RAILWAY TRAVELLER
JOURNEYS
Rovos Rail
The Ghan
Rocky Mountaineer
WELCOME
Maybe it’s the chance to enjoy a taste of the golden age of train travel or simply look out of the window at a wonderful view and daydream. Whatever your reason for wanting to travel by train, you’ve come to the right place.
Celebrating the very best of luxury train travel around the world as well as Britain’s illustrious day trips, Railway Traveller will give you the lowdown on some of the most amazing rail journeys on the planet.
So, whether you’ve got your sights set on a wonderful trip on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express or fancy a cool day trip on the famous Jacobite Steam Train, this special supplement will give you all the information you need to book your next memorable trip.
If North America’s trains including the legendary Rocky Mountaineer and the Sunset Limited are on your radar, take a look at Adrian Bridges’ insightful report on page 30 that showcases the picturesque journeys you can enjoy in this wonderful part of the world.
Nearer to home, writer Jeannine Williamson takes a look at the wonderful European cities you can visit so easily on Eurostar – page 26 - while Kerry Spencer focuses on the world’s most beautiful train stations (pg 18).
Train travel is one of the most sustainable ways to see the world, so sit back in your seat, enjoy a glass of chilled champagne and give yourself a high five for doing your bit for the planet.
I do hope you enjoy Railway Traveller and I look forward to seeing you on a luxury rail journey soon.
Vicky Mayer EDITOR
WORLD’S MOST AMAZING TRAIN JOURNEYS
See the world in style on one (or more) of these iconic rail adventures
THE WORLD’S BEST TRAIN STATIONS
Take a look at our pick of the world’s most spectacular train stations
A TOUCH OF CLASS
Nothing beats a day trip on one of the UK’s most beautiful heritage trains
Travel by Eurostar and enjoy three of its most famous European destinations
JOURNEYS OF DISCOVERY
See the USA and Canada on one of North America’s best train journeys
FRANCE-SWITZERLAND-ITALY
W VENICE SIMPLON ORIENT EXPRESS
hen it comes to ring the travel imagination, two words are all you need: “Orient” and “Express”. e modern-day name for the “king of trains and the train of kings” is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a magni cent evocation of the golden age of rail travel and a byword for elegant sophistication in motion. Standard cabins are cosy, but the sheer beauty of the art deco xtures and ttings will have you trans xed - until, that is, it’s time to don your glad rags (“You can never be overdressed on board,” passengers are advised) and head to the Piano Bar for cocktails and the chance to clink glasses with fellow guests, many celebrating a special anniversary. Dinner - a culinary wonder which may involve lobsters from Brittany, “Seabream Riviera” or blue n tuna tartar - is served in carriages containing Lalique glass panels, black lacquer nishings and exquisite marquetry. On its signature Paris-Venice route, the train passes through
JOURNEY DETAILS
STARTS Paris
ENDS Venice
DEPARTS March-December
DISTANCE 1,360km/845 miles
DURATION Two days/one night
some spectacular scenery, too - wake to the snow-capped peaks of Switzerland before heading on through the lake- lled beauty of northern Italy. Feeling ush? Opt for one of the grand suites o ering private bathrooms and admire it all from the luxury of a double bed, champagne on tap of course.
GET ON BOARD
Paris to Venice, including one night in an Historic Cabin and breakfast, lunch and dinner on the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, from £4,275pp; Grand Suites from £10,165pp belmond.com
JACOBITE STEAM TRAIN
FORT WILLIAM-MALLAIG-FORT WILLIAM
Looking for a bit of magic as part of your railway adventure? The steamdriven Jacobite - otherwise known as the Hogwarts Express - will deliver in coal-shovelling spades: magic laced with lashings of nostalgia. The train shot to fame following its appearances in the Harry Potter films and in particular, the scenes in which it was pictured travelling over the stunningly picturesque Glenfinnan Viaduct. Crossing this 21-arch masterpiece of structural engineering is the highlight of a journey that is universally described as the most scenic train route in Britain, if not the world. The ride begins close to the country’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and continues through some of its wildest country, taking in numerous hills and lochs, pretty Highland villages and skirting the fringes of silvery beaches that have also featured in films such as Highlander and Local Hero. On a clear day there are sightings of the Hebridean ‘Small Isles’ of Rum, Eigg and Canna and the southern tip of Skye, all reachable by ferry from Mallaig, the busy fishing village that marks the end point of the outward leg of the journey.
