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As seen in National Geographic Traveller (UK)

All aboard some of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys

Discover the world's most beautiful train journeys

Rail travel has always offered a unique window on different landscapes across the world, and today's most exceptional routes continue to inspire with their scale, beauty and moments of discovery. Whether winding through remote wilderness or gliding past world-famous landmarks, these journeys remind us that travel can be as memorable as the destination itself.

If you're looking for inspiration for your next holiday, these remarkable routes are the perfect place to begin. Featured in National Geographic's 'The world's 10 most beautiful train journeys' these iconic routes can all be experienced by Great Rail Journeys.

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Asia

Experience Asia's contrasts in motion, from Japan's sleek Shinkansen gliding past Mount Fuji to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway's nostalgic climb through tea gardens and misty hillsides. Together they reveal two distinctly beautiful perspectives of this remarkable region.

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Grand Tour of Japan

Grand Tour of Japan

16 days from £6,299 pp £5,799 pp

Witness the contrasts of old and new from ancient mountain cities to modern Tokyo
Soak up rich traditions during a Japanese tea ceremony and touring Miyajima Island
Travel between Japan’s most notable destinations on futuristic bullet trains

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Darjeeling & the Last Himalayan Kingdom

Darjeeling & the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan

16 days from £5,299 pp £4,999 pp

Journey on the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan ‘Toy Train’ into the mountains
Witness sunrise over the Himalayas from Tiger Hill, with a view of Kanchenjunga
Discover Bhutan’s temples and cliffside monasteries in scenic mountain settings

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Discovering Japan

Jewels of Japan

14 days from £5,699 pp £5,299 pp

Explore the 'Land of the Rising Sun' enjoying 4 & 5-Star accommodation
Starting in dynamic Tokyo with views of Mount Fiji, and concluding in Osaka
Visit Hiroshima's poignant sites, Kyoto's ornate temples, and beautiful Miyajima

Australasia

Journey from Australia's vast Red Centre aboard the Ghan to New Zealand's soaring peaks on the TranzAlpine. These celebrated railways capture the bold, cinematic beauty of Australasia's most iconic rail journeys, from desert horizons to dramatic mountain landscapes.

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Fiordland National Park

Grand Tour of New Zealand

21 days from £7,299 pp £6,799 pp

Discover New Zealand's dynamic cities and extraordinary national parks
Journey on superb railways including the Northern Explorer and the TranzAlpine
Enjoy world-acclaimed Marlborough wines and an evening of Māori culture

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Ultimate Australia & the Ghan

21 days from £8,799 pp £8,299 pp

Explore Australia’s most famous sights and cities on an unforgettable 21-day holiday
Enjoy a two-night journey on the iconic Ghan train, travelling in luxurious Gold class
Watch sunrise at Uluru, marvel at the Great Barrier Reef and cruise Sydney Harbour

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Highlights of Australia & New Zealand

22 days from £7,999 pp £7,499 pp

Stay in 4 and 5-Star hotels in Australia and New Zealand’s most notable destinations
Soak up the views on two scenic rail journeys: the Kuranda and the TranzAlpine
Cruise the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns and Milford Sound from Queenstown

Europe

Europe's greatest railways feature rugged coastlines, Alpine passes and fjord-carved valleys. From Scotland's wild West Highland landscapes to Switzerland's Glacier Express and Norway's dramatic Bergen and Flåm railways, each journey showcases the continent at its most spectacular.

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Glacier Express

Classic Glacier Express

9 days from £2,799 pp

Experience the Swiss Alps on the iconic Bernina Express and Glacier Express
Discover lakeside Spiez Castle and sail across the glistening Lake Thun
Spend 8 nights in 4 star hotels, based in the traditional alpine towns of Chur and Brig

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Scottish Highlands

Edinburgh, the Highlands & Islands

9 days from £2,099 pp

Wander through colourful Tobermory and admire Neptune's Staircase
Marvel at the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and sail to Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness
Spend 8 nights in 3 and 4-Star hotels in Edinburgh and the Highlands

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Grand Tour of Norway

13 days from £4,349 pp £4,049 pp

Journey through Norway’s stunning landscapes on scenic railways and fjord cruises
Experience Sámi culture with a visit to a traditional village in Swedish Lapland
Explore iconic cities like Stockholm, Trondheim, Bergen, and Oslo on guided tours

The Americas

Travel through snow-capped peaks aboard Canada's Rocky Mountaineer, while the Titicaca and Machu Picchu railways reveal ancient Andean worlds steeped in myth and breathtaking beauty. Together, they offer two inspiring perspectives on the Americas' diverse landscapes.

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Canada & the Rocky Mountaineer train tour

Wonders of Canada & Rocky Mountaineer

14 days from £6,499 pp £5,999 pp

Uncover the epic landscapes of Canada on a journey from Vancouver to Toronto
Travel on the renowned Rocky Mountaineer and enjoy 3 nights on the Canadian
Experience Banff and Jasper national parks and the majestic Niagara Falls

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Machu Picchu & the Andes

15 days from £4,899 pp £4,499 pp

Step back in time with a journey on the elegant Titicaca train from Puno to Cusco
Visit world-renowned wonders, including Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
Discover Peru’s historic towns with tours of Lima, Arequipa, Cusco and Pisac

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Glacier Bay National Park

Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise

16 days from £6,499 pp £5,999 pp

Explore the Canadian Rockies, including spellbinding Banff and iconic Lake Louise
Travel in luxury on the Rocky Mountaineer on two stunning daytime trips
Spend 7 nights cruising the Inside Passage to Alaska aboard the Celebrity Solstice

Africa

Step aboard South Africa's iconic Blue Train or exquisite Rovos Rail to experience timeless luxury as golden savannahs, rugged mountains and boundless horizons unfold. Experience a showcase of South Africa's natural beauty and cultural heritage as you travel through this rich and varied country in elegant style.

Landmark

Pride of Africa, Rovos Rail

Grand Tour of South Africa

19 days from £10,499 pp £9,999 pp

Spend an unforgettable 11 nights aboard Rovos Rail’s luxury Pride of Africa train
Embark on exceptional wildlife-viewing excursions in Kruger, Hluhluwe and Addo
Discover the iconic landmarks of Cape Town and enjoy tastings in the Cape Winelands

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Cape Town, the Blue Train & Kruger

Cape Town, the Blue Train & Kruger National Park

13 days from £6,299 pp £5,799 pp

2 nights' luxurious journey on the Blue Train, with spectacular panoramic views
Ride to the top of Table Mountain, and meet the African penguins of Boulders Bay
Enjoy a 3 night stay in a luxury lodge at the world-acclaimed Kruger National Park

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Victoria Falls, Cape Town & Botswana Safari

16 days from £8,299 pp £7,799 pp

Spot the Big Five in Botswana's untamed Chobe National Park and Nambiti Reserve
Spend two luxurious nights’ aboard Rovos Rail’s prestigious Pride of Africa train
Witness the breathtaking beauty and sheer power of the magnificent Victoria Falls