The Luxury Editorial: Great Railway Journeys

For generations, rail travel has been a sophisticated, relaxed way to explore the world. Stunning views and gaining access to some of the world’s most enticing destinations is easy from the comfort of a carriage, and by pairing these journeys with a classic or contemporary cruise, even more of this incredible planet becomes within reach.

In the latest Luxury Editorial, we discover some of the most exceptional Cruise & Stay holidays you can take by rail and by sea. Covering five different continents, there is guaranteed to be something for everyone.

Rovos Rail | South Africa | Regent Seven Seas Concierge Collection

Rovos Rail has made a name for itself as one of the most luxurious rail experiences in the world. Step aboard and you’ll find vintage, wood-panelled coaches, as well as a discreet and friendly service that makes travelling across South Africa an absolute pleasure. See the Great Karoo from the comfort of your carriage, as well as changing views that include mountain ranges, vast landscapes and vineyards.

You will then embark on Seven Seas Voyager® in Cape Town for your six-star cruise between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. More highlights of South Africa await, from the unspoilt beaches of Richards Bay and Port Elizabeth to the buzzing cosmopolitan city of Durban. If you’re going to see South Africa, there’s no finer way in which to do it.

Take a look at the cruise here.

Why not add on the five-night pre-cruise Rovos Rail Concierge Collection Experience to your cruise? Call us for prices.

Hiram Bingham | Machu Picchu | Silversea Land Programme

If your bucket list needs some attention, then this ultra-opulent adventure is just the ticket. You will get to uncover some of the world’s most incredible species in the Galapagos, as you meander through this intriguing part of the globe aboard Silver Origin. This ship boasts the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the region and is perfectly designed to make the most of her surroundings, without compromising on style or luxury.

Old world charm is what you should expect from a journey on Hiram Bingham. Think classic, 1920s parlour cars, where the sound of live performers provides the perfect background music to your adventure through the heart of the Andes. Prepare to be awe-struck as you emerge at the ancient Incan site of Machu Picchu – there is nowhere else on earth quite like it, so it’s little surprise it’s been named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Take a look at the cruise here

Why not add on the five-night post-cruise Machu Picchu & Best of Barranco Land Tour Programme to your cruise? Call us for prices.

TranzAlpine Rail | New Zealand | Azamara Land Programme

New Zealand is the place to visit if you can’t get enough stunning scenery. From the comfort of the TranzAlpine Rail service, you’ll see the majesty of the Canterbury Plains and the spectacular Southern Alps. The most memorable part of your journey will undoubtedly be a glacier heli-flightseeing excursion, where you’ll land on Mt. Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand.

Embark Azamara Quest to see more of New Zealand’s splendour, before visiting the vibrant shores of Australia. Cultures, traditions and cuisines are all just a stone’s throw away from your luxury cruise ship. Customise your holiday with a pre- or post-cruise land stay; whether you choose to start your adventure in Auckland, stick around for a while in Sydney – or even both – you’re guaranteed a holiday you will never forget.

Take a look at the cruise here

Why not add on the four-night pre-cruise TranzAlpine Rail and Mount Cook Land Programme to your cruise? Call us for prices.

McKinley Explorer | Alaska | Seabourn Journey

Alaska is home to some of the world’s greatest wildernesses, and what better way to delve deeper into them than by rail? McKinley Explorer is designed to bring the outdoors in, offering unadulterated views of the incredible landscape that surrounds you, all from the comfort of a well-appointed carriage. Large, curved glass windows make you feel like you’re at one with your surroundings as you travel in style between Anchorage and Denali.

After this incredible journey, you will need an equally as incredible cruise to live up to expectations. On board Seabourn Odyssey, you will have a front row seat to the Alaskan Fjords. From land to sea, this experience really does deliver it all.

Take a look at the cruise here

Why not add on the five-night pre-cruise Denali Experience Journey to your cruise? Call us for prices.

Orient Express | Verona to London | Cunard

There are few rail journeys on earth as iconic as the Orient Express and if it’s been on your travel to-do list for a while, there’s been no better time to strike it off. For more than 140 years, guests have been experiencing all the opulence of this luxury rail journey; from the precious wood marquetry to the refined leather, no detail has been left to chance. Take tea in the lounge car, be wined and dined in the restaurant – there’s no finer way to travel by train.

A classic rail journey deserves a classic cruise. On board Queen Victoria, you’ll be able to start your journey by experiencing Cunard’s famous White Star Service. Hailing back to the heyday of the luxury ocean liner, you are guaranteed to be treated like royalty.

Take a look at the Cruise & Stay package here