the irt society’s best-loved railway journeys...

The InTernaTIonal raIlway Traveler®

SpecIal edITIon no. 198

prIce $45

The IrT SocIeTy’S BeST-loved

Owen Hardy

railway journeys

2013®

CELEBRATING

WO

RLD’S TOP 25 TRAI

NS!

3OYEARS

WITH THE

3OYEARSkk

2 | Visit our website for more tours and updates • www.irtsociety.com • (800) 478-4881 • [email protected] Visit our website for more tours and updates • www.irtsociety.com • (800) 478-4881 • [email protected] | 3

New for 2o13• Golden Pass Panoramic Express: This is the newest in our line-up of the World’s Top 25 Trains.® This makes Switzerland the smallest country with three on the list.• Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian: Now with two Imperial Suites and active touring choices, like cycling and horseback riding. New itinerary for 2014: the Caspian Odyssey. Join our IRT group!• Al-Andalus: IRT’s Angela Walker loved this Spanish luxury train and its great off-train walking tours. • Rocky Mountaineer: New venture for this year: four trips to/from Seattle, a first for this Canadian gem.• Cape to Cairo with Rovos Rail: Call us now for 2014.• Celebrate with IRT. This is IRT’s 30th Anniversary. We are celebrating: Silk Road in 2013 and Orcaella cruise in 2014.• IRT+: Watch for: Bhutan exploration, Amazon cruising, Serengeti camping, gorilla trekking, Provence hiking or biking, Mt. Kilimanjaro climb, Greek Islands real sailing.

“What was the best part of the trip? The VIP treatment. Jen said she could get used to this in a hurry. You can’t get any better than that. We just wanted to thank you again...we are thrilled.”

– B. and J. Sprenger, Gran Lujo, Spain & Portugal Deluxe Independent Journey, 2012

Do you remember when the Sears catalogue arrived and you’d play, “What do you want on this page?” We do! And that’s why we have produced our 2013 “Wish Book” with our specially curated list of rail journeys (and several interconnecting cruise suggestions) with the World’s Top 25 Trains®. Special thanks this year go to our many travelers, our excellent staff and suppliers who have made The Society of International Railway Travelers® a success for 30 years.

welcome!

the irt society’s best-loVed railway journeys™ 2013

Table of coNTeNTs

Page Region Train (Ship) Tour/Itinerary

4 Africa Pride of Africa Cape Town to Dar es Salaam 7 Africa Pride of Africa Cape to Cairo by Luxury Train, Jet and Ship 2014 8 Africa Pride of Africa African Collage with Golf Option 9 Africa Pride of Africa Namibian Safari10 Africa The Blue Train South African Luxury Safari: Cape Town to Johannesburg

12 Asia Golden Eagle/Shangri-La Express The Silk Road: Beijing-Moscow 15 Asia Palace on Wheels India’s Rajasthan16 Asia Deccan Odyssey The Indian Maharaja: Delhi to Mumbai18 Asia Eastern & Oriental Express Epic Thailand 20 Asia Eastern & Oriental Express Bangkok to Singapore21 Asia (Orcaella) Myanmar (Burma): Gorges of the Far North River Cruise

22 Europe Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express Across Siberia by Private Train: Vladivostok-Moscow25 Europe Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express Caspian Odyssey 201426 Europe Royal Scotsman Scotland by Private Luxury Train: Classic & Western Tours28 Europe Royal Scotsman Grand Tour of Great Britain30 Europe Venice Simplon-Orient-Express/British Pullman Central Europe: Venice-Prague-Paris-London 32 Europe Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Paris to Istanbul; Istanbul to Venice34 Europe Venice Simplon-Orient-Express/British Pullman Romantic Italian Holiday: Florence-Venice-London36 Europe El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo Northern Spain: Santiago to San Sebastián38 Europe El Transcantábrico Clásico Northern Spain: Santiago to León40 Europe Al-Andalus Southern Spain: Andalusia by Luxury Train42 Europe Danube Express Istanbul to Prague44 Europe Glacier Express; Bernina Express Across the Roof of Switzerland 46 Europe Glacier Express; Bernina Express; Golden Pass Switzerland’s Classic Trains 48 Europe Flåm Railway & more Arctic Circle Express: Sweden & Norway

50 N. America Royal Canadian Pacific Canadian Rockies by Luxury Train 52 N. America Canadian/Rocky Mountaineer Trans-Canada Rail Adventure54 N. America Rocky Mountaineer Canadian Rockies Western Explorer 55 N. America Amtrak’s Empire Builder Glacier Park Discovery

56 S. America Hiram Bingham/Andean Explorer Peru’s Machu Picchu & Cusco, Lake Titicaca

58 Australia Indian Pacific/Ghan Australia Rail Extravaganza60 Australia Sunlander Queensland’s Gorgeous Coast: Cairns to Brisbane

61 World Appendix: Additional itineraries and travel dates

The IRT Society’s Best-Loved Railway Journeys™ 2013 is an annual special edition of The International Railway Traveler®, published by The Society of International Railway Travelers®. Business offices and Tour Desk: 2424 Frankfort Ave., Suite 2, Louisville, KY 40206; telephone: (502) 897-1725; fax: (502) 897-1729. Web: www. irtsociety.com. Owen C. Hardy, CEO, Editor & Publisher, [email protected]; Eleanor Flagler Hardy, President, [email protected]; Angela Walker, Vice President, Operations, and Senior Editor, [email protected]; Stephen Sebree, Art Director; General email: [email protected]. Editorial & Circulation Offices: 2424 Frankfort Ave., Suite 2, Louisville, KY 40206, tel.: (502) 897-1725; fax: (502) 897-1729. Membership: One year’s membership is $85 (in Canada, $95; elsewhere, $105 air mail) and includes the annual report, The IRT Society’s Best-Loved Railway Journeys™, discounts or travel bonuses for Society members and their traveling companions on IRT Society-sponsored tours and trains, as well as other benefits. KY residents add 6% sales tax. All pay-ments must be in U.S. dollars. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Society of International Railway Travelers®, 2424 Frankfort Ave., Suite 2, Louisville, KY 40206. © 2013, Hardy Publishing Co., Inc. Nothing in The IRT Society’s Best-loved Railway Journeys™ 2013 may be reproduced in any format by any means without publisher’s prior written approval. All rights reserved.

ready To Travel? coNTacT us righT Now!

Mail: The Society of International Railway Travelers® 2424 Frankfort Ave., Suite #2 Louisville, KY 40206, USAPhone: (800) 478-4881 (within U.S. and Canada) (502) 897-1725 Fax: (502) 897-1729E-mail: [email protected] facebook.com/irtsocietyWeb: www.irtsociety.com blog.irtsociety.com

why Travel wiTh irT?our guesTs aNswer“I recommend you to everybody. I loved those trips we did. The Silk Road ...just tickled me to death.”

— J. Briggs, IRT Pullman Club member who has traveled on the

Golden Eagle train three times

“You are a magician!“— E. Miller, IRT Pullman Club

member. IRT secured her space on a sold-out tour to Cuba, 2013

“I feel like a princess on a pillow!” — M. Platt, who’s heading

to Africa this year with Rovos Rail; IRT procured her complimentary

upgrades in five-star hotels.

“I would recommend you any time. I love working with you and Owen and everybody at IRT. “

— D. Minnerly, IRT Pullman Club

“I love telling this story: ‘When I arrived at the airport in Bangkok, (a hostess met me planeside in a golf cart.) I said, “We’re going through the diplomats-only line. I’m not a diplomat.” The VIP host-ess said: ‘Well, you are tonight!’“

— L. Williams, E&O, 2012

“We are in St. Petersburg tonight. The fast train was great! Thank you so much for the beautiful hotel here and for the upgrade. What a nice surprise!! “

— C. & S. Smith, Russia, 2012

“We’re very happy. We’re look-ing out at the Alps right now from our corner-room balcony. (Upgrade complimentary.) You’ve done a great job! ”

— E. Boyce, Independent Swiss Trains, 2012

“I told everybody: If you like train travel, you should book with these people. (IRT) Your prepara-tions were wonderful!”

— P. Ingram, Rovos Rail 2012

world’s Top 25 TraiNs®

IRT ’s World’s Top 25 Trains® list is based on millions of miles of travel by IRT owners, staff, writ-ers, editors and travelers. Trains featured in this book cannot pay to be included. We choose them, and we rate them on our scale, not theirs. We specialize in luxury and deluxe trains, although we offer first-class, standard and steam train tours, too.

irT is Now virTuoso® Last year, IRT was invited to join Virtuoso®, an invitation-only consortium of the world’s top one percent of travel companies. IRT travelers have been thrilled with:• Thebestpartnerhotels,trainsand cruises the world over• Insider-access,pricing,VIPwelcome, complimentary, exclu-sive and valuable benefits•Greatcoachandbusinessclassair contracts and the ability to solve any problems while you travel, 24/7 • VoyagerClub:specialcruisedepartures with on-board host, private party and exclusive shore event• IRT’sVirtuoso“style:“ToquoteMarco Rosa, of Orient-Express (Virtuosopartner):“Eleanor&Owen Hardy possess a flair for reporting the magic of travel and have been loyal supporters of Orient-Express, with a passion not only for rail travel, but also for their members’ dreams. [One example,their]uniquevisionof niche cruising, like mystical Myanmar...”

how To book Simple. Call or email us. Welcome aboard!

Owen Hardy Eleanor HardyCEO & Publisher President

P.S. Get the latest info in your inbox. Sign up for email updates on www.irtsociety.com

Visit our website for more tours and updates • www.irtsociety.com • (800) 478-4881 • [email protected] | 5

The Train: Pride of Africa

Train Type: Luxury

Most Society of IRT travelers say Ro-vos Rail’s Pride of Africa is their all-time favorite train. Our review: this is not the most luxurious train in the world, and the service, while usually top notch, can some-times dip to tepid. But it just might be the most fun. The Pride of Africa offers unique equipment, excellent meals with a wide variety of South African wines and friend-ly on-board service. The coaches have been painstakingly rebuilt with Rhodesian teak. The fun factors: some of the largest rooms on a train anywhere, most with king-sized beds; windows that fully open, all meals and drinks included, a fabulous open-air deck and a dedicated, young staff. And perhaps most important of all: its location. As Joe Biancke of Ohio put it: “I just can’t get Africa out of my mind.”

Sleeping CarS Three types of accommodation, among the most spacious in the industry, ac-commodate 72 people. All cabins offer a writing surface, a personal safe and complimentary mini-bar. All have en suite bathrooms; original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs. All have a plethora of windows that open—a vital feature, in our opinion, for experiencing the African countryside. Windows can be securely locked. Pullman Suites are the newest and most “spartan.” Book early if you want one. There are just 15 Pullman compartments, and they sell out a year in advance. They are 76 feet square, ideal for single travel-ers. A comfortable, daytime sofa-seat converts to double or twin beds (one up, one down) for evening. Deluxe cabins are huge (118 square feet), with just three per carriage; there are 22 on board. Deluxe suites feature either two twins or king-size bed and a small lounge area. Royal Suites take up half a train car. They are 172 square feet; most departures have four Royal Suites. Special features include en suite bathroom with Victorian bathtub and shower, and a separate, pri-vate lounge. You’re welcome to have din-ner served privately in your Royal Suite.

Dining & lounge CarS The two restaurant cars feature deli-cious meals. All food and drinks, from cocktails to excellent South African wines, are included. Fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes such as game are highlights. Every morning, a made-to-order breakfast and cereal/fruit buffet are offered. Lunch and dinner are multi-course affairs on lovely china, silver and linen. Of the two lounge cars, our favorite is on the back end: it has a bar, sitting area and open-air “patio” in the rear for wind-in-the-face viewing. IRT travelers enjoy this immensely. Smoking is allowed only in a semi-enclosed lounge.

pride of africa: cape TowN-dar es salaam


The Tour2013: NB: June 29-July 12; Sept. 28-Oct. 11 SB: July 15-28; Oct. 14-272014: NB: Jan. 18-31; June 28-July 11; Sept. 27-Oct. 10 SB: Feb. 3-16; March 17-30; July 14-27; Oct. 13-26 The Pride of Africa runs between Cape Town and Dar es Salaam several times annu-ally. This 14-day tour takes in major portions of South Africa, Zambia and Tanzania, while touching parts of Botswana and Zimbabwe. From Kimberley’s diamonds to Africa’s Great Rift Valley,everydayisunique.Highlights include a two-night

stay at a four-star game lodge and one overnight at Victoria Falls. There’s also plenty of time to enjoy the train’s lovely ambience and African country-side. Note: Railroad tracks in this region can be very bumpy, and delays are not uncommon on this routing. Patience and a love of adventure are required for this journey.

The iTiNeraryDay 1: Cape TownDepart Cape Town on Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa this morn-ing and settle in to your private compartment. Soon, a hostess chimes you to lunch featuring South African wines paired with delicious food. Arrive Matjies-fontein this evening; explore this tiny Victorian village. Din-ner, overnight on board.

Day 2: KimberleyBreakfast and lunch on board. Afternoon arrival in Kimberley to visit Big Hole and Diamond Museum. Return to train for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: PretoriaArrive Pretoria this afternoon. A light lunch is followed by a city tour. Explore Capital Park, RovosRail’suniquehead-quarters,filledwithlocomo-tives, carriages and lots of pet animals. Dinner and overnight on the train.

Day 4: Tau Game LodgeArrive in Zeerust and transfer to the four-star Tau Game Lodge for a full board, two-night stay. You’ll likely spot animals galore just on the drive to the lodge. Lunch is followed by a game drive. Sip cocktails as you watch the sun set—a tradition you’ll grow to love. Head back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Tau Game LodgeOptional early morning game drive, evening game drive or other activities. Overnight at lodge. If you wish, indulge in the spa facilities. Or enjoy a drink and watch the waterhole by the lodge. There’s usually giraffe, elephant, lion or wilde-beest seeking water there.

Day 6: Tau; BotswanaEarly morning game drive. By this time, most of our group in July2011hadseenallthe“BigFive,” from lions to leopard, and everything in between. Mo-torcoach transfer to Gabarone, Botswana for border formalities before rejoining the train.

Day 7: ZimbabweTravel through Zimbabwe, with lectures by a historian in the morning and afternoon. Don’t miss the lectures; they enhance the tour experience greatly. Learn about Cecil Rhodes, Victoria Falls, David Livingstone

and more. All meals will be on board.

Day 8: Victoria FallsArrive Victoria Falls. Check into the“GrandLady”VictoriaFallsHotel.Enjoylunchat“JungleJunction,” a lovely open-air dining area with delicious, fresh buffet. There’s time for a hike, nap, or just gazing at the miracle before you. Enjoy a sun-set cruise on the Zambezi River. Keep your eyes open for hippos. Dinner, overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Victoria FallsDay at leisure. Optional activi-ties (additional cost) include tour of the Falls, round of golf, helicopter tour of the Falls, more. Depart Victoria Falls late afternoon and complete border formalities for entry to Zambia.

Day 10: On boardPass through Lusaka, Zambia. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board with lectures in the morning and afternoon. As you pass into Zambia, you will notice many small villages of circular thatched huts. When the children hear the train, they dash to wave.

Day 11: On boardDay at leisure as the train continues through Zambia. All

The priciNg - 2013 & 2014Accommodations Double SinglePullman Suite $10,600 $14,900Deluxe Suite $13,900 $19,800Royal Suite $18,900 $37,800

4 | Visit our website for more tours and updates • www.irtsociety.com • (800) 478-4881 • [email protected]

Continued on next page


Owen Hardy

JOHn FiOrilla

Owen Hardy

eleanOr Hardy

Owen Hardy

Owen Hardy


meals on board, with morning and afternoon lectures. Our group enjoyed passing time on the back deck, spotting villages, animals and baobab trees.

Day 12: Arrive TanzaniaDisembark in Kasama for an excursion to Chisimba Falls. This experience is more subtle than Victoria Falls, but still magical. There’s a path for travelers of all walking abilities, and Rovos staff sets up a bar for refresh-ments. Return to the train and cross into Tanzania. All meals on board.

Day 13: MlimbaArrive Makambako and begin descent through spectacular pass to Mlimba, over gorges and through tunnels—a spec-tacular day of railroading.

Day 14: Dar es SalaamMorning arrival in Dar es Salaam. Please note: Due to rough track and delays, the train often arrives very late into Dar es Salaam. We will book your overnight in Dar es Salaam.

The highlighTs•Tennightsonboardoneofworld’s top luxury trains, all meals and drinks included •Two-nightstayatTauGameLodge with four game drives•KimberleyDiamondMineandMuseum •VictoriaFallsHotelovernightwith plenty of time and options to explore the falls•ZambeziRiversunsetcruise•VictorianMatjiesfontein•ChisimbaFallsouting•StunningMakambako-KidunaTanzania rail descent into pass

pride of africa: cape To cairo 2014

the irt society’s best-loVed railway journeys™ 2013Democratic

Republic of the Congo

MafekingGaborone

Plumtree

pride of africaContinued

“It was beautiful...a great way to see Africa for the first time.” — D. Craine, Cape to Dar, 2012

“We had a great time. We went there to see Africa up close and personal...mission accomplished!”

— B. Ingram, Cape to Dar, 2012

The Train: Pride of Africa (see page 4)

Train Type: Luxury

eXTeNd your JourNey•Deluxefour-dayCapeTownextensionwithourVirtuosopartners Cape Grace or Mount Nelson Hotels, Winelands, Cape Peninsula touring•Tanzaniagameparkextravaganza:NgorongoroCrater,Kirawiratented camp, Serengeti game drive and Zanzibar Spice Islands •Blue Train from Pretoria to Cape Town


The Tour2014: Jan. 17-Feb. 13; Feb. 4-March 3 (Cairo to Cape) Join us on the ultimate Afri-can experience, traversing the length of the continent using a combination of luxury train, private aircraft and first-class lake cruiser. This 28-day expedi-tion wil carry an elite brand of intrepid adventurers through the heartlands of South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, the Sudan and Egypt. Message from our past IRT travelers who have done this: It is memorable and fantastic. Go!

The iTiNeraryDays 1-3: Cape TownCape Town touring including Winelands, Cape Peninsula, Table Mountain, more. Over-nights at Cape Grace Hotel.

Day 4: Board Pride of AfricaDepart Cape Town on Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa. Stop in his-toric village of Matjiesfontein.

Day 5: KimberleyTour Kimberley’s Big Hole and Diamond Museum.

Day 6: PretoriaCity tour of Pretoria; explore Rovos’fascinatingheadquarterswith its steam locomotives and on-site zoo. Overnight in Preto-ria Sheraton.

Days 7 & 8: BotswanaTravel through Botswana, with all meals served on board.

Day 9: Victoria FallsArrive Victoria Falls. Check into Victoria Falls Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 10: Victoria FallsDay at leisure. Optional activi-

ties at the Falls. Sunset cruise on Zambezi River.

Day 11: ZanzibarDedicated flight to Zanzibar. Afternoon tour of Stone Town.

Day 12: Zanzibar/CraterIsland Spice Tour. Afternoon flight to Kilimanjaro. Drive to Ngorongoro Lodge.

Day 13: Ngorongoro CraterGame drive excursion to Ngorongoro Crater with lunch on floor of crater.

Days 14 & 15: Serengeti PlainsTransfer to Masek Tented Camp in Serengeti Plains. Multiple game drives over two nights.

Days 16 & 17: Uganda Arrive Entebbe, Uganda. Visit the chimpanzees on Ngamba Island and an excursion to Jinja, the source of the Nile.

Days 18 & 19: KhartoumExplore Khartoum, Sudan. Visit sites of Masawwarat es-Sufra andNaqaortourthecity.

Day 20: Abu SimbelFlight to Abu Simbel, Egypt, and visit Abu Simbel Temples. Board Kasr Ibrim for Lake Nasser Cruise.

Days 21 & 22: Lake NasserCruise Lake Nasser to Aswan. Highlights include: Kasr Ibrim, temples of Amada and Derr, Tomb of Penout, Wadi El Seb-oua and temples of Dakka and Maharakka.

Days 23 & 24: LuxorTwo days exploring Luxor, in-cluding Edfu Temple (en route), Karnak Temple, Valley of Kings, Valley of Queens, the Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon

(photo stop) and Luxor Temple.

Days 25-28: CairoSpend three days in Cairo at the fabulous Four Seasons First Residence, taking in the Egyp-tianMuseumofAntiquities,Al Azhar Park, Giza Pyramids, Sphinx,SaqqaraandMemphis.

The highlighTs•Experiencingthecontinentof Africa, its most historic and glorious cities, the incredible range of game reserves•ThreenightsatCapeTown’sfive-star Cape Grace Hotel with visit to the Winelands and Cape Peninsula•Fournights’luxuriousaccom-modation on Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa•VictoriaFalls,trulyoneofthenatural wonders of the world; two nights at Victoria Falls Hotel•ZanzibarSpiceIslandTourandStone Town•TwonightsinSerengetiandtwo nights at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, with many game drives•VisitingthechimpanzeesonNgamba Island in Uganda and excursion to source of the Nile•Three-nightcruiseonLakeNasser; two days in Luxor; three nights Cairo with Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, Egyptian Museum ofAntiquities

•Astunningexplorationofeight African countries—South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan and Egypt—by luxurious train, jet and ship

The priciNg Accommodations Double SinglePullman Suite $48,500 $56,700Deluxe Suite $52,000 $61,500Royal Suite $56,000 $66,800

irT

Owen Hardy Owen Hardy

Owen Hardy

Owen Hardy

eleanOr Hardy

Owen Hardy

Owen Hardy


The Tour2013: May 16-24 (WB); Oct. 31-Nov. 8 (WB); Nov. 11-19 (EB) 2014: May 22-30 (WB); Nov. 6-14 (WB); Nov. 17-25 (EB) The tour many Rovos Rail staff rank number one: a panoramic 2,100-mile, nine-day South African sojourn. Enjoy game drives in Kruger Park, Mkhaya Reserve and Hluhluwe Game Reserve; spend an evening in Durban and visit Addo Elephant Park as well as an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn. Travel a spectacular rail descent down the Montagu Pass into George; from Knysna the train travels the scenic Garden Route along the Indian Ocean to Cape Town. Golfers have the option of playing five challenging courses.

The iTiNeraryDay 1: PretoriaMorning departure from Rovos Rail’s private station in Pre-toria. Enjoy lunch and dinner on board as the train travels toward Kruger Park.

Day 2: Game drivesEarly morning game drive in Kruger Park in open vehicles. LookforAfrica’s“BigFive.”Re-turn to the train where brunch is served in the dining car while we travel through Komatipoort to the Swaziland border. This afternoon we arrive at Mkhaya Reserve for another game drive. The train departs for the over-night journey to Hluhluwe.Golfers’ Option: Tee off at Leop-ard Creek Estate before returning to the train at Swaziland.

Day 3: Hluhluwe; DurbanEarly morning game drive in the Hluhluwe Reserve. The train then departs for Durban. Spend the evening in the city.

Day 4: On board Depart Durban en route to Lions River. Disembark for a visit to the famous Ardmore ce-ramics gallery. Lunch on board while traveling to Kroonstad. Golfers’ Option: Morning tee-off at Durban Beachwood Country Club, followed by a scenic drive to rejoin the train at Lions River.

Day 5: BloemfonteinMorning tour of Bloemfontein. Train departs this afternoon for Port Elizabeth.

Day 6: Addo Elephant ParkMorning tour of Addo Elephant Park near Port Elizabeth. Addo is home to over 450 elephants, as well as Cape buffalo, black rhino and a variety of antelope species. Afternoon train depar-ture to Oudtshoorn. Golfers’ Option: Morning tee-off at Humewood in Port Elizabeth.

Day 7: Oudtshoorn; GeorgeAfter breakfast we arrive at Oudtshoorn for an ostrich farm visit. Afternoon spent in George, where you are at your leisure. Dinner will be together at Fancourt Golf Estate.Golfers’ Option: Transfer to Fan-court Golf Estate for a game at the renowned facility.

Day 8: KnysnaThis morning tour port city of Knysna. Lunch aboard the train as you wind your way—some-times high above the Indian

Ocean, at other times practi-cally at sea level—along the spectacular Garden Route.Golfers’ Option: Tee off at Oubaai Golf Club—Ernie Els’ first signa-ture course in South Africa.

Day 9: Worcester / Cape TownMorning arrival in Worcester and tour KWV Brandy Distillery. Arrive Cape Town around 5 p.m.

