The luxurius lounge on the Blue Train  

Lorna Hogg on the wide variety of train journeys you can now take all over the world.

 

Trains have always been inspirational, from leisurely transcontinental journeys, to fast and Green inter-city links which rival air travel for speed and convenience. Trains are back in style – and the most stylish and memorable of all are to be found amongst the world’s Great Railway Journeys.

 

You can step back into the past, dressing for cocktails and dinner, and sleep in luxurious suites as part of the enjoyment. You can opt for an ultra modern trip, relaxing in an upper level all around observation car, or take in a short trip of a couple of days, as a holiday add-on. You can ascend mountain passes, pass through deserts or travel to the heart of a city. While some classic journeys come with a luxury price tag, others are surprisingly affordable. So, what’s on offer?

 

 

EUROSTAR. High peaks and river gorges may provide spectacular scenery. However, the experience of dining or simply enjoying a drink while travelling under the sea (it takes about 20 minutes) to a different continent, makes this one of the world’s must-do train trips. Trips may be short – under two and a half hours to Paris from Lolndon, and just under two hours to Brussels, but they open up an entire continent. Thanks to the excellent train connections across Europe, you can reach Rotterdam and Germany from the UK within four hours, and the South of France in under six – in relaxed comfort. www.eurostar.com There are also excellent fare and package deals at all prices – ideal if you’re on your way to another of the world’s great railway journeys –

 

THE  GLACIER EXPRESS. This classic trip has it all. Over eight hours, you travel from Zermatt to Davos/St. Moritz, through UNESCO rated views in the High Alps. The journey comes complete with over 90 tunnels, gorges, a 2033 metre high mountain pass, a dizzyingly high viaduct and roller coaster style track loop tunnels. Add on Swiss engineering efficiency and superb hospitality, complete with specially designed glasses – and you’re on track to a great railway experience. www.glacierexpress.com

 

THE ORIENT EXPRESS. The Orient Express remains one of the world’s legendary railway journeys, setting the standard against which others are judged. It can be enjoyed in total luxury and style, thanks to the recreation of the 1920s train travel. To-day, those lovingly restored Art Deco carriages can be enjoyed in a choice of classic journeys, ranging from first class `trip plus top hotel’ deals to short taster fares and good value packages. You can take a taster day trip in England, depart from London, or Paris, for the classic 2 day/1 night trip to Venice, or try other destinations, all with superb food and style. www.orient-express.com

 

THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER. The two day trip is a perfect way to see the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and there is a choice of four routes, plus special breaks, based around Vancouver, Banff, Calgary and Whistler. Aside from memorable mountain views, glimpsed from observation cars, you pass through National Parks, home of elk, black and grizzly bear and big horn sheep, with options to visit old goldrush territory, and modern cities and top resorts, such as Vancouver and Whistler. A perfect holiday extender. www.rockymountaineer.com

Titan Hi Tours, available through Tour America, offer The Rocky Mountaineer experience on their Alaskan Cruise with Rockies by Rail Tour. www.touramerica.ie Tel. 01817 3535

 

www.luxurytrainsindia.org

 

Sunway offers trips on the Blue Train and Rovos Rail in its Worldwide Escorted Tours section. www.sunway.ie Tel. 01 288 6828

 

THE GHAN. is a relative newcomer to the list, but the fact that its three day journey crosses climates as well as a continent, makes it part of the Australian experience. The Ghan runs from the city of Adelaide, in Southern Australia, through the red dust and mountains of the Outback, on through lush subtropical flora, to Darwin, on the coast of the Northern Territory. Alice Springs and Uluru are on the list, with a stop at Katherine, noted for the famous Gorge. Optional tours are available, and there is a wide range of ticket and packages available. Don’t forget that Australia has a range of excellent railway trips, including transcontinental trips such as the Indian Pacific and the Overland. www.gsr.com.au

 

THE JACOBITE. Regularly included by voters of the world’s best train journeys, this one ticks all the boxes, with superb scenery and value, nostalgic steam, and movie fame. The Jacobite is `The Harry Potter Train’ and the Hogwarts Expres steams its way, through Scotland’s West Highlands, over return trip of just under seven hours, from Fort William to Mallaig – 84 miles in all. It takes in Neptune’s Staircase, the eight lochs on the Caledonian Canal, and offers views of Loch Shiel, moors, lochs, and distant views of islands and sea. With day returns from £31.00, it’s a bargain. www.westcoastrailways.co.uk

 

 

 

Do your research. Which is the most important aspect for you – the experience, the luxury or the sightseeing? Some of the longer classic revival trips, in sumptuous luxury, can cost up to £5,000, and single supplements tend to be expensive. However, many operators offer a variety of shorter trips, and good packages. Investigate prices thoroughly, checking exactly what is included. Remember, apparently expensive round trips may provide good value for tight return flight connections.

 

Be prepared to enter into the spirit of things, and dress up for dinner if that is the train style, and to try new activities. Also, accept that you may not get the best nights of sleep in your life on board, and that modern communications may not always be available.

 

Research the route and excursions carefully. You don’t want to miss out on an excursion you might later regret, fail to make a stop-over, or neglect to pre-book a good value before or after-stay hotel package.

 

                         

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