Round the world holiday by rail: great train journeys

Days 1 - 10: Cities and culture: highlights of Japan

Next, your journey takes you to stunning and gentle Japan, where you’ll spend ten days exploring the highlights of Japan. Spend a week exploring the contrasts of Japan including the modern capital of Tokyo, the cultural heart of Kyoto and the historic charm of Takayama. Discover the deep sense of history, tradition and respect that imbues Japanese culture as you wander round some of Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temples. Why not visit a Japanese tea house and sample some ‘matcha’ green tea before hopping on the bullet train to explore the country further. Admire Mount Fuji from Hakone, sip rice wine in the quaint streets of Takayama and stay in a traditional ryokan with its own onsen. Finish your trip in Kyoto, you’ll be enchanted by wooden townhouses, colourful crafts, beautifully painted temples and old-world geishas. Get a taste of culture, history and cuisine on this 10 day journey through the highlights of the country!

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Days 10 - 19: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh: Reunification rail journey 

Next, you’ll journey from north to south on this week-long rail journey across the length of Vietnam, often referred to as the Reunification Express. Enjoy the culinary delights of Hanoi before heading south on the overnight train to captivating Hoi An, home to local night markets and lantern filled streets. Joining the railway once again you will end in the capital of Ho Chi Minh, offering a chance to learn more about Vietnam’s recent history with visits to the Vietnam War Museum and the Cu Chi tunnels, a labyrinth of underground passages used during the conflict.

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Days 19 - 26: Eastern & Oriental Express: Bangkok to Singapore

After your trip to Vietnam, you’ll travel from Thailand to Singapore on the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express. You’ll begin with a few days to explore Bangkok before joining the train and heading south to Singapore. On the way, you can relax in your luxury private cabin and enjoy elegant dining on board as you pass through western Thailand and northern Malaysia. You’ll also experience off-train excursions, such as a cruise down the River Kwai and a visit to the War Museum before finally arriving in Singapore, where we have given you two nights to experience the city.           

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Days 26 - 34: Perth Stopover with Indian Pacific train to Sydney

From Singapore, you’ll fly over to Australia. Arriving in Perth, we’ve given you 3 nights to enjoy the city on our Perth Stopover Package. Spend a few days soaking up the best of this city; exploring the gardens at Kings Park, strolling through the market in Fremantle and taking a day trip to Rottnest Island for a gorgeous day at the beach to meet the friendly local quokkas!

Next, you’ll cross the width of Australia on the legendary Indian Pacific. The Indian Pacific train journeys along the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world, from Perth in the west all the way to Sydney on the east coast. On the way, you’ll travel across the vast Nullabor Plain, past tiny gold rush towns and finally through the majestic Blue Mountains to the coast.
     
Arriving into Sydney on the Indian Pacific, you’ll then have 3 nights included on our Sydney stopover package that also includes daily breakfast, transfers and a vineyard tour in Hunter Valley. Why not head straight down to Sydney Harbour and see the big sights, including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge?

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Days 34 - 41: Darwin stopover with Ghan train to Adelaide

Its time now to head to the Northern Territory and the city of Darwin, located right at the top of Australia. Experience both the city and the outback on this 5 day trip including excursions to Kakadu & Litchfield National Parks, located within driving distance of the city. Explore cascading waterfalls, towering termite mounds, Aboriginal culture and indigenous wildlife before heading back to the city to relax on the waterfront and dine at one of the many restaurants on offer.

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From Darwin, you’ll take the famous Ghan train through the centre of Australia to Adelaide, in South Australia. It is, without doubt, one of the world’s great train journeys. Travel in style aboard this luxury train, offering enjoying delicious local cuisine in and off-train excursions to the Red Centre of Australia. Witness the true Australian outback from the comfort of your seat as you take advantage of the delicious selection of Australian wine on offer.        

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Days 41 - 49: Scenic New Zealand by rail

Welcome to New Zealand! This trip explores South Island, starting and finishing in Christchurch. With a combination of self-drive and scenic rail you will explore the spectacular natural scenery this region is renowned for. Your trip includes a ride on the iconic TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth, showcasing some of the most beautiful scenery in New Zealand. From Greymouth, you will explore the South Island by car, from the blue ice of the west coast glaciers to the captivating lakes of Queenstown.   

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Days 49 - 55: Los Angeles Stopover with Palm Springs & San Diego

America is the next stop on your trip, with a week in sunny California. Our 7-day self-drive itinerary begins in LA, before heading inland to the town of Palm Springs. You’ll then explore the desert landscapes of nearby Joshua Tree National Park before heading to the beaches of San Diego, the perfect spot to relax before moving north to Canada.

If you would like to extend your trip why not take a look at our iconic Californian road trip to San Francisco?

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Days 55 - 61: Calgary to Vancouver: Majestic rail & drive          

In Canada we’ve included our week-long Majestic rail and drive package from Calgary to Vancouver by car and rail. First, you’ll spend two nights in the alpine town of Banff, with plenty of hiking opportunities nearby and local hot springs for some post-hike relaxation. Next up is the spectacular Lake Louise, the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’, where you can hike the ‘Plain of Six Glaciers Trail’ with dramatic views from its peak. You’ll also get out on the Athabasca glacier in Jasper with our ice explorer tour before boarding the famous ‘Rocky Mountaineer’ train back to Vancouver. With a stop in Kamloops, exploring this scenic region will be a highlight of your trip!

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Day 62: Arrive UK