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Once-in-a-lifetime holidays

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Journeys of a Lifetime

The destination you've been eyeing up for years, that trip of a lifetime you've been promising yourself, a rail journey you've always wanted to experience - now's the time to rediscover your travel ambitions. This collection of highly-inclusive, unforgettable holidays really are journeys of a lifetime. So, let us take you on an epic rail holiday, where travelling in style and new adventures come as standard. Take the world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer across Canada's vast and dramatic landscapes or cross five African nations on the Pride of Africa. There's so much waiting for you to explore. Relax as our local experts guide you through breathtaking scenery, fascinating historical sites and authentic gastronomic experiences.

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Unforgettable experiences across the globe

Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa

Embark on an epic discovery of southern Africa and experience sensational luxury aboard Rovos Rail, travelling in beautifully restored wood-panelled coaches, watching the striking landscape unfold from your window with excellent onboard service.

The Maharajas' Express

Follow in the footsteps of royals while exploring India on the opulent Maharajas' Express, one of the world's most luxurious trains. Offering the ultimate in elegance and comfort, each cabin provides all the facilities you would expect from a luxury hotel.

Yala National Park

Enjoy expertly guided safaris in this expansive park of monsoon forests, arid plains and placid lagoons, with the chance to catch glimpses of elusive leopards - as well as other fascinating wildlife including elephants, crocodiles, mongooses and buffalo.

Jasper National Park

Set high in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is surrounded by astonishing natural wonders including plunging waterfalls, hot springs and crystalline lakes. Journey through the Maligne Valley, visiting the otherworldly Maligne Canyon and glacial Maligne Lake.

Our customers love our Journeys of a Lifetime tours

Grand Tour of Sri Lanka

16/Feb

customer S Berry

“An immersion into the rich history, environment, lifestyle and customs of the regions we visited in Sri Lanka. The care and attention of all the staff innvolved in giving us such a good experience of the island could not be faulted, and it was a very memorable and exciting holiday. We...

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The Maharajas’ Express, Golden Temple & Shimla

16/Feb

Chris Harris

“A wonderful if somewhat tiring holiday. Whilst we knew there would a lot of hotel changes in the first week, I think we will choose a more static holiday next time!

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Grand Tour of New Zealand

14/Feb

Frank

“We had a fantastic trip to New Zealand with Great Rail Journeys. It was an intensive schedule with some early mornings but we were given some free time to do our own thing. The train journeys enabled us to see some of the amazing scenery in New Zealand. The Tour...

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First-Class Mountaintops of Switzerland

21 Nov 2025

Margaret M

“Fantastic trip, the highlight being Mount Pilatus, the view is breathtaking. Grand Hotel Geissbach was everything I hoped it would be too. Very well organised.

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Grand Tour of Japan

11 Nov 2025

YatesieMRY

“What a fantastic tour to see Japan from North to South with so many amazing things to see and experience. The itinerary was well planned to give a good taste of Japan and the main sites to visit. Going on the bullet trains was a highlight for most of our...

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Grand Tour of Norway & Sweden

05 Sep 2025

Clive Hawley

“A well organised tour that allowed just the right amount of free time to explore whilst escorting us around the stunningly beautiful Sweden and Norway. Varied and interesting locations were visited which never disappointed. Hotels were all exceedingly comfortable. Rail journeys were a delight with a no luggage hassle. Some...

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First-Class Grand Alpine Explorer

04 Sep 2025

Paul Searby

“The excellent weather helped to make this holiday fabulous

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Grand Tour of Norway

19 Jul 2025

Linda Savage

“A wonderful experience. A real adventure in an amazing country. Hotels good, food good and scenery and stops superb. Would do again in an instant.

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Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia

14/Feb

Peter

“Great overall, fantastic tour leader. Two flights each way not good. If possible a reduction of time spent in coach would be better.

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Expert Opinions and Guides

Three Unmissable Rail Journeys

The world is waiting to welcome us back. Once it's safe to do so, we can't wait to help you rediscover your passion for travel. It's time to remember the excitement that comes with ticking a new destination off your travel wish-list.

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Around the World on Railways

Holidays are a time to unwind, reminisce, and return to the carefree days of childhood, all the while exploring new destinations and making new friends. Add to that a few romantic rail journeys and we've got the recipe for the perfect getaway.

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Discovering Europe

There's something deeply romantic about train journeys. Rail unveils a different aspect of our favourite holiday hotspots, and the experiences are as varied as the routes they traverse.

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Top 5 Once in a Lifetime Experiences

The world is full of 'wonders', both natural and architectural, but drawing up a wish list of which to see can often be time-consuming. That's why we've whittled it down to 5 of the planet's 'must-visit' landmarks, so you can start planning your ideal holiday today.

1. The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal; a structure so emblematic, so iconic, that seeing it with your own eyes is an experience that truly stays with you. Built in the 1600s by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as the resting place for his beloved wife, this sentimental mausoleum is a vision in ivory-white marble. UNESCO describes the structure as 'the jewel of Muslim art in India', but its beauty really has to be seen to be believed.

2. Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is an incredible abyss, formed from layer upon layer of different rocks, each one containing clues to the past. Its formation has yet to be conclusively determined, but popular opinion holds it at over 5 million years old. Reach this magnificent natural wonder by vintage railroad. The Grand Canyon Railway made its first journey in 1901, operating as a mining service before serving passengers.

3. The Great Wall of China

Snaking over 5,000 miles across the contrasting landscapes of China, the Great Wall is without doubt one of the most impressive man-made structures in the world. Walking along this ancient structure is a once in a lifetime experience, as you step back in time to the era of the Ming Dynasty and imagine the incredible engineering prowess that was used to build it.

4. The Northern Lights

Scandinavia's magical Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, often hold a lofty spot of many people's travel goals, and it's not difficult to see why. The phenomenal natural light show is quite unlike anything else in the world, painting the skies with vibrant dashes of green, pink, and violet. Those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this incredible phenomena are sure to remember it for a lifetime.

5. The 'Big Five' Safari

Escape to the vast wilderness of Kruger National Park, one of the world's most revered safari spots and experience the thrill of spotting of the fabled 'Big Five' game animals. There is nothing quite like catching a glimpse these mighty creatures in their natural habitats; perhaps you'll spot a leopard a slowly stalking its prey, a lion dozing in the afternoon sun, or a herd of mighty elephants sauntering across the plains.

Journeys of a Lifetime

Unforgettable experiences across the globe

Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa

The Maharajas' Express

Yala National Park

Jasper National Park

28 results matching: Journeys of a Lifetime Escorted Tours

Expert Opinions and Guides

Top 5 Once in a Lifetime Experiences