Not all train journeys are dreaded commutes on overcrowded carriages, some of the greatest and most epic adventures in the world can be enjoyed on a set of tracks. Travel specialists, Four Corners PR, shares their top five journeys.
Trans-Siberian Railway
For a century, trains have clicked and clacked along the Trans-Siberian railway regardless of weather, revolution or political upheaval, providing an essential link for families, traders and tourists. During this journey from Moscow to Beijing, admire the amazing landscapes of the Gobi Desert, beautiful Lake Baikal and historic towns and cities such as Irkutsk, Kazan and Yekaterinburg. Travel on the Tsar’s Gold private train and enjoy a 1950’s Soviet-styled ‘Nostalgic Comfort Cabin’, delicious food including Russian caviar and wine tasting en route. Regent Holidays (regent-holidays.co.uk; 020 7666 1244) offers the 16-day Luxury Trans-Siberian Moscow to Beijing from £3,995 per person.
The Ghan
Australia’s most iconic train, the Ghan, runs between Adelaide and Darwin and travels right through the centre of the country across the vast, burnt-orange outback. The journey takes three days and along the way there are opportunities to visit the beautiful Katherine Gorge, as well as the unique towns of Alice Springs and Coober Pedy. New ‘Platinum Club’ carriages were introduced in 2016, featuring a deluxe bar, lounge and dining area, as well as new regionally-based menus. Australian Sky (australiansky.co.uk; 01342 886736) offers the 8-day Darwin to Adelaide on The Ghan trip from £1,379 per person.
Corsica’s ‘Trinicellu’
Corsica’s ‘Trinicellu’ or Little Train runs on single narrow gauge tracks and links the capital Ajaccio with the port town of Basti. This small French island is not famed for its railways, but those in the know consider this to be one of the most scenic in the world, as it crosses the Vecchio viaduct engineered by Gustav Eiffel, before passing through the Vizzavona Forest, filled with lofty pines and chestnut trees. Arena Rail Holidays (arenatravel.com; 01858 435655) offers the 10-day Highlights of Corsica trip from £1,349 per person.
Rocky Mountaineer
Explore the highlights of Western Canada with an unforgettable journey on the Rocky Mountaineer. This train offers one of the best ways to see the famous Canadian Rockies, as the unparalleled natural beauty of the region passes either side of the custom designed glass-domed carriages. The oversized windows provide panoramic views and are ideal for spotting eagles, big horn sheep, elk and even bears. Canadian Sky (canadiansky.co.uk; 01342 886941) offers the 7-night Rockies Explorer by Rail trip from £2,269 per person.
Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail, a family-owned enterprise, operates several scenic routes throughout Southern Africa. The train features an observation car at the back, ideal for admiring some of Africa’s most awesome landscapes, from the majestic Magaliesberg Mountains to the Hwange National Park, which is home to free roaming lion, black rhino and elephant. There are three different types of accommodation offered on board the Rovos Rail and meals are served in the Victorian-styled dining cars. Rainbow Tours (rainbowtours.co.uk; 020 7666 1266) offers the 10-night Rail, River & Waterfall Safari from £4,395 per person. For a personal account by Kathryn Rossiter (friend of Women4Adventure) of a Rovos journey, click here.
All photos submitted by Four Corners PR.
