New luxury train travels from Moscow to French Riviera

ABOARD THE MOSCOW-NICE TRAIN (AFP) – "I'm on holiday! I can allow myself to waste 53 hours, and there will be some lovely countryside," said one passenger aboard a new luxury train on its maiden voyage from Moscow to the French Riviera.

Embarking Thursday on the two day journey to Nice, Rafael Kazansky joked: "I'll spend 40 hours out of 53 sleeping. The other 13, I'll spend talking to you, then going to the restaurant and having some coffees."

The 48-year-old businessman, equipped with an iPad, said he was more used to air travel than the slower pace of the train, which pulled in to Nice on Saturday evening.

The red-and-grey striped train owned by Russian Railways (RzhD) is largely aimed at passengers with a taste for luxury. Only one of the 12 carriages is second class, while six are reserved for first class and three are defined as "luxury class." The train also boasts two dining cars.

They are furnished with plush carpets and reproductions of paintings by the French master Matisse. Individual compartments have private showers, toilets and televisions, to ensure passenger comfort over the 3,300-kilometre (2,050-mile) journey.

The train stops at 22 stations, cutting across Europe via Minsk, Warsaw, the Czech Republic, Vienna and Milan, before reaching its final destination in France's Cote D'Azur, a sunny clime that has drawn wealthy Russians tourists for centuries.

The rail route ran from the late 19th century until the outbreak of World War II, often catering to members of the Russian imperial family during the Tsarist era.

A Russian Orthodox cathedral that stands proudly in the centre of Nice, built in the early 20th century, is the largest outside Russia.

"Everything is good, everything is comfortable," Yelena Romeika, an elderly woman travelling in the train's luxury class, told AFP. "Everything has been done for the passengers' well-being."

Making no secret of the train's target clientele, a representative of the French railway company SNCF hailed the route as a return to the splendour of an earlier century.

"We need to start thinking again about the luxury trains of bygone days, like the Orient Express," Frederic Parde said.

"We expect that the Russians will be quite a rich clientele," he said, adding that the price range on tickets was fairly wide and that prices on cheaper seats would be be comparable to air ticket costs.

Fares start at 306 euros for second class travel and range to 1,200 euros for travel in the most luxurious compartments.

The rail voyage is aimed at people who enjoy the experience of travelling rather than hurrying to their destination, Parde explained.

"It's not a clientele who is short of time, who needs to get there quickly," he said. The journey from Moscow southwest takes 53 hours, while the route back from Nice takes 50 hours.

"This isn't mass transport. It's a voyage!" Parde said.

Read full News at Source: Yahoo News

All about the Super Luxurious BLUE TRAIN of SOUTH AFRICA

The Blue Train is one of the world’s most unique and luxurious experiences, a beautiful combination of classic elegance, old world charm, and contemporary service and cuisine.  The train is so much more than a journey, it truly is a once in a lifetime experience that is absolutely ideal for adventurous clientele that seek true luxury in an extremely exotic and intriguing destination.  The overnight journeys are roughly 27-hours in length, and include beautifully appointed cabin accommodations with en-suite bath or shower, private butler/valet service, exquisite gourmet meals, unlimited premium wines and liquors, cigars, use of lounge and club car, as well as a side excursion during a brief stop along the way.

The Blue Train travels an approximately 1,600 kilometer (1,000 mile) journey in South Africa between Pretoria and Cape Town. It is one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world. It boasts butler service, two lounge cars (smoking and non-smoking), an observation car, and carriages with gold-tinted picture windows, in soundproofed, fully carpeted compartments, each featuring its own en-suite (many of which are equipped with a full-sized bathtub). The service is promoted as a “magnificent moving five-star hotel” by its operators, who note that kings and presidents have travelled on it.

