Once-in-a-lifetime holidays

Journeys 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.

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Grand Tour of Sri Lanka

(58 reviews)

2026Nov

2027JanFebMarOctNov

2028JanFebMarOctNov

Discover the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean' on this unforgettable small-group tour of Sri Lanka, an unspoilt land steeped in history and home to tropical forests and sweeping golden beaches. Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa before taking in the majestic Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth. Wander through...

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15 days from

£3,299 pp

per person

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Classic

Grand Imperial Cities

(303 reviews)

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 soaking up the sights of Hungary's dignified capital, Budapest. Admire panoramic views of the illuminated Parliament...

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12 days from

£2,599 pp

per person

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Classic

No Single Supplement

Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia

(209 reviews)

2027JanFebMarAprSep...

2028JanFebMarAprSep...

Discover the delights of Vietnam and Cambodia on this incredible grand tour, travelling from bustling Hanoi to the ancient temples of Siem Reap. Witness 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 arriving...

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No Single Supplement

19 days from

£4,199 pp

per person

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Landmark

The Maharajas’ Express, Golden Temple & Shimla

(23 reviews)

2027JanFebMarSepOctNov

2028JanFebMarApr

Retrace the steps of Indian princes aboard the Maharajas' Express - one of the world's most luxurious trains. Starting and ending in Delhi, this remarkable journey takes in the former summer capital of Shimla and the spiritual city of Amritsar, where we witness the Wagah Border Ceremony and the Palki procession at the Golden Temple. ...

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16 days from

£10,499 pp

per person

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Top to Toe of Italy

(80 reviews)

2027AprMayJunSepOct

From the Alpine foothills to the island of Sicily and all that lies between, uncover the best of Italy. Travelling the country's length, we delve into the history and culture of Italy's remarkable destinations, including Venice, Florence and Rome. Bask in the beauty of the Amalfi Coast and marvel at the remains of ancient Pompeii before...

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16 days from

£5,099 pp

per person

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Landmark

Premium Canada Coast to Coast

2027AprMayJunAugSep

2028AprMayJunSep

Embark on a magnificent small-group tour across the remarkable landscapes of Canada. From Quebec City's world-famous Le Château Frontenac to Vancouver's 'Castle in the City', stay in five iconic Fairmont hotels as we journey from coast to coast. Enjoy two daylight trips on the famed Rocky Mountaineer in exquisite GoldLeaf Service, admiring...

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18 days from

£10,499 pp

per person

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Treasures of Egypt and 5-Star Nile Cruise

Grand Tour of Egypt & Five-Star Nile Cruise

(52 reviews)

2027JanAprSepOctNov

2028JanMarAprSepOctNov

Discover the ancient secrets of Egypt's great pharaohs while exploring the historic cities of Cairo, Alexandria and Luxor, followed by a luxury cruise along the Nile. Encounter the Sphinx and Great Pyramids, Karnak, Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. A tour highlight is visiting the twin temples of Abu Simbel, a monument to the Pharoah Ramesses...

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12 days from

£4,499 pp

per person

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Canada & the Rocky Mountaineer train tour

Wonders of Canada & Rocky Mountaineer

(123 reviews)

2027MayJunJulAugSep

2028MayJunJulAugSep

Delve into the remarkable landscapes of Canada, travelling through areas of outstanding beauty on world-famous trains. Beginning with a guided tour of beautiful Vancouver on the Pacific coast, the journey continues with two daytime trips on the amazing Rocky Mountaineer to the astonishing Canadian Rockies. Based in gorgeous Banff and Jasper...

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14 days from

£6,499 pp

per person

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First-Class Mountaintops of Switzerland

(98 reviews)

2027AprMayAugSep

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...

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9 days from

£3,599 pp

per person

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Machu Picchu & the Andes

(37 reviews)

2027AprMayJunOct

2028AprMayOct

Encounter Machu Picchu and the treasures of the Andes on this unforgettable South American holiday. Uncover Lima, Peru's colourful and historic capital, and the 'White City' of Arequipa before heading high into the Andes to the breathtaking Colca Canyon, where condors soar over sweeping landscapes. Sail to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca,...

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15 days from

£4,299 pp

per person

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Grand Tour of Southeast Asia

2027JanFebOctNov

2028JanFebAprSepOctNov

Join us for an amazing 19-day adventure 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

£4,499 pp

per person

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Save up to £400pp

Grand Tour of Norway

(131 reviews)

2027MayJunJulAug

Embark on this summertime journey across Norway. From Oslo in the south to the Lofoten Islands north of the Arctic Circle, enjoy four epic trips on the world-renowned Flåm, Bergen, Nordland and Rauma railways. On this top-rated tour, discover Norway's beautiful cities and cruise across shimmering Geirangerfjord. Experience a taste of life ...

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Save up to £400pp

13 days from

£4,499 pp £3,999 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

29 results matching: Journeys of a Lifetime Escorted Tours

Expert Opinions and Guides

Top 5 Once in a Lifetime Experiences