A heightened awareness of green issues, combined with the effects of the credit crunch, is prompting many tourists to take a fresh look at rail holidays. Here are five favourites to sell.
Lake Bled and Adriatic
What? A 10-day train journey to Lake Bled and along the Adriatic coast.
Why? One of the excursions involves a ride on a small electric railway through a labyrinth of caves in Postojna, near Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana.
Who? Single travellers who want to get off the beaten track.
Sample product: Great Rail Journeys offers Lake Bled and the Adriatic tour for single travellers for £1,650 per person, including rail and coach travel, flight from Venice to London, nine nights’ bed and breakfast, seven dinners, all excursions, all transfers and the services of a tour manager, departing October 13. greatrail.com, 01904 521936
Scenic Switzerland
What? An eight-night rail tour of Switzerland.
Why? The chocolate-box alpine landscapes glide past the windows of trains such as the Glacier Express. Passengers can expect typical Swiss efficiency and high standards on board. As the train journeys are short, there are no dining cars.
Who? Anyone who appreciates dramatic alpine scenery.
Sample product: Cosmos Tourama offers the eight-night Scenic Switz-erland by Rail tour for £1,149 per person, including flights, eight nights’ bed and breakfast, rides on the Golden Pass Train, Gornergrat Train, Glacier Express and the Bernina Express. cosmostourama.co.uk, 0871 423 8472
Harz Autumn Gala
What? A six-day train journey to the Harz Autumn Gala in Germany.
Why? Travellers get to ride on a narrow-gauge steam train through the Harz Mountains. Highlights include a tour of the medieval town of Wernigerode.
Who? Narrow-gauge train enthusiasts.
Sample product: Ffestiniog Travel offers the Harz Autumn Gala tour for £750 per person, including four nights’ bed-and-breakfast accommodation, the Harz two-day gala programme and all rail travel, departing October 14. festtravel.co.uk, 01766 772957
Venice on the Orient-Express
What? A four-night journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Why? Return to a bygone era of elegance and glamour by taking a journey on the resplendent Orient-Express as it makes its way from London Victoria to Venice. This legendary train has a reputation for its food, which is prepared by top French chefs using the finest ingredients.
Passengers travel and sleep in ornately decorated double cabins or cabin suites, where breakfast and afternoon tea are served. Expect soft towels and crisp linen, as well as a 24-hour steward service. Cabins are converted from daytime seating to a cosy sleeping haven while passengers enjoy dinner in one of three restaurant cars.
Who? Well-heeled travellers who love luxury.
Sample product: Cox and Kings offers a four-night Venice Simplon package for £2,135 per person, for departures from September 14 to October 25. This price includes an overnight journey from Victoria to Venice, three nights at the five-star Dei Dogi Hotel in Venice, transfers and a return flight to London. coxandkings.co.uk, 020 7873 5000
Scottish Highlands
What? A seven-day coach trip taking in four Highland railways.
Why? The verdant beauty of the Scottish Highlands is savoured by taking a ride on four exhilarating train journeys: the North Highland Line, the Kyle Line, the Strathspey Steam Railway and the Cairngorm Funicular Railway.
Who? Older travellers who like trains and stunning scenery.
Sample product: Shearings Holidays offers seven nights’ accommodation at the HighlandHotel, including breakfast, dinner and transport, for £409 per person, with departures available until October 17. shearingsagent.com, 0844 824 6359