A Guide to Luxury Railroads and Train Travel

Most luxury travel destinations tend to proffer on their intentions. And while the relaxing cruise or exotic island stay is, without a doubt, luxurious, the absence of uniqueness is apparent. Luxury trains deliver the entire package, providing comfort, relaxation, discovery and a memorable vacation.

MEXICO

American Orient Express
American Southwest
Reservations: (800) 320-4206
Contact: (630) 663 4550
www.americanorientexpress.com

The stunning beauty of one of the world's most scenic rail routes awaits your arrival in 2006 aboard American Orient Express' revamped Copper Canyon & Colonial Mexico itinerary. This new revised itinerary gives passengers the convenience of traveling round-trip from El Paso, Texas, as well as the unparalelled experience of traveling through desert beauty to sites only accessible by rail. After heading south of the border via motorcoach, the journey begins with a guided tour of the Mexican stata capital of Chihuahua.

SOUTH AFRICA

The Blue Train (Two Routes)
Reservations: +27 12 334-8459
E-mail: BlueTrain@Spoornet.co.za
www.bluetrain.co.za

The Blue Train is unique -- it is not merely a train but combines the luxury of the world's leading hotels with the charm of train travel. Think of it as an all inclusive luxury rail cruise with an opportunity to view South Africa's spectacular landscapes and visit interesting tourist attractions along the way. Take a journey into a timeless world of grace, elegance and romance, where spectacular scenery stirs your imagination and luxurious comfort soothes your body and soul. Go ahead ... Indulge yourself. This unique luxury recreation and business experience takes you where you want to go in an endless, five-star splendour. Bookings can be made through most tour operators and travel agents.

MAINE

Maine Eastern Railroad
Reservations: (866) 637-2457
E-mail: info@maineeasternrailroad.com
www.maineeasternrailroad.com

A trip to the Maine coast is all about relaxing while the salty breeze lifts your spirits, so why don’t you park your car and begin your vacation! With a Maine Eastern Railroad mid-coast rail excursion, you can leave the car and the traffic behind and get onboard to carefree holiday fun with a unique way to experience the spectacular views of the Maine coast. Our seat coaches are accompanied by a restored British Columbia railway dining car that provides passengers with downeast specialties served cafe style, and is the social setting for narrated discussion of the scenery and historic highlights of the 50-mile route. With a focus on being family-friendly, Maine Eastern Railroad is striving to keep tickets affordable.

SPAIN

Al Andalus Expreso
Reservations: +34 91 570 16 21
E-mail: alandalus@alandalusexpreso.com
www.alandalusexpreso.com

The Alandalus Express is a luxurious moving hotel, a unique lookout point to contemplate the andalusian scenery. Within its walls we encounter the décor, attention and gastronomy that take us through the tunnel of time to the glamour of the Belle Epoque. Travelling through Andalusia aboard this magical train is a unique experience, a privilege of romantic recollections marked with the seal of distinction and elegance. During your tour around Andalusia, you will be accompanied by our selected personnel, they will try their best to make your stay unforgettable and full of personal experiences.

CANADA

Rocky Mountaineer
Reservations: (877) 460-3200
E-mail: reservations@rockymountaineer.com
www.rockymountaineer.com

Rocky Mountaineer Vacations offers year-round vacation packages to the most unique regions of Canada including the acclaimed two-day all daylight Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. From mid-April to mid-October (with select December departures) the Rocky Mountaineer travels between the coastal city of Vancouver, British Columbia, and the Rocky Mountain destinations of Jasper, Banff and Calgary, Alberta. Built around the two-day train trip are over 60 different packages which explore the best of Canada's West and the Canadian Rockies. Recently, Rocky Mountaineer Vacations has introduced 21 experiential luxury vacation packages which showcase the best of Canada from coast to scenic coast. Bookings can be made through most tour operators and travel agents.

PACIFIC COAST, UNITED STATES

American Orient Express
Coastal Culinary Adventure
Reservations: (800) 320-4206
Contact: (630) 663 4550
www.americanorientexpress.com

Travel between Los Angeles and Seattle has never been more beautiful or enjoyable. Traversing coastlines, canyons and mountainous regions, the seven-day Coastal Culinary Adventure itinerary offers one of the most scenic rail journeys in America. Highlights of this itinerary include lunch at Eberle Winery and Cask Room Cellar at Merryvale Winery, a visit to Copia – the American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts, a tour of Clear Creek Distillery, as well as professionally guided tours of San Francisco, Hearst Castle, Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge.

SCOTLAND

The Royal Scotsman
Reservations: (800) 323-7308 (Official Agent)
E-Mail: bookings@royalscotsman.co.uk
www.abercrombiekent.com (Official Agent)

Your Carriage Awaits! To step aboard The Royal Scotsman train is to step into a different world. Here luxury, civility and gracious hospitality evoke gentler times; the romantic age of travel when getting there was as much fun as arriving. Join us for a journey through ancient mountains and mysterious lochs, golden glens and charming villages. The majestic landscape of Scotland seduces all who visit. In its sweeping hills, stunning coastlines, and rugged moorland, the land conjures up irresistible images of romance and derring-do; of stirring times and enduring legends. Today, the Highlands of Scotland is one of the most tranquil, unhurried corners of the world, a place where time stands still as you gaze upon mile after mile of unspoilt natural beauty.

NATIONAL PARKS OF THE WEST, USA

American Orient Express
National Parks of the West
Reservations: (800) 320-4206
Contact: (630) 663 4550
www.americanorientexpress.com

Covering a vast expanse of land that is difficult to visit by any other means, this itinerary visits America’s protected treasures. This seven-day journey travels to the Grand Canyon, Zion, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, and the Cedar Breaks National Monument. A team of naturalists and guides lead AOE passengers through historic sites to study native plants and wildlife, and learn about the people who originally inhabited these mystical spots.