RICHMAINE
AUSTRALIA
SPIRIT OF QUEENSLAND
With regular services each week, it’s a great way to travel to visit friends and family or stop along the way to experience some of Queensland’s spectacular destinations including the Whitsundays, Townsville, Cairns or south to Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane with connections to travel further to the Gold Coast.
Whether you’re travelling to see the natural wonders of the north or to catch the twinkling lights of the city in Brisbane, the Spirit of Queensland is an easy and sustainable way to travel between Brisbane and Cairns.
TURKEY
OPTIMA EXPRESS
Eases the journey from West and Central Europe to Turkey with cars or motorbikes since more than 30 years.
The train begins from Villach, Austria and travels over 1400 km until finally arriving in Edirne. Edirne is the first large Turkish city and lies at the Turkish border to Greece and Bulgaria.
USA
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER
Rocky Mountaineer brings its luxury train journeys to a new route in the Southwest United States.
The Rockies to the Red Rocks route is a two-day rail journey between Denver, Colorado, and Moab, Utah, with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Rocky Mountaineer operates multi-day, daytime train journeys that feature incredible scenery, regional cuisine, and attentive service in its spacious, glass-domed train coaches.
BULGARIA
SOFIA TO ISTANBUL EXPRESS
The train leaves Sofia at 21:00, arriving Istanbul Halkali station at 07:00. This new train started running on 20 February 2017. It has two safe & comfortable Turkish air-conditioned sleeping-cars, one Turkish air-conditioned 4-berth couchette car and a Bulgarian 6-berth couchette car. There's no catering. The Marmaray Tunnel Project means that the train is terminating at Halkali, a suburban station some 25km west of Istanbul's historic Sirkeci station. TCDD (Turkish Railways) run a free transfer bus from Halkali to Istanbul Sirkeci in connection with this train, leaving Halkali at 07:30 and arriving Istanbul Sirkeci around 08:30.
AUSTRALIA
THE SOUTHERN SPIRIT
Surely the first prize in terms of luxury with GSR.
Take the train from either Adelaide Melbourne and travel north over 5 or 6 nights enjoying the Platinum or Gold service of the Southern Spirit…your destination – Brisbane.
Winding up a leisurely pace the Spirit passes through some of the most outstanding country in Australia. Coupled with superb luxury, this is a trip, for those who can afford it, to equal any five star hotel on tracks.
All Whistle Stop Tours are included in your fare and come with transfers directly to and from The Southern Spirit.
SPIRIT OF THE OUTBACK
Nothing stirs the imagination quite like the thought of a journey to the outback of Queensland to the towns and places immortalised in story and song. What better way to experience these legendary destinations than by rail on The Spirit of the Outback, where you can see the landscape up close and take the time to admire its untamed beauty.
Enjoy 24 hours of relaxed pleasure that transports you over 1,300 kilometres from Brisbane to Longreach. Catering For Economy Class customers there's a selection of take-away options in the Club Car.
First Class guests can also request the use of an Entertainment Tablet for use while on board, containing a selection of recently released movies.
Alternatively, Economy Class Triple sleeping berth or Economy seat customers can pay as they go and select from hot and cold takeaway snacks, drinks and confectionery in the Club Car.
Schedule...West bound trains run on Tuesday & Saturday while eastbound services are on Monday & Thursday. There are various connections on route for those who choose other destinations. Vehicles can be taken on board.
THE WESTLANDER
Route: Brisbane-Mount Isa Distance: 977 km
Frequency: Twice weekly
Duration: 20 hrs From Brisbane The Westlander travels across the towering mountains of the Great Dividing Range through the lush green countryside of the Darling Downs, and out to historic Charleville in the heart of Mulga country.
In Charleville see native flora and fauna that just can’t be found in the bigger centres. Visit the Cosmos Centre and Observatory for unmatched stargazing. The Charleville Heritage Trail is about the towns history and its important role in building coaches for Cobb & Co’s celebrated fleet. A coach connection is available from Charleville to Quilpie and Cunnamulla
Dining options... Club Car... A range of meals and light refreshments including hot and cold takeaway snacks, drinks and confectionery are available from the Club Car, providing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. A limited liquor service is also available for consumption in the Club Car. Drinking fountains provided at the leading end of most cars.
Schedule... West bound trains run on Tuesday & Thursday while eastbound services are on Monday & Friday. There are various connections on route for those who choose other destinations. Vehicles can be taken on board.
