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From
the steam trains of the early 19th century that helped spur
America’s westward expansion by making cross-country travel safer and more
comfortable, to today’s super-fast intercity lines, like Japan’s Shinkansen
and France’s TGV, moving great numbers of people quickly and
effectively on steel tracks has always been mostly a case of science and
commodity.
But
train travel has always had its elements of romance and luxury, too. Luckily,
there are still many opportunities for railroad fans and travelers who are looking
to indulge in the luxury and feel of a bygone era to transverse countries and
continents in style and comfort.
This
month’s tour hosts offer incredible rail journeys – from riding across the
wilds of Patagonia, drawn by a steam locomotive, to crossing Siberia’s immense
expanses, to riding through South Africa surrounded by Edwardian elegance, to
absorbing the beauty of Canada’s Rocky Mountains – in one case you can even
ride on a cowcatcher!
This
month's tour hosts review:
|
Trains Unlimited, Tours
Pick of
the Month |
|
Location: North and South America |
| Specialty: Rail Fan journeys for train
aficionados. |
| Why
We Like Them:
Offering nearly 20 different trips on both scheduled routes and custom created and chartered train journeys, the company has trips that
can be enjoyed by both general train lovers and diehard enthusiasts. Many of the
company’s trips are specially chartered
adventures, utilizing historic steam locomotives and passenger cars. These
custom trips allow the train to travel anywhere there are tracks and insures the
best possible experience. One of its Rail Fan journeys even offers the option of
riding wherever you please – rooftop, engine room or even the cowcatcher! |
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|
Exotic Journeys Group |
|
Location: India |
| Specialty: Custom and group journeys |
| Why
We Like Them: With its focus
on the Indian subcontinent, the company is able to offer a fantastic selection
of services for the traveler, no matter which of the various Indian states is
the destination. Journeys on either of two fantastic former royal trains, the
“Palace on Wheels” and the “Royal Orient,” can be combined with land
packages to create a magical journey exploring many aspects of this wonderful
country. Whether you choose to travel on a scheduled group departure or on a
custom-designed package, the knowledgeable staff can create the perfect Indian
experience. |
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T.E.I. Travel |
|
Location: Russia, China, Mongolia and Vietnam |
| Specialty: Multi-country train journeys |
| Why
We Like Them: Offering
a small but focused selection of train journeys across Asia’s upper reaches,
from the “Trans-Siberian Express” to the “China/Mongolia/Russia Thru-Train”
and the Vietnam reunification trip, T.E.I. Global can help you plan both train
and local travel to this region. Additional services include planning for
travelers looking for an archeology tour of China and independent itineraries
for both China and Russia. |
| Article:
Vietnam by Train |
| |
|
John Steel Rail Tours |
|
Location: Canada |
| Specialty: Trans-Canada rail journeys |
| Why
We Like Them: Offering
both guided tours and independent travel,
from one day to three weeks, the
company has a trip to match your needs. Whether you choose the "Snow
Train to Jasper," or a journey through western, eastern, central
Canada, or the Rockies, this company offers it all. The company’s focus on the
journey rather than the destination insures that the experience itself is the
reward. |
| Article:
Our Love Affair With Trains |
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Orient Express |
|
Location: Europe and Asia |
| Specialty: Old-world style luxury |
| Why
We Like Them: There
is hardly a traveler who has not heard of and dreamt about the Orient Express.
Whether it’s the legendary Venice-Simpson Orient-Express, or the Northern
Belle, the UK’s newest train, offering day trips and short breaks throughout
Great Britain, the Orient-Express is a study in luxury like no other. The
company also operates a Bangkok to Singapore journey, The Eastern & Oriental
Express. |
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Rovos Rail |
|
Location: Southern Africa |
| Specialty: Luxury journeys through
Southern Africa |
| Why
We Like Them: Wonderfully
restored passenger cars from the turn of the century are the hallmark of this
line. Regularly scheduled journeys, from one day to two weeks, depart from Pretoria
and custom charters are available. A few special interest trips are also
offered, such as a “Golf Safari,” “The African Collage” and an
“Authentic African Adventure,” a 13-day journey from Cape Town to Dar-es-Salaam
Tanzania – a journey destined to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. |
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