World's 10 Dream Luxury Train Vacations

The railroad made possible the displacement of millions of people, shortened the distances between people and led to the expansion of knowledge and cultures. However, the train has been for most travelers only the means carrying them to their places of work or approaching them (and away) of abandoned lands precisely in order to make a living. But there are exceptions. Jump from side to side crossing the rail dense mesh drawn on the five continents and discover other lands aboard a swanky train is a pleasure reserved for very few. There was a time when traveling was an adventure. The creation of these fantastic convoys seeks to recover that time where the journey is almost immaterial. Currently, there are fifty rail cruise passengers that attract not only the route, but also by the attentive service and attention to give to their passengers. These hotels on wheels real luxury and comfort. Topping the list these ten routes dream.

1. The Blue Train' in South Africa

For the third year running, the 'Blue Train' African has won the title of 'Best Luxury Train' in the World Travel Awards held in Doha (Qatar). These awards are considered the highest recognition in the tourism sector and have even been called the 'Oscars' of tourism by The Wall Street Journal. The 'Blue Train' covers a distance of approximately 1,600 kilometers in South Africa, between Pretoria and Cape Town. Its origins date back to the trains 'Union Limited' and 'Union Express', which began in 1923, taking passengers from Johannesburg to the ships leaving from Cape Town to England. It is a five star hotel in motion, that runs through the spectacular scenery of South Africa in 27 hours of regular route. Guests are accommodated in luxurious cabins with private bathroom, digital entertainment center and air conditioning or heating. The train has two opulent lounges, a dining and exclusive jewelry, fine linens, marble tiles and gold fittings in the bathrooms. In addition, customers have butler service that caters for a maximum of four cabins, room service, laundry service, safes, phone ... Price depends on the chosen accommodation among 1,160 euros per person in a double cabin Luxury and about 2,000 euros single room De Luxe. http://www.bluetrain.co.za/

2. 'The Transcantábrico' of Green Spain

The Feve most valuable jewel, 'The Transcantábrico' has made ​​it into the list of the 25 great railway journeys of the world, the distinction Society International Railway Travelers (IRT) and has been recognized two years ago as the 'best in the world 'by the South African' Blue Train '. Crosses Castile and Leon, the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia, a distance of 600 kilometers that combines mountain and sea, in the most beautiful spots of Green Spain. Thirty years of uninterrupted rolling, the first tourist train Spain starts walking from Leon to Santiago de Compostela, a journey of 8 days and 7 nights to review the Spanish history from the Stone Age to the present. The train runs along the same routes by traveling the historic La Robla Railway, the old train carrying coal mining coal from León to Biscay. It has fourteen suites designed for the enjoyment and pleasure, exquisite decor and selected to unwind in a unique atmosphere. It has several original 1923 Pullman cars, railway real gems, especially decorated for 'The Transcantábrico' (no other convoy called 'Classic'). The fees for this year are around 4,200 euros per person. http://www.eltranscantabricogranlujo.com/es/

3. 'Venice Simplon Orient Express', the heir

With its restored 1920 cars, is one of the trains that retain the magical aura of the golden age of travel Agatha Christie immortalized in his novels. Heir to the glamorous 'Orient Express' (in 1977 he made ​​his last journey from Paris to Istanbul), the convoy has several itineraries that are completed with your brothers the 'Eastern and Oriental Express' and reaching Venice, Rome, London, Paris , Bucharest, Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Istanbul. Temple of elegance, is proud of the richness of their cabins decorated with fine marquetry and seats coated materials, designers wit result René Lalique and Prou, reviewed by James B. Sherwood in 1982. Private lounge during the day, with a sofa and coffee table turns into room at night with a low bed and a loft bed. It's a vintage train with 17 cars, 11 of them sleeping cars, built between 1926 and 1931. Decorated with bright blue paint and gold, and furnished with inlaid walls, leather sofas, velvet curtains and blown glass lamps, represents the pinnacle of elegance. His journey from Paris to Venice (1,980 euros per person) is one of the favorite destinations for lovers of luxury travel. http://www.orient-xpress.com/web/vsoe/venice_simplon_orient_express.jsp

