Luxury Rail Tours - The Ultimate Way to Travel

Rail is one of the best ways to see the world - enabling the traveller to sit back in comfort, enjoy delicious cuisine, wine and company, while viewing the world's most magnificent scenery. A luxury rail tour allows the traveller to witness some of the wildest and most beautiful places on earth from the comfort and convenience of an air-conditioned carriage.

For the ultimate in luxury travel experiences, here are a few of the world's most stunning trains.

The Royal Scotsman

To step aboard The Royal Scotsman is to step into a different world. The Royal Scotsman evokes the nostalgia of a bygone era; the romantic age of travel when the journey was as important as the destination.

This train provides an effortless way to experience Scotland in absolute luxury with just a few fellow travellers. With a maximum of only 36 guests aboard at any one time, it is easy to see why the Scotsman is considered among the top ten of the most luxurious trains in the world.

Seen from the comfort of the Observation Car the spectacle of Scotland's great wilderness does take the breath away - from sweeping glens to towering peaks and black lochs.

Al Andalus Express

The Al Andalus Express is comparable to a luxury hotel on wheels, a comfortable vantage point from which travellers can admire the Spanish countryside. Andalusia is the birthplace of flamenco and one of the most beautiful regions of Spain. Today it is a paradise for everyone to enjoy, with its stunning olive groves, picturesque villages and ancient cathedrals.

The interior of the Al Andalus Express offers all manner of exquisite touches, refinement and services. Travelling the Al Andalus across the panoramic landscape of Andalusia is an unforgettable experience.

The Express is made up of twelve cars: two restaurant cars, a lounge and game car; the Giralda bar car; five sleeping cars, two shower cars and a staff car.

Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail boasts international reputation for offering a world-class travel experiences. Passengers simply step aboard the wood-panelled coaches - classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows.

In a series of journeys lasting from 24 hours to a fortnight, the Pride of Africa links some of Africa's greatest destinations - from Cape Town to Dar-Es-Salaam in Tanzania, from scenic splendours such as the game reserves of Mpumalanga to the stark beauty of the Karoo.

Eastern & Oriental Express

This luxury train was first built in Japan in 1972 and first operated as the Silver Star train in New Zealand. The interior of the carriage is inspired by the East. The carriage walls are decorated with wooden marquetry of Eastern designs, while the bar and restaurant cars are decorated in Chinese and Thai lacquer.

Accommodation on board the Eastern & Oriental Express includes three grades of compartments: Presidential Suite, State Compartments and Pullman Compartments. All are air-conditioned, with en suite shower rooms. During dinner the steward transforms passenger compartments from daytime seating to bedrooms.

Facilities include a 24-hour steward service, international electric sockets and 110 volt adapter for razors, personal safe and hairdryer. The Presidential Suite also features a complimentary bar.

The train's observation car provides the perfect vantage point to witness the ever-changing terrain as the journey progresses through tropical countryside and jungle, past ancient temples, rivers and rice paddies.

The Trans-Siberian Express

The Trans-Siberian Express can satisfy one's thirst for adventure without sacrificing comfort. Tour Russia and other countries of the former USSR in luxurious style. The Express does not operate a 'fixed formation' train, as the composition varies to suit the number of passengers. For this reason the choice of the cabins can vary from trip to trip.

The Express Cars are purpose-built, new carriages designed for the 21st century to offer top-class comfort and service. Each carriage has four compartments which can be configured for double, twin or single occupancy, with the lower berth converting into a sofa for daytime travel.

Each compartment features its own private shower and toilet facilities and has a wardrobe, audio system, DVD/VCR and air conditioning with individual climate control.

Live out your wildest dreams by booking a luxury rail tour today.

Karen Cooke is a professional consultant with Travel Associates, an exclusive Australian travel agency catering to the premium travel market. More helpful travel tips and suggestions are available at http://www.travel-associates.com.au Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Cooke

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