There’s something undeniably romantic about train travel, the rhythmic motion, the ever-changing scenery, and the sense of timeless adventure. But these aren’t your average rail journeys. From the snow-dusted peaks of the Swiss Alps to the sun-soaked plains of the Australian Outback, these iconic trains redefine travel with their blend of luxury, comfort, and unforgettable landscapes.
Often called the "slowest express train in the world," this 8-hour journey crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels through the heart of the Swiss Alps. With panoramic windows, you’ll glide past deep valleys, mountain peaks, gorges, and picturesque villages, all in unrivalled comfort.
Travel through some of Canada's most spectacular scenery in daylight-only luxury coaches with glass-domed ceilings and gourmet dining. This two-day journey takes you through rugged mountains, emerald lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife-rich forests of the Canadian Rockies.
Step back into the golden age of travel aboard this beautifully restored 1920s train. With art deco interiors, white-glove service, and exquisite dining, this is one of the most luxurious and romantic rail journeys in the world.
Spanning nearly 3,000 km over 4 days, The Ghan offers an unforgettable cross-continental adventure through the Australian outback. You'll see the Red Centre, Katherine Gorge, and ancient desert landscapes, with off-train excursions and plush sleeper cabins.
Dubbed a "five-star hotel on wheels," the Blue Train combines African adventure with luxurious comfort. Enjoy lavish suites, butler service, and scenic views of vineyards, deserts, and mountains on this 1,600 km journey.
South America's first luxury sleeper train traverses the high Andes with style. The journey includes a stop at Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and offers views of alpaca-dotted plains, ancient ruins, and dramatic mountain vistas.
A UNESCO World Heritage route, this dramatic 4-hour journey climbs glaciers and alpine peaks before descending into the palm-lined valleys of northern Italy. The engineering marvel includes the Landwasser Viaduct and spiral tunnels through the Alps.
A luxurious train adventure through lush jungles, rice paddies, and colonial towns in Malaysia and Thailand. With elegant dining cars, teakwood-panelled cabins, and immersive excursions, this journey blends timeless elegance with Southeast Asian charm.
Most journeys are designed to get you somewhere as quickly as possible. The Blue Train does the opposite. Over three days and two nights, it travels roughly 1,600 kilometres between Pretoria and Cape Town, turning the distance between the two cities into an experience in its own right.
Europe is packed with iconic destinations, but some of its most rewarding holidays begin just beyond the well-trodden tourist trail. If you've already ticked off the big-name cities or simply fancy somewhere that feels a little different, there are plenty of places offering beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and memorable food without the queues. From medieval towns on the Adriatic coast to volcanic islands in the Atlantic, these lesser-known corners of Europe prove that sometimes the best trips are the ones you weren't expecting.
Summer might get most of the attention, but autumn can be one of the most rewarding times of year to travel. Cooler temperatures make days outdoors more comfortable, landscapes shift into rich seasonal colours, and many destinations settle into a quieter rhythm once the peak summer crowds have gone. That’s where the ‘cool-cation’ comes in. Instead of chasing the heat, these trips are all about crisp mountain air, lakeside walks, dramatic scenery, cosy food, and the kind of weather that makes you want to pull on another layer and keep exploring. From the Italian Alps to the Canadian Rockies, here are seven destinations that come into their own in autumn.
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