Travel for the rich.
The train enthusiasts — a special category of travellers. Travel by rail, especially over long distances, they find their romance. Especially if that journey passes through fascinating routes in luxurious surroundings, with stops along the way and spending nights in luxurious hotels and exclusive excursions. Such cruises by rail.
So what are these VIP-train, and how much it costs to ride on them?
“Vestnik ATOR” has compiled a list of the most luxurious trains of the season, based on: feedback from travelers, the characteristics of the trains, their novelty and the length of the route, the set of services provided, the number of objects that can be visited during the trip, and most importantly — the cost of the trip.
BELMOND NORTHERN BELLE (UNITED KINGDOM, LONDON — CHESTER)
Stepping into this train, it’s like you are transported into the past century. Belmond Northern Belle reflects the style popular in the 1930-ies in England trains and the famous Belle Pullman carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
The peculiarity of this route is the luxurious leisurely Lunches, traditional afternoon teas and gorgeous views from the train window. As part of the travel tourists visit the Royal Crescent in bath, bridge, Canterbury, museums and art galleries of Edinburgh, as well as historic York.
This year was made a new route on which the train will travel: a four-day trip from London to Chester through the lake district will cost from $1 937.
BELMOND ANDEAN EXPLORER (PERU)
This first night train luxury in South America, having made its first trip in may of this year, could really expand the boundaries of the concept of “luxury”. The design of the carriages reflects traditional Peruvian motifs, and enjoy the scenery from the panoramic Windows of the car with an open top. The train can accommodate only 68 passengers.
By the way, in the biggest compartment of a train there are comfortable double beds and leather armchairs, where guests can relax. Menu train was developed by the chef of the Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Cusco. It is noteworthy that it will change every season.
The two-day journey from Cusco to Arequipa will cost “only” $1 388 that the maximum price for a ticket “high-level” — $4200.
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER (CANADA)
This luxury train in its route connects the canadian province of British Columbia and Alberta.
The class “Gold list,” travel in the two-level car with a transparent roof. From the upper level offers breathtaking views of lakes, pine forests and mountains, along which the route passes. On the lower floor of the train gourmets will appreciate the local dishes from the past practice of international chefs. The menu of local products, for example, the Alberta beef and Pacific salmon, combined with the best wines.
A curious detail: passengers sleep in train. Every night they are transported to a hotel for the night, and in the afternoon the journey continues.
Rocky Mountaineer runs on five railway routes, among the stopping points — Vancouver, Banff, lake Louise, calgary, Jasper and Whistler.
The minimum price starts from $1 200 for a two-day trip and goes up to $9000 for a 13-day trip in the Deluxe. You can also include in the program of the cruise.
EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS (THAILAND / SINGAPORE)
The route is full of charm, romance and adventure. The route of this luxury train between Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand runs through the city, Pestryaev trade booths, past Golden temples and provincial stations.
All coupes are air conditioned and have private bathrooms. Used for furnishing the cherry tree and the types of solid elm and features inlaid wood mosaic and filigree. On the train twenty-four hour service available on call.
Special attention is paid to the cuisine: French chef created meals especially for the Eastern & Oriental Express, has received rave reviews worldwide for combining Western and Eastern culinary traditions.
In season 2017 and the route promises to introduce a number of innovations: the dress code of black tie dinners will change to a more relaxed “tropical elegance”, and passengers in the format of musical accompaniment will entertain Singapore DJ Mr. Has.
Three-day trip will cost an average of $2 170.
ROVOS RAIL (SOUTH AFRICA)
Travel Express Rovos Rail — the equivalent of privilege and luxury. Travel with taste even to the lost places in South Africa (though they almost never left) — it’s an art, so for two weeks this train will take you a few centuries ago. The train consists of vintage cars, collected in 1911 in Europe for members of the Royal family. The exquisite interiors of cars recreate the atmosphere of train travel, old time, while the coupe is equipped in accordance with modern ideas of comfort. And if pullman—mini coupe (7 sq m) has only a toilet room and a shower in the Royal Suite (16 sqm) in addition to the soul is even a luxury bath.
The “trick” trains — observation wagon (“The observation car”). It is located in the rear of the train and is provided with a glazed rear wall allowing you to fully enjoy the magnificent landscapes of Africa without leaving the car.
In 1989, after restoration Rovos Rail made its maiden voyage. In one trip the train is ready to carry up to 72 passengers. The routes vary in length from 48 hours to 28 days, including destinations such as Cape town, Durban, Dar es Salaam, Victoria Falls, Namibia, African Golf collage, connecting Pretoria, Kruger Park, Durban and Captown, Golf Safari.
Rovos Rail can be booked for private events and Safari hunting.
The cost of tickets depends on the length of the route and class, coupe — from $1365 to $10,000
INDIAN PACIFIC (AUSTRALIA)
This transcontinental train in its route connects the Western and Eastern coast of Australia. The epic three-day journey starts in Sydney and ending in Perth (or Vice versa), the path passing through the Blue mountains and the great plain Nullarbor.
