5 Best Luxury Train Journeys Worldwide
Train travel is one of the few remaining modes of transportation that serves up delectable meals, comfortable accommodations and fabulous scenery. As international airlines continue to eliminate extras, train travel is experiencing an upsurge in patronage. For passengers who enjoy an elegant edge, many luxury train trips, including the top picks below, cater to an exclusive clientele.
Great South Pacific Express
This luxury train takes travelers along the scenic eastern coastline of Australia from Sidney to Cairns with an overnight at Brisbane. On the second day of the journey, passengers can join a helicopter trip that takes them to the Barrier Reef for a day of snorkeling. Gourmet meals, an open-air observation deck and lush scenery make a trip onboard the Great South Pacific truly memorable.
Blue Train
South Africa's
luxury Blue Train provides an exceptionally plush experience for a maximum of 84 passengers. Ensuite compartments, dedicated butler service and unparalleled hospitality are all standard amenities. The two-day journey from Pretoria to Cape Town offers passengers a fabulous perspective on the exotic countryside. Privately chartered trips are also available.
Eastern & Oriental Express
Spanning nearly 2,000 km from Singapore to Bangkok, the Eastern & Oriental Express travels the ever-changing vistas of the Orient. Well-known for its gourmet cuisine tinged with the flavours of the Far East and its top-notch service, the train line offers cabin accommodations with private baths ranging from Pullmans to the deluxe Presidential Suite.
The Royal Scotsman
The Royal Scotsman line offers exclusive one to seven-day highland journeys limited to 36 passengers per train. The richly appointed, Edwardian state cars and personalised service make this an exquisite way to view the breathtaking Scottish landscapes. Longer tours incorporate fly fishing and whiskey-tasting experiences.
Venice Simplon-Orient Express
The famed
Orient Express has been mentioned in many works of literature, and travelers will find its fabled mystery and romance intact. Fine food, elegant interiors and flawless service vie with invigorating views of French, Swiss and Italian landscapes for passengers' attention. In 2013, the Simplon-Orient Express will also begin
traveling from Venice to Stockholm.