The highlighTs•Plentyoftimetorelaxandenjoy the fabulous Pride of Africa, one of the world’s finest luxury trains•TravelingtheGardenRoutefrom Knysna to Cape Town•Spectacularraildescentdownthe Montagu Pass into George•Severalgamedrivesinopenvehicles: Kruger Park, Mkhaya Reserve and Hluhluwe Reserve•AddoElephantPark—hometoover 450 elephants, as well as

Cape buffalo, black rhino and a variety of antelope species•Oudtshoornostrichfarmvisit•VisittotheKWVBrandyDistill-ery in Worcester•ToursofDurban,Bloemfon-tein and Knysna•Golfershavetheoptionof playing five challenging courses, including Ernie Els’ first signature course in South Africa

The priciNgAccommodations Double SinglePullman Suite R45,000 R 67,500Deluxe Suite R68,000 R102,000Royal Suite R91,500 R137,250

Tour priced in South African Rand (R). Please call for approximate U.S. Dollar prices.


Train Type: Luxury

pride of africa: africaN collage wiTh golf opTioN


“Our favorite part of the journey was watching the whole country unfold from the big, comfortable lounge chairs in our beautiful suite, and through our huge windows, the cozy observation car and the outdoor observation car at the end of the train. Rovos Rail definitely deserves to be one of your World’s Top 25 Trains.

— A. Fawcett, African Collage, 2012

Democratic Republic

of the Congo

Lake Victoria

Uganda

Sudan

EgyptAswan

Ethiopia

Cairo

Nile River

Lake Nasser

Abu Simbel

RailFlightCruise

Hluhluwe

George

DurbanBloemfontein

Oudtshoorn

Mkhaya (Swaziland)

Komatipoort

Worcester

South Africa

Port Elizabeth

DjiboutiAddis Ababa

Asmara

Cape Town

Pretoria

Moz

ambi

que

The Tour2013: April 25-May 3 (WB); May 5-13 (EB)2014: May 1-9 (WB); May 11-19 (EB) Formerly German Southwest Africa, Namibia retains much of its colonial heritage—it’s well known for its great lager beers. But it’s also a desert land well worth exploring, especially by luxury train. The Fish River Can-yon is second only to the Grand Canyon in size. Sossusveli’s bril-liant red dunes are captivating. And Etosha’s big-game park is one of the region’s best. The iTiNeraryDay 1: Depart PretoriaDepart Pretoria on the Pride of Africa. Settle into your private compartment and enjoy lunch and dinner on board.

Day 2: KimberleyArrive in Kimberley. Tour the Big Hole diamond mine and city of Kimberley. Continue train journey west this afternoon.

Day 3: UpingtonWalking tour of Upington, oasis town on the Orange River, sur-rounded by the Kalahari Desert and famous for its wine. Cross into Namibia.

Day 4: Fish River CanyonVisit to gigantic Fish River Canyon. Later, walking tour in Keetmanshoop, with its well-preserved German influences. Depart for Windhoek early evening.

Day 5: WindhoekCity tour of Windhoek, Na-mibia’s capital. Depart city in light aircraft for short scenic flight to Sossusvlei for lunch, desert drive, bush dinner and overnight.

Day 6: SossusvleiSossusvlei excursion with breakfast in a dry marsh, locally known as a vlei. Mornings and evenings offer rich photo op-portunities of the brilliant red dunes. Depart Sossusvlei for one hour flight to Windhoek and rejoin the train.

Day 7: Mokuti LodgeArrive in Tsumeb. Transfer to Mokuti Lodge and stop for lunch, game drive and over-night in Etosha National Park, home to 114 mammal species, including the rare and endan-gered black rhino and black-faced impala.

Day 8: Etosha National ParkEarly morning game drive in the Etosha, where blue wilde-beest, mountain and plains zebra, giraffe, hyena, lion, chee-tah, leopard and 340 species of birds may be spotted. Depart from Tsumeb early afternoon.

Day 9: SwakopmundArrive in Swakopmund midday.

The highlighTs•SixnightsonPride of Africa, one of the world’s finest trains with all meals and drinks included.•TheBigHoleinKimberley,site of one of the world’s most famous diamond rushes•VisitFishRiverCanyon,sec-ond largest canyon in the world•TourofWindhoek,acosmo-politan city with a strong Ger-man influence•GamedrivesandovernightatMokuti Lodge, located in the game-rich Etosha National Park•Overnightexcursiontotheworld-famous Sossusvlei, a stunning dry lake in the Namib Desert surrounded by massive red sand dunes

pride of africa: NamibiaN safari


Train Type: Luxury

The priciNgAccommodations Double SinglePullman Suite R45,000 R 67,500Deluxe Suite R68,000 R102,000Royal Suite R91,500 R137,250

Tour priced in South African Rand (R). Please call for approximate U.S. Dollar prices

Lake Victoria

Uganda

Sudan

EgyptAswan

Ethiopia

Cairo

Nile River

Lake Nasser

Abu Simbel

RailFlightCruise

Ketmanshoop

Holoog

Windhoek

Sossusvlei

South Africa

Tsumeb

DjiboutiAddis Ababa

Asmara

Pretoria

Kimberley

Upington

Swakopmund

Etosha National Park

Atlantic Ocean


“I was extremely happy with all aspects of the journey…especially the train journey it-self. I met some very wonder-ful people on the train—and low and behold, we are plan-ning to meet up on another Rovos train journey in 2014!!”

— P. Orr, Rovos Rail Namibia 2012

Owen Hardy

eleanOr Hardy

Owen Hardy

eleanOr Hardy

eleanOr Hardy

The Train: Blue Train

Train Type: Luxury

We love the Blue Train, one of the world’s great luxury trains, running once weekly between Pretoria and Cape Town. The 27-hour journey of 994 miles includes one sight-seeing stop. The train, operated by the state-run Spoornet, is gorgeous in every detail, from the golden brown of the walls, to the “B” logo just about everywhere. You can call your butler any time from your in-room phone. The unfolding journey is shown on a TV screen in the club car and on one of the TV channels in guest suites. Service is professional and experienced. Our butler, Jan Sep-tember, has served the likes of Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and Margaret Thatcher during his 30 years on the Blue Train. When Owen Hardy first rode this train fifteen years ago, he raved about the chef and her fabulous “chocolate pot” dessert. On a recent trip, he and Eleanor were delight-ed to meet her in person. She is still making her “chocolate pot” she now dubs “the Mandela Pot,” because he loves it so much.

Sleeping CarS There are two train sets; one takes up to 74 passengers, the other takes 58. Both are air-conditioned. There are four Deluxe suites per car, each with en suite bathrooms. The double bedded-suites have a bathtub; twin-bedded suites have showers. Each train has two luxury carriages, each with three compartments. The Luxury Suites have one double or two twin beds, and the en suite bathrooms have tub and shower. All cabins have television, CD and DVD systems. Windows do not open.

Dining & lounge CarS Dining is in the 42-seat diner in two seatings and in-cludes delicious African and continental cuisine. The wine list is spectacular. Breakfast or dinner can be served either in your cabin or in the dining car. Each Blue Train set has classic lounges in warm shades of brown with large picture windows. Afternoon tea is served daily in the lounges. Our favorite perch: the rear lounge with its gigantic back win-dow to view the receding scene as you sip your drink.

Mt. Nelson Hotel, a legendary Orient Express property.

Day 2: Cape PointEnjoy your private, full-day Cape Point tour, which includes one of the world’s most beauti-ful coastal drives. Savor lunch in the lovely café and a private visit to Casa Labia, an Italianate estate built in 1929. The family has spent two years restor-ing this national monument. Return to your hotel in the early evening.

Day 3: Cape WinelandsTake a private Winelands Tour, with a visit to the Muratie Wine Estate. Enjoy a private wine tasting and cellar tour includ-ing a traditional South African lunch hosted by the owner. This is one of the oldest traditional wine estates in Stellenbosch.

Day 4: Blue TrainTransfer to the Blue Train

lounge for morning departure. Soon it’s time for an elaborate brunch. The afternoon includes a 45-minute walk around tiny Matjiesfontein, afternoon tea on board and pre-dinner drinks. Dinner is an elegant occasion; menarerequestedtowearjacket/tie and ladies evening wear. Overnight on Blue Train.

Day 5: Blue Train; PretoriaBreakfast is served in the dining car or in your cabin. Afternoon arrival at Pretoria Station, where you are met by your guide, who will take you on a half-day Jo-hannesburg tour, with a stop at the outstanding Apartheid Mu-seum. Check in to the Westcliff Hotel—with heated swimming pools, gardens and meandering pathways. Enjoy your compli-mentary afternoon tea.

Days 6-7: Okavango DeltaTransfer to the airport for short flight to Maun, then by light

aircraft to Eagle Island Camp in Okavango Delta. The camp has 12 beautifully appointed luxury tents. Your program includes safaris by helicopter, boat and foot with wonderful guides. Included: all meals, drinks, game-viewing activities, even laundry!

Days 8-9: Chobe National ParkTransfer by light aircraft to the heart of the Chobe National Park, known as the elephant capital of the world. It’s also a fantastic place for spotting leopards, lions, wild dogs, chee-tahs, hyenas, zebras and beauti-ful birds. The Savute Elephant Camp perches right on the Savute Channel, a spectacular base for exploring. Savute has only 12 luxury tents. Spend two nights in this all-inclusive camp.

Day 10: JohannesburgMorning transfer by light air-craft to Maun and connect with

regional flight to Johannesburg. Check in for your international flight home or extend your stay.

The highlighTs•OvernightonBlue Train in a deluxe suite, including meals and all drinks and wine•Fournightsinfive-starhotels•Fournightsinfive-starsafaricamps in Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, including all meals, drinks, game drives and laundry service •Full-dayCapePointTour,private visit to Casa Labia with lunch•Privatefull-dayWinelandstour and private lunch with the owners at Muratie wine estate•VIPairportassistanceinCapeTown, Maun and Johannesburg•Spectacularhelicopterexperi-ence at Eagle Island•Virtuosobenefitsabound:Complimentary room up-grades, breakfasts, high tea, sparkling wineCape Town

Pretoria

South Africa

Botswana

Namibia

Indian Ocean

Atlantic Ocean

Kimberley

Johannesburg


blue TraiN:souTh africaN safari


The TourTour can be taken throughout the year. IRT’s owners, Owen & Eleanor Hardy, loved this itinerary so much, we wanted to share it with you. It includes many uniqueexperiences,fromtheluxurious Blue Train, to beautiful Cape Town, to fantastic safari camps in Botswana. All are Virtuoso partners; this means greater value and VIP welcome throughout, not to mention exclusive and complimentary amenities such as room up-grades and breakfasts.

The iTiNeraryDay 1: Cape TownVIP Meet and greet at Cape Town airport and transfer to the

The priciNg Double: $ 9,810 to $11,790Single: $13,690 to $15,790Price varies based on availability. Book early for best rates.



Owen Hardy

Owen Hardy

david Minnerly

Owen Hardy

Owen Hardy

Owen Hardy david Minnerly


The TrainS: Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express (see page 22) and Shangri-La Express (described below). Passen-gers change trains at the Kazakhstan/China border. Note that doubles booked in Gold or Imperial Class will get two adjoining double compartments on the Shangri-La Express train.

Train Type: First Class

The private Shangri-La Express is not a luxury train, but it is at this writ-ing the most modern hotel train in China and far sur-passes regular train service in every aspect. The luxury Tangula Express, which was supposed to launch in 2008, continues to be postponed.

Sleeping CarS The Shangri-La Express is modern and air-conditioned. Its first-class sleeping compartments have bunk-style twin beds, small table and armchair. A small washroom with sink is shared between compartments. Two toilets are down the hall: only one has a chemical toilet which can be used when the train is stopped. There is a shower car in the middle of the train, with large individual compartments. Each has shower, mirror, sink, hair dryer and changing area. Robes, towels and slippers are provided. Service on board is cheerful; each car has its own attendant who cleans the cabins, makes the bed and is on call to serve tea and coffee 24 hours a day. The staff speak little English; however, a translation card in your room helps. Discriminating travelers should book two adjoining cabins so they can spread out, each have a lower bed and share the washroom.

Dining & lounge CarS Cereal, fruit, eggs and toast are served for breakfast in the dining car, while the Chinese chefs offer local dishes at lunch and dinner. Dining is not Chinese gourmet on this train. Reports from our reviewers and travelers sum up the food as “bland” or “monotonous.” Wine and beer are included with lunch and dinner, along with soft drinks, tea and coffee. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are served in the bar car. (Alcohol not included outside meals.)

• Who should take this train? Adventurous travelers who are more focused on the destination and the incred-ible sights outside the window and the sightseeing at the frequent stops. If you remember to compare your experi-ence with that of the regular Chinese trains, you will have a memorable journey. Do not take this train if you think that it is a Chinese version of the Royal Scotsman. You will be sorely disappointed.

shaNgri-la eXpress/goldeN eagle: The silk road


The Tour2013: Sept. 20-Oct. 10 (EB); Sept. 24-Oct. 14 (WB)2014: Sept. 20-Oct. 10 (EB); Sept. 24-Oct. 14 (WB)Oct. 23-Nov. 12 (WB) This two-train tour is prob-ably one of the most exotic and best-loved by Society of IRT members, taking in places few Western travelers have ventured. It’s no wonder IRT co-owners Owen & Eleanor Hardy chose this amazing tour to celebrate their company’s 30th Anniversary. The people who take this trip should be ready for adventure. The tour uses two private trains—the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express and the Shangri-La Express—to follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo along one of the world’s oldest and most historic trade routes, through China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Russia. The great caravan road linking the luxuries of Asia with the kings of Europe—most significantly, its luscious silks and spices—is preserved to a remarkable degree. The iTiNeraryDay 1: BeijingTransfer included from airport to five-star hotel in Beijing for a three-night stay. Meet your fel-low travelers and tour manager at a welcome reception/dinner.

Day 2: BeijingFull day tour of Beijing, includ-ing the Forbidden City, Tianan-menSquareandthegrandTemple of Heaven. Alternate touringof“modern”Beijing,including Olympic Village and stadiums, CCTV Tower and National Museum.

Day 3: BeijingMorning visit to Great Wall at Badaling, with a chance to walk along a restored portion of the Wall. Free time in Beijing this afternoon. Dinner at specialty Peking Duck restaurant.

Day 4: Shangri-La ExpressFree morning in Beijing, then transfer to Beijing West station (one of the world’s largest sta-tions) to board Shangri-La Ex-press, and begin the 6,835-mile journey to Moscow. Settle into your cabin and have a drink in the bar car. Lunch and dinner on board.

Day 5: XianExplore Xian’s ancient city walls andGreatMosque,oneofold-est and largest in China. After-noon visit to world-famous Ter-racotta Warriors, discovered by peasants just 40 years ago. The 6,000 figures and their horses, buried with First Emperor Qin in 210 BC, are one of 20th cen-tury’s greatest archaeological finds. Alternate touring of Han Yangling Museum available. En-

joy Tang Dynasty dinner, music and dance show. Overnight on the train.

Day 6: LanzhouMorning arrival in Lanzhou, vital city on the Silk Route. Visit Gansu Provincial Museum to see the kind of goods that moved along the Silk Route, alongwiththefamous“gallop-ing horse” dating from the East-ern Han period. Return to the train for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: DunhuangArrive in small oasis city of Dun-huang to visit Mogao Thousand Buddha Cave Complex contain-ing some 500 grottoes, carved 700 to 1,700 years ago. Lunch with local folk performance. Afternoon exploration of Gobi Desert; take a camel ride to the oasis of Crescent Lake.

Day 8: Turpan; UrumchiThe Flaming Mountains create a stunning backdrop in Turpan. Tour the city’s ancient under-ground irrigation system that has successfully supplied the surrounding orchards and vine-yards for centuries. Next, visit the elegantly decaying sand city of Jiaohe, founded in 108 BC. Then motorcoach to Urum-chi to see Xinjiang Provincial Museum’s renowned mummy exhibition. Train departs for Kazakhstan.

Day 9: Arrive KazakhstanArrive Alashankou for border control and transfer to Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express. (Note this border crossing can be very lengthy.) Settle into your private cabin with en suite facilities and your first dinner on the Russian luxury train.

Day 10: AlmatyTour Almaty, flourishing former capital of Kazakhstan. Enjoy a traditional lunch in a Kazakh “yurt,”atypicalnomadicdwell-ing. Spend the evening on the train; after dinner enjoy a drink while listening to the resident pianist in the bar car. Day 11: TashkentBreakfast and lunch on board, with lectures on the region’s history. Arrive Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan. Local tour in-cludes the Old Town, Railway Museum and Museum of Ap-plied Arts. Day 12: SamarkandTour Samarkand, whose appel-lationsinclude“RomeoftheEast”and“PearloftheMuslimWorld,” and whose admirers in-clude Alexander the Great and Marco Polo. Highlights include BibiKhanumMosque,UlugBegobservatory and illuminated RegistanSquare.Dinnernearthesquare.

The priciNgAccommodations Double Single Silver Class $22,395 $31,395Gold Class $27,895 $39,895Imperial Suite $38,495 $53,895 Continued on next page


“What memories your news of the Silk Road provided me on this Saturday morning. I certainly wish I could fit in someone’s pocket!! There is no doubt, even after more than a decade, this excursion is one of the top three we’ve experi-enced.”

— Floyd Miller, IRT Pullman Club member, veteran of 12

IRT journeys


angela walker

angela walker

Bill SingleTOn

Bill SingleTOn

Day 13: BukharaMorning arrival in oasis city of Bukhara, whose renova-tion UNESCO funded for city’s 2,500-year anniversary in 1999. Tour includes The Ark, fortified residence of Emirs of Bukhara—rulers infamous for their cruelty. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the city, then visit Emir’s Palace of Moon and Stars. Day 14: MervContinue through desert to Merv, ancient Silk Road city left to perish after Emir of Bukhara destroyed the dam, which the population depended upon for water. Visit one of the five walled cities.

Day 15: Ashgabat Arrive Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan and newly con-structed“LasVegasoftheKaraKum Desert.” The city’s modern, multi-fountained, gold-gilded center is dedicated to deceased Sapamurat“Turkmenbashi,”notorious president for life. Day 16: KhivaCross back into Uzbekistan and tour Khiva—an important trading center at crossroads of routes between Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia. Khiva’s fabulousbuildings,mosques,minarets and bazaars testify to its former wealth.

Day 17: Kara Kum DesertAll-train day crossing Kazakh-stan’s Kara Kum Desert, stop-ping briefly at remote villages along way. Evening crossing into Russia. Day 18: VolgogradStalingrad, as it was known in WWII, was the scene of one of the most horrific battles in human history. Visit sobering Mamayev Kurgan war memo-rial at site where Russia finally turned back Nazi advance.

Day 19: MoscowArrive Moscow late afternoon. Transfer to five-star centrally located hotel for two-night stay. Evening at leisure.

Day 20: MoscowFull day touring in Moscow: St. Basil’sCathedral,RedSquare,The Kremlin and Lenin’s Tomb. Alternate touring options

include the National Museum of Fine Art or an excursion to Sergiev Posad. Farewell dinner this evening.

Day 21: MoscowTransfers to Moscow airport.

The highlighTs•GrandtrekacrossChina,Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turk-menistan and Russia•Themoststylishandcomfort-able way to see sights rarely seen by Western travelers•TerracottaWarriorsofXian•Beijing’sTempleofHeaven,Forbidden City, Tiananmen SquareandtheGreatWall•Samarkand;viewingRegistanSquarebeautifullylitatnight•ThousandBuddhaCaveComplex of Dunhuang, site of 500 grottoes carved up to 1,700 years ago•Volgograd,formerlyStalin-grad, site of the legendary WWII

battle to the death between the Nazis and the Soviet Union•ExploringtheGobiDesertbycamel, including Crescent Lake•Moscow’sKremlinandRedSquare•FlexibletouringoptionsinBeijing, Xian and Moscow•Allmeals,wineandbeerwithlunch and dinner, off-train tours, airport transfers and gratuities included

Note: Five visas required for this tour. Please allow two months to obtain the visas.

shaNgri-la eXpress/goldeN eagle: The silk road Continued



Black Sea Caspian Sea

Aral Sea

Lake Balkhash

Volgograd

Moscow

Aterau

Bukhara

AshgabatTashkent

Samarkand

Almaty Turpan

500 Km

500 Mi.

K A Z A K H S TA N

KYRGYZSTANTURKMENISTAN

UKRAINE

TURKEY

IRAN

R U S S I A

C H I N A

UZBEKISTAN

Beijing

Dunhuang

XiningLanzhou

Xi’an

Novomoskovsk

R U S S I A

Merv

M O N G O L I A

Khiva

The Train: Palace on Wheels


The Palace on Wheels, a joint venture of Indian Railways and the state of Rajasthan, last year celebrated 30 years of service as India’s first hotel train. Although we do not clas-sify it as a luxury train, there is no other train that covers colorful Rajasthan as completely as the Palace on Wheels. Our most recent travelers enjoyed the scenery, tours, forts, palaces, train meals and the on-board service and felt it was an excellent value. They liked the choice of meals, including Indian cuisine, and rated the train highly for cleanliness, service, and scenery. One complaint from our IRT travelers: they do not like orga-nized shopping stops. We hope the Palace on Wheels team is listening.

Sleeping CarS The train, with its cream-colored livery, has 14 air-conditioned carriages, each with four com-partments with two lower beds. Curtains and bedspreads are silk. Each compartment has a private sink, toilet and shower; the compartments also have stereo speakers with a number of music programs available, in-tercom and wall-to-wall carpeting. Each sleeping car has a cozy lounge at one end.

Dining & lounge CarS The restaurant cars serve Continental, Chinese and Indian cuisines. Off the train, Indian cuisine buffets are held in magnificent hotels. Overall, the food on board or off-train is plentiful but not gourmet. Our recent travelers gave on-board service a 10+. The lounge car’s bar is well-stocked and its small sofas are welcoming. Drinks and gratuities are additional.

palace oN wheels: iNdia’s raJasThaN

The priciNg$4,025 per person, double$5,390 single

Rates do not include 3.09% service tax and $15 per person commercial tax.

The TourTrain departs Delhi each Wednesday, September-April. Rajasthan,reputed“landofthe maharajas,” is a sprawling, relatively inaccessible north-west Indian state. The Palace on Wheels is the perfect way to see the desolate deserts, hills marked with fort walls, legendary pavilions—even a shimmering white palace set in the middle of a serene lake. Every night is spent on board. Note: This train is very popular. We highly recommend booking at least a year in advance.

The iTiNerary Day 1: DelhiDepart Delhi. Dinner on board.

Day 2: JaipurFulldaysightseeingin“PinkCity” of Jaipur—Palace of Winds, City Palace Museum and Observatory; elephant ride to Amber Fort.

Day 3: Sawai MadhopurMorning visit to Ranthambore

National Park to spot wildlife. Visit Chittaurgarh’s historic fort this afternoon.

Day 4: Udaipur Full day in Udaipur, with its beautiful marble palaces on Lake Pichola. Lunch in city, then explore City Palace.

Day 5: Jaisalmer Tour Jaisalmer’s yellow sand castle-like fort and grandly carved stone buildings. Afternoon camel ride on sand dunes. Dinner and cultural program at five-star hotel.

Day 6: Jodhpur Explore Mehrangarh Fort in historic Jodhpur, with its high stone walls with seven gates. Lunch at a royal palace hotel and return to train.

Day 7: Bharatpur/Agra Morning visit to famous bird sanctuary in Bharatpur, a favor-ite of IRT travelers. Afternoon tour of Agra Fort and Taj Mahal.

Day 8: DelhiEarly morning arrival in Delhi.

The highlighTs•ElephantridetoAmberFortin“PinkCity”ofJaipur•“PalaceoftheWinds,”Jaipur•Walled“BlueCity”ofJodhpur•Camelrideonthesanddunesnear Jaisalmer•RanthamboreNationalPark•LakePalacesofUdaipur•Birdsanctuary,Bharatpur•TajMahal&AgraFort

NEPALAgra

Chittaurgarh

Delhi

Udaipur

Jaisalmer

PA

KISTAN

CHINA

JaipurJodhpur

Sawai Madhopur

Bharatpur


Bill SingleTOn

Bill SingleTOn

Harry COOk

Harry COOk

Bill dOuglaSS



deccaN odyssey: iNdiaN maharaJa

The TourSouthbound: April 10; Oct. 23; Nov. 6, 20; Dec. 4, 18Northbound: April 13; Oct. 16, 30; Nov. 13, 27; Dec. 11, 25 Relax in supreme comfort aboard the Deccan Odyssey while visiting some of India’s most iconic landmarks. Soak in the beauty of Udaipur, the “CityofLakes,”andsearchfor

tigers in Ranthambore National Park. The breadth of India’s culture, history and ineffable spirit come alive as you travel between Delhi and Mumbai.

The iTiNeraryDay 1: Depart DelhiBoard the train late afternoon. Enjoy your first dinner on board in one of the lovely dining cars.

Day 2: AgraBreakfast on board, then visit the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Continue to 16th-century Fatehpur Sikri—Great Mughal Emperor Akbar’s untouched, red sandstone capi-tal city. Reboard the train and depart for Jaipur, with dinner on board.

