Five Great Rail Journeys
Five Great Rail Journeys
Rail holidays are on the rise, offering a slower, richer way to travel, where the journey is every bit as memorable as the destination.
Whether it’s winding through misty mountains, tracing coastlines, or crossing entire countries, travelling by train connects us more deeply to the landscapes and cultures we pass through.
Across Europe and beyond, rail journeys reveal the beauty of travel at its most effortless — from Serbia’s dramatic Balkan routes and Norway’s fjord-side tracks to Germany and Poland’s historic cities, the legendary Silk Road, and the scenic lines of Taiwan. Watch the world unfold beyond your window, pause in places that inspire you, and rediscover the romance of the rails.
Your next rail adventure starts here. Keep reading to explore five of our favourite rail journeys.
5. Serbia
Timeless tracks, Balkan landscapes and Adriatic coastal cities
.jpg)
Belgrade, Serbia
Serbia is a country made for slow, scenic travel, where ancient fortresses overlook wide rivers, mountain villages cling to forested slopes, and life unfolds at an unhurried pace.
A rail journey here captures that spirit perfectly. Travelling by train offers a window into the heart of the Balkans, revealing landscapes that shift from fertile plains to dramatic gorges and deep green valleys. It’s the most atmospheric way to experience Serbia’s natural beauty, storied history and famously warm hospitality.
There’s also something irresistibly nostalgic about journeying through Serbia by rail: the steady lull of the train, the glimpses of rural life, and the sense of moving through time as much as space. For travellers seeking authenticity, comfort and adventure in equal measure, this is a country best explored on the tracks.
Belgrade to Bar by train
Train journey through Montenegro
Few rail journeys in Europe rival the sheer drama and beauty of the Belgrade to Bar railway route.
Our Belgrade to Bar by train route links the vibrant capital with Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. The line is a true engineering masterpiece, crossing 435 bridges, passing through 254 tunnels, and stretching 475 kilometres of striking scenery. Built between the 1950s and 1976 and opened by President Tito, it remains one of Europe’s most remarkable train journeys.
Here at Regent, we offer options to travel by day for panoramic views or overnight on sleeper services, combining the thrill of the journey with time to relax on Montenegro’s sun-kissed coast.
4. Norway
Magnificent fjord views, ever-changing Norwegian views and iconic rail routes
.jpg)
Flam, Norway
Norway is a country that rewards slow travel, where every turn of the track reveals dramatic fjords, soaring peaks and tranquil valleys.
As you travel by train, you can take in the changing scenery at a measured pace, from the bustling city streets of Oslo to the quiet mountain villages tucked into the heart of the fjords. Along the way, the landscape shifts in surprising ways - rivers carve through rock, waterfalls tumble into deep green gorges, and the light changes constantly over the mirrored surfaces of the fjords.
Rail travel provides the perfect vantage point to appreciate Norway’s scale, its contrasts and the sense of space that defines this striking country. One of the highlights of any rail-based exploration of Norway is the Flåm Railway. This steep and carefully engineered line climbs from the fjord-side village of Flåm up to Myrdal station, 867 metres above sea level, offering views that change with every curve. The train passes rushing rivers, dramatic waterfalls and sheer mountainsides, threading through 20 tunnels and along narrow ledges with the Rallar Road running alongside in places.
Scenic fjords via rail and sail
A train journey through Norway
Combine the best of Norway’s railways and fjords with our scenic fjords via rail and sail tour, a nine-day itinerary that allows us to explore Oslo, Bergen and the Sognefjord at a relaxed pace.
From the dramatic ascent of the Flåm Railway to the serene waters of the Nærøyfjord, the journey blends striking scenery with opportunities to discover Norway’s culture and history. Stay in local villages, sail past towering mountains and cruise the fjords on Havila’s award-winning ships.
3. Germany & Poland
Deep history, convenient travel, and medieval architecture
Gdańsk
Travelling by train through Germany and Poland allows us to step straight into the heart of each city, free from traffic and parking worries, arriving refreshed and ready to explore.
From Berlin’s vibrant streets to Kraków’s historic squares, railway travel places us at the centre of history, culture and daily life, while offering a front-row seat to the landscapes that unfold between each destination.
Both Germany and Poland are rich in history and cultural significance, from the medieval architecture and Renaissance squares of Poznań to the rebuilt old towns of Warsaw and Gdańsk. Germany’s dynamic cities reveal the story of a nation that has endured division and reunification, while Poland tells a remarkable story of resilience, resistance and rebirth. By travelling via rail, you can immerse yourself in these narratives, moving seamlessly from world-class museums and moving memorials to historic city centres and vibrant local life, all without the distractions of road travel.
