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.

Discover the magic of the Pacific with Regent’s 2028 World Cruise

23 April 2025

If you’re someone who dreams about oceans stretching to the horizon, exotic ports of call, and the kind of luxury that feels effortless, Regent’s ‘Legends of the Pacific’ 2028 World Cruise might be for you. Setting sail on 5th January 2028, this incredible 133-night voyage aboard the Seven Seas Splendor weaves together an itinerary of jaw-dropping destinations and onboard comforts. With prices starting at £70,000 per person, this all-inclusive adventure offers unparalleled value for world travellers seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Here’s a closer look at what makes this voyage more than just another cruise across the Pacific.

A Greek island-hopping holiday you'll never forget

22 April 2025

There’s a reason Greece is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations, and this itinerary offers the perfect mix of relaxation and the opportunity to explore. Whether you’re soaking up the ancient wonders of Athens, enjoying the peaceful charm of Paros, or capturing iconic snapshots in Santorini, this holiday will refresh your soul and provide memories to last a lifetime.

Why Scenic’s European river cruises are unlike any other

21 April 2025

Few travel experiences allow you to immerse yourself in the heart of Europe like a river cruise. Gliding along shimmering waterways, you’ll pass rolling vineyards, medieval castles, and bustling cities brimming with culture. Whether you’re dreaming of tasting wines in Bordeaux, uncovering the history of the Rhine Valley, or indulging in the tranquillity of winter sun on the Douro River, Scenic offers you a world of discovery in unrivalled elegance.