Day 3: JaipurArriveatthe“PinkCity”ofJai-

The Train: Deccan Odyssey

Train Type: Luxury

The Deccan Odyssey is one of the subcontinent’s most luxurious trains. Its cars, built in 2003, offer the internation-al traveler a high level of service, amenities and dining. Sleeping CarS The train has 11 air-conditioned sleeping cars with two suite types. Standard cabins are large at 95 square feet, with four per car. They have twin beds and en suite shower, sink and toilet. Four “Maharaja” suites (191 square feet) each take up half a train car. These suites have large double bed, separate sitting room and two bathrooms. Each sleeping car has a small lounge area at one end. We think this train’s offering different levels of service is brilliant. • Silver: Standard cabin, motorcoach group touring• Gold: Standard cabin, private guide and vehicle• Platinum: Maharaja suite, private guide and vehicle Dining & lounge CarS The secret to the professional, superb service on the train: staff are employed and trained by the Taj Hotels, says IRT’s Angela Walker. When not on the train, they are working in Taj properties, and they return to the train each season. Lovely meals are served in the two diners, with a choice of Continental and Indian cuisine. Off-train dining is usually Indian cuisine only. Public spaces abound. There’s a bar car with full-time bartender, and a conference car with plasma-screen TV, library and business center. Unique to this train is the spa car, which offers massage services, sauna, beauty parlor and small workout room.


The priciNg Accommodations Double Single Silver Class $ 4,165 $ 6,650Gold Class $ 4,865 $ 7,770Platinum Class $ 6,965 $11,130Rates do not include 3.09% service tax and compulsory tipping for off-train tours of $24 per person. Staff gratuities separate.

SRILANKA

CHINANEPALAgra

Jaipur

Aurangabad

Colombo

Delhi

Mumbai

Madras

Bay of Bengal

Udaipur

Sawai Madhopur

Ellora

pur. Visit Maharaja Mansingh’s 17th-century masterpiece, Amber Fort, including the Hall of Mirrors. En route pass Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, known for its intricate pink sandstone carving. Lunch in the city, then visit Jantar Mantar Observatory and wander the local markets. Indulge in a royal dinner at the City Palace. Return to the train for the overnight journey to Sawai Madhopur.

Day 4: Sawai MadhopurEarly morning departure for a game drive in Ranthambore National Park by open safari ve-hicle. Keep your eyes peeled for the ever-elusive tiger! Return to the train for lunch, then head out on afternoon safari. Other animals that call Ranthambore home include hyena, jackal, fox, monkey and over 300 species

of birds. High tea at Sawai Mad-hopur Lodge, the former hunt-ing lodge of the erstwhile royal family of Jaipur. Return to the train and depart for Udaipur, with dinner on board.

Day 5: UdaipurMorning sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Take in the colorful City Palace, followed by a boat ride on Lake Pichola (subject to water levels). Return to train for lunch and dinner on board as we travel to Aurangabad.

Day 6: AurangabadMorning is at leisure with breakfast on board. Afternoon excursion to Ellora Caves, a World Heritage Site with 34 monasteries and temples dedi-cated to three great religions: Buddhism, Hinduism and Jain-ism. Rejoin the train at Bhu-

sawal, where it will be stationed overnight. Dinner on board.

Day 7: AurangabadMorning visit to Ajanta Caves, rock-cut cave monuments with masterfully carved sculptures and paintings of Buddhist religious art. Return to the train for lunch on board. The rest of the day free to enjoy the train’s amenities—perhaps enjoy a massage or time in the sauna—as it travels to Mumbai. Dinner is served on board.

Day 8: Arrive MumbaiDisembark in Mumbai.

The highlighTs•SeeIndiainsupremecomforton the Deccan Odyssey, with two dining cars, lounges and spa car with exercise facilities•TakeinsevenUNESCOWorldHeritage Sites: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Jantar Man-tar Observatory, Ellora Caves, Ajanta Caves and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus•LakePalacesofUdaipurandboat ride on Lake Pichola (sub-ject to water levels)•Bird-andtiger-spottingsafarisin Ranthambore National Park•AmberFortandPalaceofWindsin“PinkCity”ofJaipur


“The trip was excellent, and we all had a great time. The quality of the train, food, hotels and tours met or exceeded our expectations. Our private guide during the train portion was particularly good and interesting.”

—D. Jachtchenco, Deccan Odyssey, 2013


angela walker

angela walker

angela walker angela walker

angela walker angela walker angela walker


The Train: Eastern & Oriental Express

Train Type: Luxury

In 1991, following the success of its European continental train, the Orient-Express company acquired New Zealand’s famed Silver Star, transported it to Southeast Asia and, following refurbishment, re-christened it the Eastern & Oriental Express (E&O). We think this is one of the most beautiful trains in the world, with food and service to match. The heart of the train is its experienced and outstanding staff, some of whom have served on board since it first began 20 years ago. It regularly runs the 1,262 miles between Singapore and Bangkok, Thailand. But we especially love extended jour-neys, which encourage the feeling of traveling in a private club, venturing out by day to the most unusual and won-derful places. There are three fantastic, nine-day itineraries which explore Thailand and Malaysia, as well as one annual six-day journey to Laos. These are all-inclusive packages with hotels, transfers, daily sightseeing, all meals, and all onboard beverages as well as many exclusive events. Our favorite is featured here. All are on IRT’s web site.

Sleeping CarS All cabins are air-conditioned and include private bath-room with sink, shower and toilet. They are paneled with cherry wood and elm burr with decorative marquetry. Beds fold into comfortable seating during the day. There is 24-hour room service. The train has 30 double Pullmans; they are 62 square feet with one upper and one lower berth. There are also six single Pullmans which are 54 square feet and have one lower bed. The 28 State compartments are 84 square feet with two low-er berths. Presidential Suites, with a whopping 125 square feet of space, have two lower berths, a lounge area and com-plimentary mini-bar stocked with your favorite drinks.

Dining & lounge CarS Breakfast and afternoon tea are served in your compart-ment; lunch and dinner are served in the two restaurant cars, lavishly decorated with rosewood and elm paneling. Dining on board is a highlight: the train’s food service well deserves international accolades for its Western-Eastern fusion styles. Dining and service match its sister train, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. The Observation Car, with its outdoor deck, is a favorite public space. One-third of the car is an outdoor viewing area decorated with teak. Its interior section is the perfect place to enjoy cocktails amidst a colonial ‘veranda’ ambiance. It has teak wood flooring, paneled walls, rattan furniture and potted plants. The bar car is open all day and late into the evening for cocktails; local entertainers perform in the eve-nings. The resident pianist keeps things lively.

easTerN & orieNTal eXpress: epic ThailaNd


The Tour2013: Nov. 23-Dec. 12014: Feb. 23-March 1; Nov. 13-19 Experience the special hospi-tality and charm of Thailand on the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express. Of all the journeys on the E&O , this has the most on-train time—six glorious nights. Enjoy the spectacular open-air deck as you cruise through the countryside; relish the on-board meals and relax in your cabin or in the lounge.

The iTiNerary Day 1: BangkokArrive Bangkok’s lovely Manda-rin Oriental Hotel for overnight stay in a superior room.

Day 2: Depart BangkokBreakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the train station to meet the Eastern & Oriental Express. After a welcome reception, settle in to your private cabin with en-suite facilities, followed by dinner in one of the opulent dining cars.

Day 3: Prasat SikhoraphumFollowing breakfast, you will be escorted to a traditional Isan

village to meet the residents. Visit the local temple and school, and see women weav-ing on home looms. You will be invited to participate in the bai sii (sacred thread) ceremony with local elders. Lunch on board. Late afternoon arrive in the small town of Sikhoraphum where you visit Prasat Sikho-raphum, a beautifully restored 12th-century Khmer temple. Enjoy a sunset cocktail recep-tioninthisperfect,tranquilset-ting. Informal dinner on board.

Day 4: Phanom RungThis morning visit Phanom Rung, another majestic and highly revered 12th-century Khmer temple, which has been nominated for World Heritage status. After exploring this magnificent complex, visit a nearby village famous for its silk weavers. Return to the train for an afternoon at leisure on board, watching rural Thailand pass by. Enjoy lunch, dinner and entertainment on board.

Day 5: Chiang MaiExcursion options in Chiang Mai are many: a visit to an el-ephant camp, Buddhist temple


tour or shopping in city’s best boutiques.Wecanarrangeany-thing you wish. Informal dinner on board.

Day 6: LampangPony-carriage tour of Lampang, ending at historic Ban Sao Nak, “houseofmanypillars.”Builtin1895 on 116 pillars by a local resident, the house is now a museum. Tour the house and garden, and enjoy morning tea. Lunch on board as you travel through the breathtaking coun-tryside. Enjoy the vistas from the open-air car, order a sunset cocktail and move to the dining car for another delicious dinner.

Day 7: Asoke ValleyMorning guided tour of Khao

Yai National Park, home to wild elephants, gibbons, deer and fabulous birds. Lunch and tour at celebrated Gran Monte vineyard in scenic Asoke Valley. Thailand’s first female oenolo-gist, Nikki Visootha Lohitnavy, introduces this family-run estate and presents a selection of her wines. Back on board, toast a wonderful journey with a farewell cocktail party and dinner on board.

Day 8: BangkokReturn to Bangkok and disem-bark. Transfer to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for overnight.

Day 9: BangkokAfter breakfast, continue with your onward arrangements.

The highlighTs•SixnightsonboardtheEastern & Oriental Express,withexqui-site meals in the restaurant cars•Twonightsinfive-starManda-rin Oriental Hotel in Bangkok•GlimpseIsanvillagelife,in-cluding sacred ceremony with elders•ChooseyourexcursioninChiang Mai•CarriageridetoBaanSaoNakfor tea at 116-pillared tradition-al Thai home•Timetoenjoytheopen-airobservation car on the train•“Newlatitude”winetastingand lunch in the cool country-side of Khao Yai•SilkweaversofPhanomRung

See page 20 for map

The priciNgAccommodations Double Single State Cabin $ 9,200 $13,800Presidential Suite $11,800 $17,700



eXTeNd yourJourNey

•ContinuetoSingaporeon the Eastern & Oriental Express (see p. 20)•ExplorefascinatingMyanmar on a cruise aboard the Road to Mandalay or new Orcaella ship (see p. 21)

“The staff anticipated everything. And it all just magically happened, right down to the free doughnuts they got for me.”

— B. Anderson, E&O Express, 2012

COurTeSy OF rOn FiSHer eleanOr Hardy

eleanOr Hardy

eleanOr Hardy

eleanOr Hardy Owen Hardy

easTerN & orieNTal eXpress:baNgkok To siNgapore


The Train: Eastern & Oriental Express (see page 18)

Train Type: Luxury

The TourThere are many departures of this itinerary throughout the year in each direction. Note the reverse itinerary is only three days. We like this one because it’s four. (Please see appendix for complete list of dates.) Linking Bangkok and Sin-gapore, this Eastern & Oriental Express trip provides a satisfy-ing taste of four great cultures: the glittering Thai temples of Bangkok, Singapore’s excit-ing mix of Chinese, Indian and Malay architecture and cuisine. The mid-journey visit to the famed bridge over the River Kwai is an added bonus. Combine the Bangkok-Singa-pore journey with the Orcaella Owner’s Choice Tour in 2014 (facing page). We have reserved space for you on the Jan 27-30, 2014 E&O. Please inquire.

The iTiNerary Day 1: BangkokThe Eastern & Oriental Express departs Bangkok early evening. Sip a welcome drink, then settle into your private compartment. Dine in one of the lovely dining cars as the train travels into the countryside. Retire to your cozy cabin, transformed into a bedroom by your steward.

Day 2: Wang Po & River KwaiAwake to the excitement of the train trundling along the wooden trestle viaduct from Wang Po and onto River Kwai Bridge Station. Disembark for a cruise amid the lush greenery of the Kwai Yai River, and learn about the infamous Thailand-Burma Railway and the bridge, built in World War II. Visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre. Rejoin the train for lunch, din-ner and overnight on board.

Day 3: PenangAfter brunch, the train arrives at Butterworth. Disembark for the crossing to Penang and a guided tour of colonial George-town, with pre-World War II mosques,elaborately-roofedtemples, churches, bazaars and colorful shophouses. Return to the train for dinner and your final night on board.

Day 4: SingaporeAftr breakfast, it’s time to leave the train, having crossed the Straights of Johor into Singa-pore.

The highlighTs•ThreenightsinyourluxuriousEastern & Oriental Express cabin with en suite facilities•Cruisewithlocalhistoriantobridge over River Kwai; visit Thailand-Burma Railway Centre•TourofcolonialGeorgetownon Penang Island•Spectacularmealsonthetrain, which has received inter-national accolades•Sipcocktailsandenjoythetrain’s outdoor observation area

The priciNgAccommodations Double Single Pullman $2,560 $2,560State Cabin $3,740 $5,610Presidential Suite $5,410 $8,120

Philippine Sea

North

Pacific

Ocean

Bay ofBengal

Indian Ocean

China

Myanmar

Cambodia

Laos

PapuaNew Guinea

Philippines

Taiwan

Malaysia

A U S T R A L I A

I N D O N E S I A

Penang

Chiang Mai

Lampang

Prasat Sikhoraphum

Singapore

River KwaiThailand

Vietn

am

— Epic Thailand— Bangkok-Singapore Classic Journey

South C

hina

Sea



myaNmar (burma): gorges of The far NorTh river cruise

The Ship: Orcaella

Ship Type: Luxury When IRT’s group headed to Myanmar in 2012, many promised to return. IRT Owners Eleanor and Owen Hardy look forward to welcoming you aboard the brand-new Orcaella in 2014. We have chartered 25 of the 50 spots for an 11-night cruise up the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar prac-tically to the Chinese border. It’s an easy add-on to the E&O. The ship boasts a pool, fitness room, massage center, bar, indoor and outdoor lounges, boutiques, fine dining and service by 40 staff members as only Orient-Express can provide. The four-deck river cruiser has 15 State and eight Deluxe Cabins across the Main Deck and Upper Deck. Most luxurious: two Balcony Suites. All cabins have air condition-ing and private facilities. Four cabins can be interconnected.

The cruise2013: Nov. 18-29; Dec. 23-Jan. 32014: Feb. 3-14 (IRT Owners’ Choice Tour) This 11-night, 682-mile cruise winds through majestic gorges to northern Myanmar near the Chinese border, finishing at Bagan, home to 2,000 pagodas.

The iTiNerary 2014 IRT Owner’s Choice Tour begins in Yangon on Feb. 1 with reception, overnights, transfers and sightseeing. Cruise begins Feb. 3. Call now to reserve!Day 1: Mandalay-MingunAfter your included flight from Yangon to Mandalay, board Orcaella and cruise on the Ayeyarwady River towards northern Myanmar.

Day 2: Mingun-Nwe NyeinDisembark at Nwe Nyein for walking tour; see artisans sculpting traditional clay pots.

Day 3: Kyan Hnyat-KathaMorning stroll around village of Kyan Hnyat. School children greet you, and the market be-gins to bustle with activity.

Day 4: Katha-ShweguTrishaw tour of Katha market, made famous by George Orwell in Burmese Days. Afternoon visit to typical riverside Shan village.

Day 5: Zinbon-Bhamo-Shwe PawToday, green-clad mountains appear, reaching down to the narrowing channel. Travel past logging camps and old colonial village of Zinbon. At Bhamo, visit the town center’s vibrant tribal meeting point.

Day 6: Shwe Paw-KathaMorningtourofpicturesqueShwe Paw Island and its ancient pagodas. Witness novitiates’ ceremony at tiny Moe Dar.

Day 7: Katha-Kyan HnyatRide meter-gauge train through thick jungle and teak forest to Naba, a forest station.

Day 8: Kyan Hnyat-MogokTravel through a lush forestry re-serve. In Mogok, see elephants working in the teak forests.

Day 9: MandalayMandalay city tour, including

lunch at a local restaurant. Eve-ning tribal dance performance.

Day 10: BaganFull day cruising. Enjoy sunset over Bagan and its 2,000 pago-das—an other worldly vision.

Day 11: Bagan-Mt PopaEarly morning option to take Balloons Over Bagan. Visit ancient Bagan sites with expert guide. Afternoon, your choice: tour to Mount Popa—legend-ary home of animist spirits. Or explore on your own by horse-drawn cart or bicycle. Evening cocktail party, farewell dinner.

Day 12: YangonTransfer to Bagan airport for included flight to Yangon.

The highlighTs•TheOrcaella: Brand-new, four-decked luxury river cruiser•Visitstountouchedvillages•Guidedtoursofancientreli-gious and royal sites, including dazzling Bagan, city of 2,000 pagodas•Meter-gaugejungletrainride•Feb.3,2014cruisehostedbyIRT’s Eleanor & Owen Hardy•Fullyinclusivewiththeexcep-tion of wine and spirits.•EasilycombinablewithEastern & Oriental Express rail tours (pp. 18-20)

The priciNgAccommodations Double Single Deluxe Cabin $ 5,610 $ 7,360State Cabin $ 7,210 $10,450Balcony Suite $10,080 $16,100

“The food was wonderful and drinks nicely mixed. Though we paid a good price for the trip, we feel the E&O surpassed the value. Their generosity was exceptional in all areas, including their choices of guides and all the extras.“

— L. Battison, Epic Thailand 2013 eleanOr Hardy

BruCe anderSOn

BruCe anderSOn

Owen Hardy

eleanOr Hardy



The Train: Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express

Train Type: Luxury

The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, launched in 2007, earned IRT’s luxury status last year. It has upgraded its dining experi-ence and service, and has added two Impe-rial Suites. With its all-en suite Gold and Silver cabins, it’s always been the best way to see Siberia. Besides Moscow-Vladivostok, it ranges as far as Russia’s Arctic and the Crimea, and helps cover the Silk Road tour. New for 2013: Two Imperial Suites are available on all Golden Eagle departures. This suite is the train’s most spacious and features a fixed king-sized bed, dressing table and lounge area. Perhaps best of all is the dedicated butler service. All passengers benefit from the improved food and beverage service. Summer Trans-Siberian tours will be steam-hauled by a P36 4-8-4 locomotive for 100 miles into or out of Moscow. New this year: a full range of off-train tour options, including active choices like hiking, cycling and horseback riding. Just about everything is included: trans-fers, sightseeing, all meals (with wine and beer)—even gratuities. In all, 58-60 staff members cater to the needs of 90 to 100 pas-sengers. Sleeping CarS Sleeping compartments are modern and well-designed. The Russian Railways oper-ate on a five-foot-gauge track, compared with four feet, 8.5 inches in the U.S. And those extra inches make a difference! All cabins have toilet, sink and shower, individ-ually controlled air-conditioning/heating, safe, wardrobe, DVD/CD player and TV. Beds fold into comfy seating by day. Silver Class cabins are 60 square feet, with six compartments per car. There is a small lower double bed and upper twin bed. The Silver Class shower occupies the same space as the sink and toilet; to take a shower, the passenger draws a curtain around him- or herself. It sounds like an Amtrak shower, but there is no comparison. Gold Class compartments, at 77 square feet, have five cabins per car. Gold Class bathrooms have under-floor heating and separate showers with curved, sliding glass door. The lower bed is double-bed width; the upper bed is a twin. The Imperial Suite, at 120 square feet,

also has a large en suite shower and under-floor heating. It has two large picture windows (Silver & Gold have one). Impe-rial guests receive complimentary mini-bar, laundry service, dedicated butler and room upgrades at hotels (where available). In-cabin dining is available to Imperial Suite guests. Dining & lounge CarS The two 64-seat dining cars were re-cently redesigned to be more spacious. The “Gold” diner is decorated with a surfeit of brass, elaborate indirect lighting and gleaming wood. The “White” diner is ar-rayed in shades of white and cream, with gold medallions and intricate carvings. The bar car is the train’s social center. It has no official closing hours and includes a piano and pianist. Bar drinks are included in Gold (standard list) and Imperial Class (premium list); drinks additional for Silver Class pas-sengers. The new maitre d’ and executive chef im-prove communication and on-board service and food. New china and crystal and new staff uniforms have been incorporated, too.

goldeN eagle TraNs-siberiaN eXpress: across siberia by privaTe TraiN


The priciNgAccommodations Double SingleSilver Class $15,495 $22,395Gold Class $18,995 $26,895Imperial Suite $29,995 $42,895



The iTiNeraryDay 1: VladivostokTransfers included from Vladivostok airport to the Hotel Hyundai. Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome recep-tion dinner.

Day 2: VladivostokToday’s city tour includes the major military attractions of this once“closed-to-foreigners”city,including a restored World War II submarine. This afternoon board the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express train; settle into your private compartment and enjoy dinner in one of the beautiful restaurant cars.

Day 3: KhabarovskEnjoy the scenery as the train passes directly north of Seoul, Darwin and Osaka. Stop in Khabarovsk, the most easterly point of our journey, for a short city tour. Rejoin the train and head west, crossing the Amur River.

Day 4: On boardOur journey today follows the Shilka and Amur Rivers, close to the Chinese border. Relax on board as the Russian scenery unfolds before you. Perhaps attend an on-board lecture or Russian language lesson. These are interesting and fun.

Day 5: On boardToday offers another opportu-nity to enjoy the train’s service and amenities. Practice your improving Russian or sit back and enjoy a drink (perhaps the local favorite, vodka) in the bar car, where a resident musician entertains. Enjoy all meals in the train’s lovely diners.

Day 6: Ulaan Baatar, MongoliaOur Trans-Siberian adventure takes us into Mongolia, home of Genghis Khan. The morning trip into Ulaan Baatar is breath-taking. We visit the capital city, taking in the National Museum

to learn the country’s his-tory. Lunch is Mongol style in a traditional Ger (Yurt) where we experience an authentic meal, enjoying excellent local dishes and entertainment. Afternoon free to meet a traditional family or ride a Mongolian pony. We board the train and return to Russia.

Day 7: Ulan UdeAfternoon arrival in Ulan Ude, where you’ll notice a fascinat-ing change of culture and dress. At the Old Believers Village, we have the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of these communities as we are treated to a traditional meal and concert featuring local dancers and musicians.

Day 8: Lake BaikalToday is a highlight: a fantastic adventure as we wind our way through tunnels and around cliffs along the shoreline of the world’s largest and deepest

freshwater lake, Lake Baikal. We stop at one of the bays and have a barbecue at the water’s edge (weather permitting), including freshly smoked fish. Take a swim, if you dare! We then visit Listvyanka, a small Baikal village nestled below sur-rounding hills. There is also an options to hike up the hills for views of the lake from above.

Day 9: IrkutskToday we arrive in Irkutsk, the “ParisofSiberia.”Admirethecity’s classic wooden architec-ture, and visit the Decembrist House museum, where a private concert will be given. Alternative touring options include a bicycle tour or visit to a traditional Russian dacha.

Day 10: On boardFull day on board to enjoy the train. All meals served in the train’s restaurant cars.

“The trip exceeded our expectations as did the service. The meals were delicious. The hotels were great—a 10.”

— C. Smith, Trans-Siberian,

2012

Continued on next page

The TourWB: May 18-June 1; June 16-30; Aug. 10-24; Sept. 7-21EB: May 5-19; June 3-17; July 28-Aug. 11; Aug. 25-Sept. 82014: WB: May 17-31; June 14-28; Aug. 9-23; Sept. 6-20EB: May 4-18; June 1-15; July 27-Aug. 10; Aug. 24-Sept. 7 The Trans-Siberian Express is the big train ride—an epic 15-day journey spanning two continents and seven time zones. Travel on the world’s most famous rail-way on the private Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express. Most days are spent touring cities along the route; there are several wonderful and decidedly not boring all-train days. Nights are spent on the train in private train compartments (except in top hotels on first and last nights of the tour). This is one of IRT members’ favorite journeys. Almost every-one who does this trip loves it and can’t believe the beauty and variety of the landscape.

BruCe anderSOn

BOB STewarT

Owen Hardy

Owen Hardy

BOB STewarT

Owen HardyeleanOr Hardy


goldeN eagle TraNs-siberiaN eXpress: TraNs-siberiaN by privaTe TraiN Continued


Day 11: NovosibirskVisit the world’s largest Opera HouseatLeninSquareinthismodern city on the River Ob. Also visit the city’s excellent railway museum.

Day 12: YekaterinburgTour Yekaterinburg, last city in Asia and capital of the Urals, in-cluding the Romanov execution site/memorial. Or take a walk-ing or cycling city tour, or visit a traditional Russian sauna. Later, the train crosses the Europe/Asia divide.

Day 13: KazanMid-morning arrival in Kazan, beautiful capital of Tatarstan on the Volga River. One highlight of our city tour is Kremlin For-

tress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we’ll see the stun-ningmosqueandmagnificentonion-domed cathedral.