JOURNEY DETAILS
STARTS Fort William ENDS Fort William
DEPARTS Daily, from now until 24 October 2026
DISTANCE 84 miles round trip to Mallaigl
DURATION Approximately two hours each way
Here travellers on The Jacobite have time to stretch their legs, refuel on fish and chips and lungfuls of bracingly fresh sea air before embarking on the rerun trip to Fort William. All in all, a wizard day out.
GET ON BOARD
Tickets for the Jacobite cost from £69pp return (2nd class); £105pp (1st class); cream teas are available in 1st class carriages. Day trip also possible from Glasgow, reachable from London with the Caledonian Sleeper. westcoastrailways.co.uk
NORTHERN INDIA
ho hasn’t fantasised about what it might have been like to have been a maharaja – a
W MAHARAJAS’ EXPRESS
“great king” in the India of old when power was absolute and no outfit was complete with the adornment of sapphires and rubies; emeralds and diamonds? The Maharajas’ Express, a triumph of external engineering – complete with tiger-adorned red and blue livery - and interior opulence, makes no bones about trying to provide those who travel on her today with an inkling of what that regal lifestyle was like – while at the same time showcasing some of the mystery and majesty of one of the most magical countries on earth. There are red carpets and turbaned salutations; greetings with marigold garlands and rose petals; there are bars (the “Raja” and “Safari”) kitted out with games tables and butlers on permanent call; cabins and suites with rich tapestries and antiques. Then there are the places you see along the way. The Maharajas’ Express specialises in journeys covering the “Golden Triangle” of Delhi,
JOURNEY DETAILS
STARTS Delhi
ENDS Delhi (travelling to and from Varanasi)
DEPARTS Monthly Jan-April; Oct-Dec
DISTANCE 2,350km/1,460 miles
DURATION Seven days/six nights
Agra and Jaipur. But once on board it pays to go further. In addition to the country’s capital, Taj Mahal and the “Pink City” of Rajasthan, the Indian Panorama journey heads east to the exotic temples of Khajuraho and on to the River Ganges and the holiest city of them all – Varanasi. A journey of untold riches that would dazzle even the most jaded of maharajas.
GET ON BOARD
The Indian Panorama tour costs £7,304pp in deluxe class; £20,185pp in a presidential suite with two sharing the-maharajas.com.
ANDEAN EXPLORER PERU
Some train journeys really do take your breath away. In the case of the Andean Explorer, the luxury Belmond train that offers journeys in Peru at altitudes exceeding 4,000 metres, that can happen literally. Mercifully there are extra supplies of oxygen on board - and plenty of comfortable armchairs, sofas and cabins furnished with soft bedding in which to regain equilibrium. This was the first luxury train to operate in South America, and in its design it marked a significant departure. Instead of classic vintage, its design offers a more contemporary blend of earthen hues and vivid colours; luxurious leather and alpaca style textures. The association with place is also seen in the recurring chakana cross motif recalling the Inca age and, of course, the carefully-curated pisco sours that are almost obligatory in the piano bar car. The Andean Plains & Islands of Discovery tour concludes in Cusco - a must-see city that is an extraordinary blend of Incan and Spanish influences. Before then, it journeys from the “white” city of Arequipa up to the shores of Lake Titicaca
JOURNEY DETAILS
STARTS Arequipa ENDS Cusco
DEPARTS Monthly except February
DISTANCE 600km/375 miles
DURATION Three days/two nights
(truly a name to conjure with), where a boat trip on the world’s highest navigable lake provides an insight into the remarkable way of life of the floating communities who live on islands constructed from interwoven reeds, and on to the ancient Inca site of Raqchi. The backdrop to it all are the magnificent peaks of the Andes mountains. Breathtaking indeed.
