As the trend for rail travel continues to grow and in the month that marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, Original Travel has published its first ever train brochure. 

With countries across Europe reintroducing sleeper trains and investing heavily into rolling stock and rail infrastructure, train travel has never been better, easier or more appealing. Coupled with a growing desire to travel more cleanly and greenly, it's no wonder that Original Travel have reported a huge rise in bookings and enquiries for trips by train; bookings are up 37% compared to this time last year and enquiries are up 125% compared to 2023. 

In response to the demand – and marking this month's 200th anniversary of the first passenger railways – the tour operator have launched their first ever train brochure, featuring their top picks of the world's most beautiful rail routes; an overview of Europe's new sleeper services; useful maps and planning tools and even suggested reads (for when you can tear your eyes away from the ever-changing views). 

The brochure is also packed with articles on some of the most epic journeys around the world, featuring Italy, India, Peru, South Africa, South Korea and Central Asia, plus an incredible trip from the Black Sea to the Arctic Circle, covering eight countries and 2,400 miles. 

Tom Barber, Co-Founder of Original Travel and self-professed train enthusiast, says: 'At Original Travel, we will always suggest taking a train over a plane; it's a rare opportunity to slow down, plus a much better way to immerse yourself in the country because you see so much more of the landscape. It's the definition of the adage that travel is as much about the journey as the destination, so we are thrilled to see – and service – this travel trend.' 

This trend looks set to only grow too; from Europe to Asia, Africa, and beyond, 2026 is shaping up as a landmark year for luxury rail. The legendary Orient Express will return to the Paris–Istanbul route in restored 1920s carriages, while Spain's Al Andalus debuts a new weeklong itinerary from Seville to Madrid, and Saudi Arabia introduces its first ultra-luxury sleeper, Dream of the Desert. In Britain, Belmond expands with the Britannic Explorer, and Asia sees the comeback of the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express alongside a new Vietnam journey and Thailand's boutique Blue Jasmine. Africa's Rovos Rail extends its iconic Cape Town–Dar es Salaam run, North America's Canyon Spirit adds Salt Lake City to its route, and in Australia, The Ghan, Indian Pacific, and Great Southern launch opulent new Aurora and Australis suites.  

The brochure is an evolution of Original Travel's existing rail offering; in 2020, they were the first luxury tour operator to offer a portfolio of rail-only itineraries departing from London St Pancras and south to France, Spain and Italy, north to Scandinavia and east to Switzerland, Austria and Romania. The initial collection numbered eight trips, but has since grown to 19 and continues to expand. In 2024, Original Travel also launched its 'Aerotrain' concept, which combine train one way and plane the other making it possible for travellers to travel further or enjoy rail travel, even if short on time. These trips open up the likes of Morocco, Istanbul and Sicily by train one way, while a new Swiss Alps trip means skiers can now enjoy a city break in Paris after the piste. Now that's what we call apres-ski! 

The brochure is available online here Order Our Brochures - Original Travel - Original Travel and in Eurostar lounges in Paris, London and Brussels. 

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Follow us on instagram @originaltravel for more travel inspiration and for more information contact: press@originaltravel.co.uk; 020 3582 4990   

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Notes to Editors:  

• Original Travel curates tailor-made itineraries, crafted by destination experts, to 77 countries worldwide from Anguilla to Zimbabwe. Celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, the company has created over 50,000 itineraries since its launch in 2003, each one unique and adhering to the company ethos that “Life is in the Detail”.  

• Original Travel also has its own specialist dive division. Original Diving is the world's only luxury dive travel outfit.  

• 11 of our consultants are recognised as Conde Nast Traveler's 2024 Travel Specialists – more than any other tour operator for the 2nd year running. Our specialists include: Co-founder, Tom Barber (family travel and sabbaticals), Jacqui Brooks (Indonesia) and Oliver Rodwell (Mexico), Ben Williams (Egypt) Kate Little (Romania), Isabel de Galleani (Morocco), Frances Mavor (India), Harriet Harford (European Wine Regions), Holly Barber (Cambodia),  Lucy Bailey (Oman). 

• In October 2024, Original Travel was ranked among the top five Tour Operators in the country in the prestigious Conde Nast Traveller Reader's Choice Awards.  

• Original Travel clients enjoy a wealth of additional services they would not find with any other UK tour operator, including:  

• Access to a network of 70-plus Concierges who live locally, know their destinations inside and out and are extremely well-connected. They lend fantastic ground support, offering insider recommendations, facilitating any last-minute changes and troubleshooting.  

• A brace of additional services designed to make departure easier than ever. Every Original Travel client, regardless of whether they're off on a city break, or a multi-destination sabbatical, is checked in on all flights – outbound, domestic and inbound - with boarding passes uploaded to the Original Travel app; will have UK airport meet and greet, fast track UK check-in, fast track UK security*, lounge access and pre-booked flight seats. Thoughtful details include wifi routers or e-sims, destination specific book and music lists and children's activity packs. There are also upgrade options to include: a luggage transfer service from your home to the airport; fast track check-in and security and lounge access on your flight home; fast track through immigration on your return to the UK.  

• The knowledge that not only will Original Travel absorb the carbon footprint of their international flights, but also - in an industry-first - car-hire and transfers, and other flights (even if booked independently).  Clients can also be advised on which flight options have the lowest levels of emissions, thanks to an industry-leading and world-first carbon calculator which can compare the levels of emissions generated by each flight, using data compiled from flight plans, aircraft type, the cabin class, direct versus indirect flights and the target occupancy rate. 

• The knowledge that they are contributing to Our Foundation, which supports nearly 100 humanitarian projects in 30 developing countries. To date, nearly £1.5 million has been invested to support five key areas: child protection, vocational training, economic development assistance, preservation of cultural and natural heritage and safeguarding the lifestyles of indigenous peoples.