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A tingle runs up your spine as your train begins its first revolution out of the station. You’re seated in plush luxury, entirely at ease, ready to witness some of the world’s most incredible sights. Luxe panoramic windows offer a kaleidoscope of the world’s treasures, and you’ve got a front row seat to it all.
From the mesmerizing mountainscapes of the Swiss Alps, the rolling vineyard-draped hills of the Italian countryside and the untapped splendor of Alaska’s national parks, the best scenic rail journeys bring you closest to the world’s splendors with unmatched convenience.
Read on for a handy guide to five of the best scenic rail journeys in the U.S. and Europe, all available through Railbookers, a travel partner that offers AAA Members exclusive member benefits.
There’s no better way to experience Switzerland’s majestic alpine vistas, storybook mountain villages and renowned UNESCO sites than from the comforts of a train adventure. Railbookers’ popular Scenic Switzerland from Zurich rail journey is a remarkable eight nights of awe-inspiring sights on some of the world’s most spectacular scenic rail routes.
Two notable standouts are the inclusion of the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express in the itinerary. The Glacier Express is Switzerland's most famous rail journey. This transfixing eight-hour expedition is billed as “the slowest express train in the world,” and that is precisely what makes it unforgettable. You’ll travel between Zermatt (home to the Matterhorn) and St. Moritz, experiencing some of the most dramatic scenery in Europe. Highlights along the route include the iconic Landwasser Viaduct (a UNESCO World Heritage site), where you’ll glide over the Landwasser River gorge on the viaduct.
Spend an enchanted day on The Bernina Express, and you’ll quickly discover why it's regarded as one of the world’s most scenic train rides. Board the modern, comfortable passenger cars at Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, and set off on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhaetian Railway. The train’s specially designed panoramic windows are ideal for taking in the Bernina Pass and the Poschiavo Valley, filled with stunning landscapes of glaciers, alpine lakes, rugged peaks and historic highland towns.
Escape to the most breathtaking and wild landscapes in North America at Glacier National Park with the ease and convenience of Amtrak. Amtrak Vacations’ Glacier National Park Getaway Roundtrip from Chicago is an unforgettable adventure west aboard Amtrak’s adored Empire Builder.
The journey to Big Sky country begins with a cozy night coasting along the serene rolling fields of Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota. You’ll arrive at East Glacier Park, on the edge of Glacier National Park, where you’ll set off for two nights of discovering why this national park is known as the crown jewel of the Rockies.
Spend a day on the famed Big Sky Circle Tour, one of the country’s most scenic driving routes, which weaves through Glacier National Park. The itinerary also includes a serene boat cruise through Two Medicine Valley in the quieter, less-traveled southeast corner of the park.
Get a taste of la dolca vita on Italy’s rails. Experience the toast of Italy with Railbookers’ The Best of Italy, the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. The all-highlights 15-day itinerary begins with two nights exploring the storied canals of Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage property. You’ll wander through winding passageways, marvel at architecture that’s stood the test of time for more than 1,300 years, and navigate the city’s waterways in style on a gondola ride.
From there, you’ll board a train headed south to Florence, home to some of the world’s most renowned Renaissance art like Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture and Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus.” Then it’s to Rome, where ancient ruins rise beside lively cafés and revered restaurants.
Among the many highlights of your time in this bustling metropolis, you’ll enjoy an up-close look at the famous Colosseum and the ruins of the Roman Forum. The journey continues to the picturesque Amalfi Coast with a train from Rome to Naples.
Your extended stay in Italy finishes with five nights in Sicily, an island with a rich history of arts, culture and delicious food (get ready for the best arancini and cannoli you’ve ever had!).
Don’t just dream about your next great adventure—start planning it! Join us for a special webcast and get insider access to the most unforgettable rail journeys. Discover exclusive trip details, expert planning tips, and inspiring destination highlights—all in one exciting session.
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Experience the best of Norway’s dazzling Norwegian fjords and picturesque cities with Railbookers’ eight-day Norway in a Nutshell®. This top-ranked itinerary is a favorite for many reasons, most notably the extraordinary Flam Railway journey, often regarded as one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.
This world-class train journey immerses you in Norwegian fjord country in the most remarkable way, traveling along thundering waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and lush valleys. The in-depth, expertly plotted itinerary also includes a safari rib boat expedition through the idyllic Aurlandsfjord. You’ll be treated to an awe-inspiring tour of this UNESCO World Heritage fjord, renowned for its sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
A bucket-list destination done the right way, Railbookers’ nine-day Alaska Adventure with Alaska Railroad is the ultimate way to experience Alaska’s splendor. Behold the panorama of natural wonders that leisurely pass by as you set off on an Alaska Railroad adventure.
This epic rail journey traverses Kenai Fjords National Park, where you’ll pass through vibrant Alaska landscapes featuring grand glaciers, lush valleys and towering waterfalls. The action-packed itinerary includes tours of the wildlife-packed Resurrection Bay (keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles and the occasional humpback whale), a sightseeing cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park (home to orcas, sea lions and seals), and a tour of the vast wilderness of Denali National Park.
Whether you're dreaming of snow-capped peaks in Switzerland, the sun-drenched shores of the Amalfi Coast or the remote wilderness of Alaska, scenic rail travel offers a front-row seat to the world’s most unforgettable landscapes. With Railbookers, these bucket-list experiences are more accessible than ever—especially for AAA Members. Let the train take the strain while you sit back, relax and soak up the scenery. Your next great journey could be just a track away.
Explore, discover, wander...
AAA Members have access to Exclusive Member Benefits, including top savings when booking Railbookers getaways. Start planning your next great rail journey on Railbookers with the help of a knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent today.
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