RICHMAINE

TOP TOURIST TRAINS

OVERVIEW

Top Tourist Trains is a series about the spectacular tourist trains around the world. From the fascinating Rockies in Canada to the numerous tourist trains in the USA. From the Nile trains to the luxury trains in South Africa. From the short trains in the rain forest in Brazil to the trains dripping with cultural luxury in India... to the intriguing Caspian Odyssey...

And many more elsewhere. There is a train for everyone & anyone's budget.

Truly train travel is probably the best way to see a country.

CANADA

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

In 1990, Canada's national rail operator VIA Rail sold off it's Rockies by daylight scenic train to a private company called Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, who renamed it The Rocky Mountaineer.

The Rocky Mountaineer has developed into a world-class travel experience, now operating on 3 different routes through the spectacular scenery of the Canadian Rockies, with excellent on-board service.

VANCOUVER - KAMLOOPS -BANFF

Branded First Passage to the West.

Formerly called the Kicking Horse route after the mountain pass it takes through the Rockies, this is by far the most historically-significant of the 3 routes as it travels over Canada's first trans-continental line opened in 1885, the famous Canadian Pacific Railway.

It's Rocky Mountaineer's original route which they started running in 1990 when the last regular passenger trains on this line were discontinued.

Rocky Mountaineer is now the only passenger train over this famous & historic Canadian Pacific line. It's also arguably the most scenic route to choose, as the Canadian Pacific route between Vancouver & Banff has always been considered more scenic than the later Canadian National route between Vancouver & Jasper, although the two routes share the same tracks between Vancouver & Kamloops.

It runs along the wonderfully-scenic Fraser & Thompson rivers, pass the site of the 1885 Last Spike and the Continental Divide, cross the much-photographed Stoney Creek bridge, and pass the pretty station at Lake Louise, Morant's Curve (where countless Canadian Pacific publicity photos were taken) and Castle Mountain. You're likely to see bald eagles, ospreys, and maybe black bears or even grizzly bears.

VANCOUVER-KAMLOOPS-JASPER

Journey through the CloudsI

It was formerly called the Yellowhead route after the mountain pass it takes through the Rockies.

This route uses the second and later of Canada's two great trans-continental railways, the Canadian Northern line opened in 1917, nationalised in 1921 as part of Canadian National Railways.

Between Vancouver & Kamloops the Journey Through the Clouds & First Passage to the West routes are exactly the same route.

This route and the Rainforest to Goldrush route share the few miles of line past Mount Robson and through the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper.

The Rocky Mountaineer Journey Through the Clouds route runs twice a week from mid-April to mid-October, the journey takes 2 full days with an overnight hotel stop in Kamloops included in the fare.

The Rocky Mountaineer runs the whole route in daylight with an overnight hotel stop in Kamloops so you don't miss any scenery, and of course on-board food & drink is included.

VANCOUVER-WHISTLER-QUESNEL-JASPER

Rainforest to Goldrush, formerly the Fraser Discovery route.

This journey is all about getting off the beaten track into gold-rush and timber country, rather than taking a famous trans-continental rail line.

It takes you along the mighty Fraser River over the Pacific Great Eastern Railway (PGE), started in 1885 and only fully completed in 1952 - no wonder it was nicknamed the Prince George Eventually!

The scenery is truly wonderful, especially the Fraser River canyon, and you may see bald eagles, ospreys and black bears or even grizzly bears.

The journey takes 3 full days with 2 overnight hotel stops at Whistler & Quesnel included in the fare.

The main Rainforest to Goldrush train now runs direct to and from North Vancouver station and you still get half a day at leisure to explore Whistler, a ski resort and sort of Canadian Zermatt.

GOLD LEAF CLASS

This is the premium option.

The onboard experience is excellent and more than meets expectations. Because of the food, wine, service, and not least, those upper level glass domes, the overall quality gives the best all-round view of the Canadian Rockies you can get.

Gold Leaf passengers travel in modern purpose-built double-deck dome cars. Upstairs under the glass roof there are 72 reclining seats with heaps of legroom an drop-down tables. Downstairs, reached by spiral staircase or wheelchair lift there are toilets, kitchens, a 36-seat restaurant for breakfast & lunch, and a small open-air viewing platform for fresh air and reflection-free photography.

