Michael Portillo’s latest BBC Two travelogue, Great Indian Railway Journeys got underway last week, its first episode focusing on spectacular train rides between the Sikh holy city of Amritsar and Shimla, in the Himalayan foothills. Experience the exceptional railways that served the former British Hill Stations (the Kalka Shimla Railway, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and the Nilgiri Rack Railway) on this 21-day escorted tour. Departing 17 February 2019, Indian Hill Railways costs from £4,995 pp (two sharing) including flights (London), B&B, 16 lunches, 12 dinners, excursions & tour leader.

Spain’s northern ‘Green’ coast is the focus of this 15-day escorted tour, which also makes a short visit to south western France.  As well as superb sightseeing - there’s ample time to explore Bilbao, Santander, Gijon, Santiago di Compostela and Leon - enjoy the scenic rail journey between San Sebastian and Bilbao, travel on the metre gauge FEVE network and experience the petit train de la Rhune rack railway as it makes its impressive ascent. Departing 14 June, The Green Hills of Spain & La Rhune costs from £2,400 pp (two sharing) including Eurostar/TGV, B&B, 15-day Global InterRail pass, excursions and tour leader.

Discover the glorious scenery of the Lake Lucerne region on this eight-day tour, featured in the Easy Rail Holidays collection (one-centre, price-friendly escorted tours). Accompanied by experts, guests will enjoy boat trips, alpine excursions and mountain rail travel, visiting Mount Rigi, the Pilatus Summit and Kriens, with a journey along the famous Gotthard route to Göschenen. Departing 14 June, the price is from £1,640 pp (two sharing), including seven nights’ half-board hotel accommodation, a Tell Pass for unlimited travel within the region, rail travel and excursions as per itinerary, and the services of a tour leader.

Join fellow rail enthusiasts on the aptly named Snowdonian train as it makes its annual 80-mile trip through North Wales’ spectacular Snowdonia National Park, travelling the full length of both the Welsh Highland and Ffestiniog Railways over the course of one unforgettable day. Departing 13 April or 8 June, this springtime break costs from £380 pp (two sharing) including two nights’ B&B at the four-star Tudor Lodge guest house in Porthmadog, a full-day journey on the Snowdonian and a souvenir of your trip. Alternatively, treat yourself to a luxury stay at Hotel Portmeirion, in Sir Clough Williams-Ellis’ famous Italianate village, from £475 pp.