There’s something refreshingly traditional about travelling by train, and often the rail journey can be a destination in itself!
What’s not to love about train travel – dining cars with full-service meals, uniformed wait staff, fascinating off-train excursions and more! To get you on the right track, we’ve gathered together our top 6 “Great Trains” experiences
THE BLUE TRAIN
On board this luxurious train, you will follow in the footsteps of Kings and Presidents who have travelled on this magnificent moving five-star “hotel-on-wheels” from Pretoria to Cape Town (or vice versa). Spot occasional wildlife as South Africa’s awe-inspiring landscapes pass by your window. The cuisine that comes out of a tiny galley is exquisite and matched with the very best South African wines. Even if you are the most seasoned traveller, you will be won over by the 24-hour personalised butler service. Read more.
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER
Rocky Mountaineer takes you through pristine Canadian wilderness to witness towering mountain ranges, rushing waterfalls, snow-capped glaciers and quaint alpine towns. Look out for bald eagles, ospreys, and even black bears along the way. You can choose from a multitude of different routes, offering a variety of scenery or perhaps choose further touring or an Alaskan cruise. Read more.
EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS
The Eastern & Oriental Express train travels for four days on a round-trip from Singapore to the lush jungles and wildlife of Malaysia, along with the cultural melting pot of Penang Island. Gleaming green and cream carriages evoke the great bygone age of luxury train travel and are a world of opulence and fine craftsmanship. As you sit in the Observation Car, you watch the views unfold before your eyes and along the way you stop to explore. Read more.
THE GOLDEN EAGLE DANUBE EXPRESS
A journey not to be missed is from the romantic city of Budapest to Venice through the lush landscapes of the Balkan States and surrounds. Stop along the way to visit the 14th century Bran Castle (rumoured to be Dracula’s Castle), haggle in the ancient bazaar of Mostar, and enjoy some wine-tasting in Eger. The variety of routes will delight any lover of rail travel. Read more.
MAHARAJAHS’ EXPRESS
The opulent days of the Raj linger on aboard India’s luxury trains. Our favourite is the Maharajahs’ Express, offering a luxurious way to explore India, savouring the country’s rich heritage on exclusive journeys. Board the train to a chorus of lively Indian music, enjoy luxurious cabins and a range of Indian and international cuisine, as you explore the princely state of Rajasthan. Read more.
ANDEAN EXPLORER
Journey across the Peruvian Andes aboard the Andean Explorer train from Cusco to Lake Titicaca, arguably one of the most beautiful journeys in the world. Spectacular Andean scenery appears out of every window, and you stop in some truly out-of-the-way authentic places to interact with the locals and catch a glimpse of a still traditional life in the highlands. Read more.
You don’t have to be a train-spotter to enjoy travel by rail – these luxury trains are experiences that anyone with a hankering for travel in style and elegance can absolutely relish – all aboard!
