Luxury travel is entering a new era – one that values time, connection, and the beauty of the journey itself. A groundbreaking 100-day itinerary will soon offer a rare chance to circle the globe without relying on air travel. Instead of rushing through crowded airports, a select group of travelers will move at a thoughtful pace, crossing continents by train and sea. The experience blends first-class comfort with cultural depth, scenic landscapes, and a strong focus on sustainability. This is not just another trip, but a reimagining of what it means to explore the world slowly, richly, and with purpose.
A new standard of exploration
Travel by train is being elevated to a new standard of elegance and global exploration. Adventures By Train, a luxury rail tour operator based in the United Kingdom, has announced a groundbreaking 100-day itinerary. This luxury idea will take a select group of twelve travelers across the globe. Launching on March 17, 2026, the journey will depart from London’s St Pancras Station. From there it follows an almost entirely overland route across Europe, Asia, and North America. There will also be a trans-Pacific cruise bridging the continents. In total, the tour visits fifteen countries and avoids flights almost entirely, opting instead for high-end train rides and a leisurely cruise across the Pacific Ocean.
The tour is designed to offer a slower, more thoughtful alternative to fast-paced global travel. Instead of rushing from airport to airport, guests will enjoy uninterrupted views of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. The focus is on journeying through regions rather than flying over them, creating a more intimate and grounded connection. The experience is part of a growing trend toward slow travel and experiential luxury. Many travelers who seek meaning, authenticity, and environmental awareness in their adventures are opting for experiences like this.
An Intimate Experience with a Global Scope
One of the key features of this tour is its extremely limited group size. Only twelve guests will be part of this immersive, round-the-world journey. This intentional limitation creates an atmosphere of exclusivity and refinement. Smaller groups allow for more personalized service, flexibility, and access to destinations that cannot accommodate large tour groups. It also fosters camaraderie among travelers, enabling shared experiences and lasting friendships.
Adventures By Train has taken care to ensure that every detail of the experience caters to the preferences of its discerning guests. From reserving the best seats on iconic trains to securing private dining arrangements and hosting guided cultural encounters, every moment is curated with care. The luxury experience extends beyond comfort and service. It is also about time, having the space to explore each destination without being rushed. This model rejects the usual tourist checklist mentality and instead encourages a deeper connection to place.
From London to Tokyo by Rail
The first leg of the journey begins in London, where travelers board the Eurostar for a quick journey under the English Channel to Paris. After lunch in the City of Light, the group continues by rail through the heart of Europe. Stops include Switzerland’s majestic Alps, Austria’s imperial cities, Hungary’s historic capital, and the romantic terrain of Romania and Bulgaria. These first few weeks offer a strong sense of continental history and natural beauty, all seen from the comfort of first-class train compartments.
The travel by train route then turns southeast, passing through Istanbul and into the Caucasus region, with stops in Georgia and Azerbaijan. Guests explore cultural crossroads where East meets West, participating in local experiences like winemaking and traditional crafts. From there, the group travels through Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, before entering China. High-speed rail carries them across the vast Chinese interior to cities like Xi’an and Shanghai, where travelers engage with both ancient heritage and modern innovation.
Japan marks the final stage of the Asia segment. Known for its impeccable rail system, Japan offers a pristine and efficient network of bullet trains. Guests will visit cultural landmarks, attend ceremonies, and dine on world-class cuisine, experiencing firsthand the blend of technology and tradition that defines modern Japan. This transcontinental passage, accomplished without stepping onto an airplane, is a powerful testament to the capacity of rail infrastructure to support long-distance, luxury travel.
Trans-Pacific Travel Without Flying
At the end of the Asian leg, the journey transitions from land to sea. In Tokyo, travelers board the Viking Venus, a luxury cruise ship, for a 23-day voyage across the Pacific Ocean. This leg of the trip continues the commitment to low-impact travel, avoiding the emissions associated with air travel. The ship stops at key locations including northern Japan, ports along the Alaskan coastline, and eventually arrives in Vancouver, Canada.
While onboard, guests enjoy ocean-view suites, gourmet meals, and curated entertainment. The cruise is more than just a practical method of transport, it provides time to relax, reflect, and enjoy the company of fellow travelers. This sea crossing is a vital part of the tour’s slow travel philosophy, reinforcing the idea that getting to a destination can be as rewarding as the destination itself. It also enhances the rhythm of the journey, offering a natural transition between Asia and North America.
North America’s Scenic Railways
Upon arriving in Vancouver, the rail portion of the journey resumes with some of the most breathtaking routes in North America. Guests will ride the Rocky Mountaineer through Canada’s majestic Rocky Mountains. With glass-domed coaches and gourmet cuisine served onboard, this train provides panoramic views of snowcapped peaks, deep valleys, and alpine lakes. It is one of the most celebrated rail experiences in the world.
The travel by train tour then proceeds south into the United States, where travelers board Amtrak’s California Zephyr. Often cited as one of America’s most scenic train rides, this route crosses the Sierra Nevada, the Colorado Rockies, and the arid beauty of Utah’s red rock deserts. Every curve of the track reveals new vistas, from winding rivers to vast canyons. As always, the emphasis remains on comfort, leisure, and deep immersion in the surrounding landscape.
Exceptional Stays, Dining, and Cultural Experiences
Accommodations throughout the journey include a selection of five-star hotels, boutique inns, and historic properties that reflect the local culture and architectural heritage. Whether staying in a grand hotel in Vienna or a serene retreat in Kyoto, travelers can expect superior comfort and service. Many locations have been chosen for their historical importance or unique design, adding depth and character to the overall experience.
Meals are a highlight of the tour, with carefully selected restaurants offering regional specialties and international haute cuisine. Several meals take place in Michelin-starred establishments, while others feature hands-on culinary workshops or traditional cooking demonstrations. Cultural programming is extensive and immersive. Highlights include a live classical concert in Vienna, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto, a Turkish marbling art workshop in Istanbul, and guided visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Hagia Sophia and the Terracotta Warriors. Travel by train AND see exceptions wonders? Sign me up!
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A Sustainable and Thoughtful Way to Travel
The full cost of the tour is approximately £112,900 per guest, equivalent to around $146,000 USD. This all-inclusive price covers virtually every aspect of the experience, from rail and sea travel to accommodations, meals, excursions, and cultural events. What distinguishes this journey from others in its price category is its clear commitment to sustainability.
Those who wish to travel by train save more energy than using air travel, especially over long distances. By designing a route that replaces air travel with rail and sea wherever possible, the tour helps reduce the environmental footprint of global exploration. This approach resonates with a growing number of travelers who are concerned about climate change and looking for alternatives to high-emission travel. As rail services continue to expand and modernize, the case for train-based tourism grows stronger, both economically and ethically.
A Visionary Blueprint for Global Exploration
This 100-day trip is more than just a luxury tour, it is a reimagining of what global travel can be. Instead of hopping from city to city in a blur of airports and transfers, it invites travelers to slow down and savor the journey itself. With nearly every mile traveled by train or ship, the experience restores a sense of continuity and wonder to global exploration.
It is also a model for future tourism. By prioritizing sustainability, cultural authenticity, and traveler well-being, the tour sets a new benchmark for how high-end travel should be approached. For those who appreciate elegance, environmental stewardship, and meaningful experiences, this is a compelling opportunity to see the world in comfort and style. More than just a vacation, it is an invitation to rethink how we move through the world, and to rediscover the beauty of travel by train.
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Disclaimer: This article was created with AI assistance and edited by a human for accuracy and clarity.
