Once-in-a-lifetime holidays

Journey's of a lifetime, wherever you're dreaming of exploring

Journeys of a Lifetime

The destination you've been eyeing up for years, that trip of a lifetime you've been promising yourself, a rail journey you've always wanted to experience - now's the time to rediscover your travel ambitions. This collection of highly-inclusive, unforgettable holidays really are journeys of a lifetime. So, let us take you on an epic rail holiday, where travelling in style and new adventures come as standard. Take the world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer across Canada's vast and dramatic landscapes or cross five African nations on the Pride of Africa. There's so much waiting for you to explore. Relax as our local experts guide you through breathtaking scenery, fascinating historical sites and authentic gastronomic experiences.

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Unforgettable experiences across the globe

Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa

Embark on an epic discovery of southern Africa and experience sensational luxury aboard Rovos Rail, travelling in beautifully restored wood-panelled coaches, watching the striking landscape unfold from your window with excellent onboard service.

The Maharajas' Express

Follow in the footsteps of royals while exploring India on the opulent Maharajas' Express, one of the world's most luxurious trains. Offering the ultimate in elegance and comfort, each cabin provides all the facilities you would expect from a luxury hotel.

Yala National Park

Enjoy expertly guided safaris in this expansive park of monsoon forests, arid plains and placid lagoons, with the chance to catch glimpses of elusive leopards - as well as other fascinating wildlife including elephants, crocodiles, mongooses and buffalo.

Jasper National Park

Set high in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is surrounded by astonishing natural wonders including plunging waterfalls, hot springs and crystalline lakes. Journey through the Maligne Valley, visiting the otherworldly Maligne Canyon and glacial Maligne Lake.

Classic

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Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia

(201 reviews)

2026SepOctNovDec

2027JanFebMarAprSep...

Discover the delights of Vietnam and Cambodia on this incredible grand tour, travelling from bustling Hanoi to the ancient temples of Siem Reap. Delight in the beauty of Ha Long Bay on an overnight cruise, and ride in a Violette cabin aboard the Reunification Express train along Vietnam's coast, visiting regal Hue and pretty Hoi An before...

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19 days from

£4,499 pp £4,199 pp

per person

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Classic

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First-Class Mountaintops of Switzerland

(73 reviews)

2026MayJunSepOct

Enjoy having your head in the clouds while staying in a selection of Switzerland's best mountaintop hotels, all with sweeping views of mountains and lakes. The Belle Époque Grandhotel Giessbach on Lake Brienz is only accessible via boat and funicular railway, while Pilatus Kulm lies at the top of a mountain accessed by Europe's steepest cogwheel...

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9 days from

£4,149 pp £3,999 pp

per person

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Classic

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Grand Tour of Norway & Sweden

(56 reviews)

2026MayJunJulSep

2027MayJunJulAugSep

Explore Norway's iconic mountains, glaciers and azure fjords, and discover Swedish Lapland's untamed wilderness on this epic holiday, packing in each and every one of the great Scandinavian rail experiences, crossing the Arctic Circle to the 'Land of the Midnight Sun'. Visiting an authentic Sámi village provides an insight into the traditions of...

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17 days from

£4,499 pp £4,199 pp

per person

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Classic

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Grand Tour of Norway

(59 reviews)

2026MayJunJulAug

2027MayJunJulAug

Join us on a summertime journey across the length of Norway - from Oslo to the Arctic Circle. Travel on four of the country's world-renowned rail routes, the Flåm, Bergen, Nordland and Rauma railways and cruise across the Geirangerfjord, discovering otherworldly landscapes. On this top-rated tour of Norway's beautiful cities and the arctic north,...

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13 days from

£4,299 pp £3,999 pp

per person

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Classic

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First-Class Grand Alpine Explorer

(35 reviews)

2026MayJunJul

2027AprMayJunJulAugSep

Bask in boundless displays of jaw-dropping views on a spectacular First Class holiday through the Alps, uncovering the culture and history of three countries and journeying on iconic trains. Soak up the atmosphere of historic Munich on a beer tour, marvel at the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle and indulge in a Mozart concert dinner in Salzburg...

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14 days from

£3,899 pp £3,749 pp

per person

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Landmark

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The Maharajas’ Express, Golden Temple & Shimla

(23 reviews)

2026Oct

2027JanFebMarSepOctNov

Retrace the steps of Indian princes aboard the Maharajas' Express - one of the world's most luxurious trains. Starting and ending in Delhi, this incredible voyage of discovery visits the former colonial summer capital of Shimla before showcasing spellbinding Amritsar as we witness the Wagah Border Ceremony and the Palki procession at the Golden...

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16 days from

£20,499 pp £19,999 pp

per person

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Luxury

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Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Paris to Istanbul

Travel through Europe in luxury aboard the opulent Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. With its Art Deco interiors and atmosphere of grandeur, this is a decadent journey like no other. Enjoy world-class gastronomy as you spend five nights travelling between Paris and Istanbul - a celebrated route that takes you back to the golden age of rail travel.

