Sit and marvel at some of the world’s best scenery passing just outside your window, as these world-renowned railway journeys combine the romance of the past with all the comforts of modern travel.
THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER (pictured above)
The Rocky Mountaineer is the only luxury train operating in the Canadian Rockies, where you can choose from a number of tours to experience the breathtaking scenery throughout Vancouver, Banff and Jasper. This world-renowned train travels by daylight through the wild beauty of Canada’s West, stopping at hotels overnight to unwind and enjoy the surroundings. Travelling only in the day is the best way to experience the majestic environment, ensuring passengers don’t miss a moment of the breathtaking scenery. With friendly, entertaining staff, cocktail service, gourmet meals and plush mountaineer seats overlooking Canada’s beautiful wilderness, taking a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer is a truly unforgettable experience.
www.rockymountaineer.com
TRANS-SIBERIAN RAILWAY
Considered to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Trans-Siberian railway is an icon of Russian culture. It’s the longest railway in the world, crossing two world continents, 12 Russian regions and 87 cities. Bask in the architecture of Moscow as you see the Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral in the Red Square, stand on the border of Russia and Asia, be inspired by the stunning scenery as you cross Siberia, enjoy some of Russia’s best museums and visit Lake Baikal—the largest and deepest fresh water lake in the world. Travel from the Russian capital to a port on the Pacific Ocean as you are served gourmet meals, savour premium vodka and mingle with travellers from all over the world.
www.trans-siberian.com.au
VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS
Boarding the Venice Simplon-Orient- -Express is an experience which seems to transport you back in time. Perfectly designed and furnished with polished wood, antique fixtures and lavish upholstery, the train is an icon of Art Deco design that will bring you back to the Golden Age of travel. One of the most unique and exciting ways to travel through Europe’s most enchanting cities of Paris, Venice and London, passengers will enjoy elegant dinners, wake to some of the most beautiful views in the world and enjoy luxurious grand cabins which are more reminiscent of a hotel suite than a sleeper cabin, reflecting the traditional 1920’s style of this historic train.
www.belmond.com
THE JACOBITE
Described as the greatest railway journey on Earth, this 135km expedition travels from Fort William to Mallaig in one glorious round trip. Used in the Harry Potter series as the Hogwarts Express, this is one of the most famous train track adventures in the world. Pass the Loch Morar (the deepest freshwater loch in Britain), stop at the charming village of Glenfinnan after travelling the Glenfinnan Viaduct, pass silvery beaches and see the ‘Small Isles’ of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Cunna and the southern tip of Skye. Enjoy some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in all of the United Kingdom, sitting comfortably aboard while sipping tea and sharing cheese platters with fellow travellers.
www.visitscotland.com
THE GHAN EXPEDITION
Travel through the heart of Australia on a living legend of Australian history. The Ghan promises a one-of-a-kind cross-continent journey along the route travelled by Afghan camel importers over 150 years ago. Experience the stunning scenery and fascinating terrain of our everchanging landscape as you travel from Darwin, through Alice Springs to Adelaide on a four-day, three-night adventure. Covering 2979km, travellers will experience the remote and captivating environment in the style and comfort of railway travel, stopping along the way to enjoy camel treks through Australia’s red centre, views of ancient sandstone cliffs and the tastes of Adelaide’s Central Markets.
www.greatsouthernrail.com.au
THE FLÅM RAILWAY
Named one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, a ride on the Flåm Railway is an activity to add to your bucket list. The journey runs from the end of Aurlandsfjord, up to the high mountains at Myrdal Station, taking in some of the most stunning scenery in Norway. Passing by picturesque waterfalls, mountains and through tunnels, the railway is one of the steepest standard-gauge lines in the world. Only taking one to two hours, most tourists find that a single trip is not enough to take in the unbelievable beauty of the railway surrounds.
www.visitflam.com
EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS
One of the most memorable ways to travel Southeast Asia is to board the Eastern & Oriental Express. Bringing old-fashioned glamour to life, step into another world filled with cherry wood walls, Thai silks and Malaysian embroidery as you travel through lush jungles, ancient temples, quaint villages and cosmopolitan cities. While on board enjoy luxurious cabins, cocktail nights and four-course dinners, and off the train enjoy biking through rice fields, visiting local food markets or tackling an invigorating hill trek. No matter which journey you choose, the E&O Express promises to highlight and savour all the cultural wonders of Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore in one grand journey.
www.belmond.com
This article was originally published under the title All Aboard in Issue 6 – The Art of Kindness. You can purchase previous issues and enjoy more enchanting content here.
