The Glamour of Train Travel
By Tully Luxury Travel | 10-22-2019 |
Private Travel Train England France Germany India Ireland Italy Peru South Africa Switzerland
In an era where our lives race at the speed of light, it's hard to find the time to relax and enjoy life. Sometimes, the world needs to slow down so you can too. We have just the escape: the resurgence of train travel. We’re talking journeys with the luxury and elegance of a bygone era paired with the cuisine and amenities of a modern five-star hotel. Not to mention jaw-dropping landscapes at a pace you can relish. Whether a few hours, a couple of days, or a getaway unto itself, marvelous experiences await. Below are some ideas to whet your appetite.
Belmond Orient Express
Grand Hibernian
| Europe
Travel back in time to the opulence of the 1920s on Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the most iconic train of them all made famous by Agatha Christie’s compelling narrative “Murder on the Orient Express.” The train’s painstakingly restored art deco carriages and sumptuous interiors set the stage for escapes that harken back to the golden age of travel.
Why you should go:
Awe-inspiring nature paired with unmistakable romance while navigating Europe’s most celebrated cities including London, Venice, Paris and Istanbul
- Delicious artisanal cuisine prepared with local ingredients, think lobsters from Brittany or salt marsh lamb from Mont Saint-Michel.
- To relax with the finest champagne served in Lalique flutes in the train’s chic Champagne Bar.
| Peru
Named after Hiram Bingham who rediscovered the Lost City of Machu Picchu, elegance and old-fashion charm are the cornerstones of Hiram Bingham’s journey from the historic city of Cusco to the fascinating ruins of emperor Pachacuti’s summer residence.
Why you should go:
- A delectable meal followed by dancing to authentic Peruvian cajón.
- The majesty of the Sacred Valley from a new perspective.
- A private sightseeing tour of Cusco led by Jorge Escobar Medrano, Cusco Cathedral Curator and Chair Professor of History at the city’s University.
| Ireland
Riding the Belmond’s Grand Hibernian, passengers will be enchanted by Ireland’s exquisite vistas complete with lush green fields, majestic cliffs, and ancient castles. But the ride delivers more than a feast for your eyes; itineraries are inspired by the country’s culinary delights.
Why you should go:
- To dine on extraordinary Irish cuisine with acclaimed chef Clodagh McKenna, a host for an extra special departure.
- A private visit to Hillsborough Castle, whiskey tasting at the Jameson Experience, and food tastings at the Cork English Market.
- An exploration of Killarney National Park by horse and carriage.
|Switzerland
Traveling from Switzerland to Italy, the Bernina Express is an impressive four-hour journey made glorious by spectacular panoramic views of the Alps.
Why you should go:
- The incredible scenery while crossing the 213-foot-high Landwasser Viaduct.
- Picture-perfect spectacles such as the Bernina Massif, Morteratsch glacier, Lago Bianco, and the Montebello curve.
| Asia
Golden Eagle’s luxury hotels on wheels are found worldwide, but it’s their 7,000-mile, “Silk Road” odyssey from Beijing to Moscow, that earns guests well-deserved bragging rights. Spend twenty-one days navigating five countries retracing the ancient trading route in areas only accessible by train and enriched by awe-inspiring stops along the way.
Why you should go:
- To discover the Gobi Desert by camelback as they did centuries ago.
- To explore the mysteries of Khiva in Uzbekistan, a 2,500-year-old city once an essential trading post on the Silk Road.
- The renowned “Terracotta Warriors” and their mighty steeds. Over 6,000 statues were unearthed a mere 40 years ago and are considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century.
| South Africa
Rovos Rail’s gorgeously appointed historic locomotives, begin or end in Pretoria, Durban, and Cape Town. The 10-day “African Collage” winds its way south through stunning landscapes while treating passengers to some of South Africa’s finest features.
Why you should go:
- Take a safari and witness the elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo among countless other species of astonishing wildlife on an exhilarating game drive.
- Experience the gorgeous coastal city of Durban, rife with culture and cuisine blessed by African, Indian, and colonial influences.
| India
The Maharajas’ Express offers plenty of captivating voyages crisscrossing India. Stopping in the most noteworthy destinations, the stops highlight the country’s vibrant culture and many contrasts like the fast-paced Mumbai, the spiritually alluring Varanasi, and the wilderness of Ranthambore.
Why you should go:
- The opportunity to see tigers living in the wild.
- To wander the streets of the 16th-century Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri.
- A captivating boat ride down the Ganges to witness the Hindu evening aarti.
Bernina Express
Golden Eagle
Rovos Rail
Luxury train travel in India