Derry-Coleraine railway

"One of the most magnificent railway excursions in the world," according to travel expert Michael Palin — what else do you need to know? The 38-minute voyage leaves Derry and winds its way across the countryside until it reaches the Atlantic Ocean at Benone Strand, one of CNN Travel's favorite beaches. The lines go directly alongside the sand here, but if you can't resist a walk on the beach, you can get off shortly afterward at Castlerock.

The train then heads inland again, this time following the Bann River to Coleraine. Mountsandel Fort, high up on the Bann's high bank, is the first human settlement on the entire island of Ireland, and you'll be following in some important footsteps.From 7600 to 7900 BCE, it was inhabited.

• Country: Northern Ireland