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Explore ancient traditions and exciting cities in Asia

ClassicClassic
Taj Mahal, Agra
India’s Golden Triangle, Tigers & Shimla
14 days from £2,299 pp £1,999 pp
  • Discover historic temples and breathtaking palaces including the iconic Taj Mahal
  • Experience the chance to spot regal Bengal tigers in Ranthambore National Park
  • Enjoy 4 & 5-star hotels, exploring the dazzling cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur
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ClassicClassic
Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong Delta
Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia
19 days from £3,999 pp
  • Travel from bustling Hanoi to the ancient temples of Siem Reap
  • Sail through the enchanting beauty of Ha long Bay on a luxurious overnight cruise
  • Discover tropical beaches, Ho Chi Minh City, Cambodia's iconic lost city of Angkor Wat
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ClassicClassic
Discovering Japan
Jewels of Japan
14 days from £4,999 pp
  • Explore the 'Land of the Rising Sun' enjoying 4 & 5-Star accommodation
  • Starting in dynamic Tokyo with views of Mount Fiji, and concluding in Osaka
  • Visit Hiroshima's poignant sites, Kyoto's ornate temples, and beautiful Miyajima
Discover More

Asia & India

Asia is a land of ancient civilisations, the birthplace of all major religions, with the world's most futuristic cities and technological hubs. The world's largest continent is also a natural wonder, ranging from India's soaring Himalayan peaks to the roaring waves of Sri Lanka's Indian Ocean, with historic meandering rivers, sprawling forests, as well as expansive deserts.

From dynamic Japan to intriguing Vietnam and Cambodia, Asia is a melting pot of unique cultures, each equally alluring and vibrant. Even more varied is the wide array of mouthwatering cuisine, rated among the best in the world.

Experience India's breathtaking temples, join a tiger-spotting safari in the Ranthambore National Park, or discover beautiful Kerala on one of our India rail holidays. Discover the treasures of China and cruise along the Yangtse River, or explore the fantastic landscapes and historic trading routes of Uzbekistan and the Ancient Silk Road.

Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travel inspiration and offers in our e-newsletter.

Holiday Ideas for Asia & India

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Grand Tour of China
4.8 stars(28 reviews)
2025Nov
2026MarAprMayAugSep...
2027MarAprMaySepOctNov
15 days from
£3,999 pp
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ClassicClassic
Halong Bay
4.6 stars(14 reviews)
2025SepOctNov
2026JanFebMarSepOctNov
14 days from
£2,499 pp
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ClassicClassic
Grand Tour of Japan
4.0 stars(36 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026MarAprMaySepOct
16 days from
£6,299 pp
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ClassicClassic
Angkor Wat
2026FebMarOctNov
2027JanFebMarAprOctNov
19 days from
£4,999 pp
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ClassicClassic
Tigers, the Taj Mahal and Mumbai
Save £300pp
4.7 stars(93 reviews)
2025SepOctNov
2026JanFebMarAprSep...
2027JanFebMarAprSep...
11 days from
£2,099 pp £1,799 pp
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ClassicClassic
Kerala & Exoctic Southern India
2025OctNov
2026JanFebOctNov
2027JanFebMarOctNovDec
16 days from
£2,999 pp
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ClassicClassic
Sri Lanka, Temples and Tea
Save £300pp
4.7 stars(31 reviews)
2025OctNovDec
2026JanFebMarOctNov
2027JanFebMarOctNov
15 days from
£3,999 pp £3,699 pp
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ClassicClassic
Uzbekistan and the Ancient Silk Road
Save £300pp
4.6 stars(50 reviews)
2025Nov
2026MayJunSepOctNov
2027AprMayJunSepNov
11 days from
£2,499 pp £2,199 pp
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24 results matching: Asia & India Rail Holidays

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ClassicClassic
Taj Mahal, AgraTaj Mahal, AgraTaj Mahal, AgraTaj Mahal, AgraTaj Mahal, Agra
Save £300pp
4.7 stars(403 reviews)
2025SepOctNovDec
2026JanFebMarAprSep...
2027JanFebMarAprSep...

Follow in the footsteps of maharajas and emperors to experience the dazzling wonders of India's regal Golden Triangle. View astounding Mughal and Rajput palaces including the iconic Taj Mahal and the ethereal Amber Fort, as well as the spiritual Jama Masjid mosque and home of 'Father of the Nation' Mahatma Gandhi, as we familiarise ourselves with...