GET ON BOARD
A berth in a bunk-bed cabin for the Andean Plains & Islands of Discovery journey costs from US$3,550 (£2,630)pp and from US$6,200 (£4,593)pp in a suite. belmond.com
LA DOLCE VITA ORIENT EXPRESS
ITALY
La Dolce Vita, who doesn’t thrill at those three simple words that conjure up so brilliantly “The Sweet Life” in Rome, circa 1960 and the awardwinning Fellini film of that name? Yes please! This new train, which made its debut in 2025, has fast become a talking point among rail aficionados. As its name suggests, it plays on the tradition of luxury train travel, but rather than seeking to recreate the look and feel of the 1920s golden age of rail travel, this new departure draws on the elegance and glamour - and joie de vivre - of the 1960s golden age of Italian design and craftsmanship. The oh-so-stylish suites come with wood-beamed ceilings, vibrant hues of orange, terracotta and purple, smoked mirror and “burnt Siena” ceilings. The train offers eight itineraries mostly departing from Rome that visit a number of standout destinations including Venice, Portofino, Tuscany, the ancient city of Matera and Sicily - an island reached, uniquely in Europe, by means of a train-bearing ferry. The cuisine, overseen by
JOURNEY DETAILS
STARTS Rome
ENDS Palermo
DEPARTS Trips currently scheduled for November 2026 and April 2027
DISTANCE 925km/575 miles
DURATION Three days/two nights
Michelin-star award winner Heinz Beck, draws on regional specialities such as truffles accompanied by a selection of fine Italian wines. Backgammon and chess boards are available in the contemporary lounge car and live storytellers provide unique insights into the territories traversed. Molto bene!
GET ON BOARD
A journey on La Dolce Vita Orient Express from Rome to Sicily costs from €7,880 (£6,880)pp in a deluxe cabin; includes all meals and excursions orient-express.com
SOUTHERN AFRICA
hy have one luxury train when you can have two?
W ROVOS RAIL
South Africa is in that enviable position with the aptly-named Pride of Africa train from Rovos Rail earning countless accolades from those who have travelled in her since launching in 1989. While it too offers the Cape Town to Pretoria routing, its itineraries are more adventurous than those of the Blue Train, with extended trips into neighbouring countries including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola and Tanzania. A number of its tours take you to the Victoria Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders - and can there be a more stylish way of arriving than by the wood-panelled splendour of the Pride of Africa? The Southern Cross tour takes in the Falls and much more, with time in the Mozambican capital of Maputo, a game drive in Kruger Park, a visit to Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and a sunset cruise on the River Zambezi, all interspersed with fine dining, cocktails in the bar and time spent watching the vastness of Africa roll by from the open air balcony of the
JOURNEY DETAILS
STARTS Pretoria
ENDS Victoria Fall
DEPARTS Selected 2026 dates in April, June, September and November
DISTANCE 2,500km/1,550 miles
DURATION 12 days/11 nights
observation car without the distraction of radio, television or constant wi-fi connection. Plenty to reflect on from the comfort of a spacious cabin with en suite bathroom and all mod cons. If you splash out on a Royal Suite, you’ll enjoy all of the above plus additional lounge area - and a Victorian-style bath tub.
GET ON BOARD
A berth in a Pullman carriage for the Southern Cross journey costs from R 165,000 (£7,698)pp; in deluxe class it costs R 235,000 (£10,965)pp rovos.com.
F BELMOND ROYAL SCOTSMAN
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
or those with more time on their hands - and rather more generous budgetsanother way of taking in the splendour of the Glenfinnan Viaduct is as part of a longer tour on board the Belmond Royal Scotsman, the most luxurious train in Scotland. Train is perhaps a misnomer. This masterpiece of mahogany-clad elegance with tasteful traces of tartan and intricate marquetry is often described as a very grand hotel on wheels, a residence bearing all the hallmarks of an Edwardian country house. It offers a range of journeys of varying durations (two to seven nights) and points of interest - from gastronomy to clay pigeon shooting to history and (for the brave) swims in scenic lochs. All journeys start in Edinburgh with some focusing more on the north and others, the west. Highlights include the Sands of Morar, Cairngorms National Park, the Kyle of Lochalsh and the battlefield at Culloden. There are guided tours of castles, gardens and distilleries. Naturally the train is well stocked with malt whiskies and cosy
JOURNEY DETAILS
STARTS Edinburgh
ENDS Edinburgh (via Dundee and Culloden)
DEPARTS March-November
DISTANCE 804km/500 miles
DURATION Three days/two nights
armchairs and sofas in which to enjoy them. All cabins are en suite; there’s an observation car with a verandah; and, for those seeking to unwind, an on-board spa. Bring a Barbour for daytimes, black tie finery for formal dining days - and dancing shoes if you fancy joining in with a ceilidh. With the train stationary at night, you are likely to sleep well after all that.
