All aboard for adventure: Five of the best rail journeys around the world
From heritage railways across Europe to luxury sleeper-train journeys throughout Northern India, these are some of the best train holidays in the world.
There’s something special about travelling by train. Perhaps it’s the sightseeing element as you soak up each breath-taking vista, or the sense of adventure in discovering landscapes that can’t be traversed by footpaths or roads. For whatever reason, railway holidays are some of the most memorable experiences available. Whether you’re travelling on board India’s Deccan Odyssey sleeper train or the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer, there’s a world of wish-list experiences to enjoy from the comfort of your train seat.
We’re big advocates for rail travel and our team has been thinking about the most scenic lines in the world and the great train journeys that keep our customers coming back each year. With that in mind, here are five of our favourite rail journeys.
Strathspey Steam Railway, Scotland
Nestled in the delightful Scottish Highlands, some of Britain’s most cherished lines wind their way past spectacular vistas and through the country’s unspoilt countryside stretches. Perhaps the most nostalgic of these lines, the Strathspey Steam Railway, is an ideal choice for a snapshot of Scotland’s Golden Age of Steam amongst the idyllic Highland vistas.
Passing through the glens and forests of Cairngorms National Park, this route takes passengers from the charming resort town of Aviemore north to idyllic Grantown-on-Spey, one of Scotland’s highland gems. Whether you’re a railway enthusiast or simply crave a holiday in Scotland, you can enjoy the spectacular Highland scenery aboard Strathspey’s heritage locomotive, with the bonus of charming towns and villages to discover along the way.
Centovalli Railway, Italy
When it comes to scenic train journeys, few routes are quite as impressive as Italy’s Centovalli Railway, which connects lakeside Locarno with the charming Piedmont town of Domodossola. Comprising over 52 kilometres of undulating alpine scenery, including gorges, rivers, and mountain passes, this remarkable line showcases the Alps at their most scenic.
Across this popular two-hour journey, you’ll be perfectly placed to soak up Northern Italy’s finest vistas with large panoramic windows at every seat. Fans of architecture and engineering will also find plenty to enjoy as the train passes along a succession of 83 bridges and 31 mountain tunnels. Whether you’re riding for the bucolic scenery or the nostalgic rail experience, the Centovalli Railway promises lifelong memories abound.
Our recommended tour – Lake Maggiore, Zermatt & the Centovalli Railway – Premier Collection
GoldenPass Express, Switzerland
Switzerland’s impressive blend of lakes, mountain peaks, and bucolic valleys rank amongst Europe’s most impressive viewpoints and it’s no secret that they’re best explored by rail. With a number of routes to choose from as well, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to memorable journeys through the Alps.
Among the most popular railways in the country is the GoldenPass train, which offers two routes. On its Express service, the train glides past the shores of Lakes Thun and Leman, two of the country’s most picturesque bodies of water, while the more leisurely standard route traces a path through the vineyard-laden Valais region. Better yet, each service is equipped with tailored wine lists and local delicacies, which offer an immersive taste of each Swiss region.
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
Of all the world’s sights, the majestic, snow-capped peaks of Canada’s Rocky Mountains are amongst the most memorable. While this magnificent region can be explored by any of its numerous sightseeing routes, few compare to the renowned Rocky Mountaineer. Offering up-close views of the Rockies’ craggy, alpine landscapes and the wildlife that reside within, this glass-domed rail service promises an immersive, uninterrupted viewing experience across four major routes.
Witness the stunning landscape of mountains and rivers in the spectacular Canadian Rockies. Highlights include passing towering Mount Robson, the Rockies’ highest peak, the plunging Pyramid Falls, and heading through the scenic wonderland of the Monashee and Caribou mountains. Elsewhere, you can see the peaks of Mount Rundle and Mount Cascade, which dominate the skyline and try your hand at bear-spotting in the mountains.
Deccan Odyssey, India
Embodying Indian opulence, the Deccan Odyssey train is a stand-out option when it comes to luxury on the rails and the sheer number of wish-list destinations it serves. From Agra, crowned by the Taj Mahal, to India’s Pink City, Jaipur, and wildlife-rich Ranthambore, this popular route explores South Asia’s most recognisable sights in unparalleled style and comfort.
It's not only India’s Golden Triangle highlights which can be enjoyed on board this delightful service, with tours of Vadodara, a Gujarati royal city, and lesser-known Aurangabad also available. Sightseers and rail enthusiasts will be equally impressed with a journey on this exquisite heritage railway.
Our recommended tour – A Luxury Indian Rail Odyssey – Premier Collection
Discover the world by rail with Newmarket Holidays
Whether you’re a train enthusiast or simply want to embrace the world’s most impressive landscapes at a more relaxed pace, we’ve got a wide range of wish-list rail holidays to choose from. For more information on each itinerary, or to book your spot on board one of our featured rail journeys, give our friendly holiday planners a call today. You can also browse our full range of escorted tours by visiting our dedicated destinations page.
