There are so many reasons to ‘let the train take the strain’. Here are some of our favourite journeys by rail.
Isle of Man Steam Railway
Take a journey back in time as you travel by steam train from the Isle of Man’s capital, Douglas, to the south of the island. Sit back and relax as the Manx countryside passes before your eyes on this narrow-gauge Victorian railway line that has stood the test of time. Opened in 1874, it is still running with the original locomotives, and once you alight at the delightful seaside town of Port Erin, you can find out all about its heritage in the Railway Museum.
Switzerland's golden Pass Trains
It’s first-class all the way as you travel aboard the luxurious Golden Pass Train. Panoramic windows give you the chance to take in the breathtaking scenery as you travel through mountain passes and alongside shimmering lakes and emerald-green forests. Sat on the banks of Lake Geneva, Montreux is at the end of the Golden Pass route, and when you leave the train, your hotel also offers a taste of the finer things in life. From the comfort of your deluxe room, enjoy wonderfully scenic lake views.
The Yellow Train of the Pyrenees
Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world, the Yellow Train of the Pyrenees takes you through dramatic scenery rising from an altitude of 427 to 1,592 metres. The track snakes its way along the hillside, offering fantastic views of forests, streams, bridges and viaducts. Built at the start of the 20th century, the railway’s route runs for 63km and was originally intended to link the high Catalan plains to the rest of the region.
Canada's Rocky Mountaineer
A legendary train, the Rocky Mountaineer follows a route considered to be of unrivalled beauty. All your senses are in for a treat as you sink back in your comfortable seat and take in views of spectacular scenery, feast upon gourmet cuisine and enjoy tales about this vibrant landscape from your onboard host. Look out for amazing wildlife too, from eagles and bears to elk and moose.
Japan's Bullet Trains
Travel by Japan’s iconic Bullet Train, or Shinkansen, and you can say you’ve journeyed on one of the world’s fastest trains. Not only are these sleek trains superfast, they’re also known for their safety and their punctuality. No need to worry about being late to your final destination, delays are rare but if there is one, you might not even notice, as it’s usually under a minute.