GET ON BOARD
A two-night Taste of the Highlands trip including meals and excursions, from £5,850pp in a twin cabin; £13,000pp in a Grand Suite belmond.com
GLACIER EXPRESS
SWITZERLAND
The train linking two of the most ritzy resorts in Switzerland – St Moritz and Zermatt – o ers a full day of slow-paced travel through sublime scenery accompanied by, should the mood take you, a ve-course lunch coupled with some - who knew? - very ne Swiss wines. Welcome on board the Glacier Express, a bucket-list favourite and one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Although part of the route overlaps with that taken by the Bernina Express, this is a much more substantial undertaking, passing by multiple mountain ranges and picturesque valleys, capped by the stunning Rhine Gorge, stories about which are relayed via a running commentary accessible through headphones. While seating in any class on Swiss trains is generally very good (especially First), this train goes one step further with an Excellence class where up to 20 passengers are seated at tables for two (everyone gets a window seat) in a deluxe panoramic car to which is attached a dedicated cocktail bar. Lunch – a vecourse extravaganza consisting of locallysourced specialities and served on real china
JOURNEY DETAILS
STARTS St Moritz
ENDS Zermatt
DEPARTS Regular services all year except mid-Oct to start of December
DISTANCE 290km/181 milesl
DURATION 8 hours
with proper cutlery, the hum of conversation and clinking of glasses interrupted only by gasps of wonder at the sighting of yet another bridge (there are 291 in total) or stellar landmark - the Landwasser Viaduct, perhaps. ere’s nowhere quite like Switzerland for train travel: no wonder Roger Federer is such a fan.
GET ON BOARD
In addition to a rail ticket, you need a seat reservation to travel on the Glacier Express; second class from 201 CHF (£178pp), excellence class from 738 CHF (£655pp), though these can be lower if travelling with a rail pass glacier express.ch/en; rhb.ch.
THE GHAN
AUSTRALIA
And now for something completely di erent: an Outback odyssey that takes you through the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, a truly other-worldly landscape of desert plains and sandstone rocks and home to the most famous of all sacred Aboriginal sites - Uluru. e best way to take all this in is by stepping on board e Ghan, one of the two world class rail journeys crossing the continent of Australiathis one connecting north and south, rather than the east-west Indian Paci c variation. e start and end points of e Ghan journey re ect the huge diversity this country o ers: from the mangrove plantations of Darwin to the Barossa Valley vineyards of Adelaide. In between you will explore the extraordinary underground community in the opal mining settlement of Coober Pedy, dine under the southern hemisphere stars at the Telegraph Station in Alice Springs, take a boat ride through Crocodile Dundee country at Katherine (no diving in, please) and marvel at the mountains of the Flinders Ranges. From Alice Springs, moreover, on the four-day Ghan Expedition there are options to take a helicopter ride to Uluru.
JOURNEY DETAILS
STARTS Darwin
ENDS Adelaide
DEPARTS April-October (Wed and Sat)
DISTANCES 2,979 km/1,851 miles
DURATION Four days/three nights
e Ghan itself - named after the Afghans who used to manage the convoys of camels that at one time provided the only means of transporting goods across such inhospitable terrain - o ers a range of accommodation. Platinum is the most plush (double beds, larger bathrooms, more space in the dining car); Gold is arguably more convivial. Either way, it’s a rst-class experience.
GET ON BOARD
A place in Platinum class on the Ghan Expedition costs from AUS$7,950 (£3,865) pp and in Gold, AUS$5,090 (£2,590)pp; a ight to Ulhuru costs from AUS$ 1,099 (£560)pp journeybeyondrail.com.au.
GREAT SOUTHERN AFRICAN ADVENTURES
Enjoy the romance of an exceptional rail journey through some of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes with Rovos Rail
Since it started in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Bespoke train safaris through the heart of Africa combine magni cent scenery with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of leisure travel. In a series of journeys lasting from two to 16 nights, Rovos Rail links some of the continent’s greatest destinations with a variety of thrilling o -train excursions.
