DESTINATIONS NEW ROUTES | RAIL HOLIDAYS


OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Mountain scenery near Skagway, Alaska; bar area on Britannic Explorer; Vistadome train, Peru ABOVE: The Indian Pacific offers four-night journeys across Australia between Perth and Sydney PICTURES: Shutterstock/Nicola Pulham; Andrew Gregory


all-encompassing glimpses of the Sacred Valley. Passengers are treated to theatrical performances en route, from Andean dances to an alpaca clothing fashion show. “From the jagged peaks of the


Andes to the fascinating juxtaposition of Inca culture and colonial architecture in its vibrant cities, Peru is one of the most intriguing South American countries to visit,” says Christian Locke, head of


long-haul product at Riviera Travel. Book it: Riviera Travel’s 13-day Signature Peru Escorted Tour starts from £3,999 per person, based on two sharing. Includes flights and transfers departing October 16, 10 nights’ accommodation, breakfasts, plus some meals and experiences. rivieratravel.co.uk


DEEP SOUTH STAYS Devastated by hurricane Katrina in 2005, the rail links along the US Gulf Coast are getting a new lease of life 20 years later thanks to the rebirth of Amtrak’s twice-


travelweekly.co.uk


daily service from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Mobile, Alabama. Scheduled to start in summer (but subject to change), the route will stop at four places in Mississippi along the way, offering doses of small-town America. Cath Pusey, product director at America As You Like It, says: “A twin-centre holiday between these two cities is now much easier, because it doesn’t


require visitors to have a car.” Book it: America As You Like It sells a six-night holiday to New Orleans and Mobile from £1,555 per person, based on two sharing. Includes flights, three nights in New Orleans, three nights in Mobile and train tickets. americaasyoulikeit.com


TRAVERSE AUSTRALIA FROM WEST TO EAST Few train journeys are as epic as those on the Indian Pacific – an odyssey through rust-red plains, wine regions and Gold Rush history. Bookended by Perth and Sydney, the


trip is even more impressive in 2025, with an extra night and new off-train excursions. “These experiences tell a unique story of the land, providing a sense of place, people and culture,” explains Renee Cornelissen, group manager for international sales at


Journey Beyond. Book it: Audley Travel offers a 13-night trip to Australia, from £9,674 per person, based on two sharing. Includes two nights in Perth, three in Margaret River, a four-night journey on board the Indian Pacific, four nights in Sydney, flights, excursions and car rental in Perth. audleytravel.com


ALL ABOARD THE EUROPEAN SLEEPER Train travel in Europe often veers between the utilitarian and uber- luxury. Now, the European Sleeper service is offering visitors a way to navigate the continent on rails in a comfortable – yet affordable – manner. The inaugural service from Brussels to Prague via Berlin


launched in 2023 and has paved the way for a new European Sleeper line from Brussels to Venice, which began last week (albeit with a few teething issues) and pauses in several major cities en route, including Eindhoven, Munich and Innsbruck. Anna Davies, director


of partnership marketing at Railbookers, says: “Travelling by train continues to enjoy growing demand year after year, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for agents. Central and eastern Europe are doing particularly well for 2025 and, with the European Sleeper route to Prague, there has never been more flexibility for travelling to


this part of the world by rail.” Book it: Railbookers’ eight-day Berlin, Dresden and Prague on board the European Sleeper Train starts from £1,459, including train travel from London, five nights’ accommodation split between Berlin, Dresden and Prague, breakfast and all stated excursions. railbookers.com


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