THE INLANDER
Route:Townsville-Mt Isa
Distance:977 km
Frequency: Twice weekly
Duration: 20 hrs Mount Isa, where so much of Queenslands mineral wealth is found, offers terrific camping and four wheeled driving in the rugged terrain surrounding the town, while the Outback at Isa complex is a must-see.
Dont miss the chance to visit the famed Lawn Hill Gorge in Boodjamulla National Park, and if dinosaurs take your fancy the nearby Riversleigh fossil field is one of the world’s best known deposits of fossilised relics.
Dining options Buffet Car: A range of meals and light refreshments including hot and cold takeaway snacks, drinks and confectionery are available from the Buffet Dining Car, providing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. A limited liquor service is also available for consumption in the Buffet Car. Drinking fountains provided at the leading end of most cars.
Schedule: West bound trains run on Tuesday & Thursday while eastbound services are on Monday & Friday.
THE SAVANNAHLANDER
An Outback journey that begins in Cairns. This is one of the great rail experiences as it winds its way from the coast up to the scenic world heritage listed rainforests of Karunda Range.
Stops include the Barron Falls & Stoney Creek. It then continues through the agricultural areas of Atherton tablelands then on to the Gulf Savannah region to Outback Australia.
Other sights include the Chillagoe Falls, Cobbold Gorge & the Undara Lava Tubes.
The Savannahlander has a 42 week operating cycle each year from March to December.
TOURS
OUTBACK ODYSSEY Travel on Savannahlander from Cairns to Forsayeth & Einasleigh to Cairns. En suite accommodation at Chillagoe cabins. Cobbold Gorge & Undara experience. Cobbold tour, Chillagoe tour & Undara Lava Tubes tour. Transfers to accommodation. 3 breakfasts & dinners.
SAVANNAH EXPLORER Travel on Savannahlander from Cairns to Forsayeth & Einasleigh to Cairns. En suite accommodation at the Chillagoe eco Lodge. En suite accommodation at Forsayeth Tourist Park & Bedrock Village at Mt Surprise. Cobbold tour, Chillagoe tour & Undara Lava Tubes tour. Transfers to accommodation. 3 breakfasts & dinners.
SAVANNAH RAIL RUNNER Skip all the side tours & enjoy the ride on the Savannahlander.
Includes: Cairns to Forsayeth return. En suite accommodation at either Railway Hotel,Forsayeth; the Tourist Park or Mt Surprise Tourist Park. 3 breakfasts & dinners.
PUB CRAWL Enjoy the hospitality of the Outback pubs. Meals are not included but enjoy great pub counter food. Includes Cairns to Forsayeth return. Shared facility hotels at Railway Hotel, Almaden; Goldfields Hotel & Mt Surprise Hotel in Forsayeth.
ETHERIDGE RAMBLER Join the Savannahlander on Thursday afternoon in Mt. Surprise for a trip to Forasyth & an overnight stay at Cobbold Gorge. Included are the journeys from Mt. Surprise to Forasyth & Einasleigh to Mt. Surprise, ensuite accommadation at Cobold Gorge, Cobbald Gorge tour,transfers, dinner & breakfast.
SURPRISE GETAWAY WEDNESDAYS Join the Savannahlander in Cairns & travel out to Almaden for a relaxing overnight stay. The next morning join the train for a morning run across to Mt. Surprise where you arrive in time for lunch. Return to Cairns by Trans North coach. Included in an en suite room at the Railway Hotel with dinner & breakfast.
SURPRISE GETAWAY FRIDAYS Depart Cairns on the Trans North coach to Mt. Surprise. Spend a relaxing afternoon in Mt. Surprise with overnight accommodation at the Bedrock Village van park. Join theSavannahlander for the return back to Cairns the next day. Included is en suite cabin at Bedrock Village Caravan park,dinner & breakfast.
2 DAY UNDARA WITH RAIL Depart Cairns by coach on Friday & arrive at Undara experience in time for lunch. In the afternoon take a tour of the Lava Tubes & then the Wildlife at Sunset tour. Saturday morning transfer to Mt. Surprise, joining the Savannahlander for the journey back to Cairns. Includes shared railway carriage accommodation at Undara, lunch,dinner & breakfast.