Curious travellers are invited to step aboard the beautifully rebuilt wood-panelled coaches to enjoy the romance and charm of a heritage train journey. Onboard you’ll nd vintage carriages with modern luxuries, exemplary cuisine and ne wines. Sit back and relax as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the picture windows of the train.
Founded by South African entrepreneur, Rohan Vos, this year marks Rovos Rail’s 37th anniversary. With more than three decades of excellent service, the company has deservedly earned an international reputation for its world-class travel experiences.
Each journey has its own o ‐train excursions, and these range from safari to cultural and historical outings. “It was important to us from the very beginning that this wasn’t
just a train ride. We wanted our guests to learn a bit about this country, its history and its diverse culture, and, of course experience our magni cent wildlife,” says Rohan Vos.
“Travelling with us isn’t about the destination, in fact, that doesn’t really matter. Our trips are about the journey,” he adds.
A highlight of any trip is a visit to Rovos Rail’s private station in Pretoria. Serving as the departure or arrival point for most of the journeys, this is the busy hub of a provisioning operation that is world-class in terms of e ciency and attention to detail. e 60-acre property boasts a small railway museum, in addition to its other comprehensive facilities and will, with the addition of semaphore signals and a footbridge, recreate the atmosphere of a fully- edged railway system.
Rovos Rail harks back to an elegant era of train travel that encompasses the timeless grace of African exploration, o ering passengers the chance to enjoy and experience the wonders of this magical continent. Whichever itinerary you choose, you’ll enjoy discreet and friendly service, excellent local and international fare, and the chance to sample a selection of South Africa’s nest wines.
Rovos Rail o ers a wide range of short and long journeys,
so however pressed you are for time, you can experience ve-star luxury on a collection of exceptional journeys. If time is tight, you could choose one of the very popular short trips between Pretoria and Cape Town, Durban or Victoria Falls.
Meanwhile, longer journeys include the sporty Golf Safari with optional excursions for non-playing guests; the African Collage (for golfers and non-golfers) running between Pretoria, Kruger Park, Durban and the Garden Route to Cape Town; and lastly, the bucketlist 16-night Dar es Salaam trips through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania – one of the most famous train journeys in the world.
FOR MORE
visit rovos.com or call
+27 (0)12 315 8242
INCREDIBLE JOURNEY IDEAS VICTORIA FALLS
Three to four nights (1,400km)
Travel through baobab country from one of the world’s natural wonders – the mighty Victoria Falls. Enjoy a game drive at Hwange, a rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary, and visit Matobo (a four-night journey), a World Heritage Site with bushmen caves, rock art and dramatic granite hills.
SOUTHERN CROSS
11 nights (2,500km)
Travel the eastern line to join the scenic Panorama Route with its dramatic escarpments, followed by game viewing in the Kruger Park. Tour Maputo, capital of Mozambique, before exploring the mountainous kingdom of Eswatini. Enjoy a game drive at Kapama and a visit to the Great Zimbabwe national monument. Continue to Hwange for game viewing before arriving in Victoria Falls for a walking tour of the village and the thunderous falls. End the trip with a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi.
Hungerburg Station, Austria
High up in the Austrian Alps, Hungerburg is the upper funicular railway station linking the city of Innsbruck with the Nordkette ski slopes. The station's sleek space-age design by Zaha Hadid includes a sculptural glass and steel structure, seemingly floating above the ground and mirroring the wintery landscape of the Alps.
THE WORLD,S MOST STYLISH TRAIN STATIONS
From historic architectural marvels to modern wonders, these spectacular train stations are among the best in the world
WORDS: KERRY SPENCER
Antwerpen-Centraal Station, Belgium
Built in 1905, Antwerpen-Centraal is considered one of the world’s most beautiful railway stations. It’s also one of Antwerp’s most iconic buildings, with a grand entrance staircase that leads to an elegant concourse that’s clad in marble and stone. Light floods the space through arched windows and the magnificent, vaulted iron-and-glass roof.
Grand Central Terminal, USA
As symbolic of New York as the Empire State Building, Grand Central Terminal at 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, is known for its wide-open marble concourse and glowing chandeliers. The station's highlights include the extraordinary Whispering Gallery, featuring a vaultedtiled ceiling, and the glamorous Oyster Bar on the lower ground.