A pair of attendants in each coach provide live commentary and keep the snacks and complimentary alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks flowing.

Rocky Mountaineer has an excellent own-label Sumoc Ridge merlot.

Breakfast & lunch are served downstairs in the restaurant in two sittings, included in the fare. There's a choice of excellent main courses freshly prepared in the kitchen and served on real china. Lunch comes complete with Rocky Mountaineer's own-label British Columbian red or white wine.

All passengers get a copy of the 'Rocky Mountaineer newspaper', which features a route guide listing points of interest along the way (referenced by mile post), a map, and information about the train, the history of the route, and the wildlife you might see. The fare includes a hotel room for the overnight stop, and transfers by motor coach to and from the hotel.

SILVER LEAF CLASS

Passengers travel in a single-deck dome car with huge panoramic windows. The fare includes breakfast and lunch with complimentary beer or wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

CANADA

JASPER-PRINCE RUPERT

A region rich in culture and history.

Passengers on this two-day daylight cruise will be treated to spectacular views of the Jasper National Park and the rugged Canadian Rockies, the hauntingly beautiful Pacific Coast, and the rustic settlements, farms and sawmills dotting the lake-studded landscape.

The train stops overnight in Prince George and then winds through the Yellowhead Pass, across British Columbia’s interior plateau and long the mighty Skeena River.

CANADA

WINNIPEG TO CHURCHILL

DISCOVER THE GREAT WHITE NORTH.

Enjoy the panoramic dome! Expedition Churchill

A journey to the heart of scientific discovery in Churchill and Hudson Bay, You will discover the region, climate and research:

Known as the polar bear and beluga whale paradise, Churchill is sure to give you an unforgettable experience amidst the stunning northern lights.

Experience unparalleled northern landscapes on board the Winnipeg-Churchill train, the only dry land connection to this remarkable community. 1697 kilometres of magnificent landscapes 2 days – 2 nights Economy class and Sleeper Plus

THE OCEAN (MONTREAL-HALIFAX TRAIN)

Stretch out in your cozy quarters. Enjoy the moment with friends and family. Lose track of time… and cross the Maritimes in a single day. The most liberating and relaxing way to travel.

You’ll love the freshly prepared meals, generous accommodations, onboard entertainment and beautiful views. 1,346 KM NIGHT /1 DAY Sleeper Plus and Economy Class​

CANADA

THE CANADIAN (VIA TORONTO-VANCOUVER TRAIN)

Leave the city centre behind and glide through gentle prairie fields, rugged lake country and picturesque towns to the snowy peaks of the majestic Rockies.

The Canadian brings the country’s ever-changing landscape to you, as you’ll never see any other way - with ease, comfort and exceptional service. This truly is one of the world's magnificent journeys taking you across a whole continent with all the time zones, finally arriving after 4 days at the Pacific Ocean

BABYLON (IRAQ)

BAGHDAD TO BASRA

The train is currently a Chinese-built air-conditioned train with a power car at each end, featuring 4-berth sleepers, ordinary seats and a buffet car. The train was only built in 2015, although dust from the desert takes its toll and you'll find some windows cracked from children throwing stones. The sleepers are in 4-berth compartments.

UKRAINE

KIEV TO VIENNA

The sleeping wagon is tagged on the end of the train. Very basic with 2 guards...no hot water & bring your own toilet paper. But a great experience...sleeping berths comfortable. There's a guage change as the train enters Hungary after stopping at Lviv. On to Budapest & Vienna. The contrast from one of Europe;s poorest to wealthiest nations. 

