in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca’s, you will scale the highest plains of the Andes as well as journey to the fabled Lake Titicaca.  This dedicated train includes first classs travel, gourmet lunch and dinner and on-board entertainment.

Great Train Journeys – Australia

Indian Pacific – Australia

The Indian Pacific represents an epic transcontinental train journey like no other. Travel between the Pacific Ocean in the East to the Indian Ocean in the West on one of world’s longest and greatest rail adventures aboard this magnificent train. The mighty Indian Pacific is an epic 4,352km,  4 day trip providing a dramatic array of backdrops and spectacular terrain.

The Ghan – Australia

Follow in the footsteps of some of Australia’s heroic pioneers when you board The Ghan.  Partake in a truly authentic Australian adventure witnessing the ever-changing landscape passing your window.   Operating weekly between Adelaide and Darwin this 3 night expedition is one of the best.

Each of these fantastic rail experiences are available to book via LOCO Journeys.

For more information about these tours, price queries and updates on specials, please Contact Us

#liveloco

---

Back to: LOCO Journeys Blog Tags: great rail journeys