GULFLANDER & SAVANNAHLANDER
NORMANTON DEPARTURE Spend one night at the Normanton Tourist Park. Catch Wednesday's Gulflander to Croydon after lunch & a tour of the town, Transfer by bus to Forsayeth & stay for 2 nights at the Forsayeth Tourist Park. A tour of Cobbold Gorge is included during the layover on Thursday. Friday morning join the Savannahlander for the trip back to Cairns staying at the Bedrock Village Van Park where there is a Lava Tube tour included or return to Mt. Surprise for the train on Saturday morning. Includes morning tea at Blackbull during Gulflander trip,en suite accommodation on whole trip. Dinner & breakfast at Forsayeth & Mt Surprise. Also tour & stay in restored railway carriage at Undara Experience. Options for opting out at various venues. Various other tours available from different points.
PERU
ANDEAN EXPLORER
Is South America’s first luxury train that combines genuine daytime getaways with sleeping accommodations at night, all while traversing the Peruvian Andes.
The train travels along one of the highest train routes in the world, crossing through breathtaking cities on its way from Cusco to Lake Titicaca (Puno) and Arequipa, and exploring natural wonders and ancient kingdoms on one and two-night trips.
SINGAPORE
EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS
A story since 1993, the Eastern & Oriental Express has been making history since its inaugural journey from Bangkok to Singapore. This enchanting rail experience was the vision of American businessman James B Sherwood, who purchased the carriages of the Silver Star train built by Nippon Sharyo and Hitachi in Japan. The carriages were remodelled in Singapore with an elegant colonial aesthetic, echoing the spirit of classic Indochina.
The dinning car reflect the arts & culture in design & menu.
Take your seat among sparkling crystal and silverware. The Bar Car boasts a jazz-club ambience, music lingering in the air.
There is also a Saloon car for relaxing...a boutique selling momentos.
There is a Piano Bar for live music & an Obervation Car at the rear.
Arrive in style to Southeast Asia’s three most dynamic cities, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Singapore, stopping for inspiring excursions along the way. Delve into the pages of history at Kanchanaburi, with a boat trip and tour of the iconic River Kwai Bridge. Revel in rural Malaysia with a tour through lush rice paddies. Trek to a local hilltop for panoramic views and well deserved refreshments. The highlights of Thailand and Malaysia come alive on the Eastern & Oriental Express.
NAMIBIA
TRANSNAMIB
From Karasburg nr the South African border through Keetmanshoop to the capital...Windhoek.
This is a great way to see the desert renowned for the highest dunes in the world & an amazing array of wild life from the Kalahari lion, the beautifully elegant Gemsbok & even elephant.
It is comfortable & clean. The train then journeys on to Walvis Bay & Swakopmund, the jewel on the Skeleton Coast.
SOUTH AFRICA
THE BLUE TRAIN
It's the most famous train in South Africa, and one of the most famous trains in the world. South Africa's Blue Train links Cape Town with Pretoria once or twice a week, year round.
The Blue Train offers two types of room: Deluxe compartments have either a double bed or two single beds and en suite shower or small bath. Luxury compartments cost a bit more and are almost identical, but have a full size bath and a video TV. The train has a dining car and two lounge cars and both of the two trainsets have an observation car at the rear, allowing you to look back along the line. Meals and drinks are included in the fare, and there is an extensive list of South African wines available.
ROVOS RAIL
A unique rail organisation.
The company runs luxury trains around the region of Southern Africa with an abundance of extras thrown in.
HISTORY
As so often happens, it was a combination of influences and events that led to the purchase of the first coach, the start of what would become Rovos Rail. A Wilbur Smith heroine with her own private railway coach, a man called Phil Acutt with a passion for trains and the presence of the Witbank Steam Railway in the coal-mining town where Rohan Vos ran his successful auto spares business, all played a part.
“Rohan has always been obsessed with things mechanical,” remembers Anthea Vos, who has been at his side throughout and has raised a family in and around developing the railway business. “In fact, he started his first business with the capital derived from the sale of a 1940 Packard and a 1928 Austin that he had rebuilt. Several coaches were purchased and taken to the Society’s yards in Witbank to be rebuilt. One of them, Private Saloon 15063, is still in service and another, an engineer’s caboose, stood at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront for many years where it served as the marketing and reservations office.
The complications of working with the South African Transport Services administration soon convinced Rohan that he needed to be self-sufficient where possible. As a result, he purchased a 1938 Class 19D locomotive from Lowenthal’s Scrap Metal in Johannesburg. It was rebuilt by Rovos Rail and named BIANCA after one of his daughters. “Consisting of a locomotive and seven carriages, the train was launched on 29 April 1989, and with four paying passengers, friends and press we set off for the Eastern Transvaal.
