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Embrace the wonders of Asia with the experts
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Explore ancient traditions and exciting cities in Asia

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Taj Mahal, Agra
India’s Golden Triangle, Tigers & Shimla
14 days from £2,499 pp £2,299 pp
  • Enjoy our signature escorted India tour, uncovering the country with the experts
  • Stay in 5-Star hotels to discover historic Shimla and view the jaw-dropping Taj Mahal
  • Explore world-class locations, such as Jaipur, and seek tigers in their natural habitat
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Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong Delta
Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia
19 days from £4,099 pp £3,799 pp
  • Travel from bustling Hanoi to the ancient temples of Siem Reap
  • Sail through the enchanting beauty of Ha long Bay on a luxurious overnight cruise
  • Discover tropical beaches, Ho Chi Minh City, Cambodia's iconic lost city of Angkor Wat
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Grand Tour of Japan
Grand Tour of Japan
16 days from £5,399 pp
  • Witness the contrasts of old and new from ancient mountain cities to modern Tokyo
  • Soak up rich traditions during a Japanese tea ceremony and touring Miyajima Island
  • Travel between Japan’s most notable destinations on futuristic bullet trains 
Discover More

Asia & India

Asia is a land of ancient civilisations, the birthplace of all major religions, with the world's most futuristic cities and technological hubs. The world's largest continent is also a natural wonder, ranging from India's soaring Himalayan peaks to the roaring waves of Sri Lanka's Indian Ocean, with historic meandering rivers, sprawling forests, as well as expansive deserts.

From dynamic Japan to intriguing Vietnam and Cambodia, Asia is a melting pot of unique cultures, each equally alluring and vibrant. Even more varied is the wide array of mouthwatering cuisine, rated among the best in the world.

Experience India's breathtaking temples, join a tiger-spotting safari in the Ranthambore National Park, or discover beautiful Kerala on one of our India rail holidays. Discover the treasures of China and cruise along the Yangtse River, or explore the fantastic landscapes and historic trading routes of Uzbekistan and the Ancient Silk Road.

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Holiday Ideas for Asia & India

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Discovering Japan
Save up to £500pp
Jewels of Japan
4.4 stars(112 reviews)
2026MarAprMaySepOct
2027MarAprMaySepOct
14 days from
£4,699 pp £4,299 pp
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Kerala & Exoctic Southern India
Save up to £500pp
Grand Tour of Southern India & Kerala
2026JanFebOctNov
2027JanFebMarOctNovDec
17 days from
£3,199 pp £2,999 pp
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Halong Bay
Save up to £500pp
Highlights of Vietnam
4.6 stars(19 reviews)
2026JanFebMarSepOctNov
14 days from
£2,699 pp £2,499 pp
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Uzbekistan and the Ancient Silk Road
Save up to £500pp
Uzbekistan & the Ancient Silk Road
4.7 stars(69 reviews)
2026MayJunSepOctNov
2027AprMayJunSepNov
11 days from
£2,899 pp £2,499 pp
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Sri Lanka, Temples and Tea
Save up to £500pp
Grand Tour of Sri Lanka
4.8 stars(44 reviews)
2026JanFebMarOctNov
2027JanFebMarOctNov
15 days from
£3,299 pp £2,999 pp
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Grand Tour of China
Save up to £500pp
Treasures of China & Yangtze River Cruise
4.8 stars(34 reviews)
2026MarAprMayAugSep...
2027MarAprMaySepOctNov
15 days from
£4,199 pp £3,799 pp
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Amritsar Golden Temple
Save up to £500pp
Spirit of the Himalayas & Amritsar’s Golden Temple
2026FebMarOctNovDec
16 days from
£3,199 pp £2,999 pp
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Leopard
Save up to £500pp
Five-Star Sri Lanka: Grand Safaris & Sacred Cities
2027FebMarOctNov
15 days from
£4,999 pp £4,499 pp
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24 results matching: Asia & India Rail Holidays

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LandmarkLandmark
Leopard Leopard Leopard Leopard Leopard
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Five-Star Sri Lanka: Grand Safaris & Sacred Cities
2027FebMarOctNov

Sri Lanka is a majestic land off the beaten tourist path with a culturally rich and colourful past awaiting discovery. Get acquainted with its Buddhist symbolism, vast jungles and ancient destinations on this grand journey of discovery. From five-star hotel bases, search for Sri Lankan wildlife in Wilpattu and Yala National Parks and...

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15 days from
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Taj Mahal, AgraTaj Mahal, AgraTaj Mahal, AgraTaj Mahal, AgraTaj Mahal, Agra
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India’s Golden Triangle, Tigers & Shimla
4.8 stars(486 reviews)
2026JanFebMarAprSep...
2027JanFebMarAprSep...