Kanazawa Station, Japan
Following a major glow-up in 2005, Kanazawa Station in Japan’s Ishikawa district features a show-stopping design by architect Ryuzo Shirae. This futuristic station boasts a soaring glass-and-steel curved roof and a towering wooden structure called Tsuzumi-mon Gate - symbolising a traditional Japanese hand drum - at its entrance, with a food market and shopping mall inside.
A TOUCH OF CLASS
For a fabulous travel treat, nothing beats a day trip on one of the UK’s beautifully restored heritage trains
WORDS: TAMARA HINSON
BELMOND BRITISH PULLMAN
The Belmond British Pullman is the sister train to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, and it’s just as majestic: a celebration of the golden era of train travel, with plenty of nods to 1930s opulence, from the gleaming veneered panels to the bevelled glass and glossy mahogany fittings. For many, the appeal lies in its broad range of excursions, which range from short forays to the Kent countryside to one-off journeys where the star of the show is the menu devised by top chefs. You won’t find finer cuisine than the dishes you’ll savour on this beautiful train. The carefully curated menus are designed to showcase the best of British ingredients, and they’re changed according to the season. In spring, for example, passengers can look forward to dishes such as Kent lamb served with thyme cake and mint sauce, with a sugar fix courtesy of Bramley apple baba and those allimportant petits-fours. Struggling to work out which experience to opt for? We’re huge fans of the popular Moving Murder Mystery excursions – after a five-course meal, disaster strikes and passengers are tasked with
tracking down the dastardly villain who’s wreaked havoc on their journey through the Kent countryside.
GET ONBOARD
Tickets for A Moving Murder Mystery
Lunch on the Belmond British Pullman, round-trip from London Victoria, which includes a champagne reception, and a fivecourse dinner, start from £535pp. belmond.com
NORTHERN BELLE
e Northern Belle o ers a range of journeys departing from various UK locations, including London, Manchester, Crewe and Liverpool. No expense was spared on the restoration of this train’s carriages - each one is named after a British castle or stately home and the craftspeople involved with their restoration include muralists, mosaic workers and marquetry experts. e Northern Belle is known for its fantastic dining and sumptuous champagne afternoon teas. e best bit? Every couple gets an entire bottle of Laurent-Perrier champagne to enjoy on their journey. Sounds tempting? Consider one of the foodie-themed journeys, which includes Spirit of Travel lunches. Passengers kick o this six-hour extravaganza with champagne and canapés before feasting on a seven-course meal.
GET ONBOARD
e Royal Yacht Britannia return journey on 2 May 2026, with departures from Chester eld, Derby, Swinton and Doncaster, with a threecourse brunch and six-course dinner, £550pp. northernbelle.co.uk
STEAM DREAMS
Looking for a memorable luxurious train journey? Steam Dreams should be your rst port of call. e excursions, which take place on restored heritage steam trains, such as the May ower, one of two surviving B1 Class locomotives, are wonderfully diverse, ranging from half-day adventures through England’s most picturesque landscapes to longer journeys taking in national landmarks. But there’s one thing these excursions have in common – a sense of luxury which starts from the moment stewards hand out the perfectly prepared bellinis. If you love spectacular views, you’re in luck – the carriages’ vast picture windows make the most of the views. For many, the highlight is the dining carriages, where the only thing more spectacular than the food is the decor: think fresh owers, ne china and polished silverware. One of the most sought-after experiences is the journey from London to Edinburgh for the Christmas market.
GET ONBOARD
London to Edinburgh Christmas Market return trip on 26 November 2026, from £1,075pp. steamdreams.co.uk
EURO EXPRESS
For over 30 years Eurostar has been whizzing lucky travellers across Europe in record time. Here’s how to make the most of its three most famous destinations
WORDS: JEANNINE WILLIAMSON
When the first Eurostar train pulled out of London Waterloo bound for Paris in November 1994, it revolutionised travel to mainland Europe. Since then, Eurostar has carried millions of passengers through the Channel Tunnel to exciting cities so quickly that you could even nip over for lunch. With return fares starting from just £78, a Eurostar ticket is an affordable luxury. Read on to discover what to see and do in three of the top Eurostar destinations...