So, with a four-night Lowveld experience and in 1991 the Pretoria to Cape Town run, the business began to find direction. But, as any train operator or airline will confirm, running a schedule is risky and nerve-wracking. To project consistency and reliability to agents and passengers, it’s imperative to run according to the advertised schedule. Of course, this wears rather thin when passenger loads are less than the number required to break even financially. I found to my horror that one can lose considerably more money establishing a schedule and consequently a reputation than it might cost to buy or construct the hardware.
Armed with Les Pivnic’s book on dining cars, Rohan started the search for suitable coaches. An early target was the Jewish Guild Country Club in Johannesburg where three vandalised and dilapidated dining cars stood as part of an aborted restaurant venture. All three – KEI, NILE and MODDER – were hauled to Witbank and returned to the rails.
In the years since then, family life has been inseparable from the business with Rovos Rail growing up alongside the Vos children. Family holidays always had another agenda as they scoured the far ends of the country for coaches and locomotives to add to their collection. All the engines acquired for Rovos Rail have been named after the Vos children – Brenda, Bianca, Tiffany and Shaun – and nothing could be more appropriate as the family’s history and memories are so tightly interwoven with the Rovos Rail story of acquisition and expansion.
On the 10th anniversary of Rovos Rail, the magnificently restored and rebuilt locomotive – 25NC 3484, which had been converted from coal-firing to oil – was christened MARJORIE by Rohan’s mother, Mrs Marjorie Vos. HQ Once Rovos Rail acquired a lease on Capital Park, new life was breathed into South Africa’s railway heritage. Not only did Capital Park fulfil its previous function as a repair and maintenance depot for steam locos, but it also became the headquarters of Rovos Rail’s entire operation. The air sings in the still, Highveld afternoon and to the west thunder clouds build above the golden hills. Just a few minutes from the centre of Pretoria, the tracks, sheds and classic railway buildings of Capital Park have been reborn. With his characteristic vision and energy, Rohan Vos – along with his wife, Anthea – has set about transforming the 60-acre property. In the sheds, teams of workmen repair and restore the line’s dining cars and historic coaches while craftsmen burnish the brass on a Class 25NC loco that’s nearing the end of an 18-month restoration.
In the gracious railway station that serves as the departure and arrival point for Rovos Rail, expectant guests sip sparkling wine, excitedly exchanging notes before the afternoon departure. The low, red-brick buildings along the platform houses new laundries, gleaming stainless-steel kitchens and an array of well-stocked storerooms. This is the bustling hub of a provisioning operation that is world-class in terms of efficiency and attention to detail. The area had been earmarked for development but a comprehensive proposal for restoring and upgrading the site, the importance of the tourism industry and the economic benefits for the area persuaded transport authorities to grant Rovos Rail a long lease.
With typical energy and determination, Rohan set his plans in motion. A transformation was soon underway as layers of old paint were stripped from walls, dirt blasted off sheds and undergrowth cleared away to reveal the railway tracks. The building, which would become part of the station and head office, was gutted and an elegant balcony overlooking the platform added to the façade. A superb model-railway display and a museum of rail memorabilia was built, while an authentic signal box and clock tower were erected on the newly constructed platform. Around the refurbished buildings, hundreds of new plants have taken hold, promising a lush garden setting. Initially the site was 12 acres in 1999, but over the years it has grown steadily to the current 60. As the other tenants around the original site moved out. Rohan was quick to negotiate leases on those properties, which then had to be rebuilt or rehabilitated to meet with the Rovos standards and requirements. This activity, although expensive, was executed with a view to Rovos Rail eventually acquiring the property from Transnet. Therefore, no corners were cut and as it stands now the buildings and grounds are in top-level operating condition.
THE TRAIN
Each train has accommodation carriages, dining cars (±42 seats), a lounge car (±26 seats), small gift shop, smoking lounge (±11 seats) and observation car (±32 seats) with open-air balcony. Maintaining the spirit of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board. The three types of suites available – Pullman (7sqm), Deluxe (10sqm) and Royal (16sqm) – offer passengers privacy and comfort with double or twin beds and fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. All have en-suites with shower, toilet, basin and bath (Royal only), tea facilities, safes, air conditioning, linen and amenities and are serviced daily. There is adequate storage and small cupboards with hangers and shelves. The dining cars are made up of two-seaters and four-seaters where guests eat together or individually. Our lounge and observation cars – with their big picture windows, sofas and booths – make for great mingling areas or quiet corners to while away the days. Many passengers enjoy the formality of fine china and glassware, crisp linen and silver, and dress accordingly. Days on board are smart casual while evening attire is more formal. Themed evenings where guests can dress up accordingly or opt for smart casual. An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests’ every need is catered for. There’s an accent on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes are a specialty. Meals are served in one sitting only in the dining cars and are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines.
