Enjoy breathtaking winter scenery throughout Europe, Japan, and North America.
Japan Railways’ Tadami Line in Tohoku
The Tadami Line, which runs through the stunning Tadami River valley in the Tohoku area between the prefectures of Niigata and Fukushima in Japan, provides year-round, stunning vistas of rolling mountains, thick pine forests, and striking river gorges.
However, travelers are treated to some of the most breathtaking views during the winter months when the area is covered in a coating of snow. Evergreen boughs coated with ice and snow globe-worthy frosted summits glide by the windows. However, the train's crossing of the Daiichi Tadami River Bridge offers the most breathtaking vistas. Reflecting the snowy scenery in the aquamarine-hued river below, the beautiful arched bridge is a famous viewpoint spot. To give passengers time to take it all in, the train stops for a photo opportunity close to the bridge.
Amtrak’s California Zephyr
Here in the United States, we have one of the most amazing winter routes. The California Zephyr on Amtrak features rolling landscapes covered with snow drifts.
Take a roomette on the entire line from Chicago to San Francisco, or get a cheap coach seat on the most scenic route from Denver to San Francisco. You will travel through the breathtaking Rockies on this section of track before continuing on to the snow-covered Sierra Nevada range. You'll travel through winter scenery along the route, which includes tall pines and white-frosted canyons. Passengers with keen eyes may even spot large animals, such as elk, wandering outside the windows. Salt Lake City and Truckee, California, which is the entry point to Lake Tahoe, are noteworthy destinations along the route.
The Bernina Express through Italy and Switzerland
Experience the beauties of the Alps while traveling one of Europe's most captivating rail lines.
The candy-apple-red cars of the Bernina Express wind past fir-covered slopes, beautiful lakes, and towering glaciers as it winds its way from Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy. The four-hour journey follows the Rhaetian Railway, which is recognized by UNESCO for its engineering and architectural accomplishments that are "in harmony with the landscapes through which they pass." Over the course of the entire journey, the train traverses 196 bridges, including the famous Landwasser Viaduct, which is more than 200 feet above the earth. Expect to be astounded by the views of the valleys below and the mountains above.
New Year’s Eve on the Andean Explorer
This special trip on Belmond's Andean Explorer train in Peru is a great option if you're searching for an extravagant and distinctive way to start the new year.
The Explorer, which winds through the center of the Peruvian Andes, is regarded as one of the world's highest train tracks. With a stopover in Puno on the banks of Lake Titicaca, the New Year's Eve schedule runs round-trip from Cusco. Since December marks the beginning of Peru's summer, you won't likely witness many genuinely snowy scenes throughout your journey, but you will be treated to views of untamed plains, ice-capped mountains, and enormous lakes. Additionally, there will be a lot of festivities to get you in the spirit of the holidays. The two-night trip consists of a New
Canadian Snow Train
This Snow Train journey on Canada's VIA Rail line promises a trans-Canadian adventure. The four-night tour, which is provided by Vacations By Rail, starts in Vancouver and winds its way through some of the nation's most isolated wilderness before coming to an end in Toronto.
Taking in all the vistas from the domed observation car, you will weave your way through five provinces, passing the Canadian Rockies, snow-swept forests, quaint towns, and frozen lakes. According to Vacations By Rail's website, "Winter is the best time to travel because the prices are cheaper, the trains are less crowded, and the staff has more time to share their 'tales of the rails' with you." Additionally, the package includes a first-class sleeper and a one-night hotel stay in both Toronto and Vancouver.
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