PARIS
Mighty Paris needs little introduction. The Ville Lumière, or City of Light, earned its moniker in the early 19th century when Paris became the first European metropolis to have gas lighting in its streets. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength, and is now a centre of fashion, gastronomy and culture, with more than 130 world class museums and monuments.
The 20 arrondissements, or districts, each have their own character, from the Champs-Élysées and grand boulevards of the 8th arrondissement to the quaint artists’ quarter of Montmartre in the 18th.
GREAT CAFÉ: Café de Flore, in Saint-GermainDes-Prés, has been serving artists and intellectuals since 1887 and is classic spot to contemplate life, or simply watch the world go by. cafedeflore.fr
RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW: Let the sights come to you on a classic Seine dinner cruise passing landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and Louvre. bateauxmouches.fr)
CLASSIC BUY: France has a long-standing tradition of making fragrant soaps. Natural olive oil soap is one of the specialities at Marius Fabre in the Marais district. marius-fabre.com
BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: The most famous resident might be the Mona Lisa, but there’s plenty more to discover at the Louvre, the former palace of kings of France, which is now the world’s largest museum with 35,000 works of art. louvre.fr
STAY: Two-night stay at the three-star Belta Hotel from £320/$418pp including return Eurostar travel from London. eurostar.com
JOURNEY DETAILS
STARTS St Pancras, London
ENDS Gare du Nord, Paris
DEPARTS All year round; 13 times a day
DISTANCE 214 miles (344 km)
DURATION Typically, 3 hours, 21 minutes
JOURNEY DETAILS
STARTS St Pancras, London
ENDS Centraal Station, Amsterdam
DEPARTS All year round;
5 times a day
DISTANCE 222 miles (357 km)
DURATION 3 hours, 52 minutes
AMSTERDAM
The 17th century French philosopher René Descartes said all of life’s conveniences and curiosities can be found in the Dutch capital. With its laid-back atmosphere, buzzing entertainment scene and more than 70 museums, including the poignant Anne Frank house where the teenage diarist hid during the Holocaust, it’s a wonderful place to relax and watch the world cycle by. Home to more than 900,000 bikes, the world’s bike capital is also dubbed the Venice of the North, although it has more canals and three times as many bridges as its Italian namesake.
GREAT CAFÉ: In the heart of the Jordaan district, Winkel 43 is renowned for its deep Dutch apple pie. It doesn’t take reservations but it’s worth the wait. winkel43.nl
RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW: A stone’s throw from Centraal Station, the unique Wolf Atelier is situated inside a glass building on a 1920s bridge overlooking the main waterway. wolfatelier.nl
CLASSIC BUY: Say cheese! With its wax coating, Edam cheese travels well, doesn’t smell and will keep for weeks. The Henri Willig Cheese Farm Store is an easy four-minute walk from Central Station. henriwillig.com
BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: With 8,000 objects, The Rijksmuseum is the largest museum in the Netherlands. Masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age include The Night Watch by Rembrandt and The Milkmaid by Vermeer. If time is tight, books a tour of the highlights. rijksmuseum.nl
STAY: Two-night stay at the four-star Olympic Hotel from £310pp/$405pp including return Eurostar travel from London. eurostar.com
BRUSSELS
A quirky mix of politics, culture and the unexpected, the so-called capital of Europe is centred around opulent Unesco-listed Grand Place, lined with medieval guildhalls. Brussels was the home of architect Victor Horta, founder of the Art Nouveau movement, and his best work can be found in the Ixelles district.
Opened in 1847, Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is Europe’s oldest glass-topped shopping arcade, and one of the most beautiful. Most visitors are surprised to discover Brussels has a waterway, the Canal de Charleroi. Elsewhere, few can resist taking a peek at its infamous bronze statue, the Mannekin Pis.