Follow in the footsteps of maharajas on our bestselling Indian tour, uncovering the gems of India's Golden Triangle and the former colonial retreat of Shimla. Embrace the many wonders of this mystical country on this unrivalled overland journey. Enjoy the bustle of Delhi's bazaars on a rickshaw ride, visit Shimla to uncover the former...

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14 days from
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Discovering JapanDiscovering JapanDiscovering JapanDiscovering JapanDiscovering Japan
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Jewels of Japan
4.4 stars(112 reviews)
2026MarAprMaySepOct
2027MarAprMaySepOct

Uncover the delights of the Land of the Rising Sun with expert local guides, from its popular cuisine and zen tea ceremonies to dynamic cities and serene island shrines. Arriving in Tokyo, discover a well-organised metropolis of lantern-filled temples beside towering skyscrapers, before absorbing beautiful views of Mount Fuji and heading into the...

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14 days from
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Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong DeltaVietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong DeltaVietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong DeltaVietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong DeltaVietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong Delta
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Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia
4.7 stars(172 reviews)
2026JanFebMarAprSep...
2027JanFebMarAprSep...

Discover the delights of Vietnam and Cambodia on this incredible grand tour, travelling from bustling Hanoi to the ancient temples of Siem Reap. Delight in the beauty of Ha Long Bay on an overnight cruise, and ride in a Violette cabin aboard the Reunification Express train along Vietnam's coast, visiting regal Hue and pretty Hoi An before ...

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Save up to £500pp
19 days from
£4,099 pp £3,799 pp
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Grand Tour of ChinaGrand Tour of ChinaGrand Tour of ChinaGrand Tour of ChinaGrand Tour of China
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Treasures of China & Yangtze River Cruise
4.8 stars(34 reviews)
2026MarAprMayAugSep...
2027MarAprMaySepOctNov

Uncover an incredible blend of breathtaking modernism and beautiful imperial history on a tour of China's ancient and modern wonders. Step into history during visits to the iconic Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall of China while in Beijing. Travelling by high-speed rail, explore ancient Xi'an and its astonishing...

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Uzbekistan and the Ancient Silk RoadUzbekistan and the Ancient Silk RoadUzbekistan and the Ancient Silk RoadUzbekistan and the Ancient Silk RoadUzbekistan and the Ancient Silk Road
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Uzbekistan & the Ancient Silk Road
4.7 stars(69 reviews)
2026MayJunSepOctNov
2027AprMayJunSepNov

Step back in time on an exploration of Uzbekistan, uncovering the central Asian country's blend of bewitching stories and intriguing landscapes. Explore ancient fortresses hidden in sandy deserts on a fascinating journey, conjuring up enduring images of traders on the golden road to Samarkand and its iconic Registan. Stroll among ...

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11 days from
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Agra Fort IndiaAgra Fort IndiaAgra Fort IndiaAgra Fort IndiaAgra Fort India
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Discover India’s Golden Triangle & Tigers
4.7 stars(106 reviews)
2026JanFebMarAprSep...
2027JanFebMarAprSep...

Embrace the spirit of northern India on a journey around majestic Rajasthan and the magical Golden Triangle. Experience the bustling bazaars of Delhi on a rickshaw ride, marvel at Agra's iconic Taj Mahal, visit the spellbinding Chand Baori stepwell and uncover Jaipur's ethereal Amber Fort by Jeep. In the untamed wilderness of Ranthambore...

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10 days from
£1,999 pp £1,799 pp
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Darjeeling & the Last Himalayan KingdomDarjeeling & the Last Himalayan KingdomDarjeeling & the Last Himalayan KingdomDarjeeling & the Last Himalayan KingdomDarjeeling & the Last Himalayan Kingdom
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Darjeeling & the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan
4.8 stars(38 reviews)
2026FebMarOctNov
2027FebMarOctNov

Experience the majesty of the Himalayas on this remarkable holiday that reveals the wonders of northern Bengal and the hidden treasures of Bhutan. Explore colonial Kolkata and embrace the beauty of the world's mightiest mountain range, travelling on the charming 'Toy Train' to the famed tea region of Darjeeling. Witness sunrise over the ...

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16 days from
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Halong BayHalong BayHalong BayHalong BayHalong Bay
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Highlights of Vietnam
4.6 stars(19 reviews)
2026JanFebMarSepOctNov

Discover the stand-out sights and diverse destinations of Vietnam on this southeastern Asian adventure. Enjoy a street-food experience in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, and a serene overnight cruise amongst the jungle-draped islands of Ha long Bay. Travelling on the Reunification Express allows us to uncover the laid-back delights of coastal Hue...

