Iconic Rail & Grand Tours 

Itinerary Inspiration

Some journeys feel timeless. Whether travelling by elegant sleeper train, sailing along a historic river, or following routes that travellers have taken for generations, these are the trips where the journey itself becomes part of the story.

From scenic rail routes winding through mountains, vineyards, and coastlines to classic explorations such as Egypt’s ancient temples and Nile voyages, these journeys unfold at a slower, more rewarding pace. Along the way we pair each route with handpicked stays, meaningful experiences, and thoughtful touches that turn a great trip into something truly memorable.

Perfect for travellers who enjoy comfort, depth, and the quiet romance of travelling well.

Board the Reunification Express for a scenic journey from Hanoi to Hue, passing lush countryside and coastal vistas. Explore imperial cities, hidden temples, and vibrant street markets along the way.

Luxury Stays:

• Azerai La Residence, Hue – Art Deco riverside elegance
• Capella Hanoi – A lavish, opera-inspired retreat

Unexpected Delights:

• Private lantern-making workshop in Hoi An.
• Imperial banquet dinner with royal court music in Hue
• Coffee tasting experience in Hanoi’s hidden cafés

Egypt lends itself beautifully to a classic grand journey. Begin in Cairo exploring the pyramids and extraordinary new Grand Egyptian Museum before travelling south to Luxor to begin a graceful Nile voyage.

Drifting between temples and ancient cities, this is one of the world’s most elegant historical journeys.

Luxury Stays

• Sofitel Winter Palace, Luxor – historic colonial-era hotel
• Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise – one of the Nile’s most refined vessels

Unexpected Delights

• Private candlelit dinner overlooking the temples of Luxor
• Sunrise hot-air balloon over the Valley of the Kings
• Guided exploration of little-visited temples along the Nile

Step aboard The Ghan, Australia’s legendary transcontinental train, and travel from Adelaide into the heart of the country. Pass sweeping outback plains, ancient ranges, vast desert, and landscapes that feel almost lunar. Combine this with time in the Red Centre and a coastal finale in Sydney for a journey that blends wilderness with city elegance.

Luxury Stays:

• Longitude 131°, Uluru – Intimate desert luxury with front-row views of Uluru.
• Park Hyatt Sydney – Harbourfront sophistication in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Unexpected Delights:

• Outback stargazing with an astronomer.
• A guided walk through ancient Aboriginal rock art sites.
• Private yacht cruise around Sydney Harbour.

Travel from Pretoria to Cape Town in Edwardian splendour on Rovos Rail, then unwind at a top-tier safari lodge and end on the Cape Winelands with gourmet indulgence.

Luxury Stays:

• Royal Malewane – Big five safari lodge with world-class guiding
• La Residence, Franschhoek – Opulent vineyard retreat

Unexpected Delights:

• Exclusive wine blending session with a master vintner
• Vintage car tour through Cape Town’s historic quarters
• Gourmet picnic on a private game reserve

Traverse New Zealand’s South Island aboard the Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine trains, pairing breath taking rail routes with luxury lodges and wild landscapes.

Luxury Stays:

• The Lindis, Ahuriri Valley – Architecturally iconic and eco-conscious
• Otahuna Lodge, Canterbury – Historic country estate with gourmet flair

Unexpected Delights:

• Helicopter tour over glaciers and fjords
• Personalised wine tasting with a Central Otago winemaker
• Guided Māori cultural experience and storytelling around a fire

Ecuador’s historic Devil’s Nose railway is one of the world’s most dramatic rail experiences, spiralling down steep Andean mountainsides through remote valleys. Combine this rail journey with time in Quito’s colonial centre, artisan villages in the Andes, and a luxury hacienda stay surrounded by volcanoes and cloud forests.

Luxury Stays:

• Hacienda Zuleta – A historic Andean estate with walking trails, horses, and sweeping valley views.
• Casa Gangotena, Quito – A restored mansion on Plaza San Francisco with elegant rooms and impeccable service.

Unexpected Delights:

•  Private weaving demonstration in an indigenous craft village.
• Horseback ride through the Andean foothills.
• A chef-led tasting menu showcasing Ecuador’s Andean ingredients

Step back in time aboard the regal Palace on Wheels, stopping at Rajasthan’s most iconic cities. Explore forts, palaces, and bazaars before unwinding in opulent heritage hotels.

Luxury Stays:

• Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur – A floating marble palace on Lake Pichola
• The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra – Uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal

Unexpected Delights:

• Elephant blessing ceremony in Jaipur
• Private boat dinner with live Rajasthani music
• Turban-tying and traditional attire styling session for a royal portrait