Iconic Rail Journeys & Escorted Rail Tours

“For a mini immersion in the beauty and variety of Switzerland, you'd be hard pressed to find a better travel alternative or a better travel bargain. Swiss trains provide a level of comfort and flexibility that's uncommon in public transit, and the tour's hotel choices offer quaint, comfortable rooms and surprisingly excellent cuisine. Pair that with an experienced escort like Richard Hare, whose nuanced local knowledge, subtle humor, personal attention, and detailed delivery, combine to make transfers and stopovers all the more enjoyable. Of course, you can expect to do a fair bit of walking on hard surfaces, and Swiss exchange rates can make meals and souvenirs expensive, but the character of the towns and the population's general knowledge of basic English also make for many unexpected delights. We were blessed to have cool, sunny weather and a small, congenial group early in the Spring shoulder season when crowds were manageable and sites readily accessible, so our vivid memories and overall experience rates an easy five-star recommendation.

“Wow! We went on this trip on 30th April and it was amazing ??. Beautiful scenery, fab hotels and a great tour guide, who was so helpful and committed. We loved every day ??. Highly recommend ??

“This was a very enjoyable trip. There were 5 flights, which enabled us to see a wide variety of places, people and animals. Although busy there was always time to chill, have a drink at the bar and a chat to others in the group. The quality of the service and the hotels was very good. I especially liked the fact that we often ate in local restaurants, recommended to us. The food was excellent, especially in South Africa where it was also surprisingly cheap. Besides our tour guide, who was with us for the whole trip, we had a variety of local guides. Their knowledge was extensive and it gave me a real feel of what it is like to live in the places we visited..We had a delay of 2 days with the plane home from Johannesburg. These circumstances were dealt with promptly and efficiently by Great Rail and turned into a bonus rather than a negative.

“I enjoyed every day of our visit tremendously although our visits to Lindisfarne and Bamburgh were affected by awful weather. Otherwise the weather was kind. Both hotels were good. Rail journeys fun.Our guide, Lynda was excellent. She got me mobile scooters so l could enjoy the gardens better. Perhaps my best memory is riding up the winding path through the forest of Japanese cherry blossom in full bloom in Alnwick Castle gardens. David

“Three great holidays in on trip! First of all the trip would not have been as good without our tour manager Angie and the excellent guides and drivers. Angie had all the info needed and kept us up to date with everything. Hotels were excellent. Staff friendly, rooms very well appointed, food very good and varied. Cape Town - from Cape Point to Table Mountain to Boulders Bay Penguin colony; much to see and enjoy. Hout Bay and Seal Island for seals and dolphins. Cape Town Waterfront area is lively with a great selection of places to eat and shop with very friendly staff. Added to this the visits to a winery in Stellenbosch (and "Uncle Samie's Store"in the town), lunch at another estate and the obligatory visit to Robben Island there was so much to see and the time was filled without any boredom. The group gelled brilliantly with members passing on info about their own travels and recommending further travels. The Blue Train - this is NOT your ordinary train journey. From embarkation to disembarkation we were looked after by a staff whose total commitment was to those on board and their enjoyment of the journeys experience. Excellent food, selection of wines and an ambience that ensured all passed the time in comfort and enjoyment. The journey was not fast as the train is subject to the requirements of the railway but that gave enough time to view the passing country and the ever changing scenery. The stop at Kimberley, the visit to "the Big Hole" diamond mine museum was worth it. A big hole and a long way down from the viewing platform! The old town is set out with all the shops, store and facilities right down to the shale covered streets. Last but not least, Kruger National Park. Two game drives with an early start of 4.30am. We were able to see the "big five" and a number of other species. Knowledgeable guides and drivers, adequate stops for comfort and food and great company. There is nothing to beat seeing the animals in the wild and realising that they are but metres away! Great photographs! But all too soon it has to end, the journey back to Johannesburg and the airport and home. An excellent holiday and great memories!

“Saw and learned a lot about Australia and its people and history. Enjoyed the train travel available at the time we toured. Our tour manager was very efficient and fun. Local guides/drivers added to the experience.

“A full week with fabulous views!

“Very well organised holiday. Loved the cruise up to the northern parts of Norway and seeing the Northern Lights for the first time was an added bonus.

“Well organized tour and all went smoothly.