PRIVATE HIRE
The train is available for charter. Events of any nature where all the needs from accomadation to catering & destination are taken care of. Time duration could be the difficult hurdle
TOURS INCLUDE...
CAPE TOWN
DURBAN SAFARI
VICTORIA FALLS GOLF SAFARI
AFRICAN COLLAGE
NAMIBIAN SAFARI
TRAIL OF 2 OCEANS
COPPER TRAIL
I rekon the best of the bunch being...
DAR ES SALAAM 15 DAYS • 5800km This epic train journey travels through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania and is one of the most famous in the world.
The sojourn begins in Cape Town taking guests to the historic village of Matjiesfontein, the diamond town of Kimberley and the capital city of Pretoria for short tours followed by two nights in the Madikwe Game Reserve.
Continue through Botswana into Zimbabwe where guests overnight at the Victoria Falls Hotel. After crossing the mighty Zambezi River, the train joins the Tazara line in Zambia and continues to Chisimba Falls where guests enjoy a bush walk. The train climbs to the Tanzanian border then descends into the Great Rift Valley negotiating the tunnels, switchbacks and viaducts of the spectacular escarpment.
Climbing again, it traverses the Selous Game Reserve – the largest on the continent and a vision of timeless Africa – before the bustling arrival in Dar es Salaam the following day.
AZERBAIJAN
BAKU TO MOSCOW
The route has been open for a few years now. This is the lazy way to trundle merrily through the countryside taking up to 52 hours.
The beds are comfortable and clean. The compartments contain bedding and pillows and a table, power sockets in the corridor only and a little shelf and coat hook for every bunk. Sadly, there’s no buffet car, but there are several stops with kiosks or shops on the platform.
BURMA
MANDALAY TO MYITKYINA
For the truly adventurous, the train journey north from Mandalay to Myitkyina is an epic, taking in remote parts of the country that few foreigners ever see, including the beautiful expanses of Indawgyi Lake.
The journey lasts between from 24 to 40 hours along rough and bumpy tracks. As with the Mandalay to Lashio route, you will have to double back on yourself at the end of your journey north. However, some of this journey offers you a parallel boat route that is equally adventurous.
CHINA
PEKING TO HANOI
The Beijing-Nanning-Hanoi Through Train is an international railway service between Gia Lâm Railway Station (via Dong Dang Railway Station ) in Vietnam and the Beijing West Railway Station in China, jointly operated by Nanning Railway Bureau of China's national rail service, with service provided by Nanning Passenger Service Department.
The train runs to Beijing and Hanoi every three days. The train runs along the Jingguang railway, followed by the Hengyang–Liuzhou Intercity Railway, the Liuzhou–Nanning Intercity Railway, and the Xianggui railway. It crosses into Vietnam at Dongdang and completes its journey on the dual gauge Hanoi–Dongdang Railway.
The total journey time is approximately 36 hours.
INDIA
PALACE ON WHEELS
The 7 nights and 8 days journey on Palace on Wheels covers some of the most fascinating destinations of the northern and north-western India. The itinerary is set in a way so that the guests can experience the puzzle board of these deliberately chosen destinations where nature unfurls its various forms and colors.
Each destination is different from the other and thus presents a myriad color of India to its visitors.
Delhi: The National Capital of India Delhi depicts the different kinds of lifestyles that are a mix of contemporary and traditional sensibilities. It is a reservoir of cultures, traditions and politics. A visit to its several architectural masterpieces of ancient and medieval times, is always a delight. 1600 HRS: Reporting at Safdarjung Railway Station for check in formalities.
1830 HRS: Leaving for Jaipur.
1930 HRS: Dinner aboard the royal Palace on Wheels.
Jaipur: The Pink City Founded in 1727 and the former capital of the Kachwaha rulers, Jaipur today is a versatile tourist destination. This capital city of Rajasthan boasts of a rich historical past that is depicted in its forts, palaces, havelis and its colourful bazaars.
