The Coolest Train Carriages in the World
Content and CRM Executive
There’s no way of getting from A to B more scenic, comfortable or interesting than rail travel. Not only are the views scenic, sometimes even the train carriages themselves offer aesthetic advantages.
From luxury rail carriages and cutting-edge examples of modern transport, to gorgeous steam trains and quirky old locomotives, trains are an endlessly charming method of getting around. Our Rail Trips are efficient, relaxing and allow Culture Trippers to see more of a destination without feeling like it’s all rushed. These are the coolest, most unique and most impressive train carriages you’ll get to experience through our collection of small-group adventures across the globe.
Franschhoek Wine Tram, South Africa
The Franschhoek Valley, in the heart of South Africa’s ultra fertile Cape Winelands, is one of the most beautiful wine regions on the planet. There’s only one way to see it, and that’s on the absolutely adorable Franschhoek Wine Tram. These tracks have cut through the valley for almost 120 years, but use of the route fell dormant in the 90s. Then in 2012 an unnamed genius came up with the idea of using the route as an easy and convenient way of visiting many of the areas different wineries. Today there are seven different lines, each stopping at 6-8 excellent vineyards. The best part? It’s hop-on, hop-off! Get off whenever you please to go on tours, tastings or simply a gentle stroll. There’s even a double-decker version of the tram that gives you an even better view of the valley. Day four of our South Africa trip is dedicated almost entirely to this wine-lovers dream method of transport.
From US$2899
Next available from 3rd Feb 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Cape Town, South Africa
ENDS AT
Cape Town, South Africa
DURATION
11
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Shinkansen (Bullet Train), Japan
Less unique, more impressive. We just had to mention Japan’s world-renowned high-speed trains on this list. Even the thought of catching the Shinkansen is thrilling, such is the fame of the so-called Bullet Trains. Interiors are ultra modern, quietly comfortable and often embellished with touches of high-tech playfulness. Perhaps the coolest part of spending an hour or two onboard is simply the effortless speed of the thing. You know you’re travelling at 320kmh (199mph), you can see the beautiful Japanese countryside whizzing by your window, and yet there is a gloriously soothing sense of gentle motion on board. There’s barely a wobble, barely a sound. The only time you really get a feel for the speed of things is when you feel another Shinkansen passing the other way – exhilirating. Our 12-day Japan Rail Trip takes full advantage of this extraordinarily efficient service to show you Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Hakone and Tokyo in one holiday, not to mention excursions to Miyajima Island, Lake Ashi and a mesmerising bamboo forest – thank you, Shinkansen!
From US$4119
Next available from 28th Mar 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Osaka, Japan
ENDS AT
Tokyo, Japan
DURATION
12
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Jacobite steam train, Scotland
Is there a more romantically joyous image than the steaming sight of a classic train gently chugging through the United Kingdom’s countryside? Nowhere is the accompanying journey more scenic than in the Scottish Highlands, where the old-timey aesthetic of a steam train just seems to blend perfectly with the ruggedly handsome hills, valleys, forests and lakes of rural Scotland. The most famous of the lot is the Jacobite steam train, partly thanks to its role in the Harry Potter series, bringing the Hogwarts Express itself to life. Our Scotland Rail Trip, which starts with the equally cool Caledonian Sleeper train from London, will see you hopping onboard the Jacobite in Fort William and heading all the way to Mallaig on the west coast, crossing the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct en route. It’s a truly once-in-a-lifetime journey in a gorgeous old carriage – you’ve got to love the gloriously old-fashioned upholstery – especially for Potter fans. Just, for goodness sake, don’t say “We’ll take the lot!” when the dining cart comes through.
From US$2799
Next available from 29th Apr 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
London, England
ENDS AT
Edinburgh, Scotland
DURATION
7
GROUP SIZE
18
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Shanghai Maglev, China
Call us basic, but surely it’s undeniably cool to say you’ve been on the fastest train on the planet? China has a pretty remarkable high-speed rail network of its own, which more than rival’s Japan, and forms the basis of our extensive Icons of China trip, which includes Beijing, the Great Wall, Pingyao, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an and, finally, Shanghai. You won’t hit the top speeds until the very end of our trip, when you get the Shanghai Maglev to the airport. The service runs at a truly mind-blowing 460kmh (286mph), meaning the 30km (18.6 mi) journey from Longyang Road Station to the airport can take as little as 7 minutes and 20 seconds. As if that wasn’t cool enough already, the train uses magnetic levitation as opposed to traditional steel wheels and tracks. MAGNETIC LEVITATION!? Now that’s what we call cool.
From US$2849
Next available from 24th Feb 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Beijing, China
ENDS AT
Shanghai, China
DURATION
10
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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