Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have broadened their international holiday offerings with a new collection of premium rail experiences, targeting travellers who seek immersive journeys as much as destinations. The expanded portfolio now includes some of the world's most celebrated train routes across South Africa, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Egypt.
The move builds on the companies' existing rail partnerships with Swiss-Euro Rail and Spain's Renfe, which have long served European itineraries. Now, by securing dedicated seats and cabins on premium trains, Thomas Cook India and SOTC can offer guaranteed availability on these sought-after services, bundled into curated land-and-rail packages.
Iconic routes and pricing
Among the headline experiences are Rovos Rail in South Africa, Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, and The Ghan in Australia. These journeys are designed to blend luxury onboard with off-train excursions, premium hotel stays, and sightseeing, providing a relaxed yet enriching travel pace.
Packages are priced from $5,400 (₹4.5 lakh) per person, positioning them in the premium segment of the Indian outbound market. The offering reflects a growing appetite among Indian travellers for high-end, experiential holidays that go beyond conventional beach or city breaks.
Rajeev Kale, President and Country Head of Holidays at Thomas Cook India, said: "We are enabling travellers to discover Europe and other destinations at a more immersive pace—where comfort, luxury, and authentic local discoveries come together."
SD Nandakumar, President and Country Head at SOTC Travel, added: "Our premium rail holidays bring together some of the world's most iconic train journeys with destination highlights."
Strategic response to demand
The launch comes as Indian outbound travel continues to diversify, with travellers seeking unique experiences beyond traditional markets. This trend is visible across sectors, from expanding beach horizons to new luxury cruise offerings such as Pearl Expeditions' Kimberley cruise.
Rail holidays offer a distinct value proposition: they combine scenic travel with curated land programmes, appealing to both leisure travellers and the MICE segment. The companies' ability to secure inventory on these trains is a key differentiator, ensuring clients can book with confidence.
For travel agents, the new packages represent an opportunity to upsell premium products. Thomas Cook India and SOTC have a strong distribution network across India, and these rail holidays are expected to be marketed through their retail and online channels, as well as through trade partners.
The emphasis on immersive travel aligns with broader industry shifts. As noted in recent coverage of La Dolce Vita Orient Express's golf itineraries, luxury travellers increasingly seek niche, activity-based journeys. Similarly, Uniworld's river cruise expansion underscores the demand for small-ship, destination-focused experiences.
With this launch, Thomas Cook India and SOTC are positioning themselves at the forefront of the premium rail travel segment in India, offering a product that combines the romance of classic train travel with the convenience of a fully managed holiday.