0345 HRS: Arrive in Jaipur.
0700 HRS: Refreshing breakfast onboard
0800 HRS: Traditional welcome ritual at the Jaipur Railway Station.
0830 HRS: De-board the train for an excursion tour to the city.
1330 HRS: A tantalizing lunch at the Amber Fort.
1500 HRS: A explorative tour to Amber Fort.
1630 HRS: A tour to the local markets.
1800 HRS: Embark the train again for tea and leisure.
1900 HRS: Returning back to Jaipur.
2000 HRS: A grand dinner at the Jai Mahal Palace.
2200 HRS: Returning to Palace on Wheels for onward journey to Sawai Madhopur.
Sawai Madhopur: Chittorgarh Sawai Madhopur is a beautiful city of Rajasthan, which is extremely popular for housing the world-renowned Ranthambore National Park. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historic Ranthambore Fort is an added attraction. It was a planned city that was founded by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur.
Chittorgarh: Popular for the tales of valour and romance of its erstwhile royalty, Chittorgarh was the former capital of the Sisodia clan of Mewar. Placed on the banks of rivers Gambhiri and Berach, this city has magnificent forts, ruined castles and glorious royal structures. Chittorgarh has a total of 7 huge entries.
0530 HRS: Arrival in the Railway Station of Sawai Madhopur.
0600 HRS: Starting an early morning jungle safari to the adventurous Ranthambore National Park.
0915 HRS: A breakfast in a forest lodge.
1000 HRS: Return back to Palace on Wheels.
1030 HRS: A departing journey to Chittorgarh.
1300 HRS: A royal lunch aboard Palace on Wheels.
1600 HRS: Arrival in Chittorgarh.
1630 HRS: A sightseeing tour to the Chittorgarh Fort.
1800 HRS: Evening tea and other refreshments at the cafeteria of Chittorgarh Fort accompanied by a beautiful light and sound show.
1930 HRS: Return back to the Palace on Wheels.
2000 HRS: A royal dinner at hotel Panna along with a cultural show.
2200 HRS: Returning back to the royal carriages of the train for an overnight stay.
Udaipur: City of Lake Also known as the 'City of Lakes' Udaipur is called Rajasthan's most romantic city because of its picturesque setting, Rajputana palaces and lakes. The erstwhile capital of the Mewar kingdom, Udaipur was founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II. The city boasts of innumerable tourist attractions.
0200 HRS: Leaving Chittorgarh for an onward journey to Udaipur.
0800 HRS: Arrival in the lake city Udaipur.
0815 HRS: A refreshing breakfast in a deluxe hotel.
0900 HRS: Off-train excursion tours to the city attractions.
1330 HRS: A stately lunch in a heritage hotel.
1430 HRS: A venturous boat ride in the lake Pichola.
1500 HRS: Back to the railway station.
1530 HRS: Evening tea accompanies by refreshments onboard Palace on Wheels...Onward journey to Jaisalmer.
1930 HRS: A deluxe dinner aboard Palace on Wheels.
Jaisalmer: Nicknamed as the Golden City, the city of Jaisalmer is very well-known for its Jaisalmer fort. This city has been named after Maharawal Jaisal Singh, a Rajput ruler who had established the city in 1156 AD. The city every year hosts its annual Dessert Festival, which is a major crowd puller.
0730 HRS: A rejuvenating break on the go.
0915 HRS: Disembark in Jaisalmer for a sightseeing tour to the city.
1330 HRS: Either an onboard lunch in Palace on Wheels or at the deluxe Moomal hotel.
1530 HRS: Tea and refreshments in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer along with a camel ride.
1930 HRS: A royal dinner in the sand dunes accompanied by a colorful cultural program.
2300 HRS: Returning back to the train for an onward journey to Jodhpur.
Jodhpur: Also known as the 'Sun City' and the 'Blue City', Jodhpur was the erstwhile capital city of the kingdom of Marwar. Now a popular tourist destination, this city is quite famous for its proximity to the Thar desert and for its magnificent forts. It is dotted with innumerable attractions, worth visiting.
0700 HRS: Reaching the Jodhpur Railway Station.
0730 HRS: An onboard breakfast in Palace on Wheels.
0900 HRS: A tour to the city attractions of Jodhpur.
1400 HRS: Lunch in a deluxe resort.
1530 HRS: Return back to the train for relaxing and a ride to Bharatpur.
1930 HRS: A dinner onboard royal Palace on Wheels.
Bharatpur: Considered to be an impregnable city, Bharatpur was the erstwhile capital of the Jat Kingdom and now is a famous tourist destination. Also called Lohagarh, this city houses the very well-known Keoladeo Ghana National Park or Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a haven for bird watchers. Situated on the banks of river Yamuna, the Mughal city of Agra also finds its mention in the Hindu epic of Mahabharat. The city houses 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The city is a blend of the old and the new worlds.
