Embrace the thrill and immersion of rail travel

01 July 2024

The best holidays are about more than just reaching your destination—they’re about the incredible moments you experience along the way. This is why we’re so thrilled to share some fabulous new rail tours that allow you to meet the locals, soak up the scenery, and arrive at the heart of the action - the kind of meaningful, immersive, slow travel holiday we at Travel Counsellors love.

Embrace the thrill and immersion of rail travel

Japan - Land of the Rising Sun

The 60th anniversary of Japan’s Shinkansen network makes this a great year to finally head East and experience the wonders of the world’s first bullet train. You’ll also get a taste of more modestly paced trains on this 13-day trip, getting you under the skin of this enigmatic country. Highlights include exploring traditional culture in Edo-period Takayama, visiting a folk village, touring a 600-year-old market, and tasting the products of a sake brewery.

Scenic Vietnam

Vietnam’s North-South railway line was built in 1899 and is sometimes called the Reunification Express for its symbolic role in reconnecting the North and South after the war. This tour includes overnight trips from Hanoi to Hue and Quy Nhon to Ho Chi Minh City over 15 incredible days in this mesmerising country – which also include homestays in the Mekong Delta and Da Bac and a vegetarian feast at a Buddhist monastery.

Express to the Orient: Paris to Istanbul

Taking you right back in time, this 15-day trip uses local trains to follow the original Orient Express train route from Paris to Budapest, before following the historic Simplon-Orient-Express route from Belgrade to Istanbul. Along the way, you’ll get the chance to immerse yourself in a whole host of local experiences, including a traditional Serbian lunch, a visit to Buda Castle, and leisurely hours enjoying Budapest’s and Vienna’s coffeehouse culture.

Paris to Rome by Rail

This journey ties together the bustling, history-drenched centres of two of Europe’s most epic cities while making scenic stop-offs along the way, including in Lucerne, where you can take the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the peak of Mount Pilatus. You will also get to ride the Gotthard Panorama Express train from Lucerne to Bellinzona and see the mighty Alps from lots of different angles.

Trans-Mongolian Railway Adventure

One for those looking for a truly remote rail experience, this once-in-a-lifetime spectacular takes in the sweeping grasslands of Mongolia, the dunes of the Gobi Desert, and the vast steppes of Khustai National Park. You’ll take a deep dive into Inner Mongolia and spend a night in a desert camp before experiencing the dazzling lights of Beijing and a bullet-train ride to Chifeng.

To book your train adventure or for more information about other rail holidays, call your Travel Counsellor today.

Explore Moon Palace Resorts in Cancun

30 June 2025

Whether you’re looking for tranquillity, sparkling energy, or all-out luxury, Moon Palace Resorts in Cancun offers a unique escape with three distinctive sections, each catering to different types of travellers. Moon Palace Nizuc, Moon Palace Cancun (Sunrise), and Moon Palace The Grand each provide their own experience but together, they redefine what it means to holiday in style. Read on to see how these three resorts differ and what you can expect from your stay.

Explore Italy by road: an adventure through the Lakes and Tuscany

23 June 2025

Italy has a way of capturing hearts, and this seven-night itinerary is designed to immerse you in its magic. Think scenic drives, tranquil lakes, and the timeless pull of Florence, not to mention the freedom to roam where you choose in your trusty Fiat 500. With thoughtfully planned stops, unique accommodations, and delectable breakfasts included, it’s a trip that blends relaxation with discovery.

The best safari destinations around the world

23 June 2025

Safaris invite you into the wild, offering extraordinary encounters with nature’s most iconic animals and landscapes. While Africa is known as the hub of safaris, thrilling experiences can be found across every continent. Here’s a destination-by-destination guide to some of the world’s best safari adventures, complete with insights into the types of safaris that make each location unique.