Have you ever wondered just how remote the Outback really is? The Ghan provides the perfect opportunity to travel the historic route of the first pioneers through the very heart of Australia. The fertile landscape surrounding Adelaide opens to the red-baked earth, sand hills and ancient, rugged McDonnell mountain ranges for a true taste of the Outback.

The mystical wonders of Uluru and Alice Springs await, before this spectacular rail journey continues to the tropical splendour of the Top End providing a fascinating contrast to the rugged Outback interior. Discovering Australia’s breathtaking wilderness is a spellbinding experience by rail.

Travelling through Sri Lanka’s tea country this route passes through verdant countryside and lush tea plantations. As the train ascends, the scenery becomes ever more dramatic, culminating with a rail journey over the iconic Nine Arch Bridge just past Ella.

Travelling by rail from the Cultural Triangle up into the Hill Country is the perfect addition to any Sri Lanka itinerary.

If you’re to take only one rail journey in Japan, make it this one. This bullet train travels between 3 of the country’s big hitting destinations - Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. More importantly, however, it comes with the opportunity to spot Mt Fuji from the comfort of your seat as you whizz by at up to 200/mph.

The Bernina Express starts in the charming town of Pontresina and the scenery on this rail journey just gets better and better. Travelling south, you climb to an impressive 2,253 meters at Ospizio Bernina past waterfalls and crystal blue lakes. The first of many tunnels brings you to the stop at Alp Grum, allowing for a quick photoshoot of the breathtaking mountains, lakes and the fifty shades of green trees.

The highlight? A full 360 degree turn at the Brusio Kreisviadukt. Possibly one of the best bridges to ride along; not only do you get to view the bridge, but travelling in a 360 turn and going under the bridge you just travelled across is a strangely satisfying experience!

Travelling between Chicago and Seattle in the footsteps of famous pioneers Lewis and Clark, Amtrak's Empire Builder service provides the perfect way to experience the rugged beauty of the American West by rail.

Leaving Chicago, the Empire Builder travels alongside the Mississippi en-route to the twin cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul before rolling out into the great plains of North Dakota where you may spot bison, elk, deer and bald eagles as you go. Continue past hills, canyons, and dramatic mountain scenery of Glacier National Park before your journey’s end between the mountains and sea in vibrant Seattle.

Journey to a bygone era where rail travel ruled supreme aboard the fully restored train that is truly worthy of its luxury billing. Departing from Rovos Rail’s dedicated heritage train station in Pretoria, the train travels north through the wilds of Zimbabwe following the footsteps of the railroad pioneers.

Enjoy spotting the Big 5 at Hwange National Park for an off-train inspiring excursion on a game drive, before crossing the iconic bridge to encapsulate the mighty force of Victoria Falls. Travelling on board Rovos Rail is akin to travelling back in time and the fully restored carriages evoke a keen sense of the golden age of rail travel.

The wilderness of the Canadian Rockies is a sight to behold; with glistening glacial lakes, soaring snow-capped mountains, roaring river canyons and seemingly endless forests all surrounded by the spellbinding landscape of the Rocky Mountains.

With two differing levels of service, the Rocky Mountaineer provides the best viewing opportunities on any of their three iconic routes. ‘First Passage to the West’ travels through the very heart of the Rockies, ‘Journey through the Clouds’ links the mountain town of Jasper to the sophisticated city of Vancouver and ‘Rainforest to Goldrush’ is the historic rail route through this magical landscape.

Two birds with one stone, you can combine scenic journeys on both these railways on the same trip! Travel across stunning and varied landscape aboard the iconic Bergen Railway from Oslo to Bergen, adding a restful stay in the fjord village of Flam to experience another of the world’s most scenic rail journeys on the Flam Mountain Railway.

Experience the full breadth of the South Island’s striking landscape on this stunning inland rail journey. Between Christchurch and Greymouth, the TranzAlpine crosses rich farmlands and soaring viaducts as its route follows the glacier-fed Waimakariri River up through mighty gorges and on to Arthur’s Pass National Park.

You can even upgrade your rail experience to the Scenic Plus carriage, enjoy drinks and regionally inspired dining whilst you admire the picturesque views from the panoramic windows, in addition to priority boarding and an additional luggage allowance.

World-renowned for its train journeys and punctuality, Switzerland’s railways offer awe-inspiring scenery coupled with breathtaking engineering with over 290 bridges and 90 mountain tunnels.

Switzerland’s most iconic rail journey, the Glacier Express, gently weaves its way through the stunning Swiss Alps, and the panoramic domed carriages ensure you do not miss the spectacular views! The full journey takes 8hrs, so perhaps upgrade to Excellence Class for a sumptuous 5 course meal with wine, VIP check-in and a guaranteed window seat in the deluxe carriage. Travel over Obaralp Pass at 2,033m, cross over the curved Landwasser Viaduct and admire the vast Swiss Alps.