Germany & Poland by train from the UK: WW2 and post-war Europe
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial
Our Germany and Poland by train: WW2 and post-war Europe tour brings this history vividly to life.
Over 14 days, you'll travel from London to Berlin via Brussels and Cologne, before continuing east through Poznań, Gdańsk, Warsaw and Kraków. Along the way, explore the sites that shaped modern Europe, from Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate and the Jewish Museum to Warsaw’s Old Town and the moving Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial.
Each stop is paired with carefully chosen hotels near train stations or city centres, and our itineraries can be tailored with private excursions or guided tours to suit our interests, combining the convenience of rail travel with in-depth exploration of some of Europe’s most historically significant cities.
2. Silk Road
Hidden ancient cities, mosaic buildings and comfortable rail journeys
.JPG)
Samarkand, Silk Road
There is no better way to take in the hidden treasures of the Silk Road than by train, where the journey is just as magical as the destination.
From the moment you leave the modern streets of Tashkent, the landscape unfurls like a living tapestry: the scent of spice markets drifting through ancient streets, the soft murmur of minarets against a vast sky, and the warm, earthy tones of sun-baked courtyards. Throughout the journey, soak in the colours, textures and aromas that define Central Asia, revealing the region in a way no other mode of travel could replicate.
Along the Silk Road, every stop teems with layers of history and culture waiting to be felt, tasted and heard. In Khiva, the intricate tiles of ancient madrassahs sparkle in the sunlight, while the call to prayer echoes across narrow alleyways. Bukhara bursts with folklore, the notes of traditional music mingling with the scent of roasted nuts and fresh bread from market stalls.
Samarkand dazzles with its monumental Registan Square, where the cool stone beneath our feet contrasts with the warmth of the midday sun on our shoulders, and the delicate craftsmanship of madrassahs invites us to run our fingers over centuries-old carvings.
From the shimmering waters of Issyk-Kul to the cosmopolitan streets of Almaty, rail travel allows us to move through these worlds at a pace that engages every sense, seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and touching the Silk Road in a way that lingers long after the journey ends.
Legendary Silk Road (Tashkent to Almaty)
Orient Silk Road Express
From the ancient city walls of Khiva to the bustling streets of Almaty, this legendary Silk Road tour reveals Central Asia's hidden treasures like no other.
Travel by rail through four diverse countries, where each stop immerses you in history, culture and landscape: wander through centuries-old bazaars, admire the turquoise waters of Issyk-Kul Lake framed by dramatic mountains, and explore the architectural splendour of Samarkand and Tashkent.
On board the Orient Silk Road Express, you can relax in comfort while the scenery passes by, from deserts and valleys to snow-capped peaks, with excursions and cultural stops giving you the chance to see, taste, hear and experience the region.
1. Taiwan
Ancient forests, autumnal scenery, and temples
Temple in Tainan Park, Taiwan
Winding through mist-covered mountains, vibrant cities and serene coastlines, Taiwan’s railways offer a window into the island’s soul. In autumn, the journey is especially captivating as fiery reds and golds sweep across the hills, turning every view into a moving landscape painting. Travelling by train here feels unhurried and connected, a chance to experience Taiwan’s natural beauty and culture at a pace that invites you to take it in truly.
From bustling night markets to tranquil tea fields, each stop reveals something different. Listen to temple bells echo through Taipei, breathe in the crisp air of Alishan’s forests, and watch the sun set over the coast from your carriage window. These journeys capture the essence of Taiwan - rich, colourful and full of quiet wonder.
Taiwan rail explorer: scenic routes and offbeat encounters
%2C%20in%20Alishan%20National%20Scenic%20Area_1956397027(1).jpg)
Steam train on Alishan Forest Railway
The Taiwan rail explorer takes you beyond the ordinary, combining Taiwan’s most beautiful rail journeys with authentic cultural encounters and coastal charm.
Travelling on lines such as the Breezy Blue and Alishan Forest Railway, you’ll pass through tea-covered hills, fishing villages and lush mountain forests. Along the way, meet Indigenous communities in Taitung, unwind in natural hot springs, and explore Kinmen’s island traditions before ending in Taipei’s lively streets and temples.
With every connection taken care of, this journey lets you focus on what matters most, immersing yourself in Taiwan’s landscapes, flavours and fascinating stories.
Are you dreaming of a rail journey through some of the world’s most remarkable destinations?
Let our experts at Regent design a seamless itinerary for you. Our train tours go beyond the usual routes - explore the scenic fjords of Norway, historic cities of Germany and Poland, the hidden treasures of the Silk Road, the vibrant landscapes of Taiwan, and the timeless tracks of Serbia.
Did you like this blog?
We some more for you to enjoy:
Best Self-Drive & Fly-Drive Summer Holidays in Europe