The era of leisurely train travel may have passed us by for the quick fix provided by airplanes but trains are not only cost effective they are also the most eco friendly way to travel. Although many of today’s trains are high speed people movers there is still a few epic train trips left to take. Traveling by train turns the journey into an adventure. Train journeys can last anywhere from overnight to several days, depending on your destination. So why not take a ride on...
1. The Orient Express One of the most famous train trips which has been immortalized in books and on film is the Orient Express. Travel from Paris to Istanbul on this 6 day/5 night trip that stops in Budapest, Bulgaria and then on to Istanbul, Turkey. The Venice Simplon Orient Express brings back the luxury of train travel in the 1920’s. There are also other routes that traverse Europe stopping in the great capitals of Europe such as Venice, Rome, Vienna, Prague, Budapest and Krakow.
2. Trans Siberian Express
For the true adventurer the Trans Siberian Express is the way to go. Travel from Moscow to Beijing or visa versa on this legendary rail line. The Trans Siberian Express traverses the steppes of Russia stopping in Mongolia and other destinations in the interior of Mother Russia on this epic 6 day journey. There isn’t just one Trans Siberian Express route, there are many and trains leave several times a week in both directions. If you want luxury along this same route, book your trip on the Golden Eagle, a new high end luxury version of the Trans Siberian Express.
3. The Ghan
Australia’s legendary train, The Ghan, travels from Adelaide to Darwin via Alice Springs making the 2979 kilometer (1,665 mile) trek in just two nights. Travel in style across the Australian outback to the tropical paradise of Darwin at the top of this huge continent. Running for 80 years, the Ghan is an Australia institution. Considered to be one of the great train trips of the world, this historic journey is worth taking.
4.Rocky Mountaineer
It is said that the best way to see the Canadian Rockies is by train. The Rocky Mountaineer travels from Vancouver, Canada through one of the Rocky Mountain passes ending in either Jasper or Banff, two of the most spectacular National parks in Western Canada. As the train only travels by day, you will not miss any of the magnificent scenery enroute. This two day journey is considered to be a “trip of a lifetime”.
5. Machu Picchu Route.
Travel from Cuzco to Machu Picchu following the Inca Route through the scenic mountains to Aqua Calientes, a small tourist town at the base of Machu Picchu. This trip can be completed in a day but the true adventurer will want to hike the Inca Trail and take the train back to Cuzco.
Train travel doesn’t have to mean high speed trains rushing from one destination to another, there are still some epic train trips that are reminiscent of days gone by. The Orient Express or the Trans Siberian Express are two of Europe’s legendary routes. Australia has the Ghan while Canada showcases it’s Rocky Mountains with the Rocky Mountaineer and Peru has its Inca Route with the railway taking visitors to Machu Picchu. So take an epic trip and relive the golden era of train travel.
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