Day 14: MoscowMid-morning arrival in Mos-cow—the end of our 6,000-mile journey. Full day touring this vibrant city, including Red Square.Hereweseeaneclecticmix of fascinating architec-ture: from the ornate St. Basil’s Cathedral and grand Kremlin to the somber and evocative site of Lenin’s tomb. Alternative Moscow touring options will be available, such as the Tretyakov Gallery (fine art) or excursion to Sergiev Posad. Transfer to a five-star hotel, and enjoy a farewell gala dinner.

Day 15: MoscowEarly-morning Kremlin visit if your journey arrived in Mos-cow on a Thursday, when the Kremlin museums are closed. Transfers to Moscow airport included.

The highlighTs•GuidedtoursinVladivostok,Khabarovsk, Ulan Ude, Lake Bai-kal, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk, Yekat-erinburg, Kazan and Moscow•Afternoonbarbecueonshoreof Lake Baikal, largest freshwa-ter lake in the world (weather permitting)•Dinner,concertanddancingprovided by the Old Believers, breakaway Eastern Orthodox sect living outside Ulan Ude•Irkutsk,eleganthomeof

theupper-class“Decembrist”revolutionaries exiled by Tsar Nicholas I in 1825•Yekaterinburg,infamousexecution site of Tsar Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra, their son, daughters and servants, by the Bolsheviks in 1918•GrandMoscow’sRedSquare,the Kremlin and Kremlin mu-seum, with its Imperial jewels and Fabergé eggs•Allmeals,finewinewithlunchand dinner, hotels, gratuities, off-train tours and arrival/de-parture transfers included•Summertourswillbesteam-hauled in or out of Moscow

Moscow

Ekaterinburg

Ulan Ude

Novosibirsk

Irkutsk

Belarus

China

ChinaKazakhstan

MongoliaUlaan Baatar

Lake Baikal

Ukraine

Ura

l Mounta

insMoscow

Yekaterinburg

Khabarovsk

VladivostokNovosibirsk

China

Kazakhstan

Mongolia

Lake BaikalU

ral

Mou

ntains

800 Miles0

800 km

Nizhnl Novgorod

Tyumen

OmskTayshet

Krasnoyarsk

ChitaArkhara

Belogorsk

Ulan UdeIrkutsk

Kazan

SukhBaatar

The Train: Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express (see page 22)

Train Type: Luxury

goldeN eagle TraNs-siberiaN eXpress: caspiaN odyssey 2014


The TourOctober 15-30, 2014 Join IRT owners Eleanor & Owen Hardy on this amazing tour starting in Yerevan, capital of Armenia, and traveling through the South Caucasus to Georgia and Azerbaijan before crossing the Caspian Sea to Turkmenistan. There join the Silk Road route through Uzbekistan and ending in Almaty, Kazakh-stan. Travel in luxury aboard the fully en-suite Golden Eagle.

The iTiNeraryDay 1 & 2: YerevanArrive Yerevan, where you are transferred to the Marriott for a one-night stay. Tour the capital city, which has a rich history, having been occupied as early as 6000 BC. Board the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express and depart for Georgia on Day 2.

Days 3-5: Tbilisi & TelaviHead into Georgia, arriving Tbilisi. The old part of the city retains much of its original lay-out, a spider’s web of winding streets and alleyways. Historical sites include ruins of the an-cient fortress Narikala and the 13th-century Metekhi castle and cathedral. We also visit beautiful wine area in Telavi.

Day 6: Gori, Uplistsikhe Cave City & MtskhetaGori is one of the oldest cities

in Georgia, founded in the 7th century. Joseph Stalin was born here in 1879. Visit the Stalin Museum, which includes his private railway carriage. Then on to Uplistsikhe for a barbe-cue lunch on the banks of the Mtkvari River with traditional music. This famous cave city dates from the 6th century BC. Late afternoon we visit the city of Mtskheta, Georgia’a old capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 7: Baku, AzerbaijanBaku, capital of Azerbaijan, lies on the western shore of the Caspian. The core of present-day Baku is the Old Town, or fortress, of Icheri-Shekher. Most of the walls, strengthened after theRussianconquestin1806,survive, as does the 90-foot tower of Kyz-Kalasy. The Old Townishighlypicturesque,with its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings. Over-night at Hyatt Regency Hotel while our train is loaded on the ferry.

Day 8: TurkmenbashiEarly morning we join the train ferry for a 12-14 hour crossing of the Caspian Sea to the town of Turkmenbashi, the western terminus of oil and natural gas pipelines and the Trans-Caspian Railway, linking the Caspian region with central Asia.

Day 9: Ashgabat, TurkmenistanToday we tour Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan. Situated be-tween the Kara Kum Desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range, its fountains, golden domes, marble sidewalks and modern buildings appear strangely in-congruous in this desert setting.

Days 10-11: Khiva, UzbekistanTravel through the Kara Kum Desert. Optional visit to the ‘burning sands’ gas crater fire at Darvaza. Explore the ancient city of Khiva, founded 2,500 years ago. As one of the Silk Road’s most important trading posts and now a World Heritage Site, it lies at the crossroads of the routes between Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia. Dis-coveritsimpressivemosques,bazaars and minarets.

Day 12: Bukhara, UzbekistanBukhara is simply outstanding. The main highlight is The Ark, a fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara, the ruthless leaders who ruled until Soviet times. We travel out of the city to ex-perience the Emir’s enchanting Palace of the Moon and Stars.

Day 13: Samarkand, UzbekistanFounded in the 6th century BC, Samarkand’s stunning architec-ture hints at its former status as one of the most important cities in Asia. Visit Registan Square,BibiKhanumMosque

and the Ulag Beg observa-tory. This evening see Registan Squarebeautifullyilluminated.

Day 14: Tashkent, UzbekistanAfternoon arrival in Tashkent, capital city of Uzbekistan. Spend the afternoon touring this modern Soviet-style city, noted for its tree-lined streets, numerous fountains and parks.

Day 15: Almaty, KazakhstanArrive Almaty. City tour includ-ing Panfilov Park, in the heart of the city and home to the Zenk-hov Cathedral, a 19th-century Russian Orthodox Church made entirely of wood. Overnight Intercontinental hotel.

Day 16: Almaty, KazakhstanIncluded transfer to Almaty Airport to fly home.

The highlighTs•CrossingtheCaspianSeabytrain ferry•UplistsikheCaveCity—withits fine huge echoing halls, me-andering corridor-streets and even the remains of Georgia’s oldest theatre•Uniqueitinerarytakinginsixcountries by private luxury train with fully en-suite cabins•VisitfiveUNESCOWorldHeri-tage sites•EnchantingeveningatthePalace of the Moon and Stars•IlluminatedRegistanSquare

The priciNgAccommodations Double Single Silver Class $20,995 $30,495Gold Class $26,495 $38,495Imperial Suite $42,695 $63,995

“I especially appreciated your attention to detail in developing the logistics of this trip for me.”

— S. Schmitt, Trans-Siberian, 2012

Owen Hardy

Owen Hardy BOB STewarT geOrge STraTTOn

ARMENIA

AZERBAIJAN

GEORGIA

KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

IRAQIRAN

RUSSIA

AFGHANISTANPAKISTAN

CHINA

KAZAKHSTAN

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

Baku

Tbilisi

Turkmenbashi

Tashkent

CaspianSea

Aral Sea

TURKEY

MtskhetaGori

Almaty

Samarkand

Ashgabat

Khiva

Bukhara

Yerevan

Darvaza


The Train: The Royal Scotsman

Train Type: Luxury

One of the most delightful and jolly rail experiences we’ve ever had was aboard The Royal Scotsman. We love it

for so many reasons: It’s a small venue—just 36 passengers. This makes you feel so at home, and so pampered. The food is fabulous, as is the wine selection. And its collection of Scotch (and other spirits) in the bar is awe-inspiring. The outings range from the sublime to the challenging. Most of the train’s cars are of 1960s vintage, but they have been recast into an Edwardian confection of varnished woods, polished brass and fine fabrics. IRT guests love the open-air back deck and that the tour costs covers almost everything.

Sleeping CarS The five sleeping carriages provide 16 double and four single cabins, beautifully designed with rich inlaid wood. The twin compartments are 85 square feet with two lower single beds positioned in an “L” shape; there are also two cabins with one double bed. Four compartments are for single travelers so there is no single supplement—a rarity on luxury trains. These are 66 square feet and contain one twin bed. All cabins have large en suite bathrooms with sink, toilet and shower. They also feature dressing table, full-length wardrobe, individually controlled heating, ceiling fans, opening windows and a cabin service call button. Most people sleep like kittens on this train, because it stops at quiet sidings at night. Please let us know if you are very tall: one double room has an extra-long bed.

Dining CarS & lounge Dining is elegant. Meals are multi-course, candlelit af-fairs, made with the finest local produce, seafood and meat, with finely paired wines. The traditional dining car offers ta-bles for four or two; the second dining car is set for 20 people at three large tables. Presentation is gorgeous; service is friendly and professional. At the end of the train is its most distinctive carriage, the observation car. Originally built in 1960 by the Metropolitan-Cammell Carriage and Wagon Company, the car entered service in 1961 as a first-class kitchen car. In 1989, the car was bought from its private owner and converted it to its current configuration, able to comfort-ably hold all 36 guests. At the back is our favorite spot: the open-air observation platform, for wind-in-the-face viewing of the striking Scottish scenery.

The royal scoTsmaN:classic & wesTerN Tours


The priciNgClassic Tour or Whisky Tour: $6,800 per person, double or single

Western Tour: $5,380 per person, double or single

Grand North Western tour (both itineraries): $10,960 per person, double or single

Save $1,220 per person when booking both tours!


Dundee

Aberdeen

Edinburgh

Dingwall Keith

Kyle ofLochalsh

Arisaig

Fort William

WemyssBay

Craigendoran

Aviemore

Boat of Garten

Perth

Glasgow

Invergordon

Dunkeld

PlocktonCarrbridge

Inverness

Classic Tour &Garden Tour Route

Western Tour Route

Spean Bridge

The ToursOperates April through Octo-ber. See appendix or website for full schedule. Bagpipes, intimate musical events, the grand sweep of the moors and the gorges: The Royal Scotsman Classic Tour is a journey straight to the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Life on the train is indulgent, with the freshest, finest local produce served in the dining cars. Two highlights: a private tour and tasting at Glen Ord Distillery and a personal tour of the mag-nificent Ballindalloch castle and gardens. We highly recommend combining the Classic with the Western journey. This is just one of the seven imaginative itineraries on this train.

The classic Tour iTiNeraryDay 1: Edinburgh-KeithCheck in for the train at the Balmoral Hotel. The Royal

Scotsman departs Edinburgh this afternoon, traveling north across magnificent Forth Railway Bridge—one of the first cantilever bridges. Afternoon tea served before arriving in the market town of Keith. Enjoy an informal dinner on board and perhaps a nightcap with your fellow guests in the observa-tion car.

Day 2: Glen Ord; PlocktonFirst, a leisurely breakfast (try the haggis -- at least the vegetarian haggis!) Then, a visit to Glen Ord Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest, for a private tour and tasting. Continue west from Inverness to Kyle of Lo-chalsh, one of the most scenic lines in Britain. The line passes Loch Luichart and the summit and Achnashellach forest, de-scends to Strathcarron and runs along the edge of stunning Loch Carron. At Plockton, take


a boat trip to view seals and the Isle of Skye; or choose to take a woodland walk. A formal dinner is followed by local musi-cians in the observation car.

Day 3: BallindallochOptional visit to Eilean Donan castle before the train departs Kyle. It retraces yesterday’s route to Inverness, then heads south for a visit to Ballindal-loch, one of Scotland’s most romantic castles. Tour the 16th-centry home and gardens of the Macpherson-Grant family. Golfers can play on the estate’s course; clubs are available for rent. Return to train at Boat of Garten on private Strathspey Railway for overnight. After a formal dinner, a Highlander storyteller entertains.

Day 4: Rothiemurchus; GlamisMorning excursion to Rothiemurchus Estate; choose from activities such as fishing, clay pigeon shooting or a tour

of the estate. Rejoin the train at Kingussie and lunch while traveling south to Dunkeld. Dis-embark and visit Glamis Castle, Seat of the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and childhood home of the late H.M. Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Rejoin the train in Perth for an informal dinner on board.

Day 5: EdinburghArrive Edinburgh mid-morning.

The wesTerN Tour iTiNeraryThe Western tour runs on Scotland’s scenic West High-land Line. See our appendix or website for full schedule.

Day 1: West Highland LineThe Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh early afternoon and heads west, skirting Glasgow before reaching Craigendoran, the starting point for the majestic West Highland Line. Enjoy afternoon tea as the train

passes Gare Loch and Loch Lo-mond, with views of waterfalls, moors and mountains. A formal dinner, then entertainment.

Day 2: Arisiag; Fort WilliamBreakfast is served as train continues west, passing by Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest moun-tain. Travel along the stunning coastline and disembark at Arisaig for a walk along the Morar Sands, with views of Isle of Skye and Cuillin Mountains. Enjoy an on-board lecture re-tracing the history of the West Highland Line. This afternoon, a Highlander accompanies you to Glenfinnan Monument to explain the history of the area before tea at Inverlochy Castle. Energetic guests can walk to beautiful Steall Waterfall. Infor-mal dinner on board, followed by entertainment.

Day 3: Isle of ButeBreakfast on board while traveling south. At Wemyss Bay,

board the ferry to the Isle of Bute. View seashore, moorland, farmland and forest—and visit Mount Stuart, Britain’s most spectacular Victorian Gothic house. Learn about the fine pri-vate portrait collection or hike the gardens and the grounds with the ranger. Return to the train for formal dinner.


The highlighTs•Before-dinnerdrinksinthecozy lounge car, all included•Wind-in-your-faceviewingfrom the open-air platform•Breathtakingviewsofmoors,mountains, lakes and sea •Intimatesettingwithjust36passengers total•Highestlevelsofdiningandservice on board•Fabulousoff-traintourstodis-tilleries and castles, often with the owners as tour guides•Inspiringdramaticandmusi-cal events by Highlanders•IRTVirtuosopartnerhotel,The Balmoral, for pre- or post-tour stays. Let us arrange with complimentary breakfast and upgrade.

THEMED TOURSScottish Gardens or Whisky tour on The Royal Scotsman. See appendix for dates/pric-ing. Call IRT for details.

eleanOr Hardy

eleanOr Hardy eleanOr Hardy


eleanOr Hardy


The royal scoTsmaN: graNd Tour of greaT briTaiN


The Train: The Royal Scotsman (see page 26)

Train Type: Luxury

The TourJuly 5-122014: July 11-18(Please see pages 26-27 and ap-pendix for additional, regularly scheduled tours on this train.) There can surely be no finer way to see England, Wales and Scotland than traveling aboard one of the world’s great luxury trains. The Royal Scotsman of-fers this once-a-year, exclusive journey exploring the best of Great Britain.

The iTiNeraryDay 1: Depart EdinburghThe Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh and heads west to Perth. Enjoy afternoon tea and continue north on the Highland line to Aviemore. Stable early evening in the Highland village of Boat of Garten. Cocktails and informal dinner.

Day 2: Rothiemurchus; Strathisla DistilleryMorning at Rothiemurchus Estate. Options abound: clay pigeon shooting to wildlife walks. Rejoin the train and head north soon arriving Culloden Battlefield, where the last battle on mainland British soil took place in 1746. This afternoon, whisky connoisseurs can visit Strathisla Distillery, home of one of Scotland’s most famous malts, Chivas Regal, for a tasting and tour. Dinner on board and overnight stabling in Dundee.

Day 3: Chester; LlanrwstEnjoy breakfast and lunch on board as the train rolls into Eng-land, past the fringes of Lake District National Park, with its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. Afternoon walking tour of the beautiful walled city of Chester, ending with a drinks reception at the magnificent

Chester Cathedral. Re-join the train and cross into Wales. The train wends its way through Welsh valleys to Llanrwst, where you disembark for a visit of Gwydir Castle, a fine example of a Tudor courtyard house, built around 1500. See the paneled dining room dating from the 1640s following its repatriation from the New York Metropolitan Museum.

Day 4: Portmeirion; FfestiniogVisit the walled town of Caer-narfon,withitspicturesquecastle.TransfertothequaintFfestiniog Railway, and enjoy a ride on the oldest independent railway company in the world. This narrow-gauge railway was built in the 19th century and travels past the edge of Snowdonia National Park from Porthmadog. Dinner is served back on board the Royal Scots-man as it returns to England.

Day 5: Bath; OxfordBreakfast is served en route to the spa city of Bath. This UNESCO World Heritage site has some of the most magnificent Georgian buildings anywhere in the UK. Take a guided tour around the Roman Baths, built around Britain’s only hot spring. Free time to wander around the city and indulge in some of the stylish shops before re-joining the train. Dinner will be at one of the UK’s finest country house hotels, the Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, an Orient Express hotel. This gorgeous manor

house is also home to one of the UK’s best restaurants.Return to the train for after-dinner drinks.

Day 6: Cambridge Morning exploration of Cam-bridge, home to the historic Corpus Christi college, includ-ing the Parker library, with its medieval and Renaissance manuscripts. Enjoy a leisurely punt on the River Cam. Over-night stabling in Scarborough.

Day 7: YorkBreakfast served en route to the Roman walled city of York, where you have a guided tour or free time to explore. Take in the splendor of York Minster, the largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe; or admire the 700-year-old timber-frame houses on The Shambles. Railway enthusiasts should visit the National Railway Museum,

The priciNg$14,020 per person, single or double occupancy


home to the UK’s rail collec-tion, including the famous Flying Scotsman locomotive. Enjoy coffee at Fairfax House, regarded as the finest Georgian townhouse in England. Our train departs York traveling through Northumberland into Alnmouth, where we disembark for a private viewing of Alnwick Castle followed by an exclusive farewell dinner. The glorious medieval castle dates to 1096; Harry Potter or gardening fans will love it. Rejoin the train for your final night on board.


The highlighTs•Claypigeonshootingoranature tour at Rothiemurchus•CullodenBattlefieldtourorStrathisla for a whiskey tasting•WalkingtourofChester;cocktailreception at Chester Cathedral

•GwydirCastletourwithtalesofitshistoryand“hauntings”•Narrow-gaugeFfestiniogRailway ride, the world’s oldest independent railway company•Leisurelymorninginthespacity of Bath, a UNESCO Site•DinneratoneoftheUK’sfinest

country house hotels in Oxford•VisittheNationalRailwayMuseum in York, which houses the famous Flying Scotsman locomotive (optional)•PrivatetourofAlnwickCastlewith exclusive farewell dinner•Afternoontea/drinksinthe

observation car and elegant meals on the Royal Scotsman •Allmeals,drinks,sightseeingincluded. Gratuities to the staff additional.

eXTeNd your JourNey•LingerinEdinburghorGle-neagles in St. Andrews. IRT’s Virtuoso hoteliers will welcome you with complimentary break-fast and exclusive amenities. •In2014,Regent“Highlightsofthe Emerald Isles” cruise runs Aug. 15-27. IRT group pricing: 56% off brochure + $300 spa credit. Can be paired with this or shorter Royal Scotsman or VSOE journeys.

North Atlantic Ocean

North Sea

Irish Sea

English Channel

Dundee

Boat of Garten

Edinburgh

Llandudno

Alnwick

Scarborough

York

Chester

Bath

Hereford

London

LakeDistrict

Ireland

S c o t l a n d

E n g l a n d

W a l e s

Cambridge

Oxford

eleanOr Hardy

eleanOr Hardy


eleanOr Hardy

eleanOr Hardy

eleanOr Hardy

“It’s one of the best trips I ever had. The staff was superb. And I was really impressed with the itinerary.”

— S. Hall, Grand Tour 2011


The TrainS: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (be-low), British Pullman (see page 34)

Train TypeS: Both luxury One IRT guest was so moved when she first saw the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), she burst into tears. Like most IRT guests, she felt as if she were living out her long-held dream, becoming part of a glamorous history. This train, with its restored, 1920s vintage cars, is the world’s most authentic luxury train. Why take it? When you see it stand-ing in the station, sparkling in its navy and gold livery and snowy white roof, it takes your breath away. The cars are coal-heated; windows open to the fresh air. There is no air conditioning. Toilets are down the hall; there are no showers. No matter. A typical review from IRT guests: “It was just fabulous. Even the chef treated us to an extra course of wonder-ful foie gras when we complimented him... Thanks for one of the best, if not the best, trips ever.” K. & K. Palmer of Australia. The spirit and beauty of the train, the high level of service throughout, and the five-star level of the food and wine envelop one in a giddy, joyful aura. We would take it all over Europe every year if we could. The train accommodates ≠up to 190 passengers; on special journeys it takes about 100 persons.

Sleeping CarS Sleeping compartments have Pullman-style beds (one up, one down) that fold into

a comfortable sofa during the day. A sink enclosed in a lovely vanity fits into the corner. All amenities are supplied. Itineraries are designed to dodge the reality that there are no showers. Do what Agatha Christie did: Stop at fabu-lous hotels along the way. For discriminating travelers, we recommend

booking a cabin suite (two double cabins connected to make 72 square feet). This way, both members of a couple get lower beds, double the space and two sinks. Important to note: on some departures, there’s no single supplement.

Dining & lounge CarS There are three gorgeous dining cars: one with marquetry; another with Chinese lac-quered walls with brightly colored animals; and a third with Lalique crystal insets. The management of the dining cars is superb. For starters, a maitre d’ visits you during the day to reserve your table; seatings are staggered, allowing the staff to properly welcome and serve each diner. The dining experience is five-star both in food quality/variety and service. The lounge car is decorated in the Art Nouveau style. Fresh flowers adorn the tables, and a pianist entertains in the evening. It’s a perfect place to read Le Monde by day; enjoy cocktails before dinner and a nightcap.

veNice simploN-orieNT-eXpress/briTish pullmaN: veNice-prague-paris-loNdoN


The TourMay 1-5; June 5-9; October 2-6 2014: May 7-11; June 4-8; Oct. 1-5 Venice, Prague and Paris or London are yours on this fabulous journey offering two nights on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and a glorious af-ternoon on the British Pullman day train. Two nights in Prague (hotel not included) allow time to explore at your leisure. Solo travelers: no single supplement.

The iTiNeraryDay 1: Depart VeniceBoard the splendid Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Venice. Settle into your comfortable cabin and explore the train. Sip an aperitif in the bar car, listen-ing to the sounds of the baby grand piano before taking your seat in one of the beautifully restored restaurant cars. After dinner you may wish to linger in the bar and then retire to your cozy bedroom.

Day 2: Arrive PragueBreakfast is served in your cabin at a time to suit you. Spend the morning relaxing, gazing at the beautiful scenery, or chat with fellow travelers over coffee in the Bar Car. Later, enjoy a three-course lunch on board.


The priciNgVenice-Prague-Paris-London$4,120 per person, double $4,120 single occupancy$6,130 cabin suite, per person, double occupancy

Venice-Prague-Paris$3,570 per person, double $3,570 single occupancy$5,580 cabin suite, per person, double occupancy

Dresden

Venice-Krakow-Paris-LondonVenice-Prague-Paris-London


The train pulls in to Prague in the afternoon. Transfer to your chosen hotel for two nights. (Accommodation and transfers not included. IRT will arrange for you.)

Day 3: PragueEnjoy the many attractions of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The medieval streets of the Old Town and the Hradcany Castle contrast dis-tinctively with the 20th-century buildingsofWenceslasSquare.Take a guided tour or wander at your pleasure, stopping at one of the many sidewalk cafés

Day 4: Depart PragueMorning at your leisure before rejoining the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Paris. After-noon tea is served by your steward in your compartment. A leisurely four-course dinner is prepared on board by skilled French chefs. Enjoy a drink in the bar car before retiring.

Day 5: Arrive LondonContinental breakfast is de-livered to your cabin. You can disembark in Paris, but oh what a shame! If you stay on board, enjoy a delicious brunch in the restaurant car as you continue to the French coast. After the

Channel crossing, board the stunning carriages of the British Pullman for the trip to London. A traditional English afternoon tea accompanied by a glass of champagne is served at your table. Arrive Victoria station early evening.

The highlighTs•TheVenice Simplon-Orient-Express itself, with lovingly restored 1920s-era cars and stellar service•AfternoonteaontheBritish Pullman while traveling through the English countryside•FreetimeinPraguetoexplorethis European capital

•Deliciouson-boardmealsandcharming entertainment•IRTVirtuosopackageforMan-darin Oriental or Four Seasons Prague with transfers, tour, complimentary breakfast.

veNice-krakow-dresdeN-loNdoN •Fournightsinfive-starhotels Krakow and Dresden•ThreenightsaboardtheVenice-Simplon-Orient-Express•SpecialtouringinKrakowand Dresden; all meals on train; several meals off-train; transfers included•Nosinglesupplement•Roomycabinsuitesfordoubles—a great value!