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8 days from

£19,535 pp

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Classic

Classic South America & the Rio Carnival

Embrace the magnificent sights of South America on this extraordinary tour, from dazzling Rio de Janeiro to sophisticated Buenos Aires. Starting in style at the incomparable Rio Carnival, we watch the Winner's Parade extravaganza from grandstand seats in the Sambadrome. But the show doesn't stop there. Witness the breathtaking landscapes of...

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17 days

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Classic

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Grand Tour of Sri Lanka

(57 reviews)

2026OctNov

2027JanFebMarOctNov

Explore the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean' on a small-group tour of beautiful Sri Lanka. Uncover ancient monuments and captivating temples such as Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress, the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa, and an ornate temple said to contain one of Buddha's teeth on this unspoilt island of tropical forests and golden beaches. While enjoying...

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15 days from

£3,299 pp £2,999 pp

per person

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Classic

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Grand Tour of Southeast Asia

2026OctNov

2027JanFebMarAprOctNov

Join us for an amazing 19-day expedition through southeast Asia, exploring the wonders of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. From Bangkok's gleaming golden temples and tranquil waterways, head into the Thai countryside to uncover the emotive past of the bridge on the River Kwai. Journey through Laos by modern train to mystical Luang Prabang to...

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19 days from

£5,199 pp £4,799 pp

per person

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Classic

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Grand Imperial Cities

(233 reviews)

2026MayJunJulAugSepOct

2027MarAprMayJunJul...

Embrace the storied past of grand empires on this bestselling rail holiday. Starting amid Vienna's glorious Habsburg palaces and ornate architecture, enjoy a strudel-making show at Schönbrunn Palace with a tasting, before savouring the delights of Hungary's dignified capital, Budapest. Absorb panoramic views of the illuminated Parliament and Buda...

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12 days from

£2,399 pp £2,249 pp

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Grand Tour of Australia Including the Ghan

Let the charms of Australia beguile and delight you on this truly epic journey from Sydney to Ayers Rock. Travel aboard the iconic The Ghan sleeper train and experience the golden age of travel as you pass by inspiring sights and diverse landscapes. You'll explore some of Australia's most famous cities and you'll discover aboriginal art, all...

15 days from

£5,555 pp

per person

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Expert Opinions and Guides

Three Unmissable Rail Journeys

The world is waiting to welcome us back. Once it's safe to do so, we can't wait to help you rediscover your passion for travel. It's time to remember the excitement that comes with ticking a new destination off your travel wish-list.

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Around the World on Railways

Holidays are a time to unwind, reminisce, and return to the carefree days of childhood, all the while exploring new destinations and making new friends. Add to that a few romantic rail journeys and we've got the recipe for the perfect getaway.

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Discovering Europe

There's something deeply romantic about train journeys. Rail unveils a different aspect of our favourite holiday hotspots, and the experiences are as varied as the routes they traverse.

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Top 5 Once in a Lifetime Experiences

The world is full of 'wonders', both natural and architectural, but drawing up a wish list of which to see can often be time-consuming. That's why we've whittled it down to 5 of the planet's 'must-visit' landmarks, so you can start planning your ideal holiday today.

1. The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal; a structure so emblematic, so iconic, that seeing it with your own eyes is an experience that truly stays with you. Built in the 1600s by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as the resting place for his beloved wife, this sentimental mausoleum is a vision in ivory-white marble. UNESCO describes the structure as 'the jewel of Muslim art in India', but its beauty really has to be seen to be believed.

2. Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is an incredible abyss, formed from layer upon layer of different rocks, each one containing clues to the past. Its formation has yet to be conclusively determined, but popular opinion holds it at over 5 million years old. Reach this magnificent natural wonder by vintage railroad. The Grand Canyon Railway made its first journey in 1901, operating as a mining service before serving passengers.

3. The Great Wall of China

Snaking over 5,000 miles across the contrasting landscapes of China, the Great Wall is without doubt one of the most impressive man-made structures in the world. Walking along this ancient structure is a once in a lifetime experience, as you step back in time to the era of the Ming Dynasty and imagine the incredible engineering prowess that was used to build it.

4. The Northern Lights

Scandinavia's magical Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, often hold a lofty spot of many people's travel goals, and it's not difficult to see why. The phenomenal natural light show is quite unlike anything else in the world, painting the skies with vibrant dashes of green, pink, and violet. Those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this incredible phenomena are sure to remember it for a lifetime.

5. The 'Big Five' Safari

Escape to the vast wilderness of Kruger National Park, one of the world's most revered safari spots and experience the thrill of spotting of the fabled 'Big Five' game animals. There is nothing quite like catching a glimpse these mighty creatures in their natural habitats; perhaps you'll spot a leopard a slowly stalking its prey, a lion dozing in the afternoon sun, or a herd of mighty elephants sauntering across the plains.

Journeys of a Lifetime

Unforgettable experiences across the globe

Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa

The Maharajas' Express

Yala National Park

Jasper National Park

28 results matching: Journeys of a Lifetime Escorted Tours

Expert Opinions and Guides

Top 5 Once in a Lifetime Experiences