Autumn rail tours through Europe

Great Rail Journeys, the market leader for escorted holidays by rail, is highlighting a choice of autumn departures from its European and Worldwide programmes.

For example, crisp autumn days make sightseeing a pleasure on a Classic Glacier Express two-centre holiday in Switzerland. Scenic day trips on narrow-gauge railways, climbing from lakeside meadows to snow-capped peaks, are the key features of this 10-day holiday which includes first class rail from London, mostly half-board accommodation, a host of excursions and the attention of a tour manager. Prices start at £1,477 per person, twin share, with departures 25 September, 9 and 16 October.

Special events are also an attraction, such as the Rhine in Flames cruise at the heart of a five-day break based in Cologne. As well as a guided tour of the city, a trip to Königswinter, and a ride on the Drachenfelsbahn, Germany’s oldest cog railway, there’s a dinner-cruise along the Rhine, the high point being a spectacular light show with fireworks. With departures 9 and 16 September, the holiday costs from £785 per person, twin share, including first class rail travel, four nights in a five-star hotel, the excursions and the services of a tour manager.

Further afield, India’s Palace on Wheels is one of the world’s most famous private trains and the ultimate way to explore Rajasthan. October is sunny, warm and dry – perfect for sightseeing in Delhi and exploring the hill-village of Shimla (with a trip on the vintage Toy Train) before boarding the Palace on Wheels to travel to the Pink City of Jaipur, Udaipur, the walled town of Jaisalmer, the Blue City of Jodhpur and the iconic Taj Mahal at Agra.

Extraordinary experiences include ‘stalking’ tigers – camera at the ready – in Ranthambore National Park, cruising on Lake Pichola and living like a Maharajah on this luxury train, with its lounge car, two restaurant cars and bar; retiring each night to an air-conditioned, ensuite sleeping compartment and waited on by your personal ‘Khidmatgar’ or attendant.

With departures 13, 20 & 27 October, the holiday costs from £3,945 per person, twin share, including flights from Heathrow, all travel, most meals, six nights in five-star hotels, seven nights on the Palace on Wheels, sightseeing and the services of a tour manager throughout.

For more information and bookings, visit: GreatRail.com