Where to Ride: the 8 Best Workshops & Classes Worldwide

1.Skip the Line Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 574 reviews · from $199Our pick

Travel between Cairns and Kuranda by two classic routes: the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. You get Gold Class rail seating, light refreshments, rainforest lookouts, and free time for Kuranda markets, cafés, butterflies, birds, koalas, or Aboriginal culture. Pickup and drop-off are offered, but confirm your exact transfer time.

“The views are spectacular. The guided tours very informative and interesting. This gave us more things to look out for which made the trip enjoyable.”

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2.The First Class Machu Picchu Train by Inca Rail

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 182 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $855

Travel from Cusco toward Machu Picchu in Inca Rail First Class, with a VIP waiting room, observatory carriage, meals, drinks, live music, private bus transfers, and a certified guide at the citadel. The $855 price includes entrance and dining, but check the train station transfer details before booking.

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3.Kuranda, Skyrail & Gold Class Train from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 177 reviews · 510 minutes - 1 day · from $195

Travel from Cairns to Kuranda by Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, stopping twice to see the forest from ground level, then return by historic Kuranda Scenic Rail in Gold Class. Your day includes transfers, a Kuranda Boarding Pass, preferred train seating, drinks, refreshments, and a dedicated host. Pickup is available from selected Palm Cove and Northern Beaches locations.

“AMAZING. A fantastic day out. Book GOLD class. Do yourself a favor, you're on holidays.”

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4.Grand Canyon Excursion from Sedona with First Class Train Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $383

You’ll leave Sedona early in a small van, travel through Oak Creek Canyon, ride the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, and explore South Rim viewpoints with a guide such as Cat, Andrea, J.R., or Sheldon. Hotel pickup, narration, and return transport are included. Expect an 11-hour day, a slow train ride, and extra fees for some international visitors.

“This experience was well worth it. Getting picked up at our hotel by our wonderful guide, Cat, was only the start to a great day. She provided so much information about the areas in which we travelled. She also was always careful to be sure we were safe and informed. The Grand Canyon train was a blast. Catherine, on the train, was quite funny and informative. Fun and slow ride. Cat met us at the canyon after the train trip ended and took us to multiple viewpoints on the South Rim. Spectacular views! Gave advice on where to eat lunch and was right there for anything we needed. Great guide!…”

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5.The Q Train – First Class Private Dining For 2

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · from $142Top rated

Settle into a private dining car for two aboard The Q Train, departing Drysdale Railway Station for a three-hour food and wine journey toward Queenscliff. You’ll enjoy five courses made with local produce, a drink pairing with each course, views near Swan Bay, and coffee or tea after dinner.

“What an exceptional outing, perfect! Wonderful staff clearly enjoying our experience too, so lovely, kind and caring, ensuring we'd be 100% satisfied with The Q Train adventure. The cuisine is something to die for and the scenery en-routRead more”

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6.Sedona/Flagstaff: Grand Canyon Tour & First-Class Train Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 30 reviews · 9 - 11 hours · from $383

You’ll ride first class on the historic Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to Grand Canyon Village, then join a guide such as Kurt or Cat for South and East Rim viewpoints. The day includes Cameron Trading Post, bottled water, admission, and hotel pickup from Sedona, Flagstaff, or Village of Oak Creek. Lunch is on your own.

“It was a relaxing ride through the most magnificent scenery. Once we were at the Grand Canyon our guide took us to some of the most amazing spots for viewing and pictures. We also saw wildlife. It was amazing.”

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7.Ride the First Class Lunch Train through the Royal Gorge!

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 22 reviews · from $213

Board at the Cañon City Santa Fe Depot for a 1-hour-50-minute lunch ride through the Royal Gorge. Your meal includes sparkling wine, salad, warm rolls, an entrée, and dessert. Move to the open-air car for clear canyon views and a look up at the Royal Gorge Bridge. Tables seat four, and service may come from staff such as Sandra, Katy, or Acacia.

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8.The Q Train – Q Class Social Dining

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 21 reviews · from $103Best value

Spend about three hours dining aboard The Q Train on the Bellarine Railway. From Drysdale, enjoy five courses made with local produce while the train rolls toward Queenscliff and back. You can add local wine, beer, or cider, but drinks, coffee, tea, and transport to the station cost extra.

“I don’t know whether you would call this a hidden gem or not but the day on the Q Train was absolutely fantastic. From the time you arrive you are greeted with a friendly, professional service. The food is sublime and the service outstanding. Food is not only served but explained in detail its ingredients and origins. Could not fault anything from our trip today.”

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