All aboard: 5 amazing rail journeys around the world

There’s something unique about travelling by train. Perhaps it’s the sense of journeying as the landscape outside constantly evolves. The feeling of pure adventure as one passes through landscapes not traversed by footpaths or roads. The fact that one can get up and walk about while being on the move. Railway holidays are truly memorable experiences.

From the world-famous Bernina Express across the ‘Roof of Europe’ and the Petit Train Jaune through the French Pyrenees, to the stunning landscape of mountains and rivers in the beautiful Canadian Rockies aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, you can take in magnificent landscapes of soaring mountains, sparkling lochs, dramatic glens and remote villages from the comfort of your train seat.

Witness some of the world’s most enticing and alluring scenery pass by the window as you sit back and relax, taking it all in. Here are some of our most-loved rail journeys:

Scottish Highlands, Scotland

In the beautiful Scottish Highlands, some of Britain’s most cherished lines wind their way past spectacular vistas and through some of the country’s most isolated countryside.

Wind your way through a jumble of peaceful glens and rolling hills in the Highlands. Whether you are a railway enthusiast, or simply crave a holiday in Scotland, you can enjoy the jaw-dropping scenery of the Highlands aboard a train, with the bonus of charming towns and villages to discover along the way.

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

Of all the world’s sights, the majestic, snow-capped peaks of Canada’s Rocky Mountains are amongst the most breathtaking and memorable. The Rocky Mountaineer journeys through the beautiful landscape and mountains which stretch along the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, and the equally vast plains to the east.

Witness the stunning landscape of mountains and rivers in the beautiful 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.

See the peaks of Mount Rundle and Mount Cascade which dominate the skyline, and try your hand at bear-spotting in the mountains. Enjoy the outdoors as you breathe in the mountain air on the shores of Lake Louise, where turquoise waters are set against the striking backdrop of Victoria Glacier.

Glacier Express, Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the world’s most beautiful countries. Savour the beautiful lakes and mountains of this stunning country aboard some spectacularly scenic railway journeys.

Discover the famous resort town of Zermatt, in the shadow of the ever-impressive Matterhorn aboard the Glacier Express, take in chic St Moritz in its forested valley aboard the Bernina Express, and discover stunning Lucerne in the historic heart of Switzerland. If time permits, ride to the top of the world in the ingenious Gornergrat cog railway.

Kalka Shimla Railway, India

Take an enchanting journey through some of the most scenic parts of India aboard the UNESCO World Heritage Shimla to Kalka Toy Train. Make your way from Shimla to Kalka through the rugged mountains and pine forests of Northern India.

The fascinating train route passes through 20 railway stations, connecting Shimla to Kalka across 96 kilometres. Zillertal Steam Railway, Austria

Observe Austrian green pastures, towering mountains and quaint villages from the carriages of the Zillertal Steam Railway.

The breathtaking countryside can be explored aboard some incredible vintage railways. The historic narrow-gauge Zillertal Steam Railway winds through a beautiful landscape of green pastures, farms and forests, and villages and hamlets of wooden chalets, all overlooked by distant peaks.

Embark on a life-changing rail journey with us this year. Explore all our rail journeys here.