Rail Holidays Around The World

Travel lightly on the planet and relax amid glorious scenery holidays by train are a rail treat

- GILLY PICKUP

Besides walking or cycling, train travel is the most environmentally friendly way to go. As the world focuses increasingly on sustainability, we take a look at some enticing rail holidays. If you aim to travel with low carbon impact, these eco-friendly journeys are the way forward!

There are a huge number of destination and train holiday options available, so it's all aboard for a trip to remember.

For instance, the Golden Eagle Danube Express goldeneagleluxurytrains.com chugs through the Balkans, Germany and Austria with a wide choice of excursions available in each destination. Or you could combine two of central Europe's great trains, the Bernina Express and Glacier Express on a 9-day no-fly rail journey beginning and ending with a cross-Channel Eurostar trip from London. On the trip you'll take in Zurich, the Alps and Dijon, capital of the Burgundy region in France. Details at wexas.com.

Rail Discoveries raildiscoveries.com also offer no-fly options with a trip to Italy where you can soak up the picturesque surroundings of Lake Garda, explore Shakespeare's Verona on a guided tour and take a boat trip along the Giudecca Canal to St Mark's Square in Venice.

Alternatively, soak up the Spanish scenery on an eight-day "gastrainomy" tour with originaltravel.co.uk. Of course, being jam-packed with culinary pleasures it is not only ideal for foodies, but also just the ticket for culture seekers and adventurers.