Traveling by classic train evokes a sense of nostalgia and adventure, is like stepping back to a time when railways presented a rare opportunity to cover great distances and see the unknown, and rail cars were brimming with romance and mystique. With a National Geographic expert on board, the landscapes that you pass through take on a whole new depth and meaning. From the comfort of a private luxury train, you’ll cover vast distances with ease, visit remote towns and villages, and observe everyday life against an ever-changing backdrop. Experience the journey of a lifetime on the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, or travel aboard a train built in the royal style of the maharajahs to explore India’s fabled cities. No matter which rail trips you choose, one of the greatest pleasures is the journey itself.
Rail Journey Through India (13 Days)
Step aboard the Palace on Wheels and set off on an unforgettable rail journey to the fabled cities of Rajasthan. Venture into majestic forts and palaces, visit the immense Amber Fort high above Jaipur, and watch the sunset light up the Taj Mahal. Experience one of India’s celebrated festivals or fairs on each departure and immerse yourself in the colors and rhythms of India’s captivating culture.
Spain’s Northern Coast by Private Rail (11 Days)
Climb aboard the brand new luxury Transcantábrico Gran Lujo near Santiago de Compostela and set off on a rail journey along Spain’s splendid northern coast. Passing through medieval hamlets and historic towns, the train traces the fertile tract between the Cantabrian Mountains and the scalloped beaches on the Bay of Biscay. Explore Basque country, Asturias, and charming seaside ports.
The lighthouse at Ribadeo in Galicia. Photo by Herzen Cortes
Cathedral at Santiago de Compostella. Photo by Ford Cochran
The small fishing village of Luarca. Photo by Tino Soriano
A restored mill on a mountain stream at Teixois near Taramundi. Photo by Ford Cochran
Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum.Photo by Ford Cochran
Trans-Siberian Rail Journey (17 Days)
Set out on an epic train journey across one-third of the world, traveling from Vladivostok to the heart of Moscow along the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway. From the Mongolian steppe to Lake Baikal’s remote shores to the snow-capped Ural Mountains, trace the history of tsars, exiles, and Mongols in the comfort of our luxury train, the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express. Encounter remote cultures and the unique architecture of Siberia’s wooden cottages and Moscow’s onion domes.
The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express winds along the rocky shores of Lake Baikal
St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow’s most iconic site.
Photo credits: Photo by Ford Cochran, Tino Soriano, Herzen Cortes