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Save £300pp
14 days from
£2,299 pp £1,999 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Discovering JapanDiscovering JapanDiscovering JapanDiscovering JapanDiscovering Japan
4.4 stars(99 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026MarAprMaySepOct
2027MarAprMaySepOct

Uncover the delights of the Land of the Rising Sun with expert local guides, from its popular cuisine and zen tea ceremonies to dynamic cities and serene island shrines. Arriving in Tokyo, discover a well-organised metropolis of lantern-filled temples beside towering skyscrapers, before absorbing beautiful views of Mount Fuji and heading into the...

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14 days from
£4,999 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Kerala & Exoctic Southern IndiaKerala & Exoctic Southern IndiaKerala & Exoctic Southern IndiaKerala & Exoctic Southern IndiaKerala & Exoctic Southern India
2025OctNov
2026JanFebOctNov
2027JanFebMarOctNovDec

This unforgettable tour of colourful southern India explores exciting cities, stunning Hindu temples, atmospheric mountain plantations and tranquil backwaters. After a night in Bengaluru, we soak up Mysuru's awe-inspiring royal palace and the charms of botanic Ooty before the tea plantations of Coonoor on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Arriving...

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16 days from
£2,999 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Tigers, the Taj Mahal and MumbaiTigers, the Taj Mahal and MumbaiTigers, the Taj Mahal and MumbaiTigers, the Taj Mahal and MumbaiTigers, the Taj Mahal and Mumbai
Save £300pp
4.7 stars(93 reviews)
2025SepOctNov
2026JanFebMarAprSep...
2027JanFebMarAprSep...

Discover enthralling India on a journey from the enchanting Golden Triangle to the 'Gateway to India', Mumbai. View the Delhi's imposing Red Fort, Agra's iconic Taj Mahal and Jaipur's ethereal Amber Fort on a tour of northern India's most incredible palaces. Look for noble Bengal tigers in their natural habitat on two game drives in the pristine...

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Save £300pp
11 days from
£2,099 pp £1,799 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Grand Tour of ChinaGrand Tour of ChinaGrand Tour of ChinaGrand Tour of ChinaGrand Tour of China
4.8 stars(28 reviews)
2025Nov
2026MarAprMayAugSep...
2027MarAprMaySepOctNov

Uncover an incredible blend of breathtaking modernism and beautiful imperial history on a tour of China's ancient and modern wonders. Step into history during visits to the iconic Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall of China while in Beijing. Travelling by high-speed rail, explore ancient Xi'an and its astonishing Terracotta Army...

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15 days from
£3,999 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Sri Lanka, Temples and TeaSri Lanka, Temples and TeaSri Lanka, Temples and TeaSri Lanka, Temples and TeaSri Lanka, Temples and Tea
Save £300pp
4.7 stars(31 reviews)
2025OctNovDec
2026JanFebMarOctNov
2027JanFebMarOctNov

Explore the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean' on a small-group tour of beautiful Sri Lanka. Uncover ancient monuments and captivating temples such as Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress, the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa, and an ornate temple said to contain one of Buddha's teeth on this unspoilt island of tropical forests and golden beaches. While enjoying...

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Save £300pp
15 days from
£3,999 pp £3,699 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Forbidden CityForbidden CityForbidden CityForbidden CityForbidden City
Save £300pp
4.1 stars(28 reviews)
2025OctNov

Immerse yourself in the imperial history and breathtaking modernism of mysterious and fascinating China. On an overland adventure, Beijing reveals its history in the spectacular Forbidden City before we are whisked by high-speed rail to Shanghai, where the old and new sit side by side. A cruise along the mighty Yangtze shows us the remarkable...

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Save £300pp
13 days from
£3,099 pp £2,799 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Uzbekistan and the Ancient Silk RoadUzbekistan and the Ancient Silk RoadUzbekistan and the Ancient Silk RoadUzbekistan and the Ancient Silk RoadUzbekistan and the Ancient Silk Road
Save £300pp
4.6 stars(50 reviews)
2025Nov
2026MayJunSepOctNov
2027AprMayJunSepNov

Step back in time as we uncover the bewitching stories and intriguing landscapes of Uzbekistan. Explore ancient fortresses hidden in sandy deserts on a fascinating journey conjuring up images of ancient traders on the golden road to Samarkand. Be immersed in the beauty and history of the ancient towns of Bukhara and Khiva, and discover...