4. 'Palace on Wheels', India Victorian

Browse India by train is one of those dreams that every traveler is met. The Indian railway system, driven by Britain during its colonization, is currently the fourth largest in the world after the United States, Russia and China. The 14 cars of this palace on wheels are named after former Rajput states and are a magnificent example of the aesthetics of the buildings of the Maharajas and splendid interiors of the palaces Indians. Each car has a small pantry and a lounge to ensure availability of hot and cold drinks and refreshments, and a place to relax and meet. The journey takes 7 days and 8 nights, and runs through Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Agra and back to Delhi. The meals at this train that transports you to the days of the British Empire in two cars serve restaurants ('The Maharaja and The Maharani'), decorated in a typical Sardinian style, where you can taste the delicious dishes prepared on the spot by excellent cooks and include all types of continental, Chinese and Indian. Prices over 4,000 euros per person. The visit to the Taj Mahal is included. http://www.palacesonwheels.com/

5. 'Royal Scotsman' by the Scottish Highlands

Exclusive passengers who decide to travel through the spectacular scenery of the Highlands, are received on board at the touch of the cleat by musicians dressed in national costume. A subsidiary of the London & North Eastern Railway Company-called The Special Scotch Express-, the group stays true to British tradition and offers its 36 passengers high-end service. Fleeing from the mists of Edinburgh, the 'Royal Scotsman' proposed new adventures for the Highlands, visiting castles, whiskey distilleries and attractions, as well as a variety of private circuits and thematic round Scotland and England. You can also enjoy the magical stories that the passage of time has written about the Highlands, and to stop living the Celilidh, the most important festival calendar native Scottish or to see the impressive Mont Stuart Victorian mansions. All train cars except the restaurant is 1928, were built in the 60s, a "vintage" in Edwardian merger with varnished wood, polished brass and fine fabrics. The more beautiful the route linking Edinburgh and Glasgow (2,870 euros), running through one of the most wild and picturesque country. http://www.royalscotsman.com/web/rs/the_royal_scotsman.jsp

6. 'Rovos Rail', pride of Africa

Since its inception in 1989, 'Rovos Rail' acquired international reputation. Carries up to 72 passengers in 36 superbly arranged suites where travelers can find the romantic atmosphere of rail travel and experience the magic and mystery of Africa. Pioneering luxury railway across the African continent, "Rovos Rail 'unpublished routes proposed by South Africa, Egypt, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Afrikaner Property tycoon auto industry and Rohan Vos, routes run through the lush territories authentic Kwazulu-Natal, Victoria Falls and Dar es Salaam, and the opportunity to see the famous nature reserve in Mpumalanga, the `place where the sun rises' to the Zulus. The convoy consists of a steam engine and 19 original cars of 20s and 30s Rhodesia Railways. The rooms are spacious. Highlights include suites with large beds, foot baths with Victorian era lounge and air conditioning. Period has restaurants and a wide range of amenities and services to make the trip (8,415 euros for 13 nights) an unforgettable experience. http://www.rovos.com/spanish

7. 'Maharaja Express' Indian luxury

Only a few have the privilege of touring India in one of its mythical and tourist trains. The 'Toy Train of Darjeeling' (built by the British in 1881, to join the Darjeeling tea plantations with Siliguri), the 'Fairy Queen' (the train 'Fairy Queen', which runs between Delhi and Alwar) and ' Palace on Wheels' are some of the best known. To this is added another offer luxurious train in the two years of operation has managed to sneak into the list of the most sumptuous. 'The Indian Maharaja-Deccan Odyssey' is the first luxury train tour of India operated privately. Make a schedule of 7 nights and 8 days Aurangaba-Mumbai-Ahmedabad-Udaipu-Sawai-Madhopur-Jaipur-Bharatpur-Agra-Delhi. The 'Maharaja's Express' has 42 cabins with a capacity for 86 people and a car like presidential suite. This is the first pan-India super luxury train that offers a combination of all the cultures of the country and whose range is not limited to one area of India, like its predecessors, roam only specific places in Rajasthan, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Prices range between $ 800 and 2,500, depending on the type of car you choose for this enviable cruise. http://www.maharajas-express-india.com/

