Wildlife Escapes

Tailored wildlife holidays

Iconic Rail Journeys to Add to Your Bucket List

Photo © First Class The Ghan
Home » Blog » Iconic Rail Journeys to Add to Your Bucket List

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and rewarding about seeing the world by rail. A great train journey is never just about getting from one place to another; it’s about slowing down, settling into the moment, and enjoying the landscapes unfold beyond your window. From snow-capped mountains and remote wilderness to vineyard-clad valleys and dramatic desert scenery, rail travel offers a more relaxed, immersive and adventurous way to explore in luxury. If you’re dreaming of a holiday that feels both effortless and extraordinary, these iconic rail experiences deserve a place on every travel wish list.

Photo © First Class The Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

Few journeys capture the magic of Canada quite like the Rocky Mountaineer. Travelling by daylight through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, you’ll enjoy front-row views of turquoise lakes, soaring peaks, deep canyons and, if you’re lucky, glimpses of wildlife along the way. It’s a wonderfully comfortable way to experience some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, with exceptional service adding to the sense that this is travel at its very best.

Photo © First Class Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail, South Africa

If you love the romance of classic travel, Rovos Rail is truly unforgettable. Often described as one of the world’s most luxurious trains, it combines beautifully restored vintage carriages with elegant dining, attentive service and ever-changing views of Southern Africa’s captivating landscapes. It’s the kind of journey that feels timeless — perfect for travellers who appreciate both style and substance.

Photo © First Class Canyon Spirit

Canyon Spirit, USA
For those drawn to big skies and dramatic scenery, Canyon Spirit offers a remarkable way to experience the American Southwest. Travelling between Denver and Moab, this scenic rail adventure reveals striking red rock canyons, winding rivers, desert panoramas and rugged mountain backdrops that many visitors never get to see. It’s an inspiring journey that brings the wild beauty of the region vividly to life.

Photo © First Class Tranzalpine

TranzAlpine, New Zealand

New Zealand is made for scenic exploration, and the TranzAlpine is one of its true highlights. Crossing the South Island through the stunning Southern Alps, this unforgettable rail journey pairs perfectly with the freedom of a self-drive holiday. From glacier-shaped landscapes and pristine lakes to charming towns and dramatic coastlines, it’s an ideal way to discover New Zealand at a pace that lets you truly savour it.

Photo © First Class The Ghan

Great Southern Rail, Australia

Australian rail holidays offer a wonderfully relaxed way to experience this vast and beautiful country, combining breathtaking scenery, rich heritage and the comfort of letting the journey unfold at an easy pace. Whether you dream of crossing Australia from the Indian Pacific to the South Pacific, or travelling from tropical Darwin to the red heart of Adelaide on the famous Ghan train; a rail holiday is a wonderfully relaxed way to discover this remarkable country with panoramic windows, immersive off-train experiences and all-inclusive dining making the journey every bit as memorable as the destination itself.

Photo © First Class The Rocky Mountaineer

Canyons to Canada by Rail, 15 Days Independent Tour

£9,369 per person from most UK airports on 25 April 2027

Denver | Glenwood Springs | Moab | Salt Lake City | Vancouver | Jasper | Banff

• Return international flights in economy from London Heathrow
• Flight from Salt Lake City to Vancouver in economy
• 14 nights accommodation
• 3-day Canyon Spirit Rail Journey from Denver to Salt Lake City in Premier Upgrade Service, inclusive of select meals and beverages and overnight stays in Glenwood Springs and Moab
• Vancouver City and Capilano Suspension Bridge tour in Vancouver
• Rocky Mountaineer’s Journey Through the Clouds from Vancouver to Jasper in Goldleaf Service, inclusive of select meals and beverages and an overnight stay in Kamloops
• Icefields Parkway Discovery sightseeing transfer between Jasper and Banff
• Banff Wildlife Tour
• Coach Transfer from Banff to Calgary Airport

Every rail journey has its own character and that’s what makes planning the right one so exciting. Whether you’re looking for classic luxury, breathtaking scenery or a tailor-made escape with the perfect balance of rail and touring, we can help find the rail holiday that’s just right for you.

Published: Posted Under: Blog

Using our service is as easy as ABC
Appointments can be arranged to speak to one of our wildlife holiday experts by telephone or video/zoom meeting. Once we have found out more about you and listened to your expectations and aspirations, we will create a suggested itinerary for you.
Book your wildlife holiday based on the itinerary provided or make a few tweaks/changes to get everything exactly as you want it. We tailor-make all of our itineraries based on your specifications, but we will always make recommendations to give you the very best wildlife experience.
Confirm your wildlife holiday once you are happy with the final itinerary. At this stage a deposit will be required to secure your holiday and full terms and conditions will be forwarded with your paperwork including when the balance payment is due.