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.
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.
As we look ahead to 2026, the travel possibilities are endless. From off-the-beaten-track gems to long-standing favourites, the world is yours to explore. If you need a little inspiration or simply want help narrowing down your choices, we’ve listed our top six destinations to visit next year, whether you’re looking for breathtaking landscapes, sun-soaked beaches, or energetic cities.
There are so many great reasons to experience certain destinations in the shoulder seasons – that sweet spot between a region’s peak season and off-season. Think fewer crowds and queues for major attractions, better-value flights and other travel, and a more authentic experience of the destination. We’ve put our heads together to share a few of our favourite places that can be just as good or even better outside of high season.
Lisbon is a city bursting with charm, history, and creativity, making it an excellent destination for families seeking an unforgettable city break. From cobbled streets and panoramic views to sunny parks and cultural landmarks, there’s something for everyone in Portugal’s lively capital. And when it comes to picking the perfect base for your family adventure, ME Lisbon is a luxury lifestyle hotel that blends sophisticated comfort with family-friendly facilities. A stay at ME Lisbon ensures that every family member, from toddlers to grandparents, enjoys a warm and welcoming stay.
