Embrace the thrill and immersion of rail travel

01 July 2024

The best holidays are about more than just reaching your destination—they’re about the incredible moments you experience along the way. This is why we’re so thrilled to share some fabulous new rail tours that allow you to meet the locals, soak up the scenery, and arrive at the heart of the action - the kind of meaningful, immersive, slow travel holiday we at Travel Counsellors love.

Embrace the thrill and immersion of rail travel

Japan - Land of the Rising Sun

The 60th anniversary of Japan’s Shinkansen network makes this a great year to finally head East and experience the wonders of the world’s first bullet train. You’ll also get a taste of more modestly paced trains on this 13-day trip, getting you under the skin of this enigmatic country. Highlights include exploring traditional culture in Edo-period Takayama, visiting a folk village, touring a 600-year-old market, and tasting the products of a sake brewery.

Scenic Vietnam

Vietnam’s North-South railway line was built in 1899 and is sometimes called the Reunification Express for its symbolic role in reconnecting the North and South after the war. This tour includes overnight trips from Hanoi to Hue and Quy Nhon to Ho Chi Minh City over 15 incredible days in this mesmerising country – which also include homestays in the Mekong Delta and Da Bac and a vegetarian feast at a Buddhist monastery.

Express to the Orient: Paris to Istanbul

Taking you right back in time, this 15-day trip uses local trains to follow the original Orient Express train route from Paris to Budapest, before following the historic Simplon-Orient-Express route from Belgrade to Istanbul. Along the way, you’ll get the chance to immerse yourself in a whole host of local experiences, including a traditional Serbian lunch, a visit to Buda Castle, and leisurely hours enjoying Budapest’s and Vienna’s coffeehouse culture.

Paris to Rome by Rail

This journey ties together the bustling, history-drenched centres of two of Europe’s most epic cities while making scenic stop-offs along the way, including in Lucerne, where you can take the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the peak of Mount Pilatus. You will also get to ride the Gotthard Panorama Express train from Lucerne to Bellinzona and see the mighty Alps from lots of different angles.

Trans-Mongolian Railway Adventure

One for those looking for a truly remote rail experience, this once-in-a-lifetime spectacular takes in the sweeping grasslands of Mongolia, the dunes of the Gobi Desert, and the vast steppes of Khustai National Park. You’ll take a deep dive into Inner Mongolia and spend a night in a desert camp before experiencing the dazzling lights of Beijing and a bullet-train ride to Chifeng.

To book your train adventure or for more information about other rail holidays, call your Travel Counsellor today.

An effortless island escape at Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi

17 September 2025

For many, the dream of a Maldivian holiday involves long journeys to remote atolls. But what if paradise was just a short trip from the moment you land? At Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi, the idyllic island experience begins almost immediately. This resort masterfully combines convenience with the secluded escape you crave, making it a perfect choice for travellers who want to maximise their time enjoying the sand and sea. It’s a place where your holiday starts sooner and the relaxation is all-encompassing, thanks to a thoughtful approach that has your every need covered from the moment you arrive.

Unwind in a Maldivian island paradise

17 September 2025

The search for the perfect Maldivian escape often feels overwhelming. With over 1,000 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, choosing the right resort can make or break your holiday dreams. Atmosphere Kanifushi stands out for its ability to make every guest feel truly cared for. Whether you're a couple looking for a romantic escape, a family gathering generations together, or a solo traveller on an adventure, this resort’s warm welcome and thoughtful touches make each stay special. Sat in Lhaviyani Atoll, just a short seaplane ride from Malé, Atmosphere Kanifushi recently enjoyed its sixth year as the ‘Maldives Leading Family Resort’ - an accolade that reflects both consistency and innovation.

OZEN Reserve Bolifushi: Your ultimate island escape

17 September 2025

For those who dream of escaping to a private island, where every detail is taken care of with exceptional attention, the Maldives offers a destination that surpasses expectation. OZEN Reserve Bolifushi, located in the South Malé Atoll, represents a high point of Maldivian hospitality. It’s a place designed for pure relaxation and reconnection, just a short and seamless catamaran ride from Velana International Airport. Here, your holiday begins the moment you arrive, with a warm welcome that sets the stage for a truly special stay.