My Ultimate Train Journeys

In today’s modern world time spent travelling in between destinations is often seen as an inconvenience that most like to minimise as much as possible. However, I believe train journeys can often offer a return to more leisurely days, when travel was an enjoyable adventure rather than a nuisance in between home and holiday. Below are some of my favourite train journeys where the rail trip is as enjoyable as the actual destination.

The West Highland Line

The West Highland Line in Scotland, which is 164 mile long, runs from Glasgow to Mallaig and runs by the stunning Loch Long, Loch Lomond and Loch Eil. The West Highland Line also crosses the world’s first concrete rail viaduct at Glenfinnan, which was made famous by the Harry Potter films. In 2009 the West Highland Line was voted the best rail journey in the world by independent travel magazine, Wanderlust and when you witness the breath-taking and varied scenery, it is easy to see why.

Train to the Clouds

Completed in 1932, the Train to the Clouds in Argentina is one of South America’s best railway journeys. Departing from the city of Salt, the 270 mile round journey takes 16 hours.  The line passes through tobacco fields, ranches, 29 bridges and 21 tunnels, before crossing the La Polvorilla viaduct at a height of more than 4,200m. The Train to the Clouds is the third highest railway in the world. The stunning combination of gorgeous scenery and exhilarating heights make this journey one of the best in the world.

Pride of Africa                     

Run by Rovos Rail, the Pride of Africa runs from Dar es Salaam to Cape Town and is one of the finest ways to experience the beauty and majesty that the continent has to offer in the upmost luxury. Passing such iconic landmarks as the Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls, this train journey is not to be missed by nature lovers.

The Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is an express train that connects Switzerland with Italy, by crossing the Swiss Alps from north to south and a journey aboard the Bernina Express is considered as one of the greatest rail trips in the world. All carriages have panoramic windows that offer excellent views of the stunning mountain scenery.

Trans-Siberian Railway

Passing through eight time zones and travelling over 600 miles, the Trans-Siberian Express is undoubtedly the ultimate train journey in the world in terms of distance covered. Linking Moscow with Vladivostok, the Trans-Siberian express highlights the beautiful vastness of Russia.

Top Tips For Rhine Cruises

In the last couple of years, river cruises have seen a dramatic increase in popularity as people seek a more intimate experience than larger sea cruises.  The earliest European river cruises were on the Rhine and it’s not surprising to see why! The River Rhine is dotted with romantic castles, medieval towns, stunning cathedrals and truly magnificent scenery. Below, I have listed some of my top tips for a Rhine Cruise.

When to Go

One of the best times to take a Rhine Cruise is between July and August. In particular, look out for a “Rhine in Flames” cruise when hilltop castles and palaces are lit up at night with fireworks in spectacular displays that are a sight to behold. 

For something a little bit different, take a cruise along the Rhine during the Christmas holidays. During this period, seasonal markets fill the squares and at night the seasonal lights form a magical backdrop. One of the best Christmas markets is located in Cologne.

What to Do

The Rhine is lined with numerous spectacular palaces, castles and churches. One of the most impressive castles you will pass is the Marksburg Castle, near Koblenz. It is the only hill castle on the Rhine never to have been destroyed. Spend a day wandering around this magnificent castle and admiring the huge array of middle aged artefacts that are on display.

Stop at the town of Rudesheim for a Rudesheimer coffee which are served in red and white cups decorated with scenes from the Rhine. The coffee is made with sugar and the local Asbach brandy and topped with whipped cream and is sure way to warm up.

A must for chocolate lovers is a trip to the Lindt chocolate museum in Cologne. The museum is located on the riverfront and was opened by Dr Hans Imhoff in 1993. The museum charts the 3000 year history of chocolate and the entry price of £6.40 is well worth it.

Finally, I recommend taking a cable-car ride over the vineyards at Rudesheim. The cable car ride offers spectacular views of the vineyards and the Niederwald monument that honours the German nation. For the more energetic, a ringtrip ticket includes a cable car ride for two, a walk back down from the top through the vineyards and a short boat ride back to Rudesheim.

Rhine cruises offer a varied and unique cruise holiday destination that displays the best this magical region has to offer.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is one of the world's most popular cruise lines. They have cruises and cruise ships to suit families, couples, singles and all age groups.
What Royal Caribbean does differently is to ensure that passengers have everything they could possibly want on board the ship. If you were never to set foot in one of the exotic ports of call, they want you to go home knowing you have had an outstanding holiday and will return for more.