GREAT CAFÉ: Moules-frites (mussels and chips) is an institution and five generations of the Vanlancker family have been serving them at Chez Léon since 1893. chezleon.be
RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW: Enjoy a highflying culinary experience at the Michelin-starred Villa in the Sky that is perched on top of the IT Tower. lavillainthesky.be
CLASSIC BUY: If you can resist eating it before getting home, chocolate is the obvious choice. Chocolaterie Mary, three minutes from Grand Place, has been creating irresistible sweet treats since 1919. mary.be
BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Belgium is famed for its comics and the Brussels’ Comic Strip Route winds past old buildings covered in murals of famous characters including Tintin, Asterix and Obelix. There’s also the equally colourful Comic Art Museum. comicscenter.net
STAY: Two-night stay at the three-star Citadines Ste Catherine Hotel from £243pp/$318pp including return Eurostar travel. eurostar.com
JOURNEY DETAILS
STARTS St Pancras, London
ENDS Midi Station, Brussels
DEPARTS All year round; 10 times a day
DISTANCE 200 miles (321km)
DURATION 2 hours, 2 minutes
JOURNEYS OF DISCOVERY
ese fantastic US and Canadian train trips
o er passengers from around the world a wonderful way to see some amazing sights
WORDS: ADRIAN BRIDGE
Rocky Mountaineer Canada
“Bears to the right!” You may have to look up from the deliciously-braised Alberta beef short ribs you’re tucking into to get a good look at the grizzlies that have just popped up to say hello. Fortunately on the Rocky Mountaineer - a privately-owned train and North America’s plushest and poshest railroad experience - expansive glass-dome coaches make that very easy. Grizzly bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep and, of course, moose are all likely to make an appearance in the course of a journey between Vancouver and the Rocky Mountains. And when none are in view, there’s a constant array of spellbinding vistas - rivers, ravines, creeks and towering craggy peaks. e scenery observed from this legendary blue and gold train is so spectacular that you only travel by day (decamping to hotels for the nights) and only during the daylight-rich months between April and October. ere are three options for its journeys through the Rockies. Train guru Mark Smith (the Man in Seat 61) recommends the “First Passage to the West” to Lake Louise/Ban with an overnight stay in Kamloops and wondrous sightings of evergreen forests, cobalt blue lakes, ancient glaciers and the Stoney Creek Bridge. Opt for the GoldLeaf service to see it in style. rockymountaineer.com
Sunset Limited
New Orleans to Los Angeles
While there are a couple of stellar train routes in the north of the US that also cover lots of ground (notably the California Zephyr and the Empire Builder) there is one in the deep south that irresistibly connects the Gulf of Mexico with the Pacific Ocean. Welcome on board the Sunset Limited, a thrice-weekly service linking the jazz bars of New Orleans with the Tinseltown glamour of LA and the oldest continuously operating named train service in America (first run in 1894). This 1,995-mile jaunt takes in the slow-moving creeks of Louisiana, Mexican borderlands, towering cactus-filled deserts of Arizona and the Joshua trees of California. State-owned Amtrak makes no claim to be a luxury operator, but its cabin accommodation - cosy roomettes and more spacious superliner bedrooms - do the job, while its dining arrangements come with conviviality (you are seated at tables randomly with fellow guests), proper napkins and, on Sunset Limited, plenty of tasty Tex-Mex treats and flat iron steak. It’s a great way to spend just under 48 hours getting a vivid sense of the southernmost parts of the United States and to thrill at the names of stations that, between the sonorous hoots, are announced along the wayHouston, Tucson, Palm Springs… amtrak.com
The Canadian
Toronto to Vancouver
Rail purists and lovers of truly epic journeys will be drawn to the route offered on the Canadian, a publicly run service operated by VIA Rail which runs between Toronto and Vancouver twice a week all year round and also involves time travel - back to the 1950s and the era of magnificent stainless steel carriages, which are still operational. The vistas from this train are spectacular, too: the Rockies, naturally, but (as its name suggests) a lot more besides: the spruce forests of Ontario, the open plains of the prairies, the rock faces and forests of the Canadian Shield - and glass dome skyline cars from which to savour (and film) it. Missed something? Don’t worry there’s plenty of time to catch up: this is slow travel writ large: a 2,775-mile journey stretched over five days and four nights. Take time to get to know your fellow travellers, daydream, do puzzles, enjoy high quality meals on white-table-clothed dining car tables and glasses of pinot Grigio from the Okanagan Valley. Then retreat to your berth: at the top end, double-bed comfort and ensuite toilet and shower in Prestige class; or, the more basic roomettes and cabins for two in the Sleeper Plus class. Lie back and think of … Canada. viarail.ca
Dream Destinations by Rail
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