TORONTO — Intrepid Travel is expanding its dedicated rail range with six new itineraries amid growing demand for slower, more immersive journeys.

The new trips span four continents and range from 9-11 days in duration, bringing the total number of rail-focused itineraries in the company’s portfolio to 50.

Itineraries explore destinations like Vietnam, China, Laos, Malaysia, Kenya, Eastern Canada and Northern Sweden, and are designed to highlight the journey itself – with no internal flights –allowing travellers to engage more deeply with local cultures, landscapes and communities.

According to Erica Kritikides, General Manager of Experiences at Intrepid Travel, rail travel has taken off in the past couple of years; since launching its rail-specific product line in 2024, Intrepid has seen a 24% year-on-year increase in bookings. While train travel features in many of Intrepid’s global itineraries, the company’s rail range positions the train ride as a central part of the travel experience.

“In a world that feels like it’s always going at full steam, rail travel provides ease, convenience and a slower pace. The latest additions to our popular rail range are some of our most exciting yet, traversing both iconic and lesser-known routes and providing access to new places and experiences. As with all the trips in our rail range, there are no internal flights and the majority of travel is done by train, reflecting our long-term product development plans to leave lighter tracks,” said Kritikides.

The six newly introduced itineraries are:

• Kenya by Rail: Trains, Safari and Beaches (10 days, priced at $7,456) – A ride on the Madaraka Express brings travellers through two of Kenya’s national parks, with the chance to spot wildlife like zebras and elephants from the train window.
• Malaysia’s Jungle Railway (10 days, priced at $3,117) – This route passes through remote and less-visited regions of Malaysia, surrounded by lush jungle and limestone cliffs.
• China & Laos: Kunming to Bangkok by Rail (11 days, priced at $3,578) – Travellers board the first cross-border bullet train from China through Laos, continuing to Bangkok by overnight train.
• Vietnam & China – Hanoi to Kunming by Rail (11 days, priced at $3,117) – From Vietnam’s Sapa region to China’s Shangri-La and Tiger Leaping Gorge, this journey blends cultural discovery with world-class hiking.
• Northern Sweden by Rail (9 days, priced at $4,815) – Passengers travel through Abisko National Park and tundra landscapes, stopping at remote villages near the polar circle.
• Eastern Canada by Rail (10 days, priced at $5,989) – Beginning in Toronto and ending in Montreal, this itinerary includes visits to Ottawa, Quebec and the Thousand Islands region.

Each rail trip is led by one of Intrepid’s local leaders, who assist with navigating complex train systems, overcoming language barriers and deepening cultural connections. With average group sizes of 10 to 12 people, the itineraries are designed to foster community and conversation along the way.

For more information on Intrepid’s rail range, visit https://www.intrepidtravel.com/rail