Amazing Train Journeys
The Beijing to Lhasa Express, China
Departs daily; Distance-2,330 miles; Duration-40 hours
Linking the royal wonders of Beijing with the dreamlike palaces of Lhasa, the Z21 train travels from the modernity of urban China to a once-remote land. Running westward, the train climbs nearly 16,400 ft (5,000 m) on its journey to the roof of the world: the Tibetan Plateau.
London to Fort William on the Caledonian Sleeper, UK
Departs daily; Distance-509 miles; Duration-13 hours 30 minutes
This overnight train journey is filled with the romance of rail travel. It's just a pity that the whole experience-from dining-car chatting and light beer, to being carried into a la-la land by the rhythm of the rails and waking to bedside views of towering peaks-feels like it's over in a flash. Though it may be short, the Caledonian is surely Britain's best train ride.
Tazara Railway, Tanzania and Zambia
Departs twice a week; Distance-1,160 miles; Duration-46 hours
Few trains offer the chance of spotting big game from your seat, but the Tazara Railway does exactly that. For many, the highlight is neither the scenery nor the wildlife, though; it's the chance to spend two days watching everyday life out of the window, and enjoying the crowds and chaos when the train pulls to a stop.
Perurail's Lake Titicaca Railway, Peru
Departs twice a week; Distance-241 miles; Duration-10 hours
Traveling across the Altiplano, from the shores of Lake Titicaca to the beating heart of the Inca capital, the railway from Puno to Cuzco cuts a picturesque path through the snow-dusted peaks and fantastic valleys of the Andes. Passengers can enjoy the landscape from an open-air observatory car, as they travel through remote towns and villages.