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14 days from
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Amritsar Golden TempleAmritsar Golden TempleAmritsar Golden TempleAmritsar Golden TempleAmritsar Golden Temple
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Spirit of the Himalayas & Amritsar’s Golden Temple
2026FebMarOctNovDec

From iconic palaces and colonial hill stations to vast tea estates, the spiritual centre of Rishikesh to the Golden Temple of Amritsar at the heart of Sikhism, experience India's diverse cultural traditions. Stay in classic luxury and heritage hotels, based in pulsing cities, amid rolling hills beneath the source of the Ganges River, with...

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16 days from
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Grand Tour of JapanGrand Tour of JapanGrand Tour of JapanGrand Tour of JapanGrand Tour of Japan
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Grand Tour of Japan
4.0 stars(40 reviews)
2026AprMaySepOct
2027MarAprMaySepOct

Explore Japan from top to toe on an epic overland expedition from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south. Experience all Japan has to offer, while journeying on ultramodern bullet trains. Compare Sapporo's scenic setting to Tokyo's neon-lit streets, and discover this captivating country's history through its tranquil temples, delicate...

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16 days from
£5,399 pp
per person
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Kerala & Exoctic Southern IndiaKerala & Exoctic Southern IndiaKerala & Exoctic Southern IndiaKerala & Exoctic Southern IndiaKerala & Exoctic Southern India
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Grand Tour of Southern India & Kerala
2026JanFebOctNov
2027JanFebMarOctNovDec

This unforgettable tour of colourful southern India explores exciting cities, stunning Hindu temples, atmospheric mountain plantations and tranquil backwaters. After a night in Bengaluru, we soak up Mysuru's awe-inspiring royal palace and the charms of botanic Ooty before the tea plantations of Coonoor on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. ...

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17 days from
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Our customers love our Asia & India tours
India’s Golden Triangle, Tigers & Shimla
20/Dec
Maz Bird
5 stars
“As a first time solo traveller this was an absolutely phenomenal trip to India that exceeded every expectation! The tour guide manager and all the local guides were outstanding—incredibly knowledgeable, attentive, and always going above and beyond to make sure everything ran perfectly. Their passion and care truly elevated the...
Collected by Trustpilot
Discover India’s Golden Triangle & Tigers
7/Dec
Debbie
5 stars
“We had a fantastic time , Simone and Sanjay were the best tour guides you could wish for , we covered some miles and saw some amazing sights fabulous
Collected by Trustpilot
Darjeeling & the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan
29/Nov
Gary Bell
5 stars
“A truly brilliant holiday. Bhutan is simply beautiful and the people amazing. It is a place everyone should visit.
Collected by Trustpilot
Treasures of China & Yangtze River Cruise
24/Nov
Gabi
5 stars
“Absolutely Spectacular from start to finish. Awestricken by the beauty and majesty of the sights of this often overlooked immense country. This tour was organised to perfection with seamless transfers, wonderful hotels, delicious food, local guides and attentive tour leader. It would not have been possible to achieve this extensive...
Collected by Trustpilot
Jewels of Japan
12/Nov
A Francombe
5 stars
“Excellent trip, excellent tour manager and local guide. Very busy, crammed a lot into 2 weeks, better than expected
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Tour of Japan
11/Nov
YatesieMRY
5 stars
“What a fantastic tour to see Japan from North to South with so many amazing things to see and experience. The itinerary was well planned to give a good taste of Japan and the main sites to visit. Going on the bullet trains was a highlight for most of our...
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia
13/Dec
Mark Taylor
4 stars
“A full on, enjoyable trip with excellent food. Well looked after with a particularly good Vietnamese guide.
Collected by Trustpilot
Uzbekistan & the Ancient Silk Road
26/Nov
D STEER
4 stars
“I enjoyed the holiday and felt overall it was well managed but I felt that some times it was too long without a chance to have a comfort stop. The other thing that really did not work for me was having to go out to restaurants to eat and there...
Collected by Trustpilot
Highlights of Vietnam
22/Nov
D Wilson
4 stars
“Very interesting and lots to see as advertised, but not restful
Collected by Trustpilot

Discover the very best of Asia

Rickshaw

Admire Japan's Mount Fuji

Almost perfectly conical and often with a snow-covered peak, Mount Fuji is one of Japan's most recognisable landmarks. From Lake Ashi to picture-perfect, Oishi Park, incredible views of this iconic volcano steal the show.

Lantern Making

Stroll along the Great Wall

Forming part of more than 13,000 miles of ancient fortifications, the Great Wall of China is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Bask in its majesty as you wander along a section of the wall near Mutianyu.

Chinese Greeting

Cruise along Ha Long Bay

Wake up to a magical sunrise on Vietnam's Ha Long Bay aboard a luxury ship. Admire incredible views as the morning light glints off the water and illuminates the jungle-draped limestone rocks and islands.