July 4-11, 2013$9,240 per person, double cabin suiteCall or see our website.

“I just wanted to give you a call to tell you we are back, and we are still just full of butterflies in our head. It is such an experience! Everything was extraordinary!”

– C. Colven, VSOE Prague, 2012

“The train trip was superb…it was everything we had expected it to be. Amazing and beautiful restored carriages, superb dining

and top notch service from beginning to end.”

– B. Berkley, VSOE Budapest, 2012

Owen Hardy


Owen Hardy


The Train: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (see page 30)

Train Type: Luxury

veNice simploN-orieNT-eXpress: isTaNbul JourNeys


The Tours The Venice Simplon-Orient-Ex-press trips in and out of Istanbul are so popular, they sell out more than a year in advance. Traveling through Europe like a period Broadway musical on wheels, there’s palpable excite-ment at every stop. Spend three nights on board paired with two nights in five-star hotels. This is one of Europe’s most popular journeys. Call to be waitlisted or book now for 2014 and 2015.

paris To isTaNbulAug. 30-Sept. 4 - Waitlist only2014: Aug. 29-Sept. 3

Day 1: Board VSOE in ParisBoard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Paris mid-afternoon. After being greeted by your personal steward, settle into your private cabin and relax with afternoon tea. Later enjoy a gourmet dinner and overnight on board.

Day 2: HungaryRelax and enjoy the sublime scenery as the train travels into Hungary. Continental breakfast is served in your cabin and lunch is served in the opulent dining cars. On arrival in Bu-dapest transfer to your luxury hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: BudapestEnjoy a private guided tour of the city Budapest, with lunch at a local restaurant included.

Rejoin the train late afternoon, and perhaps enjoy an aperitif in the Bar Car before dinner as the train travels into Romania.

Day 4: Sinaia; BucharestAfter breakfast, the train arrives at the mountain town of Sinaia. Disembark for a visit to beauti-ful Peles Castle, which was also visited by the very first Orient-Express passengers in 1883. Rejoin the train to complete the short journey to Bucharest. On arrival transfer to the Athenée Palace Hilton Hotel where lunch is served. In the afternoon there will be a short city tour. Dinner and overnight in Bucharest.

Day 5: BulgariaRejoin the Venice Simplon-Ori-ent-Express as the train travels south across the Danube and into Bulgaria. An afternoon stop is made in this pretty, rural country. Lunch and dinner are served as your journey contin-ues. Final night spent on board.

Day 6: IstanbulThis morning the train enters Turkey and crosses the beauti-ful Thracian Plain. After break-fast and lunch on board, arrive

Istanbul, ending a fascinating anduniquejourneyacrossseven countries and cultures.

isTaNbul To veNiceSept. 6-11 - Waitlist only2014: Sept. 5-10 Day 1: IstanbulCheck in at Istanbul’s Sirecki station in the afternoon to board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. As the train

leaves the station you glimpse magnificent views of the Sea of Marmara. Dinner and overnight on board the train.

Day 2: BucharestContinental breakfast is served in your cabin as the train travels through Bulgaria and on into Romania. After lunch onboard, VSOE arrives in Bucharest. Enjoy a tour of the city. Dinner and


Sinaia

Paris to IstanbulIstanbul to Venice

Basle

Zurich

Vienna

Verona

Innsbruck

The priciNg

$10,340 per person, double$19,900 single occupancy$19,900 cabin suite, per person, double occupancy

overnight in Bucharest at the Athenée Palace Hilton Hotel.

Day 3: SinaiaDepart Bucharest for the short journey to the mountain town of Sinaia. Transfer to a local restaurant for buffet lunch. Then it’s on to Peles Castle, the summer home of the former King Carol. Return to the station and depart for Hungary. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 4: BudapestArrive Budapest this morning. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of this city split into two parts by the Danube river. Lunch is pro-vided before transferring to the Sofitel Hotel for an overnight stay. Dinner and overnight in Budapest.

Day 5: ViennaTransfer to the station mid-morning and rejoin the train. Lunch is served as the train crosses into Austria, arriving

Vienna, where you disembark for a visit to this beautiful city. Rejoin the train for an evening departure. Enjoy dinner and your final night on board.

Day 6: VeniceAfter breakfast on board, while traveling through Italy, arrive in Venice and disembark into the sparkling city. Travel by boat to Burano and enjoy an included lunch. Transfers included to Venice hotel of your choice.

The highlighTs•TheVenice Simplon-Orient-Express itself, with lovingly re-stored 1920s-era cars, five-star dining and stellar service•Romania’sPelesCastle,oneofEurope’s finest royal palaces•Aperfectmixofthreeover-nights on the train and two

nights in five-star hotels•Musicaleventsthrough-out. Examples: red-jacketed Hungarian military band and a charming soprano, violinist and pianist in the royal residence on the Black Sea•LetIRTorganizepre-andpostfor you in Turkey, France or Italy.

orieNT-eXpress scaNdiNavia

In 2012, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express introduced tours to Scandinavia. Running in April, the itineraries include Stockholm and Copenhagen. Please call or see our website for complete itineraries.

“Your service is beyond my wildest dreams. We had not planned to spend a whole week in Turkey. I am so thrilled I’m going to be able to spend the time there. We are thrilled with all you have done for us.”

– B. McCuskey, VSOE Istanbul-Venice, 2013

Owen Hardy

dOug kOpeCky

eleanOr Hardy

Owen Hardy

dOug kOpeCky Owen Hardy

eleanOr Hardy




The TourMany departures available, late March through early November. See appendix or website for complete list. Try this for romance: two nights in Florence at the Villa San Michele, a former monas-tery turned five-star hotel; two nights in Venice at the Cipri-ani, iconic waterside pleasure palace overlooking the Grand Canal; two days on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, capped off by afternoon tea on the Brit-ish Pullman into London. Per-fect for honeymoons, anniver-sary celebrations, or any other occasion demanding over-the-top luxury and romance.

The iTiNerary Day 1: FlorencePrivate transfer included from Florence airport or rail station to the Villa San Michele. Dating from the 15th century, with a façade attributed to Michelan-gelo, the hotel must be one of the most romantic places in the world. Afternoon at leisure—stroll the Italian gardens or relax in the pool overlooking the city. And tonight, savor the superb Tuscan cuisine alfresco


The TrainS: Venice Simplon-Orient-Ex-press (see page 32), British Pullman

Train TypeS: Both luxury

The British Pullman is a luxury, vintage day train that completes the British leg of Orient-Express journeys between Paris and London. Passengers from the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express disembark in Calais, France, and board a special Orient-Express bus for the short “piggyback” train ride through the Eurotun-nel to Folkestone. There, they board the British Pullman for the ride to London’s Victoria station. The British Pullman, along with its “sister” train the Northern Belle, also operates a full array of day trips, many of them with themes such as castles, gardens, historic houses, romance and Christmas. Of special interest to railfans are the train’s steam-hauled trips. Call for details.

Dining CarS The British Pullman comprises 11 lov-ingly restored luxury cars from the 1920s and 1930s, all sporting an elegant cream and burnt umber livery. Each car seats 20-26 passengers; the train’s total capacity is 226. Passengers are seated at tables for two or four, although one car has a limited number of single tables and tables for three. Several have private “saloons.” Each car has its own name, décor and history. “Minerva” and “Perseus,” for ex-ample, were used to bring foreign dignitar-ies to Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. “Perseus” also was used in Winston Churchill’s funeral train in 1965. The Queen Mother used “Phoenix” on many occasions, while “Audrey” was regularly used by members of the Royal Family between 1951 and 1964. “Zena,” meanwhile, was a star in the 1976 film “Agatha.” Dining is high art on the train. Tables are set with starched white cloth, shining silver-ware and glittering crystal. Each meal is ac-companied by fine wines and champagnes

selected by the train sommelier. A typical luncheon menu: seasonal soup served with chived créme fraiche; seared fillet of herb- encrusted salmon, braised broad beans and smoked bacon, baby new potatoes with a Noilly Prat sauce; chocolate Jaffa Cake tart. A typical tea menu might include finger sandwiches, warm scones with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry jam; after-noon tea pastries; and a selection of tea and Columbian coffee.

veNice simploN-orieNT-eXpress/briTish pullmaN: romaNTic iTaliaN holiday

Verona

Florence

The priciNg$6,915 per person, double occupancy$8,235 single occupancy

Upgrade to cabin suite: $1,150 per person, double (northbound)$1,920 per person, double (southbound)

“The Orient-Express and British Pullman were terrific. The food was wonderful; the service, great; scenery, beautiful. The accommodation on the train, best we’ve ever seen. The Villa San Michele in Florence was breathtaking…The Villa San Michele was the best hotel we have ever stayed in. The rooms were gorgeous, the food, scenery and service unparalleled... Thanks for all your efforts in making this a very memorable anniversary trip.”

— J. Fiorilla, Romantic Italian Holiday, 2011


on the loggia, admiring the Duomo below. Or dine indoors at the Cloister, serving Tuscan and Italian specialties.

Day 2: FlorenceStart your day with a sump-tuous breakfast alfresco; an incredible buffet of Italian deli-cacies awaits you. Then spend the day exploring Florence. A private car and guide are at your disposal for a personal, four-hour tour. Visit the Duomo, made of green, pink, and white marble; the Ponte Vecchio, bridging the River Arno, built in 1345; the Pitti Palace, Florence’s largest palazzo; the Uffizi Gal-

lery, the world’s top repository of Renaissance masterpieces; Boboli Gardens; or the Galleria dell’ Accademia, which houses Michelangelo’s“David.”

Day 3: VeniceMorning transfer to the railway station. Board the high-speed Eurostar Italia to Venice and relax in your reserved, first-class seat. We will arrange your private transfer by boat to the legendary Cipriani, one of the world’s most famous hotels. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the grounds. Enjoy the swimming pool, tennis courts and the Casanova Beau-ty & Wellness center, offering a range of services. Stroll the gor-geous garden, blooming with roses. The hotel offers several dining venues—our favorites were the formal Fortuny and the very popular and informal “Cip’sClub.”

Day 4: VeniceToday is reserved for your personal half-day tour of Venice. Perhaps you would like awalkingtourof“LaSerenis-sima”—the Most Serene Re-public of Venice. Or take in the city’s most famous sights: the Piazza San Marco, Accademia Gallery, St. Mark’s Cathedral and Doge’s Palace. IRT guests have loved visiting Murano with their guide, to shop for special glass. The rest of your day is at your leisure. Nothing beatsarideonanordinary“va-poretto”—water taxi—to take in the sights. Highly recom-mended is the Café Florian, on St.Mark’sSquare,foundedin1720. Return to the Cipriani via the 24-hour vintage speedboat shuttle, docked right by San Marco’sSquare.

Day 5: Venice Simplon-Orient-ExpressAfter breakfast transfer by boat to Santa Lucia Station. Proceed to the waiting Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and settle in to your compartment. Soon, you will make your way to one of the dining cars for a sumptuous lunch. Enjoy your day on board as the train travels through the beautiful scenery of the Italian Dolomites and the Swiss Alps. Afternoon tea is served in your compartment. After a leisurely four-course dinner, you may want to relax in the lounge car, while conversing with other guests and listening to the strains of Cole Porter or George Gershwin, courtesy of the on-board pianist.

Day 6: British PullmanBreakfast is served in your compartment. A delicious brunch is served as you travel on towards the Channel. At Calais Ville, coaches shuttle you through the tunnel and on to Folkestone, where you will join the British Pullman train for the journey to London. Enjoy after-noon tea with wine and a glass of champagne. The train arrives into London’s Victoria station at 5:45 p.m.

The highlighTs•Strollingthegardensofthefive-star Villa San Michele, a former monastery overlooking Florence•Luxuriatingatoneoftheworld’s top hotels, the palatial Cipriani Hotel in Venice, bliss-fully removed from crowds•WatchingthemountainsofNorthern Italy and Switzerland from your cozy compartment on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express•Afternoontea,wineandchampagne on the British Pull-man to London•Enjoyingall-included,five-stardining on board the train•Privateguide/driverforhalf-day each in Florence and Venice•Note:allattractionssubjecttoclosing days. IRT will arrange purchase of tickets for popular museums in advance.•Lovethisitinerary,butonabudget? Call us to modify.

dOug kOpeCky

eleanOr Hardy

Owen Hardy

Owen Hardy

Owen Hardy ByrOn Berkley


el TraNscaNTábrico graN luJo: NorTherN spaiN, saNTiago To saN sebasTiáN


The Train: El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo & Clasico

Train Type: Luxury

The 52-passenger El Transcantábrico Clásico train started in 1983. In April 2011, a brand-new Transcantábrico was launched, called Gran Lujo. It features all Preferente Suites, each occupying half a train car. In addition to the large suites, the Gran Lujo takes only 28 passengers. Both trains traverse Northern Spain and are operated by RENFE.

Sleeping CarS Clásico Train: The train set has six sleep-ers, each with four double compartments at 65 square feet. Each has en suite toilet, sink and shower (with sauna-hydro massage), mini-bar, closet and desk. All rooms have double beds (not queen size); three also have an upper bunk. Overnights are spent in quiet sidings. This is a narrow-gauge train, so onboard accommodations are tiny. Gran Lujo Train: Compartments are 129 square feet and have private, en suite toilet, sink and shower (with sauna-hydro mas-sage), minibar, closet and desk. Each has double bed (four have twins) and separate lounge area with long sofa, lots of storage, flat-screen television and computer with wi-fi access while in stations.

Dining & lounge CarS The focus of both El Transcantábrico journeys is Northern Spain’s food and wine. IRT’s Owen & Eleanor Hardy and Angela Walker loved both trains, staff, and the towns visited, not to mention the dining. Our advice: pace yourself with all the food, wine and sightseeing. Skip a meal and have soup in a small cafe and go to bed early.

Most of the dining is very late and in restau-rants, not on board. The train is stabled at night. (Sorry, railfans.) All meals and wine are included. Bar drinks are additional. El Transcantábrico has four public cars where you can relax, enjoy the scenery, socialize, read or play one of the many board games provided. There are two handsome salon cars, where a buffet breakfast is served, as well as a bar car and pub car with dance floor; entertainment is provided nightly. Sometimes, it’s live Spanish music. Other times, it’s recorded. But many nights, there’s a party. Join in! We recommend couples book two rooms on the Clásico so you can spread out. Book early for closer placement to public areas. The main complaint: too much food! And days can be long with a considerable amount of walking.


The Tour Train departs most Satur-days, late March through Octo-ber in either direction between Santiago and San Sebastian. See appendix or website for all dates. Begin in Santiago de Compostela and poke along northern“GreenSpain,”stop-ping to explore local cuisine. Fresh ingredients and fine wines enhance the dining experiences—a highlight of this tour. End in San Sebastian, a day-train ride from France, Barcelona or Madrid. On this itinerary, settle into your luxury suite, which comprises half a train car on the Gran Lujo.

The iTiNeraryDay 1: Santiago-ViveiroMeet your fellow travelers at noon today in the lobby of the Santiago Parador. City tour of Santiago de Compostela, focusing on the famous Cathe-dral, followed by lunch in the city. Then motorcoach to Ferrol and board the El Transcantá-brico Gran Lujo. Sip welcome champagne while traveling northeast to the walled town of Viveiro for a tour and dinner.

Day 2: Viveiro-LuarcaContinue by train east through scenic river landscapes. Tour of Ribadeo, including beautiful Cathedral’s Beach and lunch.

ThentraveltoLuarca,“thewhite town of the green coast,” for dinner.

Day 3: Oviedo-GijónThe train travels to Candás, and then Avilés. Arrive in the coastal city of Gijón, largest in Asturias, for a visit followed by lunch. You may wish to spend your time in Gijón at the local railway museum. This afternoon cross green lands to Oviedo, with itsarrayofpre-Romanesquemonuments. Dinner in Oviedo.

Day 4: Gijón-LlanesTravelto“PicosdeEuropa”National Park, a highlight of this journey. Visit lakes and historic Sanctuary of Covadonga and the town of Cangas de Onís, with its famous Roman Bridge. Return to the train for lunch while traveling to the fishing village of Llanes for dinner.

Day 5: Llanes-Cabezón de la SalEnjoy breakfast as the train en-ters Cantabria. Our motorcoach takes us along the gorge of La

Hermida, the Cantabrian peaks surrounding us, to the monas-tery of Saint Toribio de Liebana. The monastery is one of only five places of Christianity that has the privilege of perpetual indulgences, possessing the largest surviving piece of the True Cross. Time to visit charm-ing Potes followed by lunch. Continue to Cabezón de la Sal for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Santillana del Mar-SantanderMorning and lunch in medieval Santillana del Mar including Altamira Cave and Museum. The site features a reproduc-tion cave with wall paintings done 14,000 years ago. Train to Santander, dinner, city tour and optional visit to local casino.

Day 7: Santander-BilbaoBreakfast on board while travel-ing to Bilbao. City tour includes theoldquarterandthefamousGuggenheim Museum. Lunch and free time in Bilbao. The train then travels to Villasana de

Mena for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: San SebastianThis morning, motorcoach to San Sebastian, a lively city with beautiful beaches and restau-rants. We’ll have a city tour and say goodbye before lunch.

The highlighTs•SampleSpain’sfamed“north-ern cuisine” at local restaurants•English-speakingtoursofhis-toric, charming cities of northern (or“Green”)Spain,whereSpan-iards go on holiday•SurprisingpeaksandgorgesofPicos de Europa•Fabulousgourmetlunchesanddinners carefully paired with local wines. Served in off-train

restaurants, except where noted•Eveningentertainmentinthelounge car—music and dancing•VisittoGuggenheimMuseum

eXTeNd your JourNeyFabulous Regent cruises Barce-lona-Rome Sept. 26-Oct. 6 2013; Barcelona-Venice May 29-June 8, 2014. IRT group pricing: 57% off brochure rate + $400 spa credit.

The priciNg - graN luJo€4,250 per person, double €8,500 single occupancy

Tour priced in Euro (€). Please call for approximate U.S. dollar price.Early Booking pricing: Book more than 6 months before departure, double suite is €4,000 per person; single is €8,000. Book 4-6 months before departure, double is €4,100 p.p.; single is €8,200.


“When something meets your expectations, that’s good. But when it goes beyond your expectations—even better. And this exceeded our expectations.”

— H. Schneir, El Transcantá-brico Gran Lujo 2012

angela walker

angela walker

HarOld SCHneir

angela walker

angela walker

angela walker

angela walker

angela walker

angela walker


The Train: El Transcantábrico Clásico (see page 36)

Train Type: Luxury

el TraNscaNTábrico clásico: NorTherN spaiN, saNTiago To leÓN

The priciNg - clasico€2,700 per person, double €3,700 single occupancy

Tour priced in Euro (€). Please call for approximate U.S. dollar price.

Early Booking pricing: Book more than 6 months before departure, double suite is €2,550 per person; single is €3,430. Book 4-6 months before departure, double is €2,625 p.p.; single is €3,545.

The Tour Train departs most Sat-urdays, late March through October in either direction between Santiago and León. See appendix or website for complete list . El Transcantábrico Clásico nar-row-gauge train pokes along 400 miles of incredible scenery across northern Spain, skirting coastline, meandering among mountains, following rivers and running along deep canyons. Program includes onboard buf-fet breakfast and day touring by motorcoach to restaurants and sites not reachable by train. This itinerary uses the Clásico train set.

The iTiNeraryDay 1: Santiago-ViveiroGroup check-in at noon at the Santiago Parador. City tour of Santiago focusing on the famous cathedral. Lunch in the city, then motorcoach to Ferrol and board the El Trans-cantábrico Clásico. Relax and enjoy the sunset while traveling northeast to the walled town of Viveiro for a tour and dinner.

Day 2: Viveiro-LuarcaContinue by train east through scenic river landscapes. Tour of Ribadeo, take a walk on Cathe-dral’s Beach, then lunch. Travel

toLuarca,“thewhitetownofthe green coast,” for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Oviedo-GijónThe train will depart for Candás, and then to Avilés. Arrive in the coastal city of Gijón, largest in Asturias, for a visit followed by lunch. You may wish to spend your time in Gijón at the local railway museum. This afternoon cross green lands to Oviedo, with its array of pre-Roman-esquemonuments.DinnerinOviedo.

Day 4: Gijón-LlanesTravelto“PicosdeEuropa”National Park, a highlight of this journey. Visit lakes and historic Sanctuary of Covadonga and the town of Cangas de Onís, with its famous Roman Bridge. Return to the train for lunch on board while traveling to the fishing village of Llanes for dinner.

Day 5: Llanes-SantanderDisembark in Cabezón de la Sal and motorcoach to the Neo-Caves of Altamira with its impressive museum. Continue on to Santillana del Mar for lunch and walking tour of this medieval city. Train to Santand-er, dinner, city tour and optional visit to local casino.

Day 6: Santander-BilbaoAfter breakfast on board, we will arrive to Bilbao, a surprising city. City tour includes the Gug-genheim Museum. (Note: If you wish more time in the museum, please advise your guide and go straight to the museum. Also note on westbound departures, the Guggenheim Museum visit is only possible in July & August.) Lunch on board the train, a highlight of the journey. In the afternoon, we approach Villasana de Mena (Burgos), where we have dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Mataporquera-CistiernaWewillarrivetoMataporquerain the morning. From there we will drive to visit the Roman-esqueArtofPalencia:Villalcázarde Sirga, Carrión de los Condes and Frómista. Lunch in Villalcá-zar de Sirga. In the afternoon we will visit the Roman Villa la Olmeda. From Guardo we will go by train to Cistierna. Dinner and night in Cistierna.

Day 8: Cistierna-LeónBy train we travel to León. Our city tour includes San Isidoro, the Cathedral, Botines, Old Quarters and San Marcos. The program is over by about 1 p.m. before lunch.

The highlighTs•SampleSpain’sfamed“north-ern cuisine” with excellent wines at great local restaurants•English-speakingtoursofhis-toric, charming cities of northern Spain•Beautifulmountains,rivers,deep canyons, coast lands•PicosdeEuropaNationalPark,with its many lakes and rugged peaks•VisittheNeo-CavesofAltamiramuseum•CityofBilbaoandthefamedGuggenheim Museum•Allmealsandoff-traintoursincluded except where noted. Gratuities not included•ExtensionsinhistoricParadorspre- and post available

the irt society’s best-loVed railway journeys™ 2013 the irt society’s best-loVed railway journeys™ 2013

FRANCE

PORTUGAL

MOROCC

O

ANDORRA

Strait of Gibraltar

Mediterranean Sea

BalearicSea

Gulf of

Lions

Bay of Biscayne

Gulf of Cadiz

Oviedo

León

Bilbao

Santiago de Compostela

Luarca

Cistierna

Ribadeo

Vivero

Ferrol

GuardoEspinosa de los

Monteros

Cabezón de la Sal

Cudillero

Gijón

Ribadesella

Llanes

Santill

ana

Santander

ArijaVado-Cervera

San Sebastian

Gran Lujo RouteClásico Route


“I loved the off-train experiences, in particular the variety of cuisines, delicious wines and simply strolling around the small towns.”

—Owen Hardy, CEO & President, IRT


Owen Hardy


Owen Hardy


Owen Hardy


al-aNdalus: souTherN spaiN, aNdalusia by TraiN


The Train: Al-Andalus

Train Type: Luxury

Southern Spain’s opulent, broad-gauge Al-Andalus returned to the rails May, 2012, and IRT’s Angela Walker gave it a great rating. With its 1920s-era cars newly renovated, the Al-Andalus includes bar, lounge and two dining cars, as well as all-en suite cabins. The train combines stellar service, exquisite Art Deco styling and excellent cuisine for a unique tour of Andalusia.

Sleeping CarS The Al-Andalus has seven recently remod-eled all en-suite sleepers, five of which were built in France in 1929. These carriages were used by the British Royal Family in their journeys from Calais to the Cote d’Azur. Its Belle Époque decoration has been enriched by several recent additions, with cutting-edge technical upgrades. Each standard suite has two twin lower beds, safe, closet and private bathroom with shower, sink and toilet. The superior suites have a double bed, minibar, safe, closet, and full bathroom. During the day, the bed can be folded into comfortable couches, offering a space for reading or to enjoy the landscape in a private lounge. All suites are separately air-condi-tioned. Most nights the train is stabled.

Dining & lounge CarS The Al-Andalus has four railway gems: its lounge/dining cars from 1928 and 1930. These common spaces are devoted to the leisure and comfort of train travel. The two dining cars are set for two or four. A buffet breakfast is served on board daily, and two lunches and dinners are served on board. Service and meals are top-notch, featuring local wine and specialties. The bar car has a dance floor, bar and armchairs. It features live entertainment two nights during the journey. The lounge car, in beautiful light greens and grays, has large couches, tables and chairs. Games and books are provided, and there is a computer with internet connectivity for guest use.

