Rail Journey Holidays
For most, there is nothing more civilised or indeed romantic than great railway journeys. After all, what is more fun than when the journey is just as much an adventure, as thrilling and as important as the destination.
Trailblazing into inventive touring is certainly nothing new for Jules Verne. Founded in 1978 on the basis of one simple idea – to operate a train from London to Peking (Beijing) and then to Hong Kong – at a time when the 'bamboo curtain' was still officially in place.
For over 40 years, Jules Verne has been the leader in cultural escorted tours. Even our name was chosen to evoke a different era of travel, one that created events with ‘a sense of occasion’. Further innovative railway tours were to follow and in February 2019, we celebrated our 40th anniversary by repeating this original journey. Travelling by rail from London through Europe and the heart of Russia, across the expanse of Siberia into Mongolia before arriving into Beijing and travelling to Hong Kong, with a group of 48 intrepid Jules Verne travellers.
For most, there is nothing more civilised or indeed romantic than great railway journeys. After all, what is more fun than when the journey is just as much an adventure, as thrilling and as important as the destination. What better way to admire beautiful landscapes, enjoy moments of calm reflection and experience the sophistication and nostalgia of a bygone era. Great railway journeys also provide a utilitarian function with modern high-speed trains connecting cities, countries and continents and offer a more glamorous and adventurous alternative to flying.
Where do our great railway journeys visit?
Wherever you wish to travel, there will be a railway holiday to suit your needs at Jules Verne. We journey far and wide to some of the world’s most famous and desirable locations, from culture-rich Asia to scenic Europe. Hop on board with a small group of travellers and a knowledgeable tour guide to start your adventure.
We also offer a variety of popular railway tours through South Africa, including A Rail Journey to Victoria Falls. This fantastic adventure allows you to appreciate the incredible landscapes, magnificent wildlife and unique culture between Eswatini (Swaziland), Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
As well as unique railway tours to Asia and Africa, we offer unforgettable journeys across Europe, South America, Russia and more.
Why embark on great railway journeys with Jules Verne?
Our company was built on creating epic rail tours. Since 1978, we have been creating unforgettable trips for travellers, exploring the world’s most iconic and hidden gems. Over 40 years of experience means each and every one of our railway tours has been expertly designed to show you the true essence of each magical destination. Talk to one of our personal travel experts to book your trip of a lifetime.
IndiaIndia's Golden Triangle
The most iconic monuments of India from the Taj Mahal, Amber and Agra Fort to palaces and abandoned cities including classic hotels and special Indian experiences
Images of India
An inspiring introduction to India’s colours and culture, visiting eight UNESCO sites, and iconic landmarks from Jodhpur to Jaipur and Agra, from Delhi to Shimla and Amritsar
Secret Himalayan India
Travelling to heritage hotels in hill station towns, and using small vehicles to take off at tangents to little-known temples and villages, this is a beguiling blend of cities, serenity, scenery and spirituality
Lost World of the Incas
Intriguing, revealing, and ranging from haunting valleys to high-altitude Andean peaks, this is a journey by road, rail, and air, from the capital, Lima, to the cobbled streets of Cuzco, exploring Peru’s Inca heritage in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca
A Rail Journey to Victoria Falls
A great rail journey through southern Africa, this tour carries you in luxury aboard the Rovos Rail, and includes sumptuously scenic excursions, and safaris in renowned national parks, on its route from Pretoria to Zimbabwe’s iconic Victoria Falls Hotel
Sikhs & Exiles
This rewarding journey takes you off the beaten track to Himalayan hill stations, heritage hotels, and the home of the Dalai Lama; revealing the history of Sikhism, Buddhism and Christianity
The Golden Road to Samarkand
Experience Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities, from metropolitan Tashkent to Old Khiva’s towers and cupolas, across the Kyzylkum Desert to beautiful Bukhara, and into exotic Samarkand
Namibia By Private Train - Walvis to Pretoria
Explore the astonishing landscapes and wonderful wildlife of Namibia, crossing the mesmerising miles of this vast country in the comfort of the Rovos Rail train, from Etosha National Park to the saltpan of Sossusvlei, and the Namib and Kalahari Deserts
Discover Japan
Traversing Japan by Bullet Train, from neon-lit cityscapes to geisha lanes, from Shinto shrines to views of Mount Fuji, from Osaka to Kyoto, Hakone, and Tokyo, this small-group tour reveals the country’s seamless blend of timeless tradition and mesmerising modernity
Japan's Earthly Treasures
In the 'Land of the Rising Sun', natural splendour is embellished with man-made treasure. From Shinto shrines to Buddhist temples, from moated castles to Zen-calm gardens, from Tokyo to Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Matsue, this is a tour through time and traditions
Ancient Japan Land of the Samurai
Venture deep into the heart of a land of legends where age old traditions exist side by side with modernity, an extraordinary 18 days exploring Japan and the embodiment of the ancient culture of the Samurai