Rail and sail adventures: Why combining the two gives you the holiday of a lifetime

Seeing the world by sea or river is always magical, but imagine if you could combine your next cruise with a luxurious rail journey on an iconic train like the Orient Express or the Rocky Mountaineer.

Well, these days there are many ways to do just that, adding the thrill of a long- distance railway adventure to the pleasure of a sophisticated cruise.

Wherever you choose to travel, a combined rail-and-sail journey is one of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in your destination, exploring picturesque coastlines on your cruise and then boarding a heritage train to discover natural wonders and cultural treasures far inland.

So read our in-depth guide to the world’s best rail-and-sail holidays, then book a trip you’ll remember for the rest of your life...

Rocky Mountaineer journey & Silversea Alaska cruise

Alaska is a stunning wilderness with icy waters, rugged mountains and historic gold-mining towns. Home to whales, brown bears and soaring bald eagles, it’s a cruising paradise for anyone who loves wildlife and nature.

Some of the region’s most beautiful sights lie in the nearby mountains, the Rockies, which line the border with Canada, so a dual rail-and-sail trip is the perfect way to see this incredible place.

You’ll start your 17-night journey with an overnight stay in Seward, before boarding the 596-guest Silver Muse the following morning and beginning your 11-night luxury cruise.

Sailing through some of the most picturesque vistas in the world, you’ll get close up to the towering Hubbard Glacier, enjoy a foodie visit to Juneau and discover lively Ketchikan’s indigenous heritage.

On the way, you’ll get to see Alaska’s famed marine life from the comfort of one of the world’s most luxurious ships. You’ll disembark in Vancouver and enjoy an overnight stay in this vibrant waterside city.

Next, take your seat under the glass-domed roof of the Rocky Mountaineer and prepare to enjoy one of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys.

Travelling from Vancouver to Banff, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains, emerald-green forests, turquoise lakes and stunning wildlife including brown bears and eagles.

You’ll spend the night in Kamloops, a lively city in British Columbia that’s famed for its scenic hiking and biking trails and where you’ll find cougars and bears in the British Columbia Wildlife Park.

Your train journey finishes in the attractive town of Banff, which lies in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Staying at a local hotel for two nights, you’ll get to see the natural wonders of Banff National Park and Lake Louise before you finish your adventure with an overnight stay in Calgary, gateway to the Canadian prairies.

17-night ‘Silversea Alaska Voyage & Rocky Mountaineer Journey’, from Seward to Calgary via Juneau, Ketchikan, Vancouver, Kamloops and Banff, departing 15 May 2024, from £6,999

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Italian cruise

A railway journey on the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has to be high on everyone’s bucket list. This stunningly decorated train offers passengers the chance to step back in time to the golden age of travel in sumptuous carriages with stylish furnishings, five-star cuisine and unrivalled service.

You’ll begin this very special journey at London’s St Pancras station , travelling to Paris on the swift and comfortable Eurostar. From here you’ll board the VSOE for a truly memorable overnight journey to Venice.

As you step aboard and take your first sip of chilled champagne, you’ll marvel at the train’s amazing decor – and then you’ll enjoy an indulgent four-course dinner before retiring to your 1920s-style cabin.

After breakfast next morning, you’re free to explore the train as it travels from Venice to the Italian capital.

The cruise port for Rome is Civitavecchia, and from here you’ll begin the next leg of your journey, aboard the classic tall ship Star Flyer. With only 166 guests, all enjoying the magic of life under sail, the onboard vibe is glamorous but laid back – and as you sail around Italy’s chic and colourful coastline, stopping off in locations including Sicily and the Amalfi coast, you’ll feel as if you’re on a private yacht.

Your cruise ends back in Rome, where you’ll board a return flight to the UK, no doubt planning your next rail-and-sail adventure as you go.

10-night ‘Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with Star Flyer Amalfi & Sicily’ rail-and-sail trip from London to Rome, including Eurostar to Paris; overnight journey from Paris to Venice on the VSOE; first-class rail from Venice to Rome; two nights’ 4-star accommodation in Rome and a 7-night cruise aboard Star Flyer, round trip from Civitavecchia. Departing 14 August 2024, from £6,789 including return flight to London.

Pride of Africa train & South Africa cruise

Stunning South Africa boasts wildlife-rich landscapes, cool beach-front cities and picturesque wine regions.

On a cruise, you’ll be able to see many of the country’s most spectacular coastlines, while shore excursions can take you into those famous nature reserves. But to get a broader picture of this fascinating country, it’s worth heading inland.

Rovos Rail’s five-star Pride of Africa train will take you on a three-day tour from Pretoria down to Cape Town, travelling in beautifully preserved teak-lined carriages while enjoying luxury accommodation and gourmet dining.

After several fascinating stops along the way, your train rolls into stunning Cape Town, where you can take a cablecar to the top of Table Mountain, see the cute African penguins at Boulders Beach and treat yourself to alfresco dining at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.

If your journey aboard the Pride of Africa has given you a taste for this great country, you’ll love it even more as you enjoy a 12-night coastal cruise aboard Azamara Pursuit.

Your voyage will begin from Cape Town, sailing the Garden Route to Port Elizabeth and East London.

You’ll get the chance to go on a Big Five safari at the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, as well as a tour of a traditional Zulu homestead in Durban and a visit to Mozambique’s bustling capital, Maputo.