“We could have spent a week enjoying the comforts of the train alone, but the many stops along the way...provided an exciting and whirlwind six-day tour through southern Spain.”

— Angela Walker, IRT Track 25 blog, Al-Andalus, 2012


The Tour April 14, 21, 28;May 5, 12, 19, 26;June 2, 9, 16, 23;Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29;Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 Enjoy the Spanish landscape from the Al-Andalus as you journey through the country’s southernmost territory. The program includes day touring to incredible restaurants and attractions, including many UNESCO World Heritage sites. The six-day tour calls for some long days and considerable amount of walking. It begins and ends in Seville, with stops in Córdoba, Granada, Cádiz and Jerez. Seville can easily be reached by high-speed, 2.5-hour AVE train from Madrid.

The iTiNeraryDay 1: Seville-CórdobaBoard the Al-Andalus in Seville’s Santa Justa Station at noon. Settle into your cabin, then make your way to the dining car for lunch as the train heads northeast. Arrive Córdoba, an incredibly exotic mix of cul-tures and religions. Transfer to the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There you will visit the Reales Alcázares, the fascinatingMosque/Cathedraland the Jewish Quarter. Enjoy free time in Córdoba wander-ing the labyrinthine alleys. Dinner at a local restaurant, overnight on the train.

Day 2: Baeza; ÚbedaEnjoy breakfast as the train travels to the Renaissance city of Baeza, whose province, Jaen, is the center of the world’s olive oil industry. Travel by coach to the Olive Oil Museum. Then visit the International University of Andalucía and tour Old Bae-za, still surrounded by its city wall. The city dates back to the Moorish occupation in the 9th centuryandtheReconquestinthe 13th century. Lunch will be in Úbeda. These two towns are jointly on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Enjoy a short tour or free time in Úbeda. Savor dinner on board as you glide through the olive groves. Day 3: GranadaVisit the Alhambra and its cap-tivating“Generalife”Gardens.Described by Moorish poets as“apearlsetinemeralds,”theAlhambra’s Moorish palaces were built for the last Muslim Emirs in Spain. After Ferdinand andIsabellaconqueredthisfortress, they were shocked by the intricate architecture and the spirituality of the writings on the walls, not to mention the amazing fountains and baths. Afternoon in Granada, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains and at the conflu-ence of three rivers. Dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a stirring flamenco performance. Overnight on board.

Day 4: Granada-CádizBreakfast on board before arriv-ing in fabulous Ronda. Tour this amazing city, which clings to the edge of a huge escarpment known as El Tajo. Ronda is the birthplace of bullfighting, with a history dating back to Roman times. A tour highlight is the “PlazadeToros”(bullring),oneof the oldest and most famous in Spain. Lunch and continue to Cádiz, nestled on the sea coast, for a tour. Enjoy regional cuisine at a local restaurant. After din-ner the train travels to Jerez. Overnight on board.

Day 5: Jerez-Sanlúcar Disembark in Jerez, birthplace of Sherry wine. Visit one of the region’s most important winer-ies, Tio Pepe, where you’ll learn about the ancient processes and enjoy a tasting. Then visit the Royal Andalusian School of EquestrianArtfora“DancingofAndalusian Horses” show. Travel to Sanlúcar de Barrameda, facing the Doñana National Park, the largest eco-reserve in Europe and a World Heritage Site. After lunch, enjoy a boat tripontheGuadalquivirRiverto explore Doñana. Return to the train for dinner and special end-of-journey party.

Day 6: Jerez-SevilleAfter breakfast, arrive Seville. Tour the city known for its Giralda, Cathedral, Alcázar, the

Archive of the Indies and the Golden Tower, all of which are World Heritage Sites. The tour ends at Santa Justa Station, connected by high-speed train to Madrid or Barcelona.

The highlighTs•RoyalAndalusianSchoolofEquestrianArtand“dancingAndalusian horses” show•FiveUNESCOWorldHeritageSites: incredible Alhambra to the natural Doñana

National Park•Ronda,birthplaceofbullfighting•Visitalocalwineryandsampleregional wines in Jerez•BoattriponGuadalquivirRiver•Flamencoperformance•FivenightsonboardtheAl-Andalus; all meals and excur-sions included•IRTcanarrangeextensionsinMadrid, Barcelona or elsewhere in Spain or Portugal•Sightseeingrequireslotsofwalking.

The priciNgAccommodations Double SingleStandard Cabin €2,550 €3,550Superior Cabin €3,250 €4,450


EARLY BOOKING SAVINGS! Book more than 6 months before travel and the standard double cabin drops to €2,350 (superior suite double €3,050); single standard cabin drops to €3,350 (superior suite single €4,050). Book 6 to 4 months before departure: €2,450 standard double cabin (superior suite double €3,150); single stan-dard double cabin €3,450 (superior suite single €4,250).


angela walker angela walker angela walker

angela walker

angela walker

Seville

Cádiz

Jerez Ronda

Granada

Córdoba ÚbedaBaeza

Linares

Sanlúcar de Barrameda

S P A I N

angela walker


daNube eXpress:isTaNbul To prague


The Train: Danube Express


Danube Express has it all: It travels great routes. It offers private, ensuite shower, sink and toilet and two lower beds as well as lovely dining, good service and very nice accommoda-tion on board. All of this clearly puts it on IRT’s World’s Top 25 Trains® list. Itineraries always include Budapest, Hungary (the train’s home base). The train runs as far north as Gdansk and as far east as Istanbul. Journeys include Krakow and War-saw in Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia. Our favorite itinerary is featured here. Call us for more!

Sleeping CarS The deluxe sleeping carriages offer great overnight accom-modations. Compartments are air conditioned, with private, en suite facilities and two lower beds that fold up into seating during the day. Deluxe Cabins are roomy at 83.4 square feet, including the bathroom, and are the No. 1 choice of IRT travelers. Classic accommodations are 33.2 square feet, with bunk-style beds that fold into seating by day; shower and toilet are down the hall. IRT clients that have booked this service were not happy with it, so we do not book this service.

Dining & lounge CarS Dining is delicious but not fancy. Dress is smart casual. Meals are hearty local specialties such as goose, mashed po-tatoes and braised red cabbage; service is friendly and experi-enced. Staff members do not speak much English, but they are pleasant and cheerful. The lounge car is spacious. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the brandy—the local specialty—is tasty. Wine and beer on the train are included with the price of the journey; spirits are not included. The pianist is talented and jolly; the song book on board seems two inches thick stuffed with every song you ever thought of singing. A great new development for 2013: all departures are guaranteed to go.

The TourMay 26-June 4; June 16-25; Sept. 22-Oct. 1 Travel aboard the first-class Danube Express across eastern Europe. Journey from Istanbul to Prague, including three nights in lovely Budapest. Explore Transylvania, Vienna, Bratislava and Krakow and more, with six nights on board the comfortable, all en-suite Danube Express train.

The iTiNeraryDay 1: IstanbulCheck in for your journey at Istanbul’s Sirkeci station this afternoon. The Danube Express follows the Bosphorus as you settle in to your compartment. Enjoy a drink in the lounge before dinner while traveling to the Bulgarian border.

Day 2: Kazanlak & Veliko Turnovo A tour from Kazanlak includes the Shipka Memorial Church and a 4th-century BC Thra-cian tomb. During lunch, the train climbs the scenic Shipka pass. In Veliko Turnovo, Bul-garia’s ancient capital, houses perch above the Yantra River. Stroll the narrow streets and visit medieval Tsarevets Castle. Dine on board as the train heads for Romania.

Day 3: Brasov & SighisoaraWake amidst the dramatic Carpathian Mountains. Arrive in Braşov and visit Bran Castle in its stunning mountain

setting. Enjoy lunch dur-ing the journey to medieval Sighişoara, rumored birthplace of Dracula. Walking tour along the cobbled streets passing well-preserved buildings. Enjoy dinner en route to the Hungarian border.

Day 4: Kecskemét & BudapestContinuing across the North-ern Plain, arrive in Kecskemét with free time to explore. Later, at nearby Lajosmizse, see great horsemanship at a thrilling“Puszta”show.Lunchis served on board en route to Budapest, arriving at Nyugati station mid-afternoon. Stay for three nights at the centrally located Hotel Astoria (4-star).

Days 5 & 6: Budapest Two days at leisure in Buda-pest to explore and discover


The priciNg: €5,990 per person, double €8,950 single occupancy


the two halves of the city, Buda and Pest. We recommend a day cruise on the Danube.

Day 7: Budapest & KeszthelyMid-morning reception in the Royal Waiting Room at Buda-pest Nyugati station before re-boarding the Danube Express. Lunch is served as the train heads south west, skirting the southern shore of Lake Balaton. Arrive Keszthely at the western end of the lake, and visit the BaroqueFesteticsPalace,oneofthe largest in Hungary. Dur-ing dinner, the train continues towards the Austrian border.

Day 8: Vienna & BratislavaWake near Vienna and after breakfast, a tour of this daz-zling city takes you along the Ringstrasse past such architec-tural gems as the State Opera,

the Hofburg, Parliament, City Hall, National Theatre and Vo-tive Church, as well as many beautiful parks. The highlight is a visit to Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Back on board, lunch is served as the train heads towards Slovakia and crosses the Danube. In Bratislava, a tour will include the Old Town and the stunning castle perched high above the city overlooking the Danube. Later, relax with a drink before dinner as the journey continues through the attractive moun-tain scenery of the Slovakian countryside en route to the Pol-ish border. Dinner on board.

Day 9: Krakow & WieliczkaArrive in Krakow where a morn-ing tour evokes a colorful past and includes the Old Town, with

itsmedievalMarketSquareand magnificent Cloth Hall as well as Wawel Castle. In St. Mary’s Church, see the elabo-rate ornamentation and gilded gothic altarpiece by Veit Stoss. After lunch in a local restaurant, travel by coach to Wieliczka to visit one of the world’s oldest salt mines, operational from medieval times until the end of the 20th century. Now a World Heritage site, its galleries display artworks sculpted in the salt. During dinner, the Danube Express heads west to the Czech border and Prague.

Day 10: PragueAfter breakfast arrive in the fabulous city of Prague and bid farewell to the Danube Express. Extensions can be arranged in Prague or elsewhere in Europe.

The highlighTs•SixnightsontheDanube Ex-press with all meals included•Kazanlaktourincludingvisitofa Thracian tomb•ExcursiontoDracula’sCastle(Bran Castle)•TraditionalPusztaHorseShow•TwodaystoexplorefabulousBudapest at your leisure•VisittheBaroqueFesteticsPal-ace, one of the largest country houses in Hungary•TourVienna’sOldTown,andtake in Schönbrunn Palace•PolandWorldHeritagesitesofKrakow’s historic city center and the Wieliczka Salt Mine

eXTeNd your JourNey: IRT Virtuoso partners:• Regent or Star Clipper cruise • Viking or AMA River cruise•Istanbul&Cappadocia



eleanOr Hardy

eleanOr Hardy eleanOr Hardy eleanOr Hardy


RUSSIA

FINLAND

AUSTRIA

ITALY

SPAIN

ICELAND

SWEDEN

NORWAY

GER

MA

NY

FRANCE

PORTUGAL

HUNGARY

ROMANIA

BULGARIA

TURKEY

POLAND

U. K.

CZECHSLOVAKIA

GREECE

ANDORRA

IRELAND

SERBIA

ALBANIA

ESTONIA

BOSNIA

CROATIASLOVENIA

SWITZERLAND

MACEDONIA

Mediterranean Sea

NorthAtlanticOcean

Bay of Biscay

Gulfof

Bothnia

NorthSea

NorwegianSea

Ionian

Sea

Aegean

BlackSea

English Channel

Adriatic

KrakowPrague

Istanbul

BratislavaVienna

250 Km250 Mi.

Veliko TurnovoKazanlak

Brasov

SighisoaraKecskemét

Keszthely

Budapest


The TrainS: Glacier Express & Bernina Express

Train TypeS: First Class

The spectacular Bernina line was com-pleted in 1910 and is run by Rhaetian Railways. Beginning in Chur, St. Moritz or Davos, it passes the glaciers of Piz Bernina, making this the highest railway crossing in the Alps. It travels over 38 miles, climbing grades of up to 7%—without rack and pin-ion—to more than 7,391 feet at the Bernina Pass summit, and drops down to just 1,408 feet at Tirano, Italy. One minute, it seems, you’re above the tree line in a frozen waste-land; the next, you’re zooming to a landing, like in an airplane, into a subtropical Italian paradise. The combination of remarkable scenery and engineering prompted the World Heritage Committee on July 7, 2008 to add this line to the UNESCO World Heri-tage list. Bernina Express trains have spacious first- and second-class Panorama cars. All seats require reservations. You won’t be sitting long, however. The train passes over via-ducts as high as 295 feet, twists through the Albula Valley, up past rock formations and glaciers, then plunges into Italy on a famous corkscrew viaduct. This train runs in the daytime only.

• The Swiss proudly hail the Glacier Express as the world’s slowest express. The train takes almost eight hours and the services of two private, narrow-gauge railroads to traverse the 168 mountainous miles between two posh resorts—Zermatt and St. Moritz. The Alpine route of the Glacier Express is what makes this train so marvelous—cross-

ing 291 bridges, passing through 91 tun-nels, and mastering the 6,660-foot Oberalp Pass. The first- and second-class panorama cars are air-cushioned, air-conditioned, wheelchair-accessible and are considerably quieter than the previous generation of rolling stock. The new interiors are elegant and pleasant, and the improved information system, listening by head phones to info about the areas you are passing through, is available in six languages. Enjoy lunch (salad, main course and dessert) served at seat as you chug by spectacular scenery. IRT’s Angela Walker advises: check your train for true second-class cars at the very back, which often have windows that open. This is a great spot to snap photos. Unfor-tunately, some Glacier Express and Bernina trains have only touring second-class cars, whose panoramic windows do not open.

glacier eXpress & berNiNa eXpress: across The roof of swiTzerlaNd


The TourJune 19; July 3; August 14, 28;Sept. 11 This escorted tour takes in the entire length of Switzerland’s Glacier Express as well as the “BerninaLine,”whichcelebratedits 100th anniversary in 2010. Stay in the charming moun-tain villages of Zermatt and St. Moritz, high in the Swiss Alps. Take in the Matterhorn from the Gornergratbahn! The iTiNeraryDay 1: London to GermanyMeet your tour guide and fellow passengers at London’s St. Pancras railway station, and board the Eurostar to Brussels. Travel in Standard Premier Class, which includes a light meal. On arrival, we change to a first-class high speed train to Cologne, Germany. where we overnight at Grand City Hotel. Day 2: Cologne to St. MoritzFrom Cologne, travel by EuroC-ity train to Switzerland, along the scenic Rhine Gorge past lush vineyards and fairytale castles. We pass through Basel, then Zürich, before we start the scenic ascent through the Alps to St. Moritz, set in the heart

The priciNgDeparture date Double SingleJune 19 £ 1,895 £ 2,045July 3; Aug. 14 £ 1,950 £ 2,100Aug. 28; Sept. 11 £ 1,975 £ 2,125

Prices given in British pounds (£). Please call for current U.S. dollar pricing.


ITALY

AUSTRIA

GERMANY

Zurich

Zermatt

LakeGeneva

Brienzersee

Lake of Lucerne

Zugersee

Zurichsee

Lake Maggiore

Brig

Thunersee

LIECHTENSTEIN

FR

ANCEBasel

St. Moritz

Tirano

Stresa

To Dijon

To Cologne

“My favorite train ever I think would have to be one of the Swiss trains, probably the Bernina. That is probably one of the top ones for me. Plus the one from Chur up to San Moritz, part of the Glacier Express.”

— L. Scheurman, IRT Pullman Club Member and veteran of 12 IRT journeys

of Graubünden. On arrival we transfer to the Hotel Monopol for a three-night stay. Day 3: Over the Bernina PassFrom St. Moritz we join the narrow-gauge Bernina Express, climbing over the spectacular Bernina Pass to more than 7,000 feet (2,134m). Enjoy the breath-taking views of the snow-capped peaks as we travel to Tirano in Italy on this historic line that was recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Free time for lunch and perhaps a visit to the beautiful Basilica della Madonna before return-ing to St Moritz. Day 4: At leisure in St. MoritzToday is free to enjoy St. Moritz. You may wish to take a cable car up Diavolezza Mountain, at 9,970 feet, which boasts stun-ning views over the surround-ing peaks. Use your First Class Swiss Travel Card or St. Moritz Pass for discounts on nearby cable cars, mountain railways or regular trains. Alternatively, you could visit nearby Davos or captivating Klosters, with its excellent restaurants.

Day 5: Glacier ExpressToday we travel first class on the famous Glacier Express narrow-gauge train along the 100-year-old iconic route from St. Moritz to Zermatt. Our train descends, emerging from a rock tunnel to cross the spectacular Landwasser Viaduct and even-tually entering the upper Rhine Valley, then through pastures and woodland before climbing once more into the mountains. Lunch is served at your seat. Once we’ve ascended to the highest point of the journey—the Oberalp Pass, at 6,670 feet—we snake and spiral to-wards Andermatt and the head of the Rhône Valley. The final leg takes us through a spec-tacular gorge before arriving in the pretty town of Zermatt. Our base here for the next four nights is the Hotel Beau-Site. Day 6: Zermatt & GornergratClimb to the summit of the Gornergrat at 10,134 feet aboard the Gornergrat Moun-tain Railway for spectacular views across the valley to the Matterhorn (weather permit-ting). Also enjoy a guided tour of beautiful Zermatt, with its timbered buildings and English

church dating back to 1870, and the Alpine Museum, a mov-ing tribute to the epic early at-tempts to scale the Matterhorn. Day 7: Excursion to StresaToday we travel by train to Lake Maggiore, the second larg-est of the Italian lakes, in the lovely mountainous region of Northern Italy. On our arrival in Stresa, we take a short cruise across the lake to the charming island of Isola Pescatore, with its rustic fishing village boast-ing some delightful restaurants, shops and a pretty chapel. Of particular note is the pretty chapel of San Vittore. We return to Stresa and then Zermatt, before dinner together.

Day 8: At leisure in ZermattExplore Zermatt at your leisure. Relax and take advantage of the hotel’s excellent pool and spa facilities; shop in some of Zermatt’sglitzyboutiques;enjoy a walk along one of the many marked trails; or climb the Kleine Matterhorn. Popular rail trips include the Centovalli Railway, a narrow-gauge line to Locarno, and scenic GoldenPass line.

Day 9: Train to LuxembourgAfter descending from Zermatt to Visp, where we change trains to Basel, and change again to Luxembourg, where we spend the night at Mercure Grand Ho-tel Alfa, near the town center. Day 10: To LondonTravel through the rolling countryside of the Ardennes to Brussels, where we connect with the Eurostar to London. A light meal is served before ar-rival in St. Pancras station.

The highlighTs•FulldayontheGlacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt, with lunch served at your seat•Bernina Express over the UNESCO World Heritage Ber-nina Line, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2010•RideontheGornergratMoun-tain Railway to the summit at 10,134 feet•TheAlpineMuseuminZer-matt•CruiseonLakeMaggiore•FreedaysinSt.MortizandZermatt to explore on your own, utilizing your First Class Swiss Travel Pass•RoundtripontheEurostarbetween London and Brussels

angela walker

rHäTiSCHe BaHn

angela walker

angela walker


The TrainS: Glacier Express & Bernina Express (see page 44); Golden Pass Panoramic Express (described below)

Train TypeS: First Class

The 39-mile, meter-gauge Montreux–Oberland Bernois (MOB) is one of Switzer-land’s oldest electric railways. It connects Montreux, on Lake Geneva, with the ski resort of Gstaad, ending in Zweisimmen. The so-called “Golden Pass Route” continues on the standard-gauge Bern Lötschberg-Simplon railway to Spiez, and then on to Interlaken, over the Brunig Pass, to the shores of Lake Lucerne. It is one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys. The famous Montreux-Zweisimmen por-tion of the MOB line was completed in 1905. In 1931, the MOB inaugurated its luxurious Golden Mountain Pullman Express—un-fortunately on the eve of a world economic crisis. It stopped service the following year. Today, tourism is the railway’s biggest busi-ness. Besides its regular passenger services, the MOB runs the plush Golden Pass Panoramic Express as well as the ultra-modern Golden Pass Super Panoramic Express. The Panoramic Express trains boast vista-dome cars for maximum viewing of the spectacular mountain scenery. Super

Panoramic Express trains also have a special, eight-passenger viewing area in the front of the train, above the driver, for the ultimate in ringside seats. But these seats sell out fast, so book as far in advance as possible. Our itinerary features two spectacular days on the MOB. If you wish, you can easily extend your trip to include the entire Golden Pass route to Lake Lucerne. Please note the pricing includes hotels and breakfasts daily and the pass needed for the journey - and reservations required. If you want, we can arrange a huge upgrade to your journey: luggage transfers from one ho-tel to another. As one passenger put it: “This was one of the best parts of our trip.” For the ultimate vacation, consider chartering the MOB’s two 1915-era coaches

for yourself and your family or friends. Your party can enjoy an aperitif and light meal in a 36-seat first-class carriage and a 24-seat buffet car on the trip between Montreux and Zwei-simmen. A stewardess is also available upon request.

swiss classic TraiNs: glacier eXpress; berNiNa eXpress; goldeN pass paNoramic


The TourAvailable year round. Note some trains or excursions only run June - October. If you like to travel indepen-dently, we offer this great jour-ney with the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, as well as the Centovalli Railway and Golden Pass Panoramic line—four of Europe’s most scenic routes. The Furka Steam adds a historic element, and the mountain railways are impressive engi-neering feats. Plus an optional trip on the Jungfrau Railway, which celebrated its 100th an-niversary in 2012. Tour available in 8-day parts for shorter tours. Program includes hotels (four- or five-star hotels) breakfast daily, train reservations and rail passasrequired.Ahugeplus:add luggage transfers through-out for luxury-level travel. The iTiNeraryPART IDay 1: Zurich-LucerneArrive Zurich; travel by train to Lucerne, a scenic one-hour trip. Check into hotel and spend the afternoon at the Swiss Museum of Transport, with its impressive collection of trains and more. Overnight Lucerne.

Day 2: Mt. RigiTake the regular train from Lucerne to Goldau, and board the Mt. Rigi cogwheel train for


“I have no hesitation to recommend you strongly to other people who want to travel in a nicer style. Your touches mean a lot.”

— E. Boyce, Indpendent Swiss Classic Trains Journey, 2012


an exhilarating round trip to the summit for unparalleled views (weather permitting). Afternoon in Lucerne at your leisure to stroll across Chapel Bridge and explore Old Town’s delightfulsquares.

Day 3: Mt. PilatusDepart for leisurely cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad for a trip on Mt. Pilatus, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Enjoy a fabulous meal (own account) with stunning backdrop of the many moun-tains visible from the summit. Descend the mountain via gondola and cable car.

Day 4: Furka Steam trainTravel on part of the Gotthard Railway south from Lucerne by regular train. Arrive Realp, where you’ll board the Furka Steam Railway for the two-hour trip to Gletsch behind the 80-year-old steam engine along the rack railway—over bridges, along rushing waters of the Furkareuss and finally, down the valley with views of the Rhone Glacier. Travel by postal bus to Meiringen, train to Interlaken.

Day 5: InterlakenSpend the day at leisure in Interlaken, or opt for a train excursion (additional cost). The Brienzer Rothorn steam

train covers 4.6 miles, pass-ing through six tunnels and rich alpine flora. Or venture to the highest railway station in Europe on the Jungfraujoch. Travel the world-famous Jung-frau Railway to the 11,398-foot station for views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks.

Day 6: Centovalli TrainTravel Interlaken to Domodos-sola via Spiez by regular train. Change to a Centovalli Railway train for the scenic ride through Italy to Locarno. Pass through centovalli,“ahundredval-leys,” with views of spectacular waterfalls, vineyards and palm tree-lined lakes below. Contin-ue to Italian-influenced Lugano, where you can stroll along the lakefront and wander the pedestrian-only city center.

Day 7: LuganoDay at leisure in Lugano. Sug-gested excursion: Mt. Generoso cogwheel railway for views of the whole Canton Ticino below (steam train available on select Sundays); stop off at Melide and visit the Swiss Miniatur—where 127 miniature Swiss buildings are on display, along with over two miles of railway track and model trains, funiculars and cable railways. Model railroad-ers will also want to visit the Baumgartner Model Railway Gallery in Mendrisio, displaying

thousands of model trains from all over the world.

PART IIDay 8: Bernina ExpressTrain to Zurich for flight home if taking Part I only.Travel to Tirano via postal bus, winding along lakes and through small Italian villages. Board the Bernina Express, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, for an unforgettable trip to Chur. On the four-hour trip you’ll cross 196 bridges and travel through 55 tunnels. In addition to the spectacular glacier and forest scenery, cross the famed Circular Viaduct of Brusio and Landwasser Viaduct. Overnight in Chur.