SPAIN

GALICIA TO BARCELONA

Take the luxurious overnight trainhotel sleeper train from Galicia to Barcelona, arriving Barcelona Sants. It runs daily except Saturday nights. There's a change of train at A Coruna if you're coming from Santiago. This modern sleeper train has private 1 & 2 bed compartments with shower & toilet, a cafe-bar and reclining seats (butacas in Spanish)

SPAIN

SUD EXPRESS...HENDAYE TO LISBON

The Sud Express is an articulated Spanish Talgo train built in the 1980s and fitted out with tourist class reclining seats, tourist class 4-berth sleepers, preferente class 1 & 2 berth sleepers with washbasin, gran clase 1 & 2 berth sleepers with en suite toilet & shower, and a cafe-bar. Each carriage is much shorter and lower than a conventional railway carriage and there's just one axle - in other words, just one pair of wheels - shared between adjacent cars where carriage meets carriage. A unique Spanish design! The train is air-conditioned, fully-carpeted and all non-smoking.

SERBIA

BELGRADE TO THESSALONIKI

A daily overnight train leaves Belgrade Topcider station at 18:21 and arrives in Thessaloniki in Greece at 10:08 next morning, with both a seats car and a Macedonian couchette car with 6-berth compartments.

RUSSIA

MOSCOW TO VLADIVOSTOK (1 & 2)

The Rossiya (Russia) runs from Moscow to Vladivostok every other day, 5,752 miles in 6 nights, with 2nd class 4-berth sleepers (called kupé) and 1st class 2-berth sleepers (called spalny vagon or lyux) with two lower berths, and a restaurant car. It's a very comfortable train. There are toilets and washrooms at the end of the corridor, room for luggage under the lower berths and above the door to the corridor, and all compartments have power sockets for laptops and mobiles. There's even a flat-screen TV in every sleeper compartment, although this may or may not show anything of interest. Compartment doors lock securely and you may even find a card-key system available in the 1st class cars so you can lock up when you go to the restaurant. The Rossiya's coaches were replaced in the early 2000s and again in recent times.

Other journeys with varying rail companies run to neighbouring states including China & Mongolia...all from one night to multiple nights in time duration.

ROMANIA

BUCHAREST TO ISTANBUL

A direct Bucharest-Istanbul train leaves Bucharest Gara de Nord at 12:40 every day, arriving Istanbul Halkali at 07:40 next morning. A free transfer bus is laid on by Turkish Railways from Halkali (25km west of central Istanbul) to Istanbul Sirkeci station in the city centre, you will arrive at Istanbul Sirkeci around 09:00.

The train has a modern air-conditioned Turkish couchette car with 4 berth compartments. It's a great journey, a scenic trundle across Romania and Bulgaria. You'll cross from Romania into Bulgaria over the Danube between Giurgiu & Ruse on Europe's longest steel bridge, 2.5Km long, then meander at slow speed through the valleys of Bulgaria, including a descent of the lush green Shipka Pass, calling at Veliko Tarnovo (the ancient capital of Bulgaria, well worth a stopover) at 20:43. There's no catering car, so bring a picnic and some wine or beer. Be prepared to get off the train at the Turkish border at Kapikule late at night to have your passport stamped, it arrives Kapikule at 03:16 Turkish time & departs 03:50

MONTENEGRO

PODGORICA TO BELGRADE

The journey from Belgrade to Podgorica and Bar in Montenegro over the celebrated Belgrade to Bar railway is one of Europe's most spectacular train rides. It's a marvel of engineering, with 254 tunnels and 435 bridges on the 296-mile journey from the Serbian capital to the Adriatic. Construction of the line started in the 1950s but only completed in 1976, opened by President Tito himself.

ITALY

VENICE TO PARIS

All passengers on the Thello sleeper train get a sleeping berth in either a proper sleeping-car or more economical couchette car. There are no ordinary seats. The berths convert to seating for evening and morning use.

A sleeper offers fully-made-up beds in compact but cosy private compartments. Each compartment has an upper, middle and lower bed and can be used for single, double or triple occupancy. 

There is now one 'T3S' sleeping-car on each Thello train, these have 6 normal sleeper compartments with washbasin and 4 deluxe compartments with en suite toilet and shower, each usable as single or double berth. The deluxe compartments are called Premium sleepers by Thello

Couchettes are the economy option, providing basic flat padded bunks at night for 4 or 6 people per compartment, arranged as upper, middle and lower bunks on each side of the compartment.

The Thello sleeper train has a waiter-service restaurant car, and enjoying a meal in the restaurant as the sun sets over the River Yonne and the train speeds into the night has always been one of the pleasures of overnight train travel to Italy.