Back on board you can relax in Azamara’s famed restaurants and sample some of South Africa’s best wines as you sail along the coast.

3-night rail journey from Pretoria to Cape Town aboard Pride of Africa, departing 9 January 2024, from £1,432

12-night ‘South Africa Intensive Voyage’ aboard Azamara Pursuit, round trip from Cape Town via Port Elizabeth, East London and Maputo, departing 15 January 2024, from £1,985

Ghantrain & Australia cruise

The mighty Ghan is one of the greatest trains in the world, taking travellers right through the heart of Australia’s Red Centre.

On this trans- continental trip you can enjoy a memorable three- day, 1,850-mile journey from Adelaide to Darwin, with a stop in Marla (for Alice Springs) and a chance to visit magical Uluru, the great sandstone outcrop once known as Ayers Rock.

And while it’s not a historic train, The Ghan is comfortable and well appointed, with travellers on Audley Travel’s 28-day package enjoying complimentary meals and drinks, including fine wines.

Arriving at Darwin on Australia’s north coast, you’ll transfer to 120-guest luxury expedition ship Coral Geographer for a cruise along the famed Kimberley Coast.

Here you’ll see dramatic sights including the Montgomery Reef and the twin waterfalls of King George River. And if you’re feeling extra-adventurous, book a Zodiac ride to the Horizontal Falls.

If you’ve done the great coastal cities, this unusual rail/sail combo offers an unbeatable way of seeing Australia’s less-visited spots and appreciating its wild natural beauty.

28-day cruise-and-rail trip to Australia with cross-country Ghan journey and Coral Geographer cruise, from £14,000 including return flight from the UK.

Belmond Andrean Explorer & South America cruise

Join this epic 22-night journey and you’ll get to tick off some serious bucket-list wishes, including visits to Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Falkland Islands and dazzling Buenos Aries.

You’ll begin your journey with an overnight stay in Lima, Peru, before boarding the wonderfully decorated Belmond Andean Explorer for a luxury two-night rail journey to Cusco.

As you travel you’ll enjoy local cuisine against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and pastures dotted with grazing alpacas. And for a nightcap, how about sipping a fiery ‘pisco sour’ under a star-filled sky in the open Observation Car?

On your leisurely way through the Peruvian Andes, you’ll travel through the city of Arequipa, along the shores of Lake Titicaca and on to Cusco, where you’ll enjoy a night’s hotel stay ahead of your memory-making tour of Machu Picchu.

Six hundred years ago, the Incas built this citadel on a remote plateau between two forested peaks in the high Andes. Abandoned after only 100 years, Machu Picchu was rediscovered by explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911, and today it is an iconic World Heritage site.

On a full-day tour you’ll discover temples, palaces and squares surrounded by mountain slopes, peaks and valleys.

After such an amazing trip, you’ll be looking forward to a bit of downtime when you join Holland America’s 1,900-guest Oosterdam in Santiago for a 14-night all-inclusive Chilean cruise.

On this special trip you’ll get to see the jaw- dropping beauty of the Chilean coast with its fjords, mountains and glaciers, and you’ll also enjoy port stops at some of the region’s most famous destinations, including the Falkland Islands, Montevideo and Buenos Aires.

Time for a nightcap? Sip a fiery ‘pisco sour’ under a star-filled sky in the open Observation Car

22-night ‘Belmond Andean Explorer Train Journey & South America Cruise’ aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer and HAL Oosterdam, from Lima to Buenos Aires via Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu, the Chilean fjords, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Falkland Islands and Montevideo, departing 24 November 2023, from £5,999.

Golden Chariot train & Kerala cruise

India is blessed with an extensive rail network, and travelling by train is the best way to see this huge country in comfort.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor to this amazing destination, a journey on the five-star Golden Chariot will be worth every penny.

Decorated in classic Indian style, this air- conditioned train boasts 11 passenger saloons, two dining cars, a bar lounge and even a mini-gym and spa.

Your three-night journey will take you to the jungle of Bandipur National Park, the Palace of Mysore and the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Hampi Palace ruins. You’ll enjoy delicious local meals aboard the train, plus complimentary tours at each destination.

Next, after flying from Bengaluru to Kochi, your Indian adventure will take to the Keralan waterways aboard RV Vaikundam, a small and friendly ship with nine air-conditioned en-suite cabins plus an open-air restaurant and lounge on the top deck.

Over seven leisurely days you’ll cruise from the modern city of Kochi to the ancient port town of Alappuzha, otherwise known as the Venice of the East.

In this part of the world, water transport is often the only connection between villages, beaches and markets, so you’ll experience a lifestyle far removed from the crowds and traffic of urban India. All your meals will be freshly cooked on the ship so you’ll also get to enjoy delicious local cuisine, including fresh seafood and vegetarian thalis.

Travelling to these off-the-beaten-track destinations, some of them reachable only by boat, you’ll experience a truly authentic taste of southern India.

15-night ‘Golden Chariot Luxury Rail & Kerala Canal Cruise’ trip, including a 3-night journey on the Golden Chariot train, 7-night cruise aboard RV Vaikundam and 4 nights’ 5-star hotel accommodation, departing 28 February 2024, from £7,095 including return flight from the UK.

Vicky Mayer is the co-founder and managing editor of Railway Traveller – a website offering destination inspiration for train and travel lovers around the globe.