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here’s something inherently romantic about rail. Whether you’re puttering up a mountain on an old cog railway as sweeping scenery


unfolds below, watching the British countryside whizz by through wisps of steam, or being served champagne by a white-gloved waiter in a vintage dining car, it’s easy to see why this style of travel has come back into vogue. Add the growing momentum for no-fly holidays and potential reluctance to travel by air in the immediate aftermath of coronavirus, and it’s a good time to brush up on your rail knowledge. Banish any thoughts of crowded commuter trains – these are rail journeys worth waiting for.


BEST FOR . . . WINTER Famously the world’s slowest express train, the narrow- gauge Glacier Express reveals the snowy scenery of the Swiss Alps at its best. The journey takes passengers along winding mountain passes and mirror-like lakes from Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn, via the dramatic Oberalp Pass, to St Moritz.


DESTINATIONS ICONIC JOURNEYS | RAIL HOLIDAYS


Arena Travel sales and business development manager Tim Fleming says: “The Glacier Express is one of our most popular trips, particularly among rail enthusiasts, but also with travellers who simply enjoy the chance to experience Switzerland’s beautiful Alpine landscape at a slower pace. Travelling the Glacier Express is a real ‘bucket list’ journey, with scenery that never fails to take your breath away.” Book it: Arena Travel’s five-day Glacier Express Winter Magic starts at £1,125 based on two sharing with four nights’ B&B accommodation in Interlaken, return Eurostar from London, excursions, connecting rail travel and tour manager, departing February 12 or March 5, 2021. arenarailholidays.co.uk Or try: While it’s winter for us, it’s the height of the southern hemisphere summer, when South Africa is at its most appealing. Luxury train journey Rovos Rail is marking its 30th anniversary this year, and features original restaurant cars, observation carriages and sleeping compartments – plus a tempting South African wine list. ²


7 MAY 2020


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