12 Rail Holiday Ideas for Your Travel Wish List
The best travel wish lists begin with something specific: a mountain view, a city you’ve always wanted to explore, or dinner aboard a luxury train. Choosing how to bring those moments together takes a little more thought. Check out these 12 rail holiday ideas and add them to your travel wish list:
1. Alaska
Make room for wilderness. Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks offer the starting points for a holiday where the scenery deserves your full attention. Our Alaska collection includes journeys connecting these destinations aboard the Alaska Railroad. Think about the experiences you want between train rides, too, rather than treating every stop as somewhere to pass through.
2. Luxury Rail Around the World
Put the journey itself on your wish list. Europe, South Africa, and Vietnam offer inspiration for a holiday built around luxury rail. Our luxury rail collection includes the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Rovos Rail.
3. Italy
Rome, Florence, and Venice make a tempting trio: ancient landmarks, Renaissance art, and canals, all connected by rail. The planning question is what you want to experience in each city. Leave space between sightseeing commitments for the quieter pleasures, whether that’s a neighbourhood walk, a leisurely lunch, or another scoop of gelato.
4. Switzerland
If your wish list starts with a window seat, Switzerland belongs near the top. Lucerne and Zermatt bring lakeside settings and mountain scenery into the same conversation. Consider whether your priority is a scenic rail journey, time exploring a destination, or a combination. That choice helps shape the route without crowding every day with another move.
5. The UK, Ireland, and Scotland
London’s landmarks, Edinburgh’s historic streets, the Scottish Highlands, and Dublin’s lively atmosphere offer several directions for your wish list. Pick the places that interest you most, then consider how the journeys between them fit together.
6. Japan
Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka give a Japanese rail holiday distinct changes of pace. Combine city discoveries with temple gardens, cultural experiences, and time exploring the food scene. Start with what you’d most like to see, then use the rail connections to build a coherent route.
7. Vietnam
Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City bring street life, imperial history, and urban energy to a Vietnam wish list, with coastal scenery adding another reason to travel by rail. City visits, scenic rail travel, and a luxury onboard experience each deserve attention when comparing options.
8. Australia
Sydney’s harbour, Adelaide’s food scene, and the Outback offer very different versions of an Australian holiday. Choose the landscapes and cities that appeal to you before selecting the rail journey. For an experience centred on the train, our luxury collection includes The Ghan, with private cabins, dining, and off-train excursions.
9. Germany
Berlin, Cologne, and Munich offer history, riverside settings, and Bavarian character on a German rail holiday. A festive trip might also include a Christmas market. If that’s a priority, check the opening dates for the particular market before choosing your travel dates, and leave time to enjoy the city beyond its seasonal attractions.
10. Norway
Oslo, Bergen, and Flam bring city exploration, waterfronts, and mountain scenery into one wish list. Think about how much of your holiday you want to spend on scenic journeys and how much exploring on foot or by water. When comparing itineraries, check which fjord experiences are included and which are optional.
11. Spain
Barcelona’s architecture, Madrid’s boulevards, and Seville’s atmospheric streets give a Spanish rail holiday plenty of variety. Let your interests guide the balance between cities, whether that means art, food, or historic neighbourhoods. Leave time for tapas between sightseeing plans.
12. Europe
Your final wish can cross a border. London, Paris, Switzerland, and Italy offer inspiration for a multi-country rail holiday. Start with the experiences you care about most, then connect them thoughtfully. Adding another destination works best when the journey and hotel changes still leave you the time you want in each place.
Which kind of rail holiday fits your wish list?
| Your Priority | Ideas to Explore | What to Compare |
|---|---|---|
| Landscapes | Alaska, Switzerland, Norway | Scenic journeys and time outdoors |
| City discoveries | Italy, Japan, Germany, Spain | Sightseeing, free time, and hotel changes |
| Onboard experiences | Luxury rail worldwide | Cabins or seats, dining, and excursions |
| Several destinations | UK and Ireland, Vietnam, Australia, Europe | Route, connections, and time at each stop |
Key Takeaways
Start with the experiences you want, then choose the route.
Compare onboard features when considering luxury rail.
Balance travel days with time to explore.
Check seasonal attractions and individual itinerary inclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do rail holidays always involve sleeping on a train?
No. Some feature daytime train journeys and hotel stays; others include sleeper travel. Check the accommodation arrangements for your chosen itinerary.
Can I add nights to my holiday?
Yes. We can add hotel nights as part of our customisation options. Ask us how extra time could fit your route.
What affects the price of a rail holiday?
Travel dates, route, trip length, hotels, rail class, and included experiences can affect the total. Compare quotes with similar inclusions.
How do I find the current savings?
Explore our Deals page or speak with one of our Rail Experts or your local travel agent. Confirm the offer terms for the holiday you’re considering.
What will you put on your travel wish list?
Choose the view, city, or onboard experience you’d most like to unwrap. Explore the options with us, and let us bring the route, hotels, and experiences together around what matters to you.
