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ROMANCING THE RAILWAYS
Holiday train journeys conjure up
images of Agatha Christie-style
scenarios and fine dining as you gaze
out at the landscapes flashing by.
If you’re looking for a big new
adventure, Sarah Parker, from Bailey
Robinson, Hungerford, has some
suggestions that will take you to the
far corners of the globe
There is something undeniably romantic
about the great railway journeys of the world.
In the golden age of travel, the journey was
considered as important as the destination
and no detail was overlooked in the pursuit of
comfort and style.
Time slowed as passengers simply enjoyed
the passing scenery while cocooned in
a world of refinement; elegant dining,
sophisticated interiors and impeccable
service.
Today, luxury train travel offers passengers
not just an unrivalled opportunity to access
some of the world’s most remote regions, but
also an opportunity to marvel at breathtaking
landscapes and dynamic scenery while
relaxing in splendid opulence.
The Orient-Express, now owned and operated
by Belmond, arrived in Peru nearly two
decades ago.
The Belmond Hiram Bingham Pullman
service, named after the explorer who
discovered the ancient Inca citadel, operates
from Cusco to Machu Picchu, a magical
railway journey which takes just over three
hours.
Decorated in the style of a 1920s Pullman
carriage, each is furnished with polished
wood and brass, with large comfortable
armchairs.Tables are set with gleaming
crystal and polished cutlery where you can
enjoy brunch en route to Machu Picchu, and a
gastronomic dinner on the return to Cusco.
As of May 2017, the new Belmond Andean
Explorer will operate between the UNESCO
World Heritage site of Arequipa, past the
reflective beauty of Lake Titicaca, and Cusco,
the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.
This luxury sleeper service will be one of
the highest altitude train journeys on Earth,
traversing over the high plains of the Andes
for two full days and one very comfortable
night. Let the views from observation car
captivate your attention, and unwind in
the dining cars amid interiors inspired by
the texture and tone of Peru’s hand woven
fabrics and Alpaca wool. Enjoy the Andean
air with a Pisco Sour on the open deck of the
observation car as the train travels through
magnificent scenery.
Climb aboard the Eastern and Oriental
Express and discover South East Asia.
Explore Bangkok and Singapore with the
classic four-day three-night itinerary inspired
by
Shanghai Express
, the 1932 film starring
Marlene Dietrich.
Watch the world go by your window on
this 2,000 kilometre journey through rural
landscapes and ancient villages, past
gleaming pagodas, tea plantations, temples
and historic monuments, and wonder in the
remarkable contrast to the vibrant cities that