8. 'Royal Canadian Pacific' and the Canadian Rockies

Opened on June 7, 2000, the train connects Toronto in the Great Lakes region, with Vancouver. Browse one of the world's most fascinating lines, built between 1881 and 1885 through wild and unexplored territories that still retain the charm of a century ago. Originally, it was managed by the Canadian Pacific Railway, which in the years following World War II decided to follow the fashion of the time and replace traditional cars other then very modern, aerodynamic and stainless steel. With 1920 cars restored, only supports 32 passengers. The cabins, with private bathrooms are paneled and decorated in classic English style. The tours go through the wild natural landscapes of the regions of Alberta and British Columbia. Shortly after her marriage to the Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth II traveled in the 'Royal Canadian Pacific'. The usual course of 6 days and 5 nights (8,200 euros) begins and ends in Calgary. The train arrives at the Spiral Tunnels in Yoho National Park and then rises 326 meters along 16.9 miles of track in a narrow mountain pass. http://www.royalcanadianpacific.com/

9. 'The Ghan', by the Australian desert

Travel south to the north of Australia in one of the world's longest journeys. Board the train in Adelaide and watch the rolling green hills of South Australia give way to the desert, the Red Centre, the color of the brick, and finally to the tropical splendor of the Top End. Or hop in Darwin and watch how landscapes move in the opposite direction. Explore the inner city famous Alice Springs and Katherine on a lightning tour. Visit sacred Aboriginal sites around Alice Springs or take a scenic helicopter flight over Simpsons Gap. Navigate downriver Katherine Gorge, canoe down the Katherine River or opt for another adventure 'The Ghan' offers. The Australian Rail acquired its name from the Afghan workers (afghan, in English, and hence 'Ghan') who built the section linking Alice Springs (center) to Adelaide (South), and offers a tour of the desert and other Australian landscapes in a convoy slow and charismatic. The railway transaustraliano is administered by the federal government and now runs from Port Augusta, north of Adelaide to Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, through the Simpson Desert. Australia has over 40,000 kilometers of railways. Every detail of the 'Ghan' is careful to the extreme. This train is said to be a five star on wheels. Although really the tourist convoy has four categories, the first class is a unique experience and highly recommended. It has comfortable beds, dining car, lounge drinks, a cafe called Matilda's (following the famous Australian folk song 'Waltzing Matilda') and impeccable service. The 2,979 kilometers from Adelaide to Alice Springs are made ​​in a day and a night journey: 20 hours of tranquility and adventure (2,600 eutros). The travel speed is 130 kilometers per hour. http://www.greatsouthernrail.com.au/site/the_ghan.jsp

10. 'Al Andalus', in Iberian lands

The 'Al Andalus', acquired last year to train, has been rehabilitated by Feve resulting in a brand new luxury train with the spirit of yesteryear in which perfectly blend the comforts of XXI century with the glamor of the Belle Epoque . It consists of 11 pieces, railway real gems, of which 7 are sleeping cars with 32 suites (12 standard and 20 above), and four vehicles distributed lounge restaurant, bar and tea room. The trips last for 6 days and 5 nights with the following schedule: Seville, Cordoba, Ubeda-Baeza, Granada, Ronda, Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlucar de Barrameda and Seville. The passage (2,550 euros) includes all food and visits to the major sights of the cities through which it passes. The 'Al-Andalus' was conceived in the image and likeness of the legendary 'Orient Express', to explore the rugged Andalusian skin showing most inaccessible landscapes from the windows of a sleeper modernized. It is said that in one of them, the WR 3395, got to travel the very king of England, although this fact has never been desmostrar. There are four railway jewels, its four lounge cars of 1928 and 1930 International Car Company Beds, ex CIWL ('Giralda', 'Medina Azahara', 'Alhambra' and 'Gibralfaro'), areas that were for leisure and pleasure of the senses, which have been completely restored, keeping its original decor, but adding elements of comfort of modern trains. This season has premiered Iberian itinerary (2,550 euros in standard double suite) to visit Zaragoza, Pamplona, ​​Miranda de Ebro, Burgos, Salamanca, Ávila, Segovia and Madrid or the road to Santiago (Zaragoza, Miranda de Ebro, Burgos, Astorga, Ponferrada, Ourense Vedra, Ribadulla, Santiago de Compostela, Arousa, Pontevedra, Vigo and A Coruña). http://www.trenalandalus.com/

Original List At : http://www.elcomercio.es/