Facts about Blue Train South Africa

History of Blue Train
The Blue Train’s origins date back to the Union Limited and Union Express trains which began in 1923, taking passengers from Johannesburg to the ships departing from Cape Town to England. The Union Express introduced luxury features such as a dining saloon in 1933 and air-conditioned carriages in 1939. After a break in service in World War II the service returned in 1946. With the reintroduction of the train, the colloquial “Blue train” moniker, a reference to the blue-painted steel carriages introduced in 1937, was formally adopted as the new name. In 1997 it was refurbished and re-launched.

Operations of Blue Train
The Blue Train is operated by Luxrail, a division of Transnet Freight Rail, South Africa’s national railway operator; plans are underway to privatize it.

Operations currently require two Blue Trains in operation. One is Northbound and the other in opposite direction, Southbound – allowing for daily departures from both ends of the route. The first train accommodates 74 guests in 37 suites. The second accommodates 58 guests in 29 suites and features a conference or observation car at the back of the train. The trains travel at a speed of 90 kilometres per hour (58,2 mph).

Blue Trains Luxury Experience

Lounges
The elegant lounge car with its large windows allows for panoramic views of the passing countryside. The interior, resplendent with original works of South African art adorning the walls, plush and comfortable couches and bouquets of flame lilies complementing the plush décor, makes the lounge car the ideal setting for sharing an apéritif with fellow guests, an interlude between meals, or after-dinner conversation over coffee.

The club car has the relaxed atmosphere of a gentlemen’s club, with card tables, a small library and a fully-equipped bar. Guests can watch a short film about the train’s route or enjoy a Cuban cigar and cognac before retiring for the night.

Suites
The Blue Train is the ultimate definition of luxury in motion. You’ll note it from the moment you step into your suite, which is transformed from an elegant, spacious lounge by day into a sanctuary of comfort at night.

The Luxury suites are more spacious, offering a choice between twin or double beds with bath facilities. The luxury suite also boasts a selection of compact discs and movies on DVD. They are equipped with 100% percale cotton linen, goose down duvets and pillows and private bathrooms with marble vanity basins, marble wall and floor tiles, gold fittings, and a choice of shower or bath.

Each suite is a world on its own, with individually controlled air-conditioning and an entertainment centre with a choice of movie and radio channels. The suites also have under-floor heating in the rooms and bathrooms.

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The Golden Chariot - Live Walk Through of the Super Luxury Train of South India

Did You know that The Golden Chariot Luxury Train takes you through 3 World Heritage Sites? Check out the train in real on this video of one of the most watched lifestyle shows in India where the host takes you on an amazing journey.

More details about The Golden Chariot Luxury Train>

Best Train Journey's Around the World - II

In a time when the public are quickly losing faith in the railway networks due to continuous delays and increasing ticket prices (yet no apparent increase in service quality); we’re going to take a look at five of the best train journeys, and attempt to recapture the romance, adventure and luxury that railway trains used to (and still can if you know where to look), possess.  

The Toy Train, New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, India

With its status as a World Heritage Site, the Toy Train - Darjeeling remains one of the most sacred vehicles in the steam engine industry. Travelling 30 miles from the steaming plains of Bengal to the edge of the Himalayas, the journey takes a staggering 9 hours, as the train never surpasses walking speed. This gives you plenty of time to take in the wonders of the Indian countryside, full of scenic landscape and sleepy villages. Built in 1881, its purpose was to escort the elite of the Raj out of an unbearably hot Calcutta to cooler climates. After gently chugging through India through the night, you are greeted towards the end of your journey by the sun, rising over Everest; a sight that a 9 hour train journey would definitely be worth sitting through.

The Blue Train, Cape Town to Pretoria, South Africa

 Built in 1946, The Blue Train is the longest established luxury train that still remains today. Its history is entwined with the gold and diamond discoveries of the 1940’s and 50’s, and continues to pass through the diamond capital of Kimberley. With recently refurbished carts, it offers exquisite luxury and comfort, while being able to take in the dusty plains of South Africa, with its plethora of Sahara trees and wild beasts. The experience is like a steam ran safari, allowing you to mix luxury travel with adventure.

