Sit Back And Enjoy The View From A Train
Travelling by train presents the world in a whole new perspective. Rather than going through the stress and discomfort of travelling by road or the general ghastliness of flying everywhere, travelling by train can be both leisurely and comfortable. You’ll get to see a lot more at a relaxing pace and it doesn’t always have to be expensive either.
Trans-Siberian Railway – Russia, Mongolia and China
One of the world’s cheapest long distance train journeys, the Trans-Siberian Railway is also one of the world’s legendary train voyages as well as the longest one in the world. Branches from the main Moscow to the Russian Far East lead off to Mongolia and China and there’s even a route going into North Korea. Many people stay in Russia, taking the train from the beginning (Moscow) to Vladivostok, approximately 5800 miles! The scenery along the way is extremely diverse and it includes some of the world’s most beautiful places such as Baikal and Tuva. The best way to do this trip is to take as much time as you can afford and stop along the way in some of the many interesting cities. The train itself is rarely comfortable and facilities and food are typically very limited.
Maharaja Express – India
The Maharaja Express might be expensive, costing upwards of £535 per day per person (all-inclusive), but it is also one of the world’s most luxurious train journeys. Operated by Indian Railways, the Maharaja Express was only established in 2010. There are four itineraries on offer and all of them begin or end in Delhi. Some include a visit to the Taj Mahal. Every morning, the train stops at a new destination where you can take a guided tour of local attractions. Facilities on the train include two luxury restaurants, extremely extravagant cabins, an observation lounge and a souvenir shop. For a particularly special occasion such as a honeymoon or other high-budget trip, the Maharaja Express is hard to beat.
Pride of Africa – South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Another exceedingly luxury train journey is the Pride of Africa, operated by the South African Company, Rovos Rail. The company also offers train journeys spanning the entire length of the continent from the Cape of South Africa all the way to Cairo in 28 days of breath-taking scenery. Such journeys certainly won’t come cheap, however, with the 28 day voyage costing from £31,000 per person (including alcohol, meals and excursions). The train itself is extremely luxurious, offering top quality dining, lounges and en-suite accommodation.
Venice-Simplon Orient Express – Europe
The Venice-Simplon Orient Express is often confused with the original Orient Express which stopped running in 2009. It is a private luxury train which runs from London to Venice. For lovers of vintage trains as well as the beautiful scenery that the journey has to offer, the Venice-Simplon Orient Express is the perfect choice. The train runs between March and November and stops in various major destinations including London, Paris, Dresden, Cracow, Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Rome and Venice. There are also trips available through Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey.
Post contributed by Samantha Harvey, a freelance writer on behalf of Covermore who are skiing and travel insurance providers.