These days, traveling to your vacation destination by air seems like a given. However, the romance of a train ride can't be outdone by anything else. It offers everything an airline can't - hassle-free boarding, no panicked baggage restrictions, and plenty of legroom. In fact, you and your companion can sit opposite each other during the flight, enjoying the views going through the windows. It's as if your luxury vacation has already begun, even before you reach your destination.
1. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
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The Rocky Mountaineer glides along four routes across British Columbia, Alberta, and the Pacific Northwest, offering more than 65 unique vacation packages. During the train journey, you will witness the scenic landscape at its best. You'll see the lush wild beauty of Western Canada and the Canadian Rockies (all without having to wade through the woods in heavy hiking boots). This is truly the trip of a lifetime.
The Rocky Mountaineer began as a daily service via Canadian Railways once a week between Vancouver, Calgary, and Jasper on June 9, 1988, calling the Canadian Rockies in the light of day. To maximize panoramic views, this service operates during the day only, with overnight stops in Kamloops. Trains leave Vancouver on Sundays; Trains to Jasper and Calgary (via Banff) left Kamloops on Monday morning. They were fast services, with no intermediate stops. The return west service began Thursday from Calgary and Jasper and ended Friday night in Vancouver. On June 4, 1989, the FIA began its second season of service, renaming the service Rocky Mountaineer. The schedule remained the same as in the previous season. The last summer Rocky Mountaineer under the VIA brand left Calgary and Jasper on October 12, 1989, and arrived in Vancouver on October 13. The main line is terminated. Service continued at the Rocky Mountaineer through the winter of 1990, being removed from schedules and marketing in May 1990.
2. Blue Train, South Africa
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Traveling on this blue-colored train is an example of the luxury of travel. Much like a five-star hotel on wheels (complete with marble tiles and gold fixtures in the bathrooms), it has been visited by famous people and politicians. Guests are pampered with gourmet meals prepared by experienced and renowned chefs. The route encompasses more than 1,600 kilometers of the diverse countryside along the coast from Cape Town and Pretoria, the capital of the interior. This is the perfect way to see all that South Africa has to offer, from the comfort of a train hotel fit for a king.
3. Palace on wheels, India
For a truly lively experience, opt for this Indian Railways journey. As soon as you board the train, you are majestically transported away into a world of impeccable luxury. You will be treated like royalty, reflecting the glorious lifestyle of an Indian Maharaja. This eight-day excursion takes you through the palaces of Rajasthan and the Taj Mahal in Agra. You will always remember the dramatic elephant welcome in Jaipur, lunch, Lake Palace in Udaipur, and the adventurous camel ride. It is the perfect way to witness the scenic views of India without having to contend with the scorching heat.