Visit the majestic Taj Mahal

Gaze in awe at the world's most beautiful building, often referred to as 'poetry in white marble'. The iconic 17th-century Taj Mahal is testament to undying love and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Our Guide to Asia

Iconic rail journeys

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Dating back to the 19th century, the delightful Darjeeling Himalayan Railway uses innovative engineering to make its steep ascent into the Himalayas. The railway's imaginative design features six zigzag reverses and three loops across 54 miles of incredible narrow-gauge track, some of which we experience on our journey from Kurseong to Darjeeling.

Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express

The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express offers arguably the best quality of rail travel found anywhere in the world. This private train features two beautifully appointed restaurant cars, in which freshly prepared meals are accompanied by wine and vodka. There is also a bar car where you can enjoy music from the resident pianist.

Bullet Trains

Shinkansen refers to the dedicated high-speed Japanese rail network that provides a link to most major cities on the islands of Hokkaido, Honshu and Kyushu. The name 'Shinkansen' is also used to refer to the trains that run on the network - which are perhaps better known to westerners as 'Bullet Trains'. 

Gatimaan Express Train

Running 188km from Delhi to Agra in a journey that takes just over an hour and a half, this was India's first semi-high-speed train. The Gatimaan Express first operated in early 2016. On board, you can relax in fully air-conditioned carriages, and enjoy the passing Indian scenery.

Shatabdi Express

The Shatabdi Express trains are some of the fastest in India and are the pride of Indian Railways. Fully air conditioned and of a far superior standard to most Indian trains, the Shatabdi Express apparently always arrives at the best platform a station has!

Toy Train

The Himalayan Queen, affectionately referred to as the 'Toy Train' travels between the Indian town of Kalka and Shimla, capital city of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The Toy Train's 60-mile narrow-gauge track through the Shivalik foothills of the Himalayas is one of three Indian mountain railways which together constitute a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Dynamic cities

Delhi

India's capital is an international metropolis and symbolises the blend of old and new India. The bustling bazaars of Old Delhi showcase the enduring character of traditional India with the frenetic alleys of Chandni Chowk opening on to the majestic Jama Masjid mosque.

Beijing

One of the world's truly great cities, China's capital offers a fascinating blend of old and new, with towering skyscrapers rising beside centuries-old temples and wide boulevards leading to ancient courtyards. It has become a modern city with vibrant bars, restaurants and busy shopping districts, yet has managed to retain its traditional charm.

Hanoi

Vietnam's capital is a city where centuries of history and everyday life unfold before your eyes, offering a rich landscape of experiences for every traveller. Its streets buzz with scooters, temples sit beside French-colonial facades and life spills out onto the pavements - giving visitors a glimpse into the rhythms of daily life.

Sri Lanka

Called the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean', the small island of Sri Lanka is positively brimming with exciting treasures waiting to be explored. With its varied terrain and captivating destinations in mind, we have hand-crafted holidays that capture the spirit of this tranquil nation, whilst opening the door to unforgettable adventures in truly memorable locations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to travel to India or other parts of Asia?

Visa requirements vary by country and nationality. India requires most travellers to obtain an e-Visa or a regular visa before arrival. Other Asian destinations may offer visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, or e-Visa options. We recommend checking with the official embassy website of your destination well in advance of your trip.

What is the best time to visit Asia?

The best time to visit depends on the region:

  • Southeast Asia: November to April is generally the driest and most comfortable period.
  • East Asia: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the best climate.

What should I pack for a trip to Asia?

Packing essentials depend on the season and destination. Generally, bring:

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing (but modest attire for temples and religious sites).
  • A scarf or shawl for covering shoulders when needed.
  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Suncream, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
  • Travel adaptors (plugs vary by country).

What currency is used in India and other Asian countries?

Each country has its own currency:

  • India - Indian Rupee (INR)
  • Thailand - Thai Baht (THB)
  • Japan - Japanese Yen (JPY)
  • Vietnam - Vietnamese Dong (VND)
  • Malaysia - Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, but it is advisable to carry cash for small purchases, especially in rural areas.

What cultural etiquette should I be aware of in India and Asia?

India: Avoid public displays of affection, dress modestly in temples, and remove shoes before entering religious sites. Eating with the right hand is customary.

  • Thailand: Never touch someone's head or point feet at people or sacred objects.
  • Japan: Bowing is a common greeting, and shoes should be removed before entering homes and some establishments.
  • China: Tipping is not common, and using both hands to give or receive items is considered polite.

How many people go on one of your holidays?

Great Rail Journeys is a market leader when it comes to small group tours. We're proud of being pioneers in our approach to group sizes and have become the leading operator for escorted holidays. Our group sizes vary between tours, but are our ranges are usually a good indicator of what to expect.

For our Discoveries range, you'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. If opting for our Classic collection, you'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. Our Landmark holidays are where you'll find our smallest group sizes, starting from as low as 16 travellers and an average of 22, to a maximum of 30.

*Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

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