4 of the Greatest Rail Journeys in the World
Train travel is a perfect demonstration of the adage that it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. Aboard one of the great rail journeys of the world, passengers wind through remote wilderness, exotic cities and tiny, quaint towns – all viewed from the window of a carriage at a sedate pace that leaves plenty of time for rumination. There is no better way to travel. Many of these great rail journeys began as a means of transport only, but now, many are like hotels on rails: luxurious cabins with king-sized beds, champagne and canapés upon arrival, and frequent stops to explore the cities and landscapes.
Palace on Wheels: Delhi to Delhi
Sweeping into Jaisalmer aboard this exotically elegant train has to be the next best thing to riding through the city gates atop a jewel-encrusted elephant. India’s original luxury train harks back to the time of the Maharajahs with its ornate decor and gracious hospitality. Taking in Delhi, Jaipur and Agra (the three cities that comprise the gilded Golden Triangle), the Palace on Wheels allows passengers to visit forts and palaces, shop in vibrant bazaars and visit World Heritage Sites such as the Taj Mahal. The cabins are royally adorned with silk drapes, carved wood paneling and wall-to-wall carpet plus there are two dining cars, a bar and a spa.
Danube Express: Balkan Odyssey
With an attendant to look after your every whim, luxurious accommodation, on-board entertainment and restaurants, Golden Eagle Luxury Trains’ Balkan Odyssey journey from Budapest to Venice is more like a travelling hotel than train. Sure, you won’t be able to recall the names of some of the gorgeous cities you’ll pass through (say Lajosmizse, Kecskemet, Sighisoara three times quickly) in Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Slovenia and Italy during the 11-day journey. It doesn’t matter though – a glimpse at these treasures, whether it’s the fortified medieval town purportedly the birthplace of Dracula; the magnificent ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo; or the ancient amphitheatres, preserved medieval walls and Ottoman baths of Plovdiv – will be remembered forever.
TranzAlpine: Christchurch to Greymouth
It may only be a five-hour journey but this train chugs through some of the most stunning scenery on New Zealand’s South Island. It heads inland, first travelling past the aquamarine Waimakariri River gorge before ascending to the Craigieburn Plains, passing through 15 tunnels along the way, where you’ll spot the snow-capped peaks of Mount Bisner in the distance. After meeting up with the Waimakariri River again, the train crosses its wild waters before entering the 8.5-kilometre Otira Tunnel. Back in the daylight, the landscape becomes much greener as the train passes forests fed by the Otira and Taramakau rivers. The carriages feature reclining seats, set in pairs, as well as enormous glass windows made for daydreaming. Open-air viewing carriages let you get better snaps of the spectacular scenery along the 223-kilometre journey.
California Zephyr: Chicago to San Francisco
The Zephyr is Amtrack’s second-longest route at 3924 kilometres and takes passengers on an epic journey across America from Chicago to Emeryville, California. The railway crosses the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, the dramatic snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains and the Utah Desert – to look away from the window is to miss stirring scenery. There are several levels of accommodation, from the Coach Class Seat to the Superliner Bedroom, which has space for two adults, bathroom with shower, included meals and personalised service (coffee and newspapers in the morning, turn-down at night).
-Source: Qantas Travel Insider, Monday 23rd March, 2018