In a fast-paced world, traveling slowly feels counterintuitive. We want to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible. So why would our vacations be any different? Enter train travel, a mode of transportation from a bygone era that, while often overlooked, has never truly gone out of style.
The truth is, with a plethora of incredible multi-day expeditions across nearly every corner of the globe, train travel is one of the industry’s best-kept secrets. Add top-notch accommodations, culinary delights and unmatched views of the earth’s vast landscapes to the mix and it becomes wonderfully apparent that when you travel by rail, the adventure is in the journey itself.
Africa
Rovos Rail Safaris
An expedition by rail across the Motherland captures the magic of an African Safari and puts it into motion. Grassy plains, lush rainforests, tropical deserts — the vast landscapes of this massive continent deserve to be savored. And what better way to adore these stunning views (and the creatures that inhabit them) comfortably and unobstructed than from atop Rovos Rail Safaris’ 32+ seat observation car, complete with an open-air balcony.
Dating back to 1989, Rovos Rail channels the spirit of a simpler time with its luxurious fleet of rebuilt diesel and electric vintage trains. With no radios or television sets on board, those who travel by Rovos Rail find entertainment in the finer things in life. Expertly-crafted meals are served promptly three times a day — breakfast from 7 a.m. through 10 a.m., lunch at 1 p.m., tea at 4:30 p.m. and formal dinners at 7:30 p.m. The selection is delightfully fresh, consisting of only the finest local ingredients and it’s highly recommended that travelers pair their dinners with any of the fantastic offerings from the railway’s curated list of fine South African wines.
As the world’s second-largest continent, there is so much to do and see in Africa. Luckily, Rovos Rail has plenty of routes that will help travelers cover as much ground as possible. Quick four-day voyages, nine to 10-day itineraries or epic 15-day adventures — there’s an African railway adventure fit for every getaway.
Asia
Maharajas’ Express
Designed to recreate the (fabulous) journeys of eras past, the influence of Indian Royalty and British aristocracy guide the way for those who board India’s Maharaja’s’ Express. Previewing the luxurious splendor that awaits is the train’s richly colored maroon and gold exterior, a beautiful pallet that sets the tone for this far-flung adventure.
India is a vibrant and welcoming country and those riding the Maharajas’ Express will feel the love as they’re greeted with gifts, music and a flurry of namastes before boarding the platform. Inside the train, the fanfare continues with staff treating travelers to the royal experience through savory dishes, perfectly crafted cocktails and around-the-clock butler service from the comfort of one’s private quarters — which, btw, are simultaneously lavish, yet cozy, with an en suite shower and toilet, live TV and a direct-dial telephone.
The Maharajas’ Express offers four fantastic adventures for prospective travelers to choose from. The three longer routes include Indian Splendour, The Heritage of India and Indian Panorama each of which lasts for a duration of six nights and seven days. And the shorter route is Treasures of India, a three-night, four-day experience. While all the routes have a slightly different itinerary, travelers can expect to see the region’s most notable attractions such as the Taj Mahal, Ranthambore National Park and Amber Fort on almost every journey.
Australia
The Ghan
With nearly 85% of its population living along the coast, Australia’s rugged interior is a vast and colorful world less traveled. Red rocks and blue skies, the country’s scorched terrain is dotted with strange rock formations akin to a planet far, far away. Fearlessly traversing the Outback’s otherworldly center is The Ghan, a distinct passenger train that offers transcontinental adventures and interior getaways on the world’s smallest continent.
Each route frequented by The Ghan departs from either Darwin or Adelaide with Darwin being one of Australia’s northernmost cities and Adelaide one of its southernmost cities. Alternatively, travelers can also opt for a route that ends in Alice Springs, a gorgeous town in Australia’s Northern Territory that is conveniently located halfway between the two coastal towns.