0500 HRS: Arrive at Bharatpur.
0600 HRS: Leaving for Keoladeo Ghana National Park for an early morning bird viewing.
0730 HRS: A breakfast in a deluxe lodge in the forest.
0830 HRS: Returning back to the train.
0845 HRS: A journey to Agra. Agra
1030 HRS: Arrival in Agra.
1100 HRS: A city sightseeing tour to Agra.
1330 HRS: A delightful lunch in a deluxe hotel in Agra.
1500 HRS: Exploring the beauty of Taj Mahal.
1730 HRS: A roam to the city market.
1830 HRS: Savoring a light and sound show.
2000 HRS: Dinner in a luxury hotel in the city or aboard Palace on Wheels.
2300 HRS: Returning journey to Delhi.
0400 HRS: Arrival in the Safdarjung Railway Station.
0730 HRS: An onboard breakfast followed by checkout and farewell formality.
PERSIA (IRAN)
TRANS ASIAN EXPRESS
Turkey’s diplomatic capital, Ankara was a dusty rail town before the country’s inception in 1923. The German train pioneers, who had laid their tracks across Anatolia a decade before, decided to centre the rail junction here. The city’s art deco train station and surrounding European streets simply grew up on top.
The track twists and turns through Turkey’s heartland all the way to Tehran. Thirty minutes from Ankara the ripening sun casts a burning shadow over an endless agricultural plain: sunflowers, orchards, tobacco, grain. The train gallops through the spot where occidental and oriental cultures first clashed, a discord that still rattles on to this day. Yet the train is a toast to modernity itself.
Its contemporary luxuries are a stark juxtaposition to the century-old tracks. Four-person couchette sleeping cars boast giant picture windows and crisp linen sheets. Each nine-room carriage shares bathroom facilities down the hall. The best way to meet fellow guests is aboard the dining car at lunch. This is the train’s entertainment epicentre – and the most hopping spot in Anatolia, so it would seem.
As darkness falls at dinnertime, the dining car lights up. There are Turkish köfte meatballs, çorbası lentil soup and sizzling şiş kebab. Sleep comes easily on the first night of the Trans Asia Express. Rest assured, no one who books this slow train to Tehran is in any hurry to reach their final destination. The driver eases through the night at a steady 60 kilometres per hour, occasionally calling at what must be the loneliest stations in all of Turkey. Indeed, the Trans Asia Express might be the only passenger train they see all week.
Travellers are keyed into the rhythm of the train by breakfast time on day two. Black tea, fried eggs and green olives are slowly consumed as a wilder, craggier Anatolia passes by. On summer mornings, lone shepherds and their wolf-sized kangal dogs can be spotted on the plain. In deep winter, snow frequently bleaches the scene entirely white. But all thoughts are on the train’s afternoon metamorphosis.
At around 3pm it crosses Turkey’s largest lake, then putters off bearing Iranian colours on the other side. It then halts before a sturdy looking ferry. Several of the carriages are then shunted onto a rail track inside the belly of the boat for a five-hour 90 kilometre-long cruise across Lake Van. It’s nighttime, often midnight, before the train shunts off again.
Say hello to flowery four-person couchettes, signs in Farsi and another truly eccentric dining car. As dawn breaks, the scenery changes a final time. The snowy peaks and green plains of Turkey give way to the rocky deserts and distant dunes of Iran. The arrival at Tehran Central Station is frequently five or six hours late.
JAPAN
SUNRISE EXPRESS
Runs as one combined train from Tokyo to Himeji & Okayama and then splits, the Sunrise Seto heading for Takamatsu on the island of Shikoku and the Sunrise Izumo heading for Izumoshi.
The sleeper train runs on the classic narrow-gauge network, but it can save time compared with daytime shinkansen travel but more importantly it's a unique experience. It could save a hotel bill too! Himeji is a popular destination, but the Sunrise Express arrives there very early westbound and leaves late at night eastbound.
LAOS
VENTIANE TO BANGKOK
It's easy to travel from Bangkok to Vientiane (or vice versa) by train, using the daily overnight sleeper train direct from Bangkok to Nong Khai and a special connecting international shuttle train from Nong Khai to the new international rail terminal at Thanaleng in Laos, some 13 km outside Vientiane.
The train uses the new rail link over the Friendship Bridge across the Mekong river into Laos, opened on 5 March 2009. You then take a minivan transfer to central Vientiane. It's safe, cheap and comfortable.
Alternatively, you can still travel between Bangkok & Vientiane the old way, using any of the Bangkok-Nong Khai trains, then making your own way by bus or taxi between Nong Khai & Vientiane.