Day 9: ChurFree day in Chur. Suggested rail trips: Chur-Arosa Railway, a one-hour trip along pictur-esquecountryvillages,includ-ing a run over the Langwieser viaduct (200 feet high); or travel Davos-Filisur—a line with mul-tiple hairpin curves, tunnels and viaducts.

Day 10: Glacier ExpressEnjoy a full day on the Glacier Express on its entire routing, Chur to Zermatt. Sit back and relax in your comfy seat, taking in the Alpine scenery from the large picture windows and en-joying a delicious lunch served at your seat. Overnight Zermatt.

Day 11: GornergratExcursion to the Gornergrat—experience the breathtaking circular panorama over 29 of Switzerland’s 12,000-foot mountains (including the Matterhorn) within a radius of more than nine miles, from an altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level (weather permitting).

Day 12: Zermatt-MartignyRegular train Zermatt to Mar-tigny. Options from Martigny: Mt. Blanc Express running carefully along a daring route

of mountain precipices to Chamonix, France; or the St. Bernard Express, a combination train/postal bus excursion to the 8,054-foot St. Bernard pass, where you can visit the famous St. Bernard kennels.

Day 13: Golden Pass LineRegular train to Montreux where you’ll board the pan-oramic coaches of the Golden Pass train, which takes you through the Lake Geneva region past mountain torrents, blooming alpine meadows, small mountain villages and vineyards, over the Golden Pass to Gstaad, a village of lovely traditional Swiss chalets.

Day 14: Golden Pass LineContinue Golden Pass journey to Zweisimmen, where you’ll change trains to Spiez; one more train change to Zurich. This is an extremely scenic day, running along six lakes, over the Brünig Pass, through pictur-esquevillages,vineyardsandgardens. Enjoy the spectacular ride—a fitting finale!

Day 15: ZurichDepart Zurich for home.

The highlighTs•ThefamedGlacier Express and Bernina Express•TwodaysenjoyingthescenicGolden Pass from panoramic coaches•Fourorfive-starhotelsnightly•MountainviewsfromRigiandPilatus•FurkaSteamtripwith80-year-old locomotive, a train lovingly maintained by volunteers•Gornergratbahn,withamaz-ing views from 10,000 feet•ScenicCentovallitripintoItaly•Mt. Blanc Express into France or St. Bernard Express to 8,000-foot pass•Numerousshop/depotvisitsavailableuponrequestforaunique“behindthescenes”experience

The priciNg Four-star hotels Double Single15-day Tour CHF 5,146 CHF 6,500Part I only CHF 3,028 CHF 4,190Part II only CHF 2,672 CHF 2,957

Prices given in Swiss Francs (CHF). Please call for current U.S. dollar pricing.

Five-star hotels Double Single15-day Tour CHF 7,888 CHF 11,675Part I only CHF 4,875 CHF 7,513Part II only CHF 3,572 CHF 4,806

MOnTreux-OBerland BernOiS

angela walker


flåm railway: arcTic circle eXpress


The Train: Flåm RailwayThis tour also includes the Bergen Railway, Rauma Line and other Norwegian and Swedish State Railways.

Train Type: First Class, Standard Class

With the Flåm Railway, it’s what you see outside that counts. In about an hour, the line climbs some 2,833 feet from Flåm station, nestled in the innermost corner of the Aurlandfjord, to the mountain station at Myrdal on the Bergen Railway. On the 12.4-mile-long ride, you’ll see rivers that cut through deep ravines, waterfalls cascading down the sides of steep, snow-capped mountains and farms cling-ing dizzily to sheer slopes. The Flåm Railway is one of the world’s steepest railway lines on normal gauge. The gradient is 55/1000 on almost 80% of the line––a gradient of 1:18. The twisting tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountain are manifestations of the most daring engineering in Norwegian railway history. The railway recently underwent a face-lift; its new fleet of trains, in forest green livery, comprises five engines and 12 cars. It also boasts new interiors and a unique guide and loud-speaker service.

The TourJune 7, 14, 21, 28; July 12, 19, 26; August 2, 16 Travel on some of the most well-maintained railway sys-tems in Europe while witness-ing truly outstanding scenery. Our tour begins in Stockholm, then travels one of the most northerly lines in the world, crossing the Arctic Circle. Then we enjoy an in-depth explo-ration of southern Norway’s fjords and scenic railways, ending in the cultural capital of Oslo. Tour includes Flåm, Bergen and Rauma Railways! Note: This is a budget-oriented tourthatrequiresstaminaandthe ability to carry your own luggage.

The iTiNeraryDay 1: Fly to StockholmIncluded flight from London to Stockholm, where you spend two nights at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, close to historic Old Town. Afternoon sightseeing tour of the modern city and the narrow streets of Gamla Stan (the Old Town).

Day 2: StockholmToday is at your leisure to explore Sweden’s lively and beautiful capital, perhaps by taking a boat cruise along its waterways. We recommend visiting the Vasa, a royal flag-ship recovered from the seabed

after sinking on her maiden voyage in 1628, now displayed in a superb museum.

Day 3: Inland to ÖstersundDeparting Stockholm we head inland by InterCity train to Östersund, nestled on the shore of Lake Storsjön, Swe-den’s fifth largest lake. Here we stay for one night at the Best Western Gamla Teatern.

Day 4: The Inlandsbanan, Arctic Circle and LaplandTake the Inlandsbanan tourist train through Sweden’s land-scape of lakes and forests to the untamed wilderness of Lap-land. The train makes leisurely stops along the way for pas-sengers to buy food and take photographs. After crossing theArcticCircleintothe“Landof the Midnight Sun” we enjoy a light dinner with local Sami specialities before transferring to the Hotel Jokkmokk, set in the heart of Laponia’s World Heritage region.

SWEDEN

FINLAND

Narvik

Trondheim

Bergen

ArcticOcean

NorwegianSea

BalticSea

Gulfof

Bothnia

0 125 Miles

125 km

Flam

Jokkmokk

Östersund

Stockholm

NORWAY

Andalsnes

Geiranger

Gällivare

SHIP ROUTECOACH ROUTETRAIN ROUTE

˚

Oslo

Dombas

Fauske


The priciNg£2,745 per person, double£3,320 single occupancy

Prices given in British pounds (£). Please call for current US Dollar price.

What was the best part of your trip?“Scenery was the best we’ve seen anywhere in our travels!! Good/responsible tour leader.”

—M. Schultz, Arctic Circle Express, 2012

Day 5: The Ofoten RailwayTransferring through Laponia to Gällivare, we continue on the Ofoten Railway—one of the most northerly lines in the world—past sheer drops down to fjords and dramatic moun-tains. We arrive at the port of Narvik for a two-night stay at the Quality Grand Royal Hotel.

Day 6: NarvikFree day in Narvik. You may take the opportunity to visit the Ofoten Museum, to discover the cultural history of Narvik, enjoy a cable car ride (seasonal) to experience breathtaking views or visit the poignant Red Cross War Memorial Museum.

Day 7: South to TrondheimToday we begin with a coach journey along the coast and a beautiful ferry crossing. At Fauske we continue by train, leaving the Arctic Circle before arriving late evening in Trondheim, Norway’s religious capital. We’ll spend two nights at the centrally located Radis-son Blu Royal Garden Hotel.

Day 8: TrondheimExplore Trondheim at your lei-sure. Perhaps visit the fascinat-ing Music Museum at Ringve, specializing in instruments from

around the world, and stroll around the Botanical Gardens. Other suggestions: the National Museum of Decorative Arts or Nidaros Cathedral, considered to be the most significant cathedral in Norway.

Day 9: The Rauma RailwayWe leave Trondheim by train for Dombås, where we join the 71-mile Rauma Railway for a jour-ney through jagged mountain peaks and gorges, following the course of the River Rauma to Åndalsnes. From here we transfer by coach to Geiranger for a two-night stay at Union Hotel, situated at the head of the fjord.

Day 10: GeirangerfjordThe Geirangerfjord is one of Norway’s most spectacular, and today we enjoy the beautiful scenery during a morning boat cruise. See famed waterfalls, “SevenSisters”andthe“Friar,”set against the sheer moun-tains, while snow-covered peaks and deep blue waters demonstrate why the site has UNESCO World Heritage status.

Day 11: To FlåmDepart Geiranger by coach and continue through fjord country to Flåm at the head of the

Aurlandsfjord. Travel through valleys hemmed in by lofty mountains and along steep-sided fjords, every turn offering a new perspective. In Flåm we stay at the Fretheim Hotel.

Day 12: The Flåm RailwayToday we enjoy a superb excursion on the Flåm Railway. Our rail journey takes us up into the mountains along one of the steepest lines in the world, which twists and turns to accommodate the extreme terrain. We reach the end at Myrdal and return to Flåm, where we board the express boat for an afternoon journey along Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, Sognefjord. Navi-gating coastal islets and sker-ries, we end the day in Bergen, where we stay for two nights at the Radisson Blu Hotel Norge.

Day 13: BergenToday is at leisure in Bergen, nestled beneath seven stra-tegic hills and surrounded by fjords. The city’s wharf, called Bryggen, is lined with classic wooden buildings and has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site; and the Fløibanen funicular railway affords great views of the city and its harbors from the top of Mount Fløien.

Day 14: The Bergen RailwayWe leave Bergen by train for a magnificent journey on North-ern Europe’s highest railway line, the Bergen Railway. The train climbs high above the tree line across some of the most re-mote areas of western Norway before descending through pastures to the elegant city of Oslo. On arrival we check in to the central Thon Hotel Opera.

Day 15: Oslo to LondonMorning free in Oslo before afternoon flight to London.

The highlighTs•TheastonishingFlåmRailwayto Myrdal, which climbs 2,800 feet in 12 miles•Oslo-BergenRailway,withone of the most spectacular scenic railway journeys in Europe•CruiseoftheGeirangerFjord,a UNESCO World Heritage site•Sweden’sInlandsbanantotheArctic Circle•TheOfotenRailway,oneofthe most northerly lines in the world, with dramatic mountain and fjord scenery•TimetoexploreStockholm,Narvik, Trondheim and Bergen

Tour available without London flights—£200 p.p. reduction


leS HulSe

leS HulSe CHuCk BlardOne

CHuCk BlardOne

CHuCk BlardOne CHuCk BlardOne


royal caNadiaN pacific:caNadiaN rockies by luXury TraiN


The Train: Royal Canadian Pacific

Train Type: Luxury

Just 30 persons can pretend to be royalty and sample the Royal Canadian Pacific’s (RCP) five-star dining, open-platform obser-vation areas, several small salons, and large compartments with private, en suite shower, toilet and sink. The train and its superb staff combine outstanding scenery, exclusive visits and elegant musical events with the five-star service and dining. It all results in one word: “Wow!” The total RCP package is matched by just a few trains in the world. Many of the cars for the Royal Canadian Pacific were built between 1917 and 1931 and were used as business cars for the Cana-dian Pacific Railroad (CPR). Sir Winston Churchill, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh (later Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip) are among the many notables who have enjoyed the cars that make up this elegant train.

Sleeping CarS The compartments, for the most part, exactly match those of The Royal Scotsman, because the Scotsman’s owner at the time kindly loaned the plans to the CPR. There are seven twin cabins in the newly con-structed Pullman cars “N.R.Crump” and “Strathcona.” These have two lower, twin beds set at an “L” shape and desk. Finished in Circassian walnut from Russia with Bird’s Eye maple inlay and complemented by scalloped lamp fixtures, brass radiators and Turkish drapes, each car maintains the ambi-ence of the classic era of luxury rail travel. Five cabins with double beds are in the older, historic cars. Six cabins are designed for single travelers and require no single supplement. All cabins have roomy private shower, sink and toilet, outfitted with thick white towels and lovely toiletries. They also feature a large picture window and plenty of storage.

Dining & lounge CarS An à la carte breakfast is served in the dining car, the “Craigellachie.” Tea, coffee and other beverages can be served in all the lounge areas or private rooms; special cocktails (included) are served nightly. An elegant, multi-course dinner is served at tables for six or eight in the dining car. The

meals are memorable—freshly prepared on board, beautifully presented and are five-star with service to match; paired wines are included. Choices for lounging on board abound: there is nothing finer than stretching out in the sunshine on the open platform of 1926 observation-lounge “Mount Stephen.” There are also the 1926 lounge-sleeper “Royal Wentworth,” the 1927 observation-lounge-sleeper “Van Horne,” and the 1916 open-platform observation lounge-diner “Killarney.”

The priciNg: Rockies Experience: $8,200 (CAD), double or singlePacific Express: $5,800 (CAD), double or single Tour priced in Canadian dollars. Please call for approximate U.S. dollar price. Rates do not include Canadian Goods & Services Tax (5%).

Golden Lake Louise

Banff

Calgary

Okotoks

Fort Steele

Cranbrook Canadian Museum of Rail Travel

Fort MacLeod

Leth

brid

ge

Eltham

Kicking Horse Pass (Spiral Tunnels)

Kicking Horse Resort

British Columbia Alberta

Columbia River

United States

TRAIN ROUTEMOTORCOACH ROUTE

CowleyCrowsnest

Pass

Waterton Lakes National Park


The TourJuly 25-31; Aug. 1-7 ; Aug. 8-14 The Royal Canadian Pacific luxury train explores western Canada’s Rocky Mountains with its ever-changing backdrop of snow-capped peaks. This luxury rail service, tops in North America, features impeccable on-board food and service as well as carefully crafted tours to special places such as the daz-zling Waterton-Glacier Interna-tional Peace Park and beautiful Lake Louise. The iTiNeraryDay 1: CalgaryPrivate transfer from Calgary Airport to the lovely five-star Fairmont Palliser Hotel for a one-night stay.

Day 2: Calgary-Ft. MacleodBoard the gleaming carriages of the Royal Canadian Pacific and settle in to your private cabin with en-suite facilities. Meet your traveling companions over breakfast as the train departs. Arrive Fort Macleod and visit the moving Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Back on board, enjoy cocktails in the lounge and a splendid dinner as the sun sets over the Alberta prairie.

Day 3: Waterton-GlacierVisit Waterton-Glacier Inter-national Peace Park to enjoy park’s rare wildflowers, unusual geology and dazzling beauty, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After some free time, take

a round-trip lake cruise on the scenic Waterton Lakes to Montana. Return to train for trip through Crowsnest Pass. Din-ner, overnight on board.

Day 4: Cranbrook; GoldenMorning excursion to the inspiring Canadian Museum of Rail Travel in Cranbrook. The museum uses its many histori-cal rail cars to tell the story of Canadian rail travel, focusing on the changes in decor, finish and services since Canadian Pacific Railway was first established in 1885. Continue north through Columbia Valley. Arrive Golden for sunset dinner at 7,700 feet in Kicking Horse Resort’s Eagle Eye Restaurant, overlooking the Rockies. Overnight on board.

Day 5: Lake Louise areaEnjoy views from open-air ves-tibule as RCP climbs through Kicking Horse Pass, whose 1909-vintage“SpiralTunnels”are one of world’s most inge-nious railway engineering feats. Arrive Lake Louise and disem-bark for a nature walk in this picturesquespot.Returntothetrain for a gala dinner on board.

Day 6: BanffToday there are several options: sightseeing tour of Banff; a mountain helicopter tour (ad-ditional cost); or a gondola tour in Lake Louise, then taking the train to Banff. The afternoon sees everyone back on the train for the return to Calgary. Over-night at the Fairmont Palliser.

Day 7: CalgaryTransfer included to train sta-tion or airport.

The highlighTs•FivedayslivinginluxuryonRoyal Canadian Pacific with open-air observation platforms•Gourmetmealswithfreshingredients and superb wines; daily cocktail hour in lounge car with all drinks included

•LakecruiseatspectacularWaterton-Glacier Park•CanadianMuseumofRailTravel in Cranbrook•ExplorationofBanffandLakeLouise area•SunsetdinneratKickingHorseResort’s Eagle Eye Restaurant, overlooking the Rockies •Relaxinginthehistoricloungecar where Winston Churchill used to smoke his cigars

pacific eXpress:Calgary to Vancouver

If you’ve done the longer program, take this fabulous

train again. This program through the heart of the Rocky Mountain wilder-

ness on the Royal Canadian Pacific includes three full

days and nights on the train and one five-star hotel over-

night in Calgary.

Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2013$5,800 CAD per person,

double or single


“I met some fine people on this trip. We were all of an age where relaxation and civility is important and the Royal Canadian Pacific exemplifies these qualities - ne plus ultra - the extreme or perfect point or state. I really can’t add anything more except that I would take this train again, and I intend to do just that!”

— R. Short, Royal Canadian Pacific, 2011

david COwley david COwley

BOB SHOrT

david COwley

BOB SHOrT david COwley

JOHn eMery

BruCe anderSOn


caNadiaN/rocky mouNTaiNeer: TraNs-caNada rail adveNTure


The TrainS: Canadian (described below) & Rocky Mountaineer (see page 50)

Train TypeS: Both First Class

The Canadian, VIA Rail Canada’s flagship train run-ning 2,775 miles between Toronto and Vancouver since 1955, has still not completed its $22 million renovation but has made lots of progress. The train runs three times weekly each way, but several sources have said the schedule will be changed for just twice weekly during the fall and winter.

Sleeping CarS Deluxe Sleeper Class, announced last year, has not been implemented. Please be

sure to sign up on our web site to get IRT emails for this information. Sleeper Plus Class has 35 square feet, offers two bunk-style beds that make into seating. It has a private toilet and sink; shower is down the hall. (Please see IRT website for other classes of service.)

Dining & lounge CarS All meals are included in the newly reno-vated dining car. For dinner, there are three seatings, served with china, silver and linen; they feature Canadian wines. IRT travelers have given the service high marks. The freshly renovated Skyline and Park cars, put into service in Fall, 2011, are open to all sleeper class passengers. IRT couples have loved booking two double cabins interconnecting. This is more expensive—but gives two lower beds and two bathrooms; and breakfast in bed.

The TourDates of departure: Sundays and Thursdays, Dates run April 25 to Sept. 19 (Reverse itinerary, which is one night shorter, departs Van-couver Sundays and Thursdays.) Take this legendary Trans-Canada rail tour on two first-class trains: The Canadian, with VIA Rail’s lovely service, and the all-daylight Rocky Moun-taineer. See Niagara Falls, and spend four days exploring the pristine wilds of Lake Louise, Jasper and Banff National Parks. Begin tour in Toronto; cross northern Ontario’s scenic lake lands, the prairies of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta and the towering Canadian Rockies, before ending in Vancouver, on the Pacific Coast. Options to extend your journey to Victoria, Seattle or Alaska abound.


“The Rocky Mountaineer was splendid. We enjoyed every minute of it. On the Canadian, hav-ing the joined double bedrooms worked out wonderfully well. I liked it very much...Had we not upgraded, I don’t think we would have enjoyed it anywhere near as much. It was absolutely worth it.”

— G. Holbrook, celebrating 50th anniversary on board Trans-Canada Rail Adventure, 2012


The iTiNeraryDay 1: Toronto Arrive Toronto; explore Cana-da’s largest city at your leisure. Two nights in Toronto hotel.

Day 2: Niagara FallsMotorcoach tour to Niagara Falls, one of the world’s great wonders. Cruise on Maid of the Mist to base of Horseshoe Falls.

Days 3-5: On board CanadianEnjoy four-day journey across Ontario, Manitoba and Sas-katchewan and Prairie Provinc-es on board the Canadian. Take meals in beautiful diner, toast your vacation under the stars in famous domed Park car, and overnight in your cozy cabin.

Day 6: JasperAfternoon arrival in Jasper, sur-rounded by beautiful mountain

scenery and teeming with wildlife. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 7: JasperJasper National Park is a World Heritage Site and Canada’s largest National Park. Today you will enjoy a short scenic tour including the many natural attractions, rugged peaks, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of wildlife. Remainder of the day free to explore Jasper on your own. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 8: Icefields ParkwayTravel to Lake Louise via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. Stop at Athabasca Falls and Co-lumbiaIcefieldforrideon“IceExplorer” vehicle to Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Brief stop at Bow Lake before arriving Lake Louise for overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 9: Lake Louise to BanffFree morning in Lake Louise, followed by a half-day tour into Yoho National Park. See Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and natural rock bridge spanning Kicking Horse River. Overnight in Banff.

Day 10: BanffTour Banff: Bow Falls, Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner, the Hoo-doos. Continue to Kananaskis for the highlight of today’s

adventure—a 12-minute Sum-mit Helicopter Tour over the remarkable landscape of the Rockies. Afternoon at leisure in Banff. Overnight Banff hotel.

Day 11: Banff-KamloopsBoard the Rocky Mountaineer for daylight trip to Kamloops. Travel between high peaks of Canadian Rockies, over moun-tain passes through tunnels, along rocky lake shores and across ranchlands. Experience the Continental Divide, Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass, Craigellachie, glaciers and snow-capped Canadian Rockies peaks. Most exciting spot on the train: the open-air observation platform (GoldLeaf Service only). Over-night in Kamloops.

Day 12: Kamloops-VancouverReboard the Rocky Moun-taineer for another full day on board, including lunch. Scenery changes to desert interior through winding river

canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Moun-tains and lush green fields of Fraser River Valley. Look for the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate. Overnight Vancouver hotel.

Day 13: VancouverTour ends with checkout from Vancouver hotel.

The highlighTs•SpottingCanadianwildlifefrom trains’ domes—big-horned sheep, elk, black bears, bald eagles, osprey•RidingVIARail’sCanadian, with all meals included, wine-tasting in the dome car, and your private compartment•Tastymealsinthelovelydin-ing cars of Canadian and Rocky Mountaineer•ToursofBanff,YohoNationalPark, Icefields Parkway and Niagara Falls•TimetoexploreLakeLouise,Banff and Jasper•RidingontheRocky Moun-taineer’s GoldLeaf service, the double-decked dome cars with open-air platforms•Suggestedupgrades:deluxehotels throughout

eXTeNd your JourNey:We are delighted to make ar-rangements for fabulous exten-sions with Virtuoso partners:

• Two nights Victoria, then Victo-ria Clipper to Seattle • Adventure lodge in British Columbia • Regent Cruise Inside Passage•Amtrak to/from your home• Linblad adventure cruise

The priciNg Departure Date RedLeaf SilverLeaf GoldLeaf April 25-May 19: $4,199 $4,759 $5,849May 23-30: $4,979 $5,479 $6,799June 2-Sept. 19: $5,469 $5,969 $7,329

All prices in Canadian Dollars and do not include 5% GST or pro-vincial taxes. Prices are per person based on westbound itinerary, double occupancy. Single rates and eastbound rates available upon request. Prices assume Sleeper Plus Class on Canadian.

BruCe anderSOn

BruCe anderSOn

HalleTTe riCHardS

HalleTTe riCHardS

BruCe anderSOn


rocky mouNTaiNeer: caNadiaN rockies wesTerN eXplorer


The Train: Rocky Mountaineer


The Rocky Mountaineer explores Western Canada in comfort and class and runs by daylight only. There are now four routes offered on this train: Vancouver to Banff, Lake Louise or Calgary; Vancouver to Jasper; Whistler to Jasper via Quesnel; and new for 2013, Vancouver to Seattle. A sister train, the Whistler Mountaineer, travels to Whistler. Our passengers love them all, and all can be customized to fit your time and budget. IRT recommends GoldLeaf service. When you get on board, you will agree. It has a beautiful bi-level dome coach, is fully air-conditioned with full-length dome win-dows, and assigned seating that can accommodate groups of four. The main benefit, from our point of view, is Gold-Leaf passengers’ exclusive access to the open-air observa-tion deck. (Other classes do not have this.) In GoldLeaf Ser-vice, walk down a spiral staircase or take the elevator from the dome level to the diner where the full galley kitchen prepares remarkable multi-course breakfasts and lunches. Alcoholic beverages are complimentary throughout. The diner can seat 36 in tables for four. GoldLeaf service also includes upgraded hotels for packages with overnights, in most cases five-star Fairmont hotels. SilverLeaf Service, started in 2011, offers seating in reclining chairs with panoramic views from a single-level dome coach. It’s offered Vancouver to Banff with hot meals at your seat and overnights in moderate hotels. RedLeaf service is in single-level coaches with large picture win-dows and chilled meals served at your seat.

The TourDeparts Mondays and Thurs-days, April 22-Sept. 30. (Reverse itinerary departs Calgary Tuesdays and Saturdays.) Travel a spectacular Rocky Mountaineer classic route—Vancouver to Jasper, followed by several days to explore the unparalleled beauty of Jasper, the Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise, Banff and Yoho National Park. Tour ends in Calgary.

The iTiNeraryDay 1: VancouverArrive Vancouver and overnight.

