There are so many facets to the two distinct islands that make up New Zealand that it is, of course, impossible to experience everything in one trip. Nevertheless, this land, rail and sail itinerary from Christchurch to Auckland does an admirable job of joining the dots, as it includes a journey on the TranzAlpine scenic train and a cruise through Milford Sound.
Book it: APT (0800 012 6683) has the 18-night New Zealand Rail and Cruise Discovery from £7,895pp, which includes accommodation, meals, hotel stays, tours and dining experiences. Departs October 11 2025.
Whistle-stop Europe
A 24-night combination of land, rail and cruise ticks off a range of European must-sees. Travelling from Germany to Italy via Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia and Montenegro, you’ll take in wonderful countryside on the Bernina and Glacier Express before boarding an elegant Celebrity Cruise.
Book it: ROL (0808 258 3448) has the 24-night Italy and Croatia by Land, Rail and Sea holiday from £5,599pp, which includes an overnight stay at a four-star hotel in Venice, an 11-night Celebrity cruise with $400 cruise credit, plus included meals, drinks, gratuities and Wi-Fi. Departs May 13 2025.
American legends
The Amtrak rail system and the mighty Mississippi river go hand in hand on this fantastic American adventure that also takes in Chicago, Graceland in Memphis and New Orleans. Along with the unmissable land trip, you’ll travel overnight on Amtrak rail and spend seven nights on a classic paddle-wheeler river cruise on the Mississippi.
Book it: GoRiverCruise (0800 954 0064) has the 16-night Rail and Paddle Wheeler Sail (also available via Fred Holidays: 0800 988 3369) from £6,199pp, which includes flights, transfers, all meals onboard ship, Amtrak charges, accommodation in New Orleans, Graceland and Chicago, plus activities, visits and excursions as detailed in the itinerary. Departs February 27 2025.
Long haul luxury
The best way to make the most of a trip down under is combining land trips with rail and cruise. On Indian Pacific Rail you’ll cross the incredible expanse between Perth and Sydney, with stops at some of the country’s most famous towns, and then fly to Darwin to join a 10-night Coral Expedition cruise through the amazing Kimberly region.
Book it: Audley Travel (01993 838810) can organise this 22-night epic Australian adventure, which costs from £15,987pp and includes all flights, transfers, accommodation, the Indian Pacific Rail Journey in a Gold Star Cabin, Coral Expedition Cruise Darwin to Broome, excursions and some meals. Departs April-August 2025.
Eastern promise
How about China by land and Japan by sea? This ambitious itinerary starts with an immersive exploration of China, including the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors and Chengdu’s pandas, and then transfers to a cruise, calling at some of Japan’s most popular cities, including Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
Book it: Wendy Wu Tours (0800 274 8593) has the 20-day China by Land, Japan by Sea journey from £4,690pp, which includes flights, meals, bullet train journeys and other transfers, guided excursions and seven-night all-inclusive cruise. Departs November 13 2025.