Inside, there are three service levels to choose from — Gold Service, Platinum Service and the Chairman’s Carriage. Gold Service is the most popular accommodation of the three with many finding a Gold Service Twin or Single Cabin to have all the essentials that they need for the multi-day adventure. Additionally, every guest on The Ghan can enjoy all-inclusive dining at the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, bottomless Australian wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages and all-inclusive off-train excursions and short stops.
Europe
The Presidential Train
A place where history and culinary greatness collide, the Presidential Train is the self-proclaimed crown jewel of Portugal’s railway system. A lofty, yet fitting title, the famed locomotive has transported many important people — such as the court of King D. Luis I, Queen Elizabeth II, Pope Paul VI, Portuguese Heads of State and more — since its construction in 1890. Such noble expeditions were par for the course until the 1970s when the Presidential Train was withdrawn from circulation and left to sit vacantly for many years. That was until now-Owner Gonçalo Castel-Branco spotted it at the National Railway Museum and a dream was born.
Traveling from São Bento station to Portugal’s Vesúvio Winery, the Presidential offers day-long gourmet excursions through the region’s visually stunning Douro Valley. And be sure to come hungry because great food is the Presidential’s specialty. Each trip features a four-course menu crafted by a renowned chef aided by local professionals who pour their hearts into creating top-of-the-line gourmet dishes paired alongside exclusive wines from the Douro region.
Halfway through the nine-hour experience, travelers will make a pitstop at the Vesúvio Winery where they can tour the estate and sample plenty of fresh vino. On the return journey, live entertainment takes center stage as coffee, tea and booze flow freely.
North America
Rocky Mountaineer
With unique glass-dome coaches and oversized train windows, Rocky Mountaineer’s four rail routes — First Passage to the West, Journey Through the Clouds, Rainforest to Gold Rush and Rockies to the Red Rocks — give travelers the chance to fully immerse themselves in the ever-changing landscapes of the U.S. and Canada.
Onboard, the atmosphere is friendly and sociable with delicious cuisine, knowledgeable guides and attentive service. “The onboard menus feature dishes that showcase the ingredients and flavors of each region, accompanied by a selection of local wines and beers, along with premium spirits,” says Dallas Carlson, communications coordinator for Rocky Mountaineer. “Our team of onboard hosts offer award-winning service and rich, historic storytelling of the rail line, geological marvels, communities and Indigenous peoples along the routes.”
As an all daylight train, guests see the sights by day and spend their nights in pre-vetted hotels thus eliminating the sometimes-challenging experience of getting cozy in your seat or stashing away in a sleeper car. This is undoubtedly good news as the views are something you won’t want to miss. “I grew up in Western Canada, I love seeing other people experience the beauty of this part of the world. But I was recently able to experience our newest route, Rockies to the Red Rocks, in the American Southwest, and I was blown away by the scenery there. The red rock canyons the train travels through make you feel like you’re on a different planet,” says Carlson.
South America
The Andean Explorer — a Belmond train
“Traveling onboard a train is an incredible adventure. A journey with soul, a journey which evokes a genuine sense of nostalgia,” says Anastasia (Aya) Aroukatos, brand public relations coordinator for Belmond. “This way of traveling slowly allows you to immediately connect with nature and immerse yourself in a destination. It takes our guests back to the golden years of travel when train travel was the only way to travel long distances in absolute comfort and luxury.”
And comfort and luxury are exactly what travelers can expect when they opt to tour South America onboard Belmond’s Andean Explorer. “The Andean Explorer is the only luxury sleeper train in the entire region that crosses three high Andean regions from Cusco to Arequipa, passing through Puno, where Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, is located,” says Aroukatos. “Onboard the train, you can enjoy comfortable suites, unique gastronomic experiences designed by our chef, delicious cocktails, live music and even a spa on wheels with three care rooms.”
Offboard, Belmond helps travelers experience the magic of Peru through curated experiences. Travelers can discover the wonders of Machu Picchu, marvel at the Sacred Valley, embark on an Art, Cooking and Opera Tour and more. It’s all possible on this multi-day adventure.
Originally appeared in the summer 2022 issue of The Compass Magazine.
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