10th November 2016: Whether you're looking for a spectacular adventure by rail, a relaxing cruise on sparkling waterways or even want to take to the road yourself, there are so many amazing journeys to experience in so many different ways. We have pooled our travel expertise, with staff who have experienced these trips themselves, to give you our ultimate Best Journeys of the World.
The journeys we chose to showcase are all uniquely diverse, from self drive adventures along iconic roads, to stunning rail expeditions through spectacular mountain scenery. Nominated by our Travel Specialists from across Miles Morgan Travel, we hope to inspire with ideas for your next holiday and give you reasons why each has been chosen.
We’d love to hear your thoughts too. Please comment at the end of this blog if you think we’ve missed somewhere special!
The Pacific Highway, California
A “ Drive of a Lifetime along an all-American Road”, the 123 miles of stunning scenery between Monterey and Morro Bay takes a leisurely 5 hours, more if you like beaches and restaurants. This twisting, cliff hugging journey is a true classic which can so easily be combined with visits to San Francisco, Los Angeles, even Las Vegas. A Californian dream journey.
The reason for my nomination...
"It’s not only the amazing scenery that makes this a truly classic road trip, you can combine it with 4 nights in San Francisco, a night in Monterey and finish with 3 nights in Los Angeles. If you have the time, add 3 nights in Las Vegas to make this the complete West Coast USA experience!"
Nigel Coldicott, Portishead shop
Rovos Rail, South Africa
View the best of South Africa from the luxury of a private train. This 3 day Rovos classic starts its 1600 kilometre journey on the Highveld of Pretoria and meanders past stunning scenery and through the Winelands to Cape Town, where you can enjoy the vibrant waterfront life against the backdrop of the iconic Table Mountain.
The reason for my nomination...
"A lot our customers are very familiar with the Rocky Mountaineer, Glacier Express or even the Ghan in Australia, so I thought I would introduce another fantastic rail journey, Rovos Rail. Not only is the train luxurious, but the journey really does allow guests to experience a range of South African scenery not often possible on many holidays."
Debbie Smith, Ross-on-Wye shop
Classic Round Trip Voyage, with Hurtigruten
The Norwegian Fjords are renowned for their amazing beauty. Of all the ways of seeing them, nothing beats a round trip with Hurtigruten; a cruise of great comfort and service combined with the ships being the hub of life at the ports of call in providing essential local services. Stunning scenery, naturally, but you also share the whole Norwegian Experience.
The reason for my nomination...
"These ships really are special. My cruise surpassed all my expectations; the scenery was stunning, and the ship, food and service impeccable. To top it all, I saw the Northern Lights, a very special moment I will never forget."
Fiona Fortune, Portishead shop
Queen Elizabeth 2018 World Voyage
The kudos of sailing the Atlantic on Cunard’s iconic luxury liner forms part of this wonderful Round-the-World cruise. No ‘hotel room’ changes whilst traversing the globe is special, but being cosseted by Cunard’s renowned service and excellent cabins makes it the trip of a lifetime which could only be enhanced by indulging yourself even more by experiencing the world from the balcony of a Princess Grill suite.
The reason for my nomination...
"An easy nomination from me. These annual Round the World cruises offer a slightly different itinerary every year, as does each Cunard ship. Simply ask us for your must-see ports of call and we will find the trip that is perfect just for you."
Olivia Thomson, Bath shop
Garden Route, South Africa
Self-drive or escorted tour? Take your pick for this 300 kilometre journey of incredible beauty between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. A trip of such diversity : ancient forests, mountains, wild coastlines, even ostrich farms. Wildlife? Try the ocean - watch humpback whales and bottle nose dolphins. A journey to remember!
The reason for my nomination...
"If offered a driving trip anywhere in the world, this would be my choice but why? Well, scenery, diversity and wildlife are what makes it top for me. Add to that an opportunity to visit the winelands outside Cape Town and that completes my dream."
Kelly-Ann Bowen, Clifton shop
Orient Express, London to Venice
Don’t put this off for some distant special occasion, a trip on the iconic Venice Simplon Orient Express is a classic ‘do it now’ journey. The restored 1920’s -1930’s carriages do not just echo, they recapture the forgotten elegance and luxury of the era. You’ll be gripped by a ‘this is really special’ feeling as soon as you board in London and doesn’t even dissipate when you alight to savour the beauty of Venice. A truly never-to-be-forgotten experience which begs to be repeated.
The reason for my nomination...
"This two day, one night trip is a must for everyone’s lifetime. The suites onboard make the journey a very special experience indeed. Make sure you also make the most of Venice, regarded by many as Europe’s most beautiful city."
Brenda Arter, Bath shop
Self Drive, Christchurch to Queenstown
Quiet roads, stunning scenery, bucolic life style, lade-back motoring hair-raising, adrenalin fuelled activities; this 238 mile self-drive road trip offers them all. Leave ‘little England’ Christchurch and meander down the Tasman valley to vistas of lakes, quaint villages, mountains, including the mighty, snow-covered Mount Cook, the Tasman Glacier - stop to set your pulse racing with a plane-trip landing. Then on to the idyllic setting of high-octane Queensland and indulge in its exciting activities.
The reason for my nomination...
"I loved visiting New Zealand, choosing from the vast highlights of this trip is so difficult, there are so many. But, I’m on the spot, so, please don’t miss a plane-trip landing on the Tasman Glacier and certainly take the Shotover Jet boat trip in Queenstown. William and Kate, loved it!"
Tracey Murray, Portishead shop
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
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Canadian Pacific railway operate other great journeys, but the Rocky Mountaineer is its most stunning, possibly the world’s best. The snow capped mountains visible in the distance as you cross the flatlands from Calgary are merely an appetizer for the breathtaking vistas you encounter as you weave through the Rockies to Vancouver.
The reason for my nomination...
"This is quite simply a favourite holiday of mine, simple as that! When it comes to the Rocky Mountaineer, I strongly recommend upgrading to their Gold Leaf travel, a carriage with a glass roof - what a way to travel!"
Claire Griffiths, Nailsworth shop
Great Ocean Road, Australia
The Great Ocean Road in the State of Victoria is aptly titled and a must-do for those seeking stunning driving experiences. The 151 mile journey from Australian Torquay hugs the beautiful coastline to Allansford. A truly incredible motoring experience offering wonderful ocean views, the highlight probably being that, close to the road, of The Twelve Apostles, an iconic set of limestone stacks, sadly eroded now to eleven. Try it soon, don’t wait until there’s only ten!
The reason for my nomination...
"This was an easy nomination for me, Australian scenery at its best. Not often is a road listed as a National Heritage site; that gives you an idea of the beauty you will enjoy making this journey. Rainforests, beaches and jaw-dropping cliffs, you will see it all"
Sharon Boon, Yeovil shop
Mekong River Cruise
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The popularity of River Cruising has been increasing for some years, so adding exotica to the mix is a sure success. The Mekong River Cruise Starts in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and meanders through the ever-changing, breathtaking scenery of Vietnam and Cambodia. Tear yourself away from the relaxed luxury of the boat and be rewarded with the exotic culture, smells and bustle of such mesmeric places as Phnom Penh, Anghor Ban and Siem Reap.
The reason for my nomination...
"For me, this trip combines two things; the ease of a river cruise, where the scenery slowly changes each passing hour, and the beauty of two beautiful, exotic countries that so few of us have yet explored."
Clare Hughes, Monmouth shop
