31 January 2024
Choose the railway over the runway with Cox & Kings
There’s a romanticism about rail travel that just never disappears, as it sews you into the very fabric of a destination. These epic journeys are no exception…
There’s a romanticism about rail travel that just never disappears, as it sews you into the very fabric of a destination. These epic journeys are no exception…
When it comes to immersing yourself in the beauty of your surroundings, there really is no better way to travel than by rail. From the magnificent rolling hills of Andalucía to the jaw-dropping landscape of Mexico’s Copper Canyon, Cox & Kings are experts in train travel. They even offer ‘no-fly’ routes from the UK across Europe to choose from. These sought-after journeys are just the start…
Credit: Maharajas Express
Fancy a luxury tour of Northern India, taking in the Golden Triangle and beyond? Then this is the rail journey for you. After boarding the Maharajas’ Express, your first stop will be Agra, where you can soak up the splendour of the Taj Mahal. Journey onto Ranthambore and enjoy an open-top safari drive around the world-famous national park – home to tigers, sambar deer, and leopards. After wildlife spotting, your next stop is Jaipur, and the rugged red sandstone of the magnificent Amber Fort. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the 19th-century Rambagh Palace Hotel, before journeying onto the golden dunes of Bikaner. Drink in the desert landscape from your seat, then explore the 16th-century royal fortress of Junagarh Fort. Sip a sundowner overlooking the undulating desert, before the train continues to the ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur, home to the hilltop fortress of Mehrangarh. Board the train once more for Udaipur and discover the gleaming City Palace. What better place to finish your adventure than the bustling city of Mumbai? Here, you can raise a toast to a truly unforgettable rail journey.
Credit: Cox & Kings
Discover the wonders of Peru in ultimate style aboard South America’s only luxury sleeper train. Beginning with a tour of Lima’s colonial centre, continue to the Sacred Valley, and visit the breathtaking Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. Hop aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu and marvel at the Andes mountains from the comfort of your seat, before exploring the spectacular ruins. From here, you will board the Belmond Andean Explorer train, an iconic rail journey traversing the Andes from Cusco. Enjoy lunch as you pass high Andean peaks, mountain streams and cultivated terraces. Wake up to spectacular sunrise scenes over sparkling Lake Titicaca, before taking in the floating Uros reed islands and Taquile. Your journey continues onto Lake Lagunillas, where you can soak up the spellbinding landscape, before arriving at your final stop, the ‘white city’ of Arequipa. Framed by three volcanoes, it is bursting with baroque buildings made of white volcanic stone – the perfect spot to stop and reflect on your South American adventure.
Credit: Shutterstock
Always dreamed of experiencing Andalucía’s rolling mountains, Moorish architecture, and ancient cities by rail? This spectacular journey takes in all three major cities of this sought-after Spanish region, using Spain’s efficient AVI rail service. Your journey begins in Cordoba, where you will explore ancient monuments including the spectacular UNESCO-listed Mezquita mosque, before continuing onto sun-soaked Seville. Take a stroll along the orange-tree lined streets, which are bursting with opulent 16th-century buildings and narrow medieval avenues. Stop off at one of the many tapas bars and feast on garlic prawns and fried squid while enjoying a flamenco show, before hopping aboard the train once more for Granada. Situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this city is home to the exquisite Alhambra Palace complex. Discover the spectacular Granada Cathedral or spend the day soaking up the sunshine at one of the city’s many beaches. Drink in the last of those jaw-dropping views on the journey to Malaga, the final stop of your Spanish adventure.
Credit: Shutterstock
Ready for the rail journey of a lifetime, journeying through some of the most dramatic scenery the world has to offer? Look no further than Mexico’s Copper Canyon route, which combines coastal scenes with the Baja Peninsula’s spectacular desert. Located in the middle of the Sierra Madre mountains, the canyon system is one of Mexico’s historic wonders. Breathe in the scent as you explore the pine forests surrounding Lake Arareco, before visiting the world-famous Tarahumara caves. From here, hop aboard the world-famous Chihuahua Pacific Express train and descend directly through the Sierra Madre mountains. Take in iconic views of towering canyons and lush forests as you wind your way through this spectacular landscape to El Fuerte, where you will travel onto your next destination, La Paz. Enjoy a boat ride to Espiritu Santo Island, where you can spot sea lions and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. Your journey ends in style along the coastal shores of the Baja peninsula. Here, you can take your pick from countless pristine beaches and turquoise waters.
Credit: Rovos Rail Tours
Ever wondered what it’s like to go to bed with views of the largest wildlife park in Zimbabwe outside your window, and wake up to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls? This panoramic rail journey takes in a magnificent four countries, so you can marvel at the ever-changing landscape as you journey through South Africa, Mozambique, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and Zimbabwe aboard Rovos Rail. Depart Pretoria and explore the historic and scenic delights of the Panorama Route. Enjoy some of the most memorable wildlife experiences on the planet at Kruger National Park and spot the 'Big Five’ on a wildlife drive. Wake up in Mozambique and tour the colourful capital city of Maputo, before hopping aboard the train for afternoon tea. Chug into Eswatini for an insight into Swazi artisan traditions, then back into South Africa for wildlife watching in the Kapama Game Reserve. Journey on to Zimbabwe to visit the Great Zimbabwe Monument and spend three days exploring the scenic and wildlife-rich national parks. Continue onto the magnificent Victoria Falls and swap rail for river, as you set sail on a sunset cruise along the Zambezi and toast the rail adventure of a lifetime.
Credit: Unsplash
Experience the beauty of the Balkans onboard this tailor-made journey. Your adventure begins in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Nestled among dramatic peaks, this vibrant city is home to Bascarsija Square, where historic buildings frame a wooden Ottoman-era fountain. Explore the ancient wonders, including Vijećnica, the impressive city hall, before travelling in style to Mostar. Discover one of Europe’s most scenic rail journeys as you take in mountains and valleys, as well as the sparkling turquoise waters of the Neretva River. Explore the UNESCO-listed old town of Mostar and its iconic Old Bridge, before sampling some of the region’s finest wines on a tour of Herzegovina’s sun-kissed southern vineyards. Board the train once more and continue to the Dalmatian city of Split in Croatia. Stroll through the enchanting Roman old town, discover the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace, and enjoy a coffee on the sun-soaked promenade. Spend the final day of your adventure on Bacvice beach, where you can swim in the warm shallow waters and enjoy a chilled cocktail at one of the beachfront cafés.
A journey by rail is an unforgettable way to travel, offering experiences that no other mode of transport can compete with. Cox & Kings promises a variety of rail holidays across the globe, and you can currently save up to £600 on group tours and £250 on tailor-made travel. What’s more, we have been experts since 1758, and we specialise in tailor-making unique itineraries. So, what are you waiting for? Start your rail adventure today.
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