Oriental and Eastern Express, Bangkok to Singapore, Eastern Asia

The iconic Orient express is still in service today. Departing Bangkok, the magnificent and legendary steam engine glides through the tropical landscapes of Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. With scenery full orient mystery and adventure, on view are ancient temples, rubber plantations and rice paddies, as well as many bustling villages. One of the main attractions of the journey is the passing over the glorious river Kwai, with its rapid and glistening waters. The Orient Express is made up of 22 carriages, which includes 2 restaurants, an observation cart and 6 pullman cars. Ultimately it is a luxurious hotel on wheels. At night when the stars are on full view in the clear sky, fireflies can be seen wafting above the passing jungle’s canopy.

 

Article Credits: Authored by Lewis Corner on gentrystyle, For complete article read here

Some Interesting Rail Journey's Around the World

Nowadays, train rides are merely a way to travel from one place to another, and gone are the days of glamorous trains like the Orient Express, where ladies in fur coats and wealthy gentlemen drank tea and ate caviar. But that doesn’t mean that train rides can’t be just as scenic as in the past. Even if you aren’t in the mood to spend two weeks on a train (no matter how luxurious it is), you can still take advantage of some picturesque train trips when journeying from one city to another.

Trans-Mongolian Railway, Ulan-Ude to Jining

Mongolia is a wild and beautiful country that deserves to be visited properly and thoroughly, but if you want a quick introduction to the Mongolian landscape, the Trans-Mongolian line if the way to do it. The trans-Mongolian railway is actually a section of the famous Trans-Siberian line. This line takes you from the Buryatian city of Ulan-Ude (the largest city in Eastern Siberia), to Jining in China, with a stop in the Mongolian capital of Ulan Bator.

Rovos Rail, Capetown to Cairo

Rovos Rail is a privately owned South African railway company which runs cruise trains on various routes in Africa. Since these are cruise trains, the trip will be more expensive than your regular train ride, but once you see the beautiful refurbished classic trains, you’ll understand why. These trips capture perfectly the charm of the train journeys of the past. Capetown to Cairo is the longest route, and one of the most scenic as well. Observing the wildlife from the comfort of a luxury train might sound a bit snobbish, but it’s definitely worth a try, if you’ve got money to spare.

Amtrak train from Chicago to San Francisco

 Amtrak does not necessarily conjure up images of fun train rides, but it all depends on where you’re going. The trip from Chicago to San Francisco is certainly long, seeing as the distance between the two cities is almost 2000 miles, but you’ll be crossing the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada, and that alone is worth the effort. This is the railway version of a cross-American roadtrip, with the added advantage that sleeping in an empty carriage can be more comfortable than the back seat of a car.

Article Courtesy : TravelGrove Blog - Read Original Article here >

India's Pride - Palace on Wheels Train

India's luxury trains take you on an unforgettable journey across the country's best destinations, offering a glimpse of its rich cultural heritage and historic places. 

The Palace on Wheels

The Palace on Wheels has been rated among the top ten luxury trains of the world. As the name signifies, the train is built like a palace with a royal aura. A majestic train, it has 14 fully air-conditioned deluxe saloons, equipped with world class amenities.

Each saloon has a mini pantry for refreshments and a place to relax. The 4-twin bedded chambers have channel music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot and cold water, shower, wall to wall carpeting and other amenities. The furniture with its inlaid motifs has been specially created for the Palace on Wheels.

The train has two restaurants with a Rajasthani ambience serving Continental, Chinese, India and Rajasthani cuisines.

Palace on Wheels tariff on triple sharing basis is between $3,150 and $2,380 (off season), per head. On twin sharing, the rates are $3,500 and $2,625(off season). For single occupancy, it is $4,690 and $3,500 (off season). 

You can watch the Palace on Wheels Video here>