Thello use Sky Chefs, a subsidiary of the German airline Lufthansa. The restaurant car also has a buffet counter complete with proper expresso coffee machine serving drinks and snacks which you can take back to your couchette or sleeper. A simple breakfast is included for sleeper passengers, you'll get a breakfast voucher when your ticket is checked in the evening.

HUNGARY

BUDAPEST TO UKRAINE

A comfortable direct train called the Latorca links Budapest with Lviv (Lvov) & Kiev, leaving Budapest Nyugati station at 07:23 every day arriving Lviv at 22:24 the same day and Kiev at 07:43 next morning.

The train has one or two Ukrainian sleeping-cars with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin.

Passengers for Lviv use the sleepers in their daytime seats mode even though it's a daytime journey, as only the sleeping-cars run across the border into Ukraine.

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FRANCE

NICE TO MOSCOW

This is a pleasant journey, with comfortable rooms and furnishings. Each compartment has two berths, which can be shared or sole occupancy. Breakfast is included in ticket prices, and is served in the dining car. There are a number of different (tasty) options to choose from.

Passports and visas are checked at the Poland/Belarus border. At the border, the wheel gauge is changed, but passengers stay onboard for this process. Passengers who aren't Russian will require a transit visa to travel through Belarus.

There are generally three accommodation options for your journey: Luxury, First and Second Class. Towels and soap are provided for every passenger, as well as bed linens and pillows. During the day, beds are stowed away, and replaced by seats.

Luxury Class Luxury cabins can accommodate two passengers, with beds arranged in bunk-bed style (one above the other). The lower bed may be extended to form a double bed. Some single berth cabins are also available. Each compartment has its own toilet facilities, as well as a shower, chair, television and bar.

First Class compartments can accommodate two passengers, with beds arranged in bunk-bed style (one above the other). Some single berth cabins are also available. Each compartment also has a reclining chair and its own wash-basin.

Second Class compartments can accommodate up to three passengers, with two of the beds arranged in bunk-bed style (one above the other). Each comparment also has a reclining chair and its own wash-basin.

A restaurant car is attached to the train. The nationality of the carriage varies depending on the country being crossed. All restaurant cars serve complete meals or snacks, as well as drinks. Some trains also have a samovar in the carriage, which provides free hot water (useful for noodles, tea etc). Pets may travel with passengers on this service free of charge, provided that the entire compartment is booked by the passenger/group. There is a limit of two dogs per passenger/cabin, and dogs should be muzzled and leashed. Each dog may incur an additional luggage fee.

FINLAND

SANTA CLAUS EXPRESS

The Finnish double-decker night train, known as the Santa Claus Express, travels from Helsinki to snow-covered Lapland in the north. The train stops at Rovaniemi, the official home of Santa Claus, and then goes on to Kemijärvi, its final destination.

See the beauty of Finland from the comfortable compartments of this train and wake up above the Arctic Circle the next morning. Air conditioning Disabled facilities Luggage racks Power sockets Restaurant/bistro Shower/WC WiFi internet

CZECH

PRAGUE TO KIEV

A safe, comfortable & civilised direct sleeping-car of Ukrainian Railways leaves Prague Hlavni every day, arriving Kiev at 07:43 2 nights from Prague.

The sleeper has cosy 3-bed compartments with washbasin which can be used as 2-berth (1st class) or 3-berth (2nd class).

This is an epic and adventurous journey across eastern Europe - the sleeping-car is jacked up at the border to have its bogies changed from standard gauge (4' 8.5") to Russian 5' gauge.

ARMENIA

CASPIAN ODYSSEY (GOLDEN EAGLE)

Explore the countries on both the eastern and western shores of the Caspian Sea – Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. With their location at the crossroads of trade, religion, language and the arts, these countries are home to fascinating modern cultures as well as some of the world’s most ancient and timeless architecture. Welcome whilst meeting fellow travelers and look forward to the journey across six countries of the South Caucasus region and Central Asia

YEREVAN,ARMENIA

The day's touring will cover 37 km out of Yerevan to the ancient Geghard Monastery. The beautiful monastery contains a number of churches and tomb a landscape of great natural beauty, surrounded by towering cliffs at the head of the Azat Valley. Explore the remains of an ancient fortress, palace and baths there. Back in Yerevan city visit the Cascade giant stairway and inside it the Casfejian Museum of Modern Art. In the evening board the Golden Eagle private train and start the adventure to Almaty.

