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Holidays by Train

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 Unforgettable Luxury Train Journeys

In our opinion, the journey is just as important as the destination. And nowhere is this more true than with some of the world’s most spectacular train journeys. They recall the romance of the great golden age of travel, connecting classic cities, gliding through epic landscapes, and all the while cocooning you in the fabulous service of yesteryear. Expect fine dining, glass roofed observation cars, crisp linen sheets in five star suites and meticulously planned itineraries. Throughout Europe and beyond, famous old routes are re-opening, new ones introduced, and carriages magnificently restored – it’s fast becoming one of the most glamorous and discerning ways to travel. The experience of travelling along a track and not a road, with everything that comes with it, witnessing life at each stop, and going at such a sedate pace that you miss nothing, is immeasurable.

 

You can be sure that whatever your destination, you’ll arrive in style, and most definitely refreshed. Wherever you’d like to go, and whether you’d like your entire itinerary based around a train trip, or just a small part, let us create a truly memorable one.

Gemma - European Expert
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Venice Simplon Orient Express

Probably the most famous train in the world, the Venice Simplon Orient Express takes you on a five day odyssey between the cosmopolitan cities of Paris and Istanbul, stopping off in Budapest, Bucharest and a champagne house along the way. Sip apéritifs in the Bar Car, dine in the elegant restaurant car to the sounds of a grand piano, and sleep in a sumptuous cabin for three nights and hotels for two.

Eastern & Oriental Express

For quintessential luxurious train travel, the exotic Eastern & Oriental Express pulls out all the stops. Your journey begins with a night at Raffles Hotel, and ends a week later at the Datai, Langkawi, with a gala dinner. In between you travel through rainforest and tiny Malaysian villages, experiencing a host of private excursions, including a tour of Taman Negara National Park, home to the endangered Malay tiger, and a day in the historic city of Penang.

Blue Train

One of the most luxurious trains in the world is the Blue Train, that takes you between Pretoria and Cape Town. Calling itself “the window to the soul of Africa”, and promoted as a “magnificent moving five star hotel”, it has seen an illustrious guest list. It’s a two day, two night journey of nearly 1000 miles, across vast plains, through mountain ranges, past vineyards, with exceptional dining, a first rate wine list, exquisitely smart suites and a butler service.

Golden Eagle

For epic journeys across entire countries, look no further than the Golden Eagle train. Part Trans-Siberian and part Silk Route, it runs through Central Asia between Almaty and Tashkent, traversing vast wild landscapes and diverse terrains, to the stunning cities of Bukhara and Samarkand. The beautifully appointed carriages are the epitome of luxury and the food and service are sublime.

Hiram Bingham & Andean Explorer

South America boasts more than a few epic journeys in style. Ride the Hiram Bingham, a day trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, with gourmet cuisine along the way.

Or step aboard the Andean Explorer, the continent’s first luxury sleeper train, and experience four days of incredible landscape from your very comfortable seat. Crossing the Altiplano of the Peruvian Andes on this four day journey from Cusco to Arequipa, you’ll visit Lake Titicaca, pass through the Colca Canyon and spend two nights at Belmond Las Casitas.

The Canadian & The Rocky Mountaineer

Travel thousands of miles east to west across Canada through the Rockies on the Canadian, or on one of the many Rocky Mountaineer routes in Canada and the USA, exploring the continent’s mighty mountain range and across the Continental Divide. Witnessing the magnificent scenery  – much of which is only accessible by rail – through the glass domed carriages is simply breathtaking. Itineraries can be as short as two days, up to six, with nights spent in five star hotels along the route.

Glacier Express & Bernina Express

For magnificent surroundings, not to mention an awe-inspiring feat of engineering, the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz takes you slowly and majestically through the Swiss Alps. The eight hour journey, in carriages with reclining seats, scenic windows, and first class dining, passes through deep gorges and spiral tunnels, past frozen lakes, over mighty viaducts and over snow covered passes at a glorious leisurely pace.

From St Moritz you can transfer to the Bernina Express – one of the steepest and highest in Europe – and drop down into Italy.

Norient Express

The wonderfully named Norient Express in Norway, is a deluxe daytime train where you overnight in hotels, that journeys though the fjord lands, past lakes and across vast plateaux. This six day adventure is redefining “slow travel”, from Bergen to Oslo, before turning north to  cultural city of Trondheim. And since it is entirely powered by electricity, it is one of the most environmentally friendly ways of exploring this Scandinavian beauty.

Ella to Kandy line

Not all journeys are overnight. Some of the most memorable trips around the world, are just a few short hours. And as well as being incredibly scenic, many lines also have an historical element to them. The Ella to Kandy line in Sri Lanka, consistently voted as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, was built to transport tea. Still carrying locals up and down from the hills to the coast, it’s a must when visiting the country.

Royal Scotsman & Britannic Explorer

Closer to home, the exceptionally elegant Royal Scotsman, takes you on a week long grand tour. Sink into the comfort of the beautifully restored carriages, reminiscent of the Edwardian era, as you journey through the Highlands to the Orkney Islands, the Isle of Skye and Loch Lomond, with visits to castles and distilleries. There’s fine dining every step of the way and a 24 hour steward service.

Or leave Victoria Station on board the Britannic Explorer, to experience the “Wonder of Wales”. You’ll travel through the Cotswolds to the Pembrokeshire coast to Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), enjoying sublime menus from the Michelin starred chef Simon Rogan, arriving back in London four days later.

Gemma - European Expert
Get in touch
or call us on 01306 264005