Day 2: Vancouver-KamloopsBoard Rocky Mountaineer. View green fields of Fraser River val-ley, forests, winding river can-yons, wildlife, rushing waters of Hell’s Gate, steep slopes and rock sheds along Thompson River. Overnight in Kamloops.

Day 3: Kamloops-JasperContinue northeast to Cana-dian Rockies and Alberta. Train climbs along North Thompson River through mountains to-ward Continental Divide. View Mt. Robson (at 12,972 feet, highest peak in Canadian Rock-ies), Pyramid Falls, Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park. Overnight Jasper.

Day 4: JasperTour of Jasper National Park, a World Heritage Site and the Ca-nadian Rockies’ largest national park. See the area’s many natu-ral attractions, rugged peaks and wildlife. Afternoon free and overnight in Jasper.

Day 5: Jasper-Lake LouiseEnjoy a motorcoach tour along the Icefields Parkway and visit theColumbiaIcefield.Ride“IceExplorer” to Athabasca Glacier;

continue to Bow Lake and Lake Louise. Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 6: Lake Louise-BanffAfternoon tour of Yoho Nation-al Park. View such wonders as Emerald Lake and natural rock bridge spanning Kicking Horse River. See famed Spiral Tunnels. Overnight Banff.

Day 7: Banff-CalgaryFull-day tour of Banff area: Bow Falls, Banff Gondola, Lake Min-newanka, Surprise Corner, the Hoodoos. Summit helicopter “flightseeing”tourovertheRockies included. Tour ends in Calgary. Overnight Calgary.

Day 8: CalgaryTour ends in Calgary.

The highlighTs•Twofulldaysonboardthefabulous Rocky Mountaineer, enjoying the scenery of the Canadian Rockies and spotting wildlife along the way•7nights’hotelaccommodation•IcefieldsParkwayTour,includ-ing Ice Explorer•ViewsfromTheFairmontCha-teau Lake Louise•YohoNationalParkTour,LakeLouise to Banff•HelicopterFlightseeingtour•Jaspersightseeingtour•RideontheBanffGondola,withexquisiteRockiesviews•Tourcanbecustomized,withadditional nights anywhere in the region, private touring, transfers, spa reservations

The priciNg Departure Date RedLeaf SilverLeaf GoldLeaf April 20-22: $2,249 $2,799 $3,519April 22-May 27: $2,649 $3,199 $4,159May 28-June 27: $3,089 $3,589 $4,749July 1-10: $3,169 $3,669 $4,849July 11-Sept. 26: $3,089 $3,589 $4,749 Sept. 30: $2,999 $3,499 $4,479

All prices in Canadian dollars and do not include 5% GST or provincial taxes. Prices are per person based double occupancy. Single rates available upon request.

UNITED STATES

RUSSIA

GREENLAND(DENMARK)

ICELAND

U n i t e d S t a t e s

Yukon Territory

Northwest Territories

BritishColumbia Alberta

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Ontario

Quebec

Newfoundland

NewBrunswick

Nova Scotia

P.E.I.

Great SlaveLake

Great

BearLake

Lake Superior

Lake Michigan

Lake Huron

Lake Erie

Lake Ontario

Hudson

Bay

Labrador Sea

Beaufort

Sea

Baffin Bay

Arctic Ocean

Pacific

Ocean

Atlantic

Ocean

Whitehorse

VancouverCalgary

Toronto

Ottawa

Montreal

QuebecHalifax

St. Johnʼs

Thunder Bay

Dawson

Yellowknife

Churchill

Sydney

Fredericton

VictoriaIsland

BaffinIsland

Quebec

National Capital

City

International Boundary

Provincial Boundary

Province Name

0

CanadaCalgary

500 Miles

500 km

C a n a d aSeattle

Kamloops

Rocky Mountains

Banff/Lake Louise

TRAIN ROUTEMOTORCOACH ROUTE

/Lake Louise

Jasper


“Our trip was wonderful!! The Rocky Mountaineer days were beyond our expectations, and we look forward to enjoying all the RMR routes.”

— G. Campbell, Rocky Mountaineer, 2011

amTrak’s empire builder:glacier park discovery


The Train: Amtrak’s Empire Builder


The TourDaily from May to September. (Escorted tour also available.) The northern U.S. boasts some of the country’s last truly wide-open spaces, and Am-trak’s Empire Builder takes you there. The long-distance train plies the northern route to the West Coast between Chicago and Seattle or Portland. Begin in Chicago’s grand Union Sta-tion, and venture to the Twin Cities before heading to the unspoiled country of North Da-kota and Montana. Spend three days in Glacier National Park and continue west to Seattle, passing through the seven-mile Cascade Tunnel, forests of fir trees and along Puget Sound.

The iTiNeraryDay 1: Arrive ChicagoArrive Chicago. Take a walk down Michigan Avenue for world-class shopping, dining and attractions. Two nights in Chicago hotel.

Day 2: ChicagoEnjoy a sightseeing architectur-al cruise of Chicago harbor to hear the dramatic story of Chi-cago’s rise from the Great Fire of 1871 to become the home of the skyscraper and cradle of modern American architecture. Dinner included at a Chicago restaurant.

Day 3: Chicago to MinneapolisTransfer on your own to Union Station for the rail journey to the Twin Cities. Transfer by taxi included to your hotel at the Mall of America for overnight.

Day 4: Empire BuilderEnjoy a complimentary break-fast before a full-day tour of the Twin Cities. Late this evening, board Amtrak’s Empire Builder to Glacier National Park. Spend the night on board in your private cabin.

Day 5: Glacier National ParkThe day is spent on board the train, as you arrive Glacier Park in the early evening. Breakfast and lunch are included on the train in sleeping classes. Upon arrival, check into the rustic Glacier Park Lodge for a three-night stay.

Day 6: Glacier National ParkAfter breakfast, take a full-day tour inside Glacier National Park. We suggest crossing the Canadian Border to Waterton Lakes National Park for after-noon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel, one of the most photo-graphed hotels in the world.

Day 7: Glacier National ParkToday you will continue touring Glacier National Park before returning to Glacier Park Lodge.

Day 8: Depart GlacierFree day in Glacier National Park. This evening board the Empire Builder to Seattle. Enjoy dinner in the dining car before settling in to your private cabin for the night.

Day 9: SeattleArrive Seattle mid-morning and explore at your leisure, using included 48-hour hop-on/hop-off bus sightseeing pass. Free time to explore before farewell dinner atop the Space Needle. Overnight Seattle hotel.

Day 10: SeattleContinue exploring Seattle using your hop-on/hop-off bus sightseeing pass, which includes a boat cruise of Seattle Harbor. Dinner is included this evening at a Seattle restaurant. Overnight at Seattle hotel.

Day 11: SeattleTour ends after breakfast in your hotel. Extensions available.

The highlighTs•TwonightsaboardAmtrak’sEmpire Builder, from St. Paul/Minneapolis to Glacier Park and from East Glacier to Seattle

•Eightnights’hotelaccom-modations, including three in Glacier National Park•Mealsinthediningcar•Sightseeingarchitecturecruise of Chicago Harbor•GlacierParkInternationalPeace Park Tour•OptionalafternoonteaatPrince of Wales Hotel, overlook-ing Waterton Lake•TimetoexploreChicago,Min-neapolis and Seattle

“Without The Society of Inter-national Railway Travelers, I do not believe I could have drawn up the itinerary. I am extremely grateful to them for all their work and care to make my trip truly memo-rable.”

— H. Richards, 2-month USA & Canada journey, 2012

The priciNg

Moderate hotels:$2,699 per person, double $4,488 single occupancy

Deluxe hotels:$3,049 per person, double $5,588 single occupancy

Pricing based on high season and subject to availability. Upgrade to double bedroom on Amtrak: $650/$1,350. Contact us for escorted tour pricing.

Minneapolis

Fargo

Spokane

Seattle

PortlandHelena

Madison

St. PaulSD

NDMT

WY

ID

WA

OR

IL

MN

WI

OntarioManitobaSaskatchewan

Alberta

British Columbia

Chicago

Williston

Havre

Milwaukee

ContinentalDivide

Glacier Park

HalleTTe riCHardS

Owen Hardy

BryanT kaden


hiram biNgham/aNdeaN eXplorer: peru’s machu picchu & lake TiTicaca


The TrainS: Hiram Bingham, Andean Explorer

Train TypeS: Luxury (Hiram Bingham), First Class (Andean Explorer)

The Orient Express runs all passenger trains in the region; IRT loves two of them. The narrow-gauge Hiram Bingham is a perfect complement to the Orient Express hotels in Peru. This gleaming blue-and-gold train makes the 3.5-hour trip between Cusco and Machu Picchu every day but Sunday. The train has two 42-seat dining cars serv-ing excellent Peruvian specialties for brunch on the journey to Machu Picchu, and for dinner on the evening return to Cusco. The overall ambiance is gorgeous, with large windows, beautiful china, silver and linens. Onboard meals include Peruvian wine. There is also a great bar/observation car with outdoor viewing platform—a great place to snap photographs.

• The Andean Explorer makes the 9.5-hour daytime trek from Cusco to Puno and Lake Titicaca, one of the highest standard-gauge rail routes in the world, reaching altitudes up to 14,150 feet. Seating on the train is at tables of two and four; an included three-course lunch is served at assigned tables. The coaches are beautifully decorated in soft beiges with china, silver and crisp linens on each table. After-lunch coffee is served in the observation/bar car, which sports a small bar, tables, and plenty of comfortable chairs. The most important fea-ture is the large, glass-walled, observation deck with open platform, great for taking in the incredible scenery. IRT members agree: this amazing trip is over way too soon.

The priciNg$6,530 per person, double occupancy$10,670 single occupancyAndean Explorer extension, $1,725 p.p., double; $2,115 single occupancy

Ask about Colca Canyon extension, including Arequipa


The TourTrip can be taken throughout the year. Reaching Machu Picchu by the luxurious Hiram Bingham is just one highlight of this eight-day“soft”adventure.Maintourovernights are in Orient-Express hotels: Miraflores Park, Cusco’s Monasterio and Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel at the ruins. Private tour of Inca ruins with crowd-free dawn and sunset visits. Add-on tours feature Orient-Express’ Andean Explorer from Cusco to Lake Titi-caca and a visit to Colca Canyon, with its large condors.

The iTiNerary Day 1: LimaArrive Lima. Private transfer from airport and to the exclusive Mira-flores Park Hotel, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

P E R U

Puno

Cusco

Juliaca

SicuaniLa Raya

Aguas CalientesMachu Picchu

Lake Titicaca

Vilcanota River

Pomatales RiverUrubamba

River

Sacred Valley

HiramBinghamCusco-Machu Picchu

AndeanExplorerP

ac i f i c Oc e an


Day 2: LimaMorning tour of downtown Lima with private guide. Visit Enrico Poli collection, a private art collection rivaling that of most museums. Lunch at Casa Garcia Alvarado, built in 1912, hosted by the owner. Return to the hotel and enjoy dinner at its signature restaurant.

Day 3: Lima-CuscoAfter breakfast take one-hour flight to Cusco*, where you are transferred to the stunning Ho-tel Monasterio, a 300-year-old former monastery. Enjoy a cup of hot coca tea and rest in your deluxeroom,equippedwithoxygen enrichment system to help you acclimatize to Cusco’s high altitude (11,000 feet). Af-ternoon tour of Cusco, including the Cathedral, Temple of the Sun and Archbishop Palace with its colonial oil painting collection.

Day 4: Hiram Bingham to Machu PicchuMorning transfer to Poroy Sta-tion and board the Hiram Bing-ham, named after the explorer who“rediscovered”MachuPicchu in the 20th century. The train descends into the Sacred Valley and passes fields and colorful villages in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Enjoy a tasty brunch, mimosas and views of the mountains and the sparkling Urubamba River. Afternoon arrival in Aguas

Calientes and transfer to Machu Picchu. Check-in for a one-night full-board stay at the Sanctuary Lodge just a few steps from the site entrance. Take a two-hour guided tour around one of the most outstanding archaeologi-cal wonders of the world. Return to the hotel for afternoon English-style tea. Dinner at the hotel’s deluxe restaurant.

Day 5: Hiram Bingham to CuscoExperience a magnificent dawn at Machu Picchu. Linger over breakfast at the hotel; watch the sunrise; or climb challeng-ing Huayna Picchu. Lunch at the hotel. Return to Cusco by Hiram Bingham with dinner and enter-tainment on board. Overnight at Hotel Monasterio.

Day 6: Sacred ValleyFull day tour of the Sacred Valley with guide. Visit Sacsayhuaman fortress, with spectacular views of Cusco. Take in the town of Pisac, with its traditional market of arts and crafts. Lunch stop at Hacienda Huayocari, then continue through to Ollantayt-ambo, with original Inca houses, natural water canals and ancient terraces. Enjoy a special dinner at the contemporary MAP café, located in the Museum of Pre-columbian Art.

Day 7: LimaFly back to Lima*, and return to Miraflores Park Hotel. Afternoon

personalized shopping tour in bohemian district of Barranco, withitsantiquerepublicanconstruction and artsy shops. Dinner at Restaurant Huaca Pucllana, located within an archeological compound.

Day 8: Depart LimaTransfer to airport included.

aNdeaN eXplorer add-oN:Day 1: Andean Explorer to PunoSpend the day on board the Andean Explorer traveling from Cusco to Puno. The scenic jour-ney takes about 10 hours, and it’s too short! Stop en route at La Raya, the highest point on the line at 14,150 feet. A delightful lunch is served on board, and there is entertainment in the bar car. Journey ends as you pull into Puno along Lake Titicaca. Overnight at Hotel Titilaka with lake view.

Day 2: Uros & Taquile IslandsWe recommend an early wake-up call to see the sun rising over Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world at 12,500 feet. Full day visit to the Uros&TaquileIslandswithboxlunch. Some say visiting the floating islands and the families who make their homes there is a highlight of their trip to Peru.

Day 3: Return to LimaPrivate transfer to Puno airport with stop at archaeological site of Sillustani. Fly to Lima*.

*Flights not included in pricing

The highlighTs•SpectacularHiram Bingham luxury train service round-trip with meals on board•Accommodationsinsuitesanddeluxe rooms in Orient-Express hotels: Miraflores Park, Monaste-rio and Sanctuary Lodge•Two-hourprivateguidedtourof Machu Picchu; its serenity at sunset and dawn•PrivatetouringinCuscowithlocal guide; private transfers•Alacartelunchesanddinnerswhere specified; buffet breakfast in all properties•LunchwithSignoraAlvaradoinher private home•EnricoPoliprivateartcollection•SpectacularAndean Explorer add-on with floating islands visit

“I think Machu Picchu is the most amazing thing we’ve ever seen. The Hiram Bingham ambience was super. The guide was great. He put his heart and soul into it, and he knew what he was talking about.”

— F. Miller, IRT Pullman Club Member


OrienT-expreSS HOTelS lTd./genivS lOCi

eleanOr Hardy eleanOr Hardy angela walker


iNdiaN pacific & The ghaN:ausTralia rail eXTravagaNza


The TrainS: Indian Pacific; The Ghan

Train TypeS: Both First Class

Australia’s transcontinental Indian Pacific travels 2,700 miles from Sydney to Perth via Adelaide. Almost 300 miles of it is across the longest straight track in the world, the Nul-larbor Plain. The journey takes three nights, and our travelers report it’s frequently a very jolly time, with many Aussies traveling the route, especially around holidays. The Indian Pacific schedule runs twice weekly from September to late November and January through March. Outside those times, it runs just once weekly in both direc-tions. The Ghan has a long and wild history, starting in 1878, when construction began, until 2004, when the first Ghan arrived in Darwin. The Alice to Darwin “Top End” route had been dreamed of for more than a century. It takes 48 hours—two nights on board—to travel from Adelaide to Darwin over 1,846 miles of track. The Ghan runs twice weekly from April through October, then changes to a once-weekly departure in both directions for the off-season. The Ghan kicked off a new luxury service, Platinum class, limited to 24 cabins, five years ago. IRT travelers have found the ac-commodations lovely, with some hiccups in service. Platinum travelers get priority seat-ing in the dining car, at check-in and for the Whistle Stop tours, which are now in-cluded for Gold & Platinum guests. They also receive a welcome drink and appetizer, 24-hour steward service, complimentary nightcap, in-room entertainment and hotel transfers to/from The Ghan in Darwin. Platinum service is also now being offered on select Indian Pacific departures.

Sleeping CarS Each Platinum class cabin has a large, private, en suite shower, sink and toilet, and is 82.5 square feet—almost twice the size of the existing Gold Kangaroo compartments. The cabin is converted to a lounge area by day, with a moveable table and two otto-mans. At night, it converts to either double or twin beds; the interior is finished in Tas-manian Myrtle wood. What distinguishes

Platinum Class most is service quality, extra space and extras such as room service and a butler. Most IRT single travelers recommend booking sole use of a double in Gold Kan-garoo Class. The reason: double cabins in Gold have private, en suite sink, toilet and shower. Single compartments’ showers and toilets are down the hall. Gold Class features a three-seat sofa which converts to upper and lower sleeping berths at night. Single Cabins feature a lounge chair converting to single sleeping berth.

Dining & lounge CarS Dining is in the private Platinum and Gold Kangaroo restaurants. All meals are included in the cost of the ticket; drinks are extra. Our members who have traveled Platinum class recently enjoyed their experi-ence overall, but said room service was not always available because their butler was serving in the dining room. They also noted their safe didn’t work, and there was no hair dryer. Gold Kangaroo accommodations and service are similar on The Ghan and Indian Pacific. Both trains are definitely on our list of World’s Top 25 Trains because they offer the only true transcontinental rail trips in the world. There is a fine feeling of other-world-liness when you wake up at dawn on The Ghan, for example, and peer out to see the new day, a desert drenched in gold.

And talk about gold: consider char-tering the Chairman’s Car on the

Indian Pacific for eight persons. Call for pricing.


The Tour Tour starts most Wednesdays throughout year. This sweep of Australia allows you to experience the Ghan and Indian Pacific, and the must-see Tropical Top End of Darwin with its Kakadu National Park, the Red Center’s Uluru and Perth on the west coast. This program abounds in UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The iTiNerary Day 1: Depart SydneyBoard Indian Pacific in Sydney mid-afternoon. Enjoy dinner on board as you head toward the far west of New South Wales.

Day 2: Indian Pacific-AdelaideThe train travels north, paus-ing in Broken Hill and Adelaide, with time for Whistle Stop Tours* at each. Meals and over-night on the train.

Day 3: Indian-Pacific-Nullarbor PlainEnter salt lake country and vast Nullarbor Plain; stop at Cook, one of world’s most isolated outposts. Evening stop at Kal-goorlie with Whistle Stop Tour* option. Overnight on board.

Day 4: Arrive PerthTake in the scenery of Avon Valley over breakfast before


arriving in Perth just after 9 a.m. Transfer to Crowne Plaza Perth for a two-night stay.

Day 5: PerthDiscover Perth’s major tourist attractions, including a replica of 1899 Perth Tram. Cruise Swan River from Freemantle for scenic tour of historic port city. Free time cruising back to Perth.

Day 6: Perth to DarwinFly Perth-Darwin* today, check into Crowne Plaza Darwin. Afternoon at leisure; optional tours available.

Day 7: Kakadu National ParkEnjoy Jumping Crocodile cruise with guide followed by lunch.Visit Bowali Visitor Center and rock art site at Ubirr. Overnight Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn.

Day 8: Kakadu National ParkExplore Aboriginal art site at NourlangieRockwithuniquex-ray style artwork; then cruise on Yellow Water Billabong. Overnight All Seasons Kather-ine Hotel.

Day 9: Katherine to DarwinBreakfast cruise on Katherine Gorge, with its sheer sandstone cliffs. Continue to Edith Falls and Adelaide River War Cem-etery. Return to Darwin.

Day 10: DarwinFree day. Optional tours offered.

Day 11: Board The GhanBoard The Ghan; travel south past lush tropical scenery to Katherine. Enjoy a Whistle Stop Tour* at Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park.

Day 12: The Ghan-Alice SpringsArrive Alice Springs; transfer to Alice Springs Resort.

Day 13: Uluru (Ayers Rock)Coach trip to Uluru (Ayers Rock), with stop at camel farm. Travel to the immense 36 rock domes of Kata Tjuta, and ex-plore Walpa (Olga) Gorge. Later, enjoy a glass of wine while watching the sunset on Uluru. Overnight Desert Gardens Hotel.

Day 14: Uluru & OlgasRise early to see Uluru sunrise and tour the base. Take Mu-titjulu Walk to Waterhole and view aboriginal rock paintings. Visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Center. Overnight at Kings Can-yon Resort.

Day 15: Kings CanyonChoose from two walks to discover Kings Canyon, with its towering orange walls. Return to Alice Springs.

Day 16: The Ghan-AdelaideMorning free in Alice Springs. Transfer to train station and board The Ghan south to Ad-elaide. Overnight on board.

Day 17: AdelaideArrive Adelaide at 12:30 p.m.

*Whistle Stops included in the pricing. Flights not included.

The highlighTs•World-famousIndian Pacific Sydney to Perth in Gold Kan-garoo class (Optional Platinum class upgrade)

•The Ghan from Darwin to Ad-elaide in Gold Kangaroo Class•EnjoyspecialperksofPlati-num Service (optional upgrade)•Twodaystoexplorethefabu-lous Kakadu National Park•OutstandingKataTjuta,Uluruand Olgas•TourthewesterncityofPerthby a replica 1899 tram•FreetimeinDarwinwithop-tional tours available

Itinerary can be customized and varies with train schedules. Also can be combined with Sunlander itinerary, page 60.

eXTeNd your JourNeyFantastic pre-train Regent Cruise, Auckland-Sydney Jan. 17-Feb. 1, 2014. IRT price: 58% off brochure + $400 spa credit.

“It was a wonderful trip. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Anyone who wants to see Australia, this is the way to se it. I’ll remember this for the rest of my life.”

— S. Morse, IRT Pullman Club member

The priciNg $ 8,750 AUD per person, double (Gold Kangaroo class)$13,089 AUD single (Gold Kangaroo class)

Upgrade to Platinum service:$1,302 AUD per person, double, Indian Pacific$1,952 AUD per person, double, The Ghan

Single pricing includes single occupancy of twin share cabin on the trains. Tour priced in Australian dollars. Please call for approximate U.S. dollar price. Rates vary based on season and special events.Indian Ocean

Indian Ocean

CoralSea

Arafura Sea

Western Australia

Northern Territory

South Australia

Queensland

New South Wales

Victoria

Tasmania

Kalgoorlie

Perth

Darwin

Alice Springs

Ayers Rock

Cairns

Brisbane

SydneyAdelaide

Victoria

State / Territory Boundary

National Capital

International Boundary

0 500 Miles

AustraliaCity

State / Territory Name

Perth

500 km

KatherineKurandaTour 1 • Tour 2 •

RailFlightRoad

pHOenix arrien pHOenix arrien pHOenix arrien

STepHen MOrSe

pHOenix arrien


suNlaNder: QueeNlaNd’s gorgeous coasT


The Train: Sunlander


The Sunlander is a fabulous way to visit the Great Barrier Reef, the Kuranda Scenic Railway, the islands such as Fraser and the Whitsundays, and the rainforest. The Sunlander links them all with its overnight service crossing 1,045 miles on the east coast of Queensland, Australia, from Brisbane to Cairns. The scenery is spectacular. The possible stopovers are too. If you take the Sunlander straight through, it takes 32 hours. But, combining this train with Queensland’s tilt-train for shorter, day trips, you can enjoy fabulous itineraries, all con-nected by rail. There are endless variations on the itinerary we show here. New for 2013: Queensland Rail Travel has cut the num-ber of departures of the Sunlander with Queenslander class to twice weekly in each direction. In 2014, an all-new Sunlander, is scheduled to begin ser-vice. In this new Sunlander, Queenslander class will be gone. Officials are floating the idea of “chair beds,” such as on business class airline service. These would lie flat, but not offer private compartments. If taking the present equipment is your desire, you can do that only through 2013.

Sleeping CarS IRT tip: book Queenslander Class, the most luxurious option on this route in sleeping and dining facilities, while you still can. It’s this class of service that has earned this train a place on the World’s Top 25 Trains list. Queenslander accommodations are private cabins with twin berths; singles pay for sole use of a double. All have washbasin, wardrobe, full-length mirror and reading lights. Shower and toilets are down the hall. Our most recent travelers still liked this service much bet-ter than Gold Class on The Ghan. There is a definite feeling of “we try harder” with a special brand of Queenslander Class hospitality.

Dining & lounge Car This is an all-inclusive train that boasts fine dining in an exclusive restaurant car with china, silver and linens. Service is at a high level, with meals served in courses, and the overall dining experience is enjoyable. Passengers dine on sumptuous hot breakfasts and meals featuring fresh local produce and Great Barrier