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Reasons to leave the car at home

Our top self-drive alternatives

From rail journeys to river cruises

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16 May 2022 by David Ward

In a world of rising fuel prices and a scarcity of rental cars, we're often asked about the best alternatives to a self-drive holiday. But, there are plenty of other reasons to leave the car at home, too, whether it's simply enjoying the scenery without the worry of tackling unfamiliar rules of the road, or getting properly stuck into that vineyard wine tasting, safe in the knowledge that someone else will take care of the driving.

To get you started, our specialists have picked out selection of their favourite alternative ways of exploring what are often seen as classic road-trip destinations. From rail tours of Italy, Canada and New Zealand to luxury river cruises in Portugal and the USA and even a walking tour of Northern Spain, you'll find plenty of inspiration below.

Related offers

The Presidential

Gourmet Porto & The Presidential‬

4-day city break & rail experience from £2,210 pp incl. flights

From the historic and culinary delights of Porto, enjoy a day trip aboard The Presidential – Portugal’s most luxurious train – dipping into the Douro Valley’s world-class vineyards It’s all paired with gourmet dining throughout.

Camino de Santiago Walking Trail

Walking the Camino de Santiago‬

9-day escorted walking tour from £2,105 pp incl. flights

Led by an expert guide, this small group tour will see you stay in charming villages as you hike ‘The Way of St. James’. Passing through delightfully rural scenery, you’ll uncover the region’s fascinating past and unique cuisine.

New York State

East Coast USA Rail Journey

12-day tailor-made rail journey from £2,985 pp incl. flights

Let included Amtrak rail journeys and luxury hotels bring you to New York's headline-grabbing icons, Boston's harbour-side setting, history-rich Philadelphia and the world-leading museums of Washington, DC.

TranzAlpine Train

New Zealand by Rail

15-day tailor-made rail holiday from £4,150 pp incl. flights

Making the most of spectacular rail routes linking sweeping coastlines, vibrant cities and epic national parks, this itinerary showcases just why New Zealand is tailor-made for a holiday by train.

Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island

The Ghan & Kangaroo Island

13-day tailor-made rail holiday from £6,315 pp incl. flights

Travelling from south to north, this tailor-made trip marries one of the world’s greatest rail journeys with tropical Darwin, Adelaide’s heritage and the wildlife of Kangaroo Island.

Selati Camp, Sabi Sand

Cape to Kruger by Rovos Rail

13-day tailor-made holiday from £7,260 pp incl. flights

Travel in sheer opulence on the self-styled "Most Luxurious Train in the World" as you swap Cape Town’s beach-framed urban sophistication for a Big-Five safari on an all-inclusive private reserve.

Roman Forum, Rome

The Italian Job: Rome, Florence & Venice

6-day tailor-made holiday from £1,460 pp incl. flights

Explore the iconic sights, grand architecture, gourmet restaurants and world-class museums and galleries of Rome, Venice and Florence on this classic tailor-made holiday.

Sicily vineyard and mount Etna

Sicily by Rail No-fly Holiday

14-day no-fly rail journey from £3,310 pp

This no-fly rail journey combines the best of Sicily with the delights of some of Italy's favourite regions. From Milan to Rome and then on to Sicily itself, you'll enjoy spectacular views, vibrant city culture and fabulous food and wine.

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0610 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

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