The mention of catching a train might conjure up memories of being squashed into a carriage during the peak hour commute. But rail journeys were once an exciting adventure full of luxury dining options and plush furnishings that would put many of today’s hotels to shame. Today that sense of romance is coming back and there are a whole host of rail journeys that wind their way through some of the most photogenic, picturesque and scenic areas around the world. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with the nostalgia associated with train travel or simply love the idea of taking things slow, then these stunning routes are for you.
Read more: How to decide whether a Eurorail pass is for you
The Kurobe River cuts through one of the deepest gorges in Japan and that makes for a stunning setting for this train journey to pass through The journey may be short, running for just 80 minutes, but the scenes you encounter along the way will last a lifetime, if only as a memory. Look out of the 20 bridges and 40 tunnels you pass through along the way.
There are few ways you can really fathom the true size and spectacle of Australia than by crossing right through the country via train. You’ve never seen the sky look as big as you will in the Nullarbor, as you ride through on Australia’s longest single stretch of railway.
If there’s one railway trip synonymous with scenic railway adventures and that would have to be the Rocky Mountaineer. This is the grand luxury experience to have while in Canada and it’s not just the natural surround that will have your jaws drop to the ground, you’re also likely to spot black bears, grizzlies and eagles along the way.
The elegance of a bygone era is back with this rail journey through South Africa. Passing through Cape Town, Durban and Victoria Falls, this journey can take anywhere from 48 hours to a month, depending on your route and travel plans. All the modern amenities are available on board including double bedrooms with ensuites and 24-hour room service, but it’s what’s on the outside that will really catch your eye. Get ready to spot the big five while on safari in Durban.
The longest continuous railway in the world, the Transiberian Railway is a historically significant railway journey that also became the most expensive man-made construction in the world at the time. While not quite as luxurious as other railway journeys, there are sections of the trip that are more enjoyable than others. But this trip is less about comfort and more about adventure.
Reignite that sense of adventure with a bit of nostalgia thrown in for good measure on one of these rail journeys yourself.
Proudly Australian owned and operated