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Save £300pp
11 days from
£2,499 pp £2,199 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Amritsar Golden TempleAmritsar Golden TempleAmritsar Golden TempleAmritsar Golden TempleAmritsar Golden Temple
2026FebMarOctNovDec

From iconic palaces and colonial hill stations to vast tea estates, the spiritual centre of Rishikesh to the Golden Temple of Amritsar at the heart of Sikhism, experience India's diverse cultural traditions. Stay in classic luxury and heritage hotels, based in pulsing cities, amid rolling hills beneath the source of the Ganges River, with an epic...

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16 days from
£3,299 pp
per person
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LuxuryLuxury
Taj MahalTaj MahalTaj MahalTaj MahalTaj Mahal

Step back in time, to the golden age of travel, when you board the decadent Deccan Odyssey train, and travel in luxury through India. Your journey begins in Delhi where, after exploring the city, you'll step onboard this vintage inspired train that has every modern amenity. Relax in the onboard spa and enjoy lavish meals and fine wines, visit the...

12 days from
£6,495 pp
per person
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LuxuryLuxury
Deccan OdysseyDeccan OdysseyDeccan OdysseyDeccan OdysseyDeccan Odyssey

Take the journey of a lifetime as you step back in time to the golden age of travel, when you board the luxurious Deccan Odyssey train. Your adventure begins in Delhi where you'll explore the city, before boarding this vintage inspired train that has every modern amenity you could desire. Relax in the onboard spa and enjoy lavish meals, visit the...

12 days from
£6,675 pp
per person
View Details
LuxuryLuxury
The Taj MahalThe Taj MahalThe Taj MahalThe Taj MahalThe Taj Mahal

Step back in time to the golden age of travel when you board the luxurious Maharaja's Express, and take a once-in-a-lifetime journey. You'll explore Delhi in all its vibrant winder, and you'll visit historically important landmarks like the Taj Mahal. Relax as the Maharaja's Express takes you from town to city in this magical part of India,...

8 days from
£6,175 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Asia & India tours
Jewels of Japan
20/Jul
Anna
5 stars
“Very mixed feelings about this GRJ tour. First of all, the tour manager Chris S was exceptional and deserves 5*. It was a large group (39 people) and a complicated itinerary, yet he held it together admirably. Please note that a score of fewer than 5* sends the review way...
Collected by Trustpilot
Treasures of China & Yangtze River Cruise
13/Jun
Mr Thomas
5 stars
“Very good tour. China is an extraordinary country!
Collected by Trustpilot
Highlights of China
22/May
Michael Sanders
5 stars
“A magnificent holiday in the company of superb guides and like-minded people. Highly recommended.
Collected by Trustpilot
India’s Golden Triangle, Tigers & Shimla
1/May
MICHAEL
5 stars
“Wonderful trip. Magnificent scenery and wonderful people. Very well organised. Excellent tour manager and exceptional local guide.
Collected by Trustpilot
Highlights of India, Mumbai and the Golden Triangle
26/Apr
Susan Joy
5 stars
“The tour was amazing from start to finish! We had so many wonderful experiences and visited many places that were simply stunning. Our local guide Sanjay , was outstanding, always going the extra mile, and providing information and humour during the day. The tour was safe and well led,...
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Tour of Sri Lanka
25/Mar
Gillian Hopkins
5 stars
“This holiday excelled all expectations. The itinerary was full, exciting and varied with lots of unexpected extras thrown in which enhanced the whole experience. Too many special moments, but my highlights were tea picking, releasing turtles into the ocean , watching the sun set over Colombo from a sky lounge,...
Collected by Trustpilot
Uzbekistan & the Ancient Silk Road
16/Jul
Linda Foster
4 stars
“Excellent hotels and sight seeing program.
Collected by Trustpilot

Culture & Traditions

Rickshaw

Local Experiences

Exploring Asia can never be complete without experiencing the local way of life, and we make sure that you don't miss a thing. The streets of Old Delhi are full of people going on about their everyday lives and are best experienced on a rickshaw, the daily transport of the locals. None of your meals in South Korea are complete without a side of kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish known for its health benefits. Making kimchi requires traditional knowledge and we organise a kimchi making session where its secrets are revealed. While in Beijing, we host a traditional Peking Duck dinner, sampling this famous dish made up of pieces of tender, roasted duck which has been associated with imperial courts since the 13th century.