LAKE SEVAN & DILIJAN,ARMENIA

The train takes a scenic route around the stunning Lake Sevan and making a short stop to walk to the beach for a photo opportunity. Along with Lake Van and Lake Urmia, Sevan was considered one of the three great lakes of the historical Armenian Kingdom, collectively referred to as the Seas of Armenia; On to Dilijan to visit the nearby Monastery of Haghpat, built between the 10th and 14th centuries. Its beautiful location in dense wood in the gorges of two small mountain rivers make an atmospheric backdrop for St. Astvatsatsin Church, its most important building. Finnaly have an Armenian cognac reception at Avan Dzoraget Hotel on the Debed River, nestled among the forest-covered hills and rocky slopes of the Caucasus Mountains.

TBILISI,GEORGIA

Head for Georgia & visit Tbilisi. Hemmed in by the Surami Range, the city extends for 17 miles (27 km) along the banks of the River Kura. Take a walking tour of the old town and Rustaveli Avenue. See the Great Hall of the Georgian Philharmonia, built in 1969-71, which has been acknowledged as one of the finest public buildings since the Second World War. And see the treasures of the city housed in the Janashia Museum of Georgia.

TELAVI,GEORGIA

Explore the beautiful Kakheti region, which borders the Great Caucasus Mountain range. This region is known as a birthplace of Georgian viticulture and wine-making.

GORI, UPLISTSIKHE CAVE CITY & MTSKHETA GEORGIA

Gori is one of the oldest cities in Georgia, founded in the 7th century AD as Tontio. Joseph Stalin, the Soviet leader, was born here in 1879. At Uplistsikhe, see a private performance of traditional Georgian polyphonic singing. The famous cave city of Uplistsikhe dates from the 6th century BC and is first mentioned in the chronicles of the 1st century AD. Visit the city of Mtskheta, Georgia’s Old Capital.

BAKU,AZERBAIJAN

Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, lies on the western shore of the Caspian Sea and the southern side of the Apsheron Peninsula, around the wide, curving sweep of the Bay of Baku. The core of present-day Baku is the Old Town, or fortress, of Icheri-Shekher. The walled old town is highly picturesque, with its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings.

ASHGABAT,TURKMENISTAN

Situated between the Kara Kum desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range, Ashgabat is a relatively modern city built upon the ruins of the Silk Road city of Konjikala and the Soviet city built after the devastating earthquake of 1948.

DARVAZA,TURKMENISTAN

The Golden Eagle makes a brief scheduled stop at Ichoguz, located in the middle of the Kara Kum desert where the area is rich in natural gas, the 70 metre-wide crater is known by the locals as the ‘Door to Hell’ and has been burning for over 40 years.

KHIVA,UZBEKISTAN

The train travels towards Urgench, transfering to the ancient city of Khiva, founded 2,500 years ago. As one of the Silk Road’s most important trading posts and now a World Heritage Site, it lies at the crossroads of the routes between Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia.

BUKHARA,UZBEKISTAN

Immerse oneself in the atmosphere of this unique and ancient city and re-live some of its fascinating history at the crossroads of Asia.

SAMARKAND,UZBEKISTAN

Just the mention of Samarkand instantly conjures up evocative images of the Silk Road, more so than any other town. Founded in the 6th century BC, Samarkand’s stunning architecture hints at its former status as one of the most important cities in Asia and is particularly noted for its architectural remains from the 14th to the 17th century, when it flourished as the fabled capital of the Mongol empire of Timur and his successors.

TASHKENT,UZBEKISTAN

Is the capital city of Uzbekistan. The city includes the Old Town, where traditional homes and religious buildings line the narrow streets.

ALMATY,KAZAKHSTAN

The final destination and a farewell to the Golden Eagle. Take a tour of Almaty including a visit to Panfilov Park, located in the heart of the city.

