Best rail journeys for 2022

Immerse yourself in the local way of life on a far-reaching railway adventure in India. Travelling from the buzzing city of Kolkata to the Golden Temple of the holy Sikh city, Amritsar, this two-week journey features various religious hubs, including Hindu temples in Varanasi and the Dhamek Stupa monument, the birthplace of Buddhism, in Sarnath. We’ll also travel by train to see the opulent gateways of Aga’s Red Fort, the celestial Taj Mahal, and the charming mountain city of Shimla.

Soak up an eclectic mix of Japanese culture on a private tour from Tokyo to Osaka. Whizz past ultramodern cityscapes, explore ancient temples in Kyoto and travel via a high-speed bullet train to the rejuvenated city of Hiroshima, where you’ll come face to face with bathing snow monkey at the steaming hot springs of Jigokudani Onsen. Travel with confidence via Japan’s dependable rail network and enjoy comfortable accommodation at each stop-over.

Cover plenty of ground on our fast-paced China discovery tour with overnight train trips between some of the country’s most remarkable sights. After walking a section of the Great Wall of China, we’ll board a sleeper train headed for Xian. Take in the busy atmosphere, chat with the locals and get some rest in a cosy cabin. Arriving in time for breakfast, we’ll discover the 15th-century Great Mosque and the famous Terracotta Warriors guarding the Qin Shi Huangdi Tomb before taking another overnight train to the Grand Canal in Suzhou and a high-speed bullet train to Shanghai.

Starting in London, this London2 rail journey takes us to the famous wine-making hub of Bordeaux, France, and then inland to San Sebastian to sample delicious bite-sized Basque tapas in local pintxos bars. Watch peaceful Andalucian villages rush past the carriage window on your way to Spain’s sunny Costa del Sol, discover grand Moorish architecture in Granada, and browse the bustling souks of Fes in Morocco. Our final destination is Marrakech, where we delve deep into the heart of the old city to explore a maze of narrow alleyways and soak up the exotic atmosphere.