The train has three levels of privileges: for example, the platinum level passengers can count on a free transfer from home to train stations and back for personal auto at the distance of 50 km. in addition, these guests will receive exclusive access to the restaurant car Platinum Club, where ordered input to other passengers.
The cost of the trip varies from $2125 to $3375.
“IMPERIAL RUSSIA” (RUSSIA, MOSCOW — VLADIVOSTOK)
What could be more fun than to cross almost the whole of Eurasia on a luxury train “Imperial Russia”?
Unique tour has been designed for the 400th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty, so the train is not just beautiful — it is styled on the era of the Russian Empire of the XIX century. Brocade chairs with carved wood backs, red carpets and the decoration of the rooms create an atmosphere of chic and elegance neurocytol.
During a trip on the legendary TRANS-Siberian railway travelers will find numerous excursions in the cities on the route (Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk and others), picnic on the shore of the deepest lake in the world Baikal, fine dining in the restaurant car and the bar car, live music, and to walk in the path of “Imperial Russia” is a luxurious orchestra.
This year, the “Imperial Russia” should have three routes from Moscow to Vladivostok, Ulan Bator and Beijing.
The average cost of travel from 5070 euros ($6160).
VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS (EUROPE)
The most famous train class “luxury” in the world, in principle, needs no introduction. The first journey of the restored Orient Express from London to Venice on 25 may 1982, his passengers were royals and celebrities.
In our days vintage cars in the style of art Deco of the 1920-ies and 1930-ies fully renovated and demonstrate their original grandeur and elegance of a bygone era.
In addition to London and Venice, destinations include Verona, Berlin and Istanbul (once a year). Train tickets, including a stay at the Belmond hotel Cipriani, cost from $6 500.
In November of this year, the itinerary will combine with a visit to the Vienna ball.
BELMOND ROYAL SCOTSMAN (SCOTLAND)
Luxury train can accommodate up to 40 passengers and be one of the many trails.
In the sleeping car there are 14 twin, two double and four single State Cabins compartment, each of which is decorated with inlay. All compartments have a private bathroom with a shower, sink and toilet, hot water, toiletries and fresh towels.
From April this year Royal Scotsman appeared the world’s first dedicated SPA-the car — The Bamford Haybarn Spa includes two treatment rooms. Passengers will be offered several types of massage, manicure and pedicure, as well as The Bamford Bespoke Facial — 55 minute treatment aimed at recovery, rejuvenation and skin renewal.
A five-day trip on the classic route “Edinburgh — Keith — Kyle of Lochalsh — Boat of Garten — Edinburgh” will cost $6 600.
MAHARAJAS’ EXPRESS (INDIA)
Opened in 2010, the route runs between Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Mumbai and Lucknow.
Train with a capacity of 88 passengers consists of 23 luxury cars. There are SPA-salon, fitness centre, business centre, Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Two cars-the restaurants serve cuisines from around the world, including Indian, Chinese and authentic cuisine Mewari.
The train is particularly proud of its presidential Suite, which consists of a large living room, master compartment with double bed and a compartment with two single beds. The toilet cabin is equipped with a bath, and excursions to cities of a route, guests can use the services of a personal guide and luxury car.
Three days in the car of a class “Lux” are $7 700 and the presidential Suite will cost $25 800. The train runs from may to September.
In addition to its tours “Golden triangle” of India (Agra, Delhi, Jaipur) train this year are also sent to the South to the picturesque landscape of Goa and Kerala.
TWILIGHT EXPRESS MIZUKAZE (JAPAN)
This is the new “luxury-train” in the world. Newest first journey of the train scheduled for June 17. All will be offered five routes with one-way movement of the train, for a duration of two days. During the trip tourists can enjoy the picturesque Kyoto, Matsue, Izumo and Miyajima. As you can see the sea of Japan and Mount Daisen. Each route includes one tour stop per day.
Tourists are offered a choice of single or double compartment. Also the train has a Deluxe compartment with private balcony, dining room, bedroom and bathroom.
One of the key features Twilight Express Mizukaze menu, which has developed some of the most renowned chefs in Japan: of Yoshihiro Murata and Hajime Yoneda.
You can buy tickets exclusively in Japan. However, they were already almost sold out.
Prices for the trip start at $2400 and go up to $11 000.
TRANS-SIBERIAN GOLDEN EAGLE (RUSSIA)
The route of this luxury train, the famous TRANS-Siberian railway from Moscow to Vladivostok. 9 258 km, eight time zones and 15 days of travel is not only one of the most spectacular routes in the world, but also one of the longest. It should be noted that the length of the route associated with visits to key locations and cities on the route: Yekaterinburg, lake Baikal, Irkutsk, etc.
For those who like to travel with Royal comfort in the train there are two Imperial coupe: a comfortable bed, a shower, a dressing table and a Seating area. Meals are served in two dining cars.
In addition to the route from Moscow to Vladivostok, the train also travels to Beijing for a duration of 21 days.
In 2017, the train celebrates its 10-year anniversary For this event in July, held “Presidential tour” from Moscow to Vladivostok with a festive gala dinner.
The cost of travel starts from 14 995 euros ($16 800).
© 2017, paradox. All rights reserved.