AUSTRALIA

THE GHAN

The original Ghan line followed the route of explorer John MacDougall Stuart. On Sunday 4 August, 1929, an excited crowd gathered at the Adelaide Railway Station to farewell the first Ghan train. This train carried supplies and over 100 passengers bound for the remote town of Stuart, later to be called Alice Springs.

The train’s whistle pierced the silence of the MacDonnell Ranges surrounding Alice Springs two days later, on 6 August. The train was steam hauled, and the service had to contend with extreme conditions including flash flooding and intense heat. As such, it was often an irregular service.

The Old Ghan ran on light, narrow gauge track well to the east of the track it travels today. As well as termite damage, it was savaged by fire and flood. Flash flooding, when the normally parched river beds spilled out onto the low lying desert plains, frequently washed away the track completely.

Legend has it The Old Ghan was once stranded for two weeks in one spot and the engine driver shot wild goats to feed his passengers.

In 1980, The Old Ghan rail track was abandoned in favour of a new standard gauge rail line built with termite proof concrete sleepers further to the west in order to avoid the potential flooding and other problems encountered along the old route. When The Ghan first departed Adelaide for Alice Springs, it was always intended that it would one day travel through to Darwin.

With the completion of the Alice Springs to Darwin rail-link this dream became a reality; with The Ghan making its inaugural journey to Darwin on 1 – 3 February 2004. This north-south transcontinental journey covers 2,979 kilometres and encounters spectacular and diverse landscapes; from the rusty reds of the MacDonnell Ranges. The scenery changes into subtropical flora as the journey enters the Top End.

Whistle Stop also operate from the northern town of Katherine. The Ghan then returns to Adelaide.

The Ghan offers accommodation options that rival the best world-class trains. This new service level is in addition to the existing Red and Gold Services. The Ghan caters to all budgets from Red Service the most economical way to travel, through to Gold Service for those holidaymakers who want to travel in comfort and the deluxe offering of the Platinum Service.

Platinum Service Has been designed to meet the needs of the discerning traveller looking for that next level of comfort that will truly be the ultimate way to travel in style through the heart of Australia. Cabins are approximately twice the size of the standard Gold Twin Cabins with each room offering deluxe accommodation including double beds, spacious ensuite and 24 hour room service. They have all the modern comforts, in a classic style, with a distinctly Australian character.

Gold Service For guests seeking a great train adventure with style and comfort. Guests choose from twin or single sleeper cabins. Complimentary toiletries and bath towels are provided in all Gold Sleeper Cabins.

Dine in an elegant Restaurant Car. All meals are included in the Gold Service fare.

Relax in the Lounge or socialise with new found friends. Travelling in a world famous train with views across the vast Australian outback is a marvellous experience

Red Service... Choose between a twin share Sleeper Cabin or Daynighter Seat. Guests can purchase affordable light meals, snacks and drinks from the Red Service Diner and Buffet.

The Chairman’s Carriage Accommodates up to 8 guests 2 double bedrooms sharing 2-way bathroom and 2 Twin Cabins with adjacent bathroom facilities Generous lounge with CD player, DVD and video entertainment Private dining room Fully equipped kitchen Dine either in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant or within the Private Carriages with an additional surcharge to apply if in-carriage catering is specifically requested. Dine in The Chairman's Car dining room with meals prepared by your own dedicated chef (extra cost)

Private charters can be arranged from Adelaide, Alice Springs or Darwin

Sir John Forrest Carriage... The Sir John Forrest Carriage is named after the explorer made famous for the first crossing of Western Australia by land in 1870. Follow in his footsteps across the Nullarbor Plain travelling in the comfort of this modern carriage. Accommodates up to 6 guests 1 double bedroom with ensuite bathroom. 2 Twin Cabins with ensuite facilities Additional bathroom Kitchenette/ bar and generous lounge area Leather lounges and large picture windows Big screen television, video/ DVD, powerpoint screening facilities Meeting area with boardroom table (seats twelve) Dine in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant

Perfect for small meetings and entertaining guests.

