Extending beyond the realms of the ordinary holiday, some journeys may be considered truly life-changing. These are unforgettable trips which, by combining iconic or exotic destinations with authentic cultural experiences and extraordinary sights and activities, can only fittingly be described as 'once in a lifetime holidays'.
Great Rail Journeys is proud to offer a range of these momentous and life-affirming holidays. Take, for example, a journey on the legendary Trans-Siberian Express. This 8,000-mile odyssey - the longest rail journey in the world and the number one experience on countless travellers' bucket list - takes in the best of Russia's magnificent cities, natural landscapes and culture as our guests travel aboard one of the world's most luxurious private trains.
Incomparable romance and elegance inform the journey of a lifetime on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Immortalised in literature and on film, this remarkable train harks back to a golden era of travel. Those who join Great Rail Journeys on an adventure which takes in the spectacular Alps, Paris, Milan and Venice are assured the highest standards of luxury, service and cuisine and an experience that will reward them with a lifetime of cherished memories.
Whatever the nature of your perfect once in a lifetime holiday, Great Rail Journeys can provide the magical destinations, sights, experiences and activities that will satisfy your wildest dreams.
There are 33 holidays in this category
Experience the very essence of Italy as we discover stylish Milan, the Eternal City of Rome, the tiny yet powerful Vatican City, graceful Renaissance Florence, the labyrinthine port of grand Venice, and iconic Pisa with its unmistakable Leaning Tower, with comfortable rail travel and 4-Star hotels throughout.
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Spectacular views and stunning scenery have made the Glacier Express from Brig to Chur famous the world over. Discover Zermatt by mountain railway, visit beautiful Interlaken, take a journey on the Bernina Express and explore the Alps at your own pace during this incredibly popular mountain holiday
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A dizzying mix of ancient cultures, tumultuous history, breathtaking natural beauty and dynamic urban landscapes, China is a feast for all the senses. Magnificent Beijing, the legendary Terracotta Warriors, captivating pandas and a cruise through the Three Gorges combine to offer an unforgettable experience.
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The kaleidoscopic sights of this colourful country take your breath away. Our Indian rail tour takes in the Red and Amber Forts, historic temples, beautiful palaces and ornate gardens, as we visit Delhi, the 'Pink City' of Jaipur and Agra with its white marble icon, the Taj Mahal.
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High above the Arctic Circle lies a land of myths, legends and phenomenal natural light displays. Discover Swedish Lapland in all its winter glory, home to the gravity defying Ice Hotel, frozen seas and some of the best spots in the world from which to be entranced by the life changing Northern Lights.
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime coast to coast rail journey across the most diverse country in the world! Your photo album will include many of America's highlights including the Statue of Liberty, the White House, the Wild West, the Rockies, the Grand Canyon, Hollywood Boulevard and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Explore the fascinating intertwined countries of Vietnam and
Cambodia, from the bustling
metropolis of Ho Chi Minh and the ancient kingdom of Angkor Wat,
to the spectacular natural
beauty and unmistakable outline of Halong Bay and the waterways of
the Mekong Delta.
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Magnificent palaces and forts are waiting to be discovered on this Indian rail adventure aboard the Palace on Wheels train. Experience the lifestyle of the Maharajahs as we visit walled cities, marvel at the astonishing Taj Mahal and enjoy tiger spotting in Ranthambore National Park.
Known as the 'Pearl of the Lake', picture perfect Sirmione is perched on a peninsula on the southern shore of Lake Garda. On this exceptional tour we visit Mantova, the Sigurta Gardens, and iconic Venice, where we enjoy dinner in a palace on the Grand Canal.
Late departures available
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Majestic lochs and glens lie in wait as we cross Edinburgh and the Highlands and visit historic castles and the Isle of Mull. We travel through the West Highlands and Cairngorms on this fabulous round trip climaxing with a 'Scottish Evening' on Edinburgh's stately Royal Mile.
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At Great Rail Journeys we make every effort to ensure that your once in a lifetime holiday offers you the best possible experience. With us you can make the ultimate American trip, travelling coast to coast across the USA by train and enjoying spectacular changing scenery, iconic cities and landmarks plus the culture, food and hospitality for which this nation is famous.
For the last word in historic opulence we invite you to experience the splendours of India aboard the famous Palace on Wheels - a train virtually unsurpassed in its heritage and opulence. Truly worthy of anyone's bucket list, this magnificent journey offers the chance to see the Taj Mahal, visit beautiful colonial forts and cities and perhaps to enjoy a rare encounter with Indian tigers in the wild.
If your dream holiday would combine spectacular mountains, lakes and forests with abundant wildlife and time spent exploring compelling, friendly cities a trip with us to Canada and the chance to ride the famous Rocky Mountaineer ticks every box and many more besides.
In the safe and knowledgeable hands of one of our expert Tour Managers, when you join us for your holiday of a lifetime we guarantee you an itinerary that is packed with wonderful experiences and activities, plus all of the free time you need to explore our incredible destinations for yourself. With everything taken care of by Great Rail Journeys all that's left for you to do is relax and enjoy the most special rail holiday you can imagine.