Train Holidays

There is something particularly exciting about thinking and planning a holiday by train.

 It reminds us of times we had as a child of the anticipation of going on a school trip by train, clutching our sandwiches and pop. We remember the magic of going to the station buying the tickets and scrabbling for a seat next to the window.

As grown ups hopefully there is less scrabbling more decorum and the packed lunch has been replaced by something more sophisticated. The thrill and the magic however remain.

The train is a unique way to travel as your holiday begins as soon as you are comfortably seated. It is like sitting in you favourite armchair as all the splendour and beauty is laid out before your eyes as you travel through mountains forests and cities. You have a panoramic view without leaving your seat.

As you relax on your journey you listen to a commentary or sleep to the rhythm of the train. Meals can be either in your seat or the restaurant carriage and you can enjoy a glass of champagne as the world goes by. For those not fond of flying it is a marvellous alternative.

The journeys themselves cater for every taste and are very varied in their length and destination. A very popular one is the Glacier Express in Switzerland. This journey has some breathtaking scenery as a wonderful vista passes before your eyes.

  When you arrive in St. Moritz you then have time to browse or shop, depending on the purse, in this beautiful place.

Other train holidays include; the Californian Zephyr from Chicago to Denver, the Blue train from Cape Town to Pretoria and the trans Siberian Express that in the very place names conjure up mystery and expectation. It runs from Moscow to Vladivostok.

Then of course there is the Orient express. This train with Art Deco décor gives you a true taste of luxury and decadence as you travel from London to Venice. A very far cry from a school trip!