Private charters can be arranged between Adelaide and Darwin. For a scenic daylight journey, why not take this train from Adelaide to Melbourne or visa versa. The Overland runs 3 times a week passing through rugged melee scrubland and fields of golden crops to open plains and rolling hills over 828 km.

THE INDIAN PACIFIC

From one major ocean to the other. This truly is one of the great rail journeys of the world covering over 4,000km. Although the original Indian Pacific can be traced back to the early 1900s, it was not until 1970 that the train completed its first unbroken journey from Sydney to Perth.

On 17 October, 1917, in a remarkable surveying and engineering feat, two construction teams, one starting from Port Augusta and the other from Kalgoorlie, made an historic achievement; meeting to join the lines at what is now the tiny South Australian siding of... Ooldea ...on the Nullarbor Plain. This was the longest railway ever built as a single project in Australia, taking five years to complete. It was constructed using the most basic tools – pick and shovel, cart horse and camel.

The first unbroken journey of the new Indian Pacific commenced from Sydney Central Station on Monday 23 February, 1970, arriving in Perth to a crowd of over 10,000 on 27 February. It is this rich history that has made the Indian Pacific one of Australia’s most treasured icons. The diversity of the Australian landscape that can be viewed on this remarkable 4,352 kilometre transcontinental journey and the wonderful hospitality afforded to guests aboard the train, makes the Indian Pacific one of the world’s greatest train journeys.

The trip then continues onto Broken Hill. Here the passenger can again disembark and explore the area particularly the history of mining adventures.

Further stops at at Adelaide & Cook in the Nullabar region where there are outings & outside catering meals.

The train then makes the spectacular journey on to Perth.

The I P caters to all budgets from Red Service the most economical way to travel, through to Gold Service for those holidaymakers who want to travel in comfort and the deluxe offering of the Platinum Service.

This service has been designed to meet the needs of the discerning traveller looking for that next level of comfort that will truly be the ultimate way to travel in style through the heart of Australia.

Gold Service for guests seeking a great train adventure with style and comfort. Guests choose from twin or single sleeper cabins. Complimentary toiletries and bath towels are provided in all Gold Sleeper Cabins.

Red Service; choose between a twin share Sleeper Cabin or Daynighter Seat. Guests can purchase affordable light meals, snacks and drinks from the Red Service Dinner and Buffet. The Chairman’s Carriage Accommodates up to 8 guests, 2 double bedrooms sharing 2-way bathroom and 2 Twin Cabins with adjacent bathroom facilities.

The Sir John Forrest Carriage is named after the explorer made famous for the first crossing of Western Australia by land in 1870. Accommodates up to 6 guests. 1 double bedroom with ensuite bathroom. 2 Twin Cabins with ensuite facilities...Outback Explorer Lounge Queen Adelaide Restaurant.

Leaves Perth for Sydney on a Sunday and Wednesday and leaves Sydney for the western journey on a Wednesday and Saturday.

Perth in Western Australia is known as the most remote city in the world. Visit the vineyards to the south and the dolphins north of Geralton A boat trip out to Rottnest Island is very worthwhile.The island has no tourist motorised vehicles & is a haven for wildlife protection.

From the city in Western Australia the train travels through the Avon Valley and then snakes across the Wheat belt and plains of the West Australian and Great Victorian Desert, pulling into the mining town of Kalgoorlie at the end of the first day. Cook in the Nullarbor Plain is the next town on from where the traveller will experience the vast open plains, time for solitude and contemplation, before arriving at South Australia’s capital.

Final day and the train passes through some of Australia’s most productive farms, through the spectacular Blue Mountains, arriving in Sydney, one of the world’s great cities. With its huge open spaces provides one of the great opportunities to experience rail travel at its best.

THE OVERLANDER

It Began as the Intercolonial Express over 100 years ago. The intercapital rail link came to prominence on 28 September, 1875, when the South Australian Premier, Sir James Penn Boucaut, rose in Parliament to expound his policy of economic expansion through public works. His plan was to build 550 miles of railway to carry the wealth of the land from South Australia to the Port of Melbourne, Victoria. It was decided the service would be operated with rolling stock jointly owned by South Australia and Victoria. The service was to be called the Intercolonial Express and passenger traffic was to be primarily first class. The journey time was expected to be 18 hours.