Lantern Making

Hidden Gems

Some experiences render an authentic charm to your holidays and ensure that you discover something special about each destination. Discover these hidden gems as you taste Chinese tea at a traditional local tea house or attend a lantern making workshop in Vietnam. Whether you immerse yourself in a spiritual arti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges River or visit an elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka to admire these gentle beasts synonymous with Asian culture, you get to unearth aspects integral to each location you visit. With Great Rail Journeys, become more than just a tourist in a foreign land.

Chinese Greeting

Welcoming Guests

We have always been fascinated with the elaborate cultures and traditions of Asia. One thing they have in common is their warm hospitality. In India, there's an old proverb that the guest is God, and Indians welcome their guests exactly how they offer prayers - with palms pressed together, floral wreaths, and a tika or vermilion dot on the forehead. The locals of South Korea and Vietnam are known for their friendliness and warmth, and tourists are always made to feel welcome. Be it the traditional bowing of Japan or the Chinese salutation, you will be gladly received by locals whichever part of Asia you choose to travel to.

Uncover the East

Iconic Rail Journeys

At Great Rail Journeys, we do everything that we can to ensure that your holidays are nothing short of unforgettable. From the sleek bullet trains of Japan and the maglevs in China to the idyllic toy trains in the lap of the Himalayas that traverse sleepy hill stations - your rail experiences are guaranteed to be as diverse as the continent is. You can travel through the hinterlands of North and West India on the Palace on Wheels, whose elaborate decor brings to life the traditions and colours of Rajasthan, or board the Green Express train from Hanoi to Da Nang as it skirts along the sparkling coast of the South China Sea.

Must-See Sights

The continent of Asia is home to some major landmarks, a few of them featuring among the New Seven Wonders of the World. Guides with exhaustive local knowledge and love for travelling, accompany you as you explore the architectural delights of the Taj Mahal, or take a walking tour along the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. Whether you admire the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, or visit the Cu Chi Tunnels of Vietnam, Great Rail Journeys' carefully curated escorted tours endeavour to bring the destinations to life and captivate you with both regaling and poignant anecdotes that add a personal touch to your holiday.

Inclusive Excursions

Be it New Delhi, Beijing, Osaka, Busan, Hanoi, or Colombo, you get to explore the diverse cities of Asia with guides who know the areas like the back of their hands. However, it's not just the mega cities that our guides are conversant in. Your wildlife spotting experiences are enhanced by expert guides who are well acquainted with the forests and adept at escorting you through them. A guided trip to a tea plantation isn't complete without tasting some of their produce and learning in detail about the intricate process involved. Our excursions are designed to cover diverse themes and adapted to ensure that your personal interests are met to the best of our abilities.

Other popular destinations

Still looking for ideas? We think you might also like these destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to travel to India or other parts of Asia?

Visa requirements vary by country and nationality. India requires most travellers to obtain an e-Visa or a regular visa before arrival. Other Asian destinations may offer visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, or e-Visa options. We recommend checking with the official embassy website of your destination well in advance of your trip.

What is the best time to visit Asia?

The best time to visit depends on the region:

  • Southeast Asia: November to April is generally the driest and most comfortable period.
  • East Asia: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the best climate.

What should I pack for a trip to Asia?

Packing essentials depend on the season and destination. Generally, bring:

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing (but modest attire for temples and religious sites).
  • A scarf or shawl for covering shoulders when needed.
  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Suncream, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
  • Travel adaptors (plugs vary by country).

What currency is used in India and other Asian countries?

Each country has its own currency:

  • India - Indian Rupee (INR)
  • Thailand - Thai Baht (THB)
  • Japan - Japanese Yen (JPY)
  • Vietnam - Vietnamese Dong (VND)
  • Malaysia - Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, but it is advisable to carry cash for small purchases, especially in rural areas.

What cultural etiquette should I be aware of in India and Asia?

India: Avoid public displays of affection, dress modestly in temples, and remove shoes before entering religious sites. Eating with the right hand is customary.

  • Thailand: Never touch someone's head or point feet at people or sacred objects.
  • Japan: Bowing is a common greeting, and shoes should be removed before entering homes and some establishments.
  • China: Tipping is not common, and using both hands to give or receive items is considered polite.

How many people go on one of your holidays?

Great Rail Journeys is a market leader when it comes to small group tours. We're proud of being pioneers in our approach to group sizes and have become the leading operator for escorted holidays. Our group sizes vary between tours, but are our ranges are usually a good indicator of what to expect.

For our Discoveries range, you'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. If opting for our Classic collection, you'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. Our Landmark holidays are where you'll find our smallest group sizes, starting from as low as 16 travellers and an average of 22, to a maximum of 30.

*Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

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