10 Best trips using public transport

Using a combination of train travel, public bus and charter bus, this nine-day Madrid, Basque Country and Barcelona trip hits a variety of highlights. Beginning with two days in Spain's bustling capital, you’ll then embark on a leisurely rail journey to Bilbao, nestled in green rolling countryside. You’ll later experience the AVE fast train which drops us into the culturally rich city of Barcelona.

India’s extensive public rail network is the best way to connect with both culture and community. As you travel Northern India by rail, from bustling Kolkata to the holy city of Amritsar, you’ll experience locals chatting with you and sharing their lunch, as well as vendors selling sweet masala chai. Onboard the sleeper train to Agra, you’ll also have the opportunity to mingle with fellow travellers as you head to this opulent city.

Our Thailand Island Hopping adventure begins with an overnight train journey from Bangkok to Trang, the gateway to the stunning Southern Andaman Islands. From here you’ll explore the turquoise waters by public ferry, not only providing breathtaking views but also bringing you up close to stunning forests and beaches. With so many islands to visit, each with fantastic opportunities to snorkel, public transport is the perfect way to get the most out of Thailand.

Numerous journeys on this Grand Tour of Spain, France and Italy are taken by train, giving us the chance to take in sweeping views as we hop from one country to the next. Beginning with a train journey from Barcelona, Spain to Carcassonne, France, you’ll take a walk around a mediaeval hill top town, boasting beautifully preserved architecture. The Italian Riviera awaits after our train journey from France, giving you a day to explore the colourful and iconic Cinque Terre villages.

The London2 rail tours are an obvious choice for those looking to experience an ultimate adventure by train. As you travel from London to Morocco overland over 19 days, you’ll stop off in quaint, charming villages en route to San Sebastian, as well as vibrant and bustling cities such as Segovia and Marrakech. There’s plenty of free time to enjoy each stop, but much of the trip's pleasure comes from taking in the changing scenery from onboard each train as you travel, watching Europe change into Africa.