About 300 people witnessed the train’s first departure from Adelaide at 3.30 pm on 19 January, 1887, among them the Postmaster General. The railway pioneered inter-capital rail travel in Australia. However it suffered from long journey times and operational difficulties.

In 1922, a rehabilitation plan was produced to make the railway more efficient and reduce the drain on state finances. Track work and bridgework were required to enable bigger freight loads to be carried. Signalling work and train control were also improved and more powerful locomotives purchased. South Australia was rewarded with an operationally and mechanically sound railway.

The first diesel powered journey to Melbourne pulled out of Adelaide on November 29, 1951. The century-old name The Overland came from the affectionate term ‘Overlander’, an adventurer who had travelled across the country. More than a century later and following the train’s complete refurbishment in May 2007.

The Overland still provides an enjoyable and convenient rail service along with new levels of comfort and service. The original service ran overnight during the week, taking fourteen hours to compete the journey. Today The Overland operates a ten and a half hour daylight service between Adelaide and Melbourne, six times a week. Take a vehicle on board and be ready to roll off at the destination. Disembark and explore the region then rejoin a later train.

There are two levels of service; Red Service and Red Premium Service. Red Service Offers a value for money option with all the comforts you need, while Red Premium gives guests more services and more personal space. Both service levels offer ample room to move around the train and stretch your legs.

The Café Carriage also provides the chance to meet your fellow travellers and socialise in a comfortable, friendly environment. This option is ideal for travellers looking for an economy option that offers an exceptional level of comfort and freedom to move around. When compared with flying, driving or taking the bus, the seats are more comfortable and offer greater personal leg room. Red Service seats are two abreast and the plush, reclining seats swivel to face each other if you prefer to mingle with your fellow travellers. For a drink, snack, or just a chance to stretch your legs, visit the licensed Café Carriage.

Red Premium Service Includes comfortable reclining seats offering greater personal space. Two seats on one side of the aisle, one seat on the other side, with 36 seats per carriage 67cm pitch between seats Access to Café Carriage, where meals are available for purchase Limited a la carte in-seat dining served via trolley service Snacks available for purchase from trolley service or Café Carriage Free orange juice/water upon boarding Free ‘Platform’ magazine Luggage allowance of 50kg per person - two items of 25kg Red Service Cafe Carriage.

The Chairmain's Carriage Accommodates up to 8 guests 2 double bedrooms sharing 2-way bathroom and 2 Twin Cabins with adjacent bathroom facilities Generous lounge with CD player, DVD and video entertainment Private dining room Fully equipped kitchen Dine either in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant or within the Private Carriages with an additional surcharge to apply if in-carriage catering is specifically requested. Dine in The Chairman's Car dining room with meals prepared by your own dedicated chef (extra cost) Private charters can be arranged from Adelaide to Melbourne.

The Sir John Forrest Carriage is named after the explorer made famous for the first crossing of Western Australia by land in 1870. Follow in his footsteps across the Nullarbor Plain, travelling in the comfort of this modern carriage. Accommodates up to 6 guests 1 double bedroom with ensuite bathroom. 2 Twin Cabins with ensuite facilities Additional bathroom Kitchenette/ bar and generous lounge area Leather lounges and large picture windows Big screen television, video/ DVD, powerpoint screening facilities Meeting area with boardroom table (seats twelve) Dine in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant Perfect for small meetings and entertaining guests Private charters can be arranged between Adelaide to Melbourne. Vehicles may be taken on the train. Schedule Leaves Adelaide – Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Leaves Melbourne – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Vehicles may be taken on the train & the various packages to enroute & final destinations may be also booked through the rail company. Transfers are available at various destinations.

MOLDOVA

CHISINAU TO BUCHAREST

Travel overnight from Chişinău to Bucharest on the Prietenia sleeper train, leaving Chişinău at 16:56, calling at Ungheni (Moldovan frontier) from 18:43 until 20:23, and arriving at Bucharest Nord at 06:07 next morning. The Prietenia has 4-berth 2nd class sleepers and 1st class 2-berth sleepers.