NORTH KOREA
PYONGYANG TO PEKING
The train usually consists of two through cars attached to respectively a Chinese and Korean train on both sides of the border (and on some days also a part from Moscow).
The train is pretty comfortable and very comparable to the usual trains in China and Russia. Track quality is poor in North-Korea, with the train travelling very slowly. Stations are in a very poor state of repair. Delays are very frequent due to power outages.
There are two classes of berth. Both are pretty similar and consist of 4-person compartments. From Pyongyang, western tourists are only allowed on the Soft Sleeper, which is only used by foreigners, mostly Chinese. From Beijing, you can also use the Hard Sleeper, which is also used by North-Koreans. The through cars are fenced off from the rest of the train.
In Korea, however, a meal can be brought to you by the car attendant. The quality of the food is pretty good considering the food shortages in the country. Be very aware of the awful behaviour of eating dogs.
PHILIPPINE
BICOL EXPRESS - MANILA TO NAGA CITY
In late 2011, Philippine National Railways resumed daily long-distance passenger trains between Manila and Naga City, previously discontinued some years previously due to typhoon damage.
The Bicol Express train is a comfortable and safe way to travel between Manila and Naga, overnight with comfortable air-conditioned sleepers bought second-hand from Japanese Railways. From 16 March 2012, the Mayon Limited (now Isarog Limited) trains were added, and train service extended beyond Naga to Ligao, not far short of Legazpi.
AUSTRIA
VIENNA TO MOSCOW
A direct Russian sleeping-cars with 1, 2 and 3 bed compartments with washbasin which link Vienna with Moscow twice a week, leaving Vienna Hbf around 18:09 on Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Moscow Belorussky around 22:30 next day.
The train uses modern Austrian-built sleeping-cars with 2 & 4 berth compartments. For St Petersburg, there is a direct Russian sleeping-car leaving Vienna Hbf on Saturdays at 18:09 arriving St Petersburg 2 nights later at around 07:23. Or take the Vienna to Moscow car and change in Moscow, taking either a Sapsan daytime train in 3h50 or an overnight train The direct Vienna to Moscow sleeping-cars are new, built in Austria in 2014. Each compartment converts from comfortable sofas to equally comfortable beds and can be used as either 1st class 2-berth with two lower berths or as 2nd class 4-berth with all four berths in use. There are shower and toilets at the end of the corridor. Compartments have electronic key-card locks, and the cars are very smooth-riding.
BRITAIN
THE FLYING SCOTSMAN
Flying Scotsman was built in Doncaster, the first locomotive of the newly formed London and North Eastern Railway (LNER). It left the works on 24 February 1923 with number 1472. It was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley as part of the A1 class—the most powerful locomotives used by the LNER at that time.
By 1924, when it was selected to appear at the British Empire Exhibition in London, the loco had been renumbered 4472—and given the name 'Flying Scotsman' after the daily 10.00 London to Edinburgh rail service which started in 1862. The British Empire Exhibition made Flying Scotsman famous, and it went on to feature in many more publicity events for the LNER.
In 1928, it was given a new type of tender with a corridor, which meant that a new crew could take over without stopping the train. This allowed it to haul the first ever non-stop London to Edinburgh service on 1 May that year, reducing the journey time to eight hours. In 1934, Scotsman was clocked at 100mph on a special test run—officially the first locomotive in the UK to reach that speed. The test run proved to the LNER's directors that steam power could provide high speeds, negating a plan for the company to use diesel power on its high-speed services.
Now the Scotsman does a variety of journeys,tours & exhibitions. It has in fact been exhibited in many countries but now works exclusively in Britain. When carrying passengers it is of the finest First Class in detail,attention,cuisine accomadation & price!
THE CALEDONIAN SLEEPER
Take a trip from the north of Britain to the souht & shores of the Atlantic Ocean
Wick
Take the Inverness train...approx 2 hours hugging the North Sea & Moray Firth coast crossing through Caithness, Sutherland into the Highlnds.
Inverness
From Inverness a beautiful bus ride along the shores of Loch Ness to Fort Augusta onto Fort William.
The Sleeper
Travels through quaint unused stations turned into pubs & hotels...onto Edinburgh ,Glasgow...onto England, stopping at Bolton & Crewe before ending this great journey at Euston station.
Riviera Sleeper
Leaves Paddington station late at night, travelling through the south western counties before arriving after breakfast at the pleasant & final destination of Penzance.