• Distinctive rail-led holidays across South Africa, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt and more

Key Highlights

• Once-in-a-lifetime land & train journeys through some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes and culturally rich destinations
• Immersive land holidays from wildlife safaris and glaciers to ancient civilizations, culture and gastronomy complementing these premium rail journeys
• Iconic journeys aboard Rovos Rail, Rocky Mountaineer and The Ghan; scenic and overnight rail experiences across New Zealand and Egypt

Mumbai, July 29, 2026: Indian travellers are increasingly seeking once-in-a-lifetime holidays that combine luxury, slow travel and immersive destination experiences, with growing interest in journeys where the travel itself becomes as memorable as the destination. Responding to this evolving trend, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have expanded their international holiday portfolio with premium train journeys spanning South Africa, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt and more.

The Companies’ have been offering train holidays to Indian travellers for several years through long-standing partnerships, including Swiss-Euro Rail, Spain’s Renfe, etc. Building on the success of these offerings and the growing demand for premium experiential holidays, the Companies have broadened their portfolio to include some of the world’s most iconic rail experiences across global destinations.

To ensure availability on these highly sought-after journeys, Thomas Cook India and SOTC have procured seats and cabins on premium trains, enabling customers to enjoy these exclusive packages as curated fully packaged land + train holidays.

Premium packages start from ₹4.5 lakh per person, depending on the itinerary and travel period. The expanded portfolio features some of the world’s most celebrated rail experiences, including Rovos Rail in South Africa, Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, The Ghan in Australia, the Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine in New Zealand, and Egypt’s iconic overnight sleeper train. Seamlessly integrated into curated land holidays, these rail experiences combine premium accommodation, sightseeing and destination highlights with exceptional onboard hospitality, gourmet dining and curated off-train excursions. From traversing the majestic Canadian Rockies and South Africa’s dramatic landscapes to crossing Australia’s vast Outback, these once-in-a-lifetime journeys transform travel itself into an unforgettable part of the holiday, allowing travellers to discover each destination at a relaxed and immersive pace.

Key Premium train journeys

Rovos Royale – South Africa | 11 Nights / 12 Days

·        Route: Johannesburg → Greater Kruger → Pretoria → Rovos Rail → Cape Town

·        Train Experience: 3 nights aboard Rovos Rail

A luxury South African holiday featuring three nights aboard the iconic Rovos Rail, complemented by wildlife experiences at Kapama River Lodge, curated excursions, and sightseeing across Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula.

Rainforest to Gold Rush Discovery Banff – Canada | 9 Nights / 10 Days

·        Route: Vancouver → Whistler → Quesnel → Jasper → Banff → Calgary

·        Train Experience: 3-night Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service

A spectacular rail holiday through Western Canada aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, paired with iconic experiences including Jasper, Athabasca Glacier, Glacier Skywalk and Banff, showcasing the breathtaking Canadian Rockies.

The Ghan Expedition – Australia | 9 Nights / 10 Days

·        Route: Darwin → Adelaide

·        Train Experience: 3 nights aboard The Ghan Expedition

An iconic Australian rail experience travelling through the country’s tropical north, Red Centre and South Australia, complemented by curated off-train experiences, premium hospitality and sightseeing.

New Zealand Odyssey – Self Drive Edition | 13 Nights / 14 Days (for the upcoming 2027 travel season)

·        Route: Auckland → Rotorua → Christchurch → Glacier Region → Queenstown → Mt. Cook → Christchurch

·        Train Experience: Coastal Pacific & TranzAlpine

A premium self-drive holiday combining New Zealand’s two iconic scenic rail journeys with highlights including Hobbiton, Milford Sound, Mt. Cook and Queenstown.

Explore Egypt | 6 Nights / 7 Days

·        Route: Cairo → Overnight Sleeper Train → Nile Cruise

·        Train Experience: Overnight sleeper train

A unique holiday blending Cairo, an overnight sleeper train and a three-night Nile Cruise, offering a memorable way to discover Egypt’s rich history and timeless landscapes.

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “As demand for Europe continues to revive, we are seeing Indian travellers increasingly gravitate towards premium holidays that go beyond sightseeing to offer richer, more meaningful ways to explore a destination. Building on our long-standing expertise in rail holidays, including our partnerships with Switzerland’s iconic rail network, we have expanded our portfolio to include some of the world’s most celebrated train routes. By seamlessly combining these iconic rail experiences with thoughtfully curated land itineraries, we are enabling travellers to discover Europe and other destinations at a more immersive pace—where comfort, luxury and authentic local discoveries come together.”

Mr. SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel, said, “Today’s travellers are seeking holidays that are personalised, enriching and designed around memorable experiences. Our premium rail holidays bring together some of the world’s most iconic train journeys with destination highlights, allowing customers to experience the best of both the rail journey and the destination in one seamless itinerary. Travelling by rail offers a more authentic, local perspective of a destination while also providing a more environmentally conscious way to explore. From luxury rail safaris in South Africa and the Canadian Rockies to Australia’s legendary Ghan and New Zealand’s scenic rail routes, these holidays offer an exceptional way to discover the world at a relaxed pace.”