Top 5 Rail Holidays for Your Next Getaway

Rail travel offers a completely different perspective. It offers a front-row seat to see remarkable landscapes; from countryside blanketed in lush green to serene lakes and snow-capped mountains. On board, you’re offered an equally impressive display in the service, attention to detail, gourmet food and comfortable cabins. Keen to learn more? Here’s a round-up of our top 5 rail holidays for your next getaway. 

Exploring the French Riviera by Rail

The South of France really is all about ‘la belle vie’. And what better way to experience the good life than to explore the French Riviera by rail? En route, soak up the sights along the Mediterranean coast, taking in stops like Nice, Cannes and Monaco. For even more of a Cote d’Azur fix, don’t miss Antibes, a charming port town where Pablo Picasso once lived. Wander through cobbled streets, enjoy a Ricard in Place de Gaulle and don’t leave without a visit to the covered Provençal Market. Another not-to-be-missed stop on this stretch of coastline is Villefranche-sur-Mer. This pretty coastal town just around the corner from Nice is characterised by its pastel-hued buildings and warren of narrow streets. There are also 104 Michelin-starred restaurants in this quaint coastal enclave so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to booking dinner reservations. 

Luxury of Venice Simplon-Orient Express 

A journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient Express is the definition of travelling in style. Start in Paris and wind through the French countryside before crossing the border to Italy and disembarking in Venice. You can also head east to places like Budapest or Istanbul. Simply gaze at the changing landscapes as you steam through country after country. The train itself is a work of art. The cabins are designed to reflect the aesthetic of European cities – Vienna, Budapest and Prague, while the dining car nods towards the glamour of the roaring twenties. The service on board is second to none so you’ll feel rested and well-fed as you disembark, ready to explore your destination. 

A World of Wonders on the Rocky Mountaineer The Rocky Mountaineer offers you a front-row seat to the most mesmerising show of snow-capped mountains, shifting landscapes and coursing rivers. The scenery really does take centre stage on this journey through the Rockies but rest assured you’ll also be made to feel like a main character thanks to the attentive service on board. Relax in the comfort of reclining seats and admire the sheer magnitude of your surroundings in the custom-designed glass-dome coach. There’s also gourmet cuisine to dive into, impeccable service, historic storytelling, and luxury accommodation at each of the stops. With four different routes to choose from, each capturing the essence of the Rocky Mountains, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Discovering New England by Rail

New England has a historical past that has left a significant imprint across all six of its states. Today, there’s even more to absorb in this swathe of the USA, from bucolic countryside and rugged coastlines to skyscraper-lined cities. Highlights along this route include New Hampshire, which shoulders the coast and is home to the sprawling White Mountains National Forest. To Massachusetts and its sparkling capital Boston, with its patchwork of glass-clad buildings and red-brick townhouses. Wherever you choose to stop on your rail route of New England, you’re sure to leave with a whole new understanding of this sometimes-overlooked corner of the States. 

See Australia from top to bottom onboard The Ghan

There’s no doubt about it, Australia is vast. While there are hundreds of domestic flights that can get you from one side of the country to the other in a matter of hours, you can also take the scenic route by train. The Ghan is a unique experience that takes you right through the middle of Australia, travelling 2,946km over three nights and four days. Travellers board The Ghan in Darwin, making stops in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy, before disembarking in Adelaide. The journey includes all meals, fine wines and beverages as well as unforgettable off-train experiences, like a star-lit dinner at Telegraph Station in the Red Centre. Buckle up for the ultimate Australian outback experience.If you have any further questions about booking rail holidays, we’re here to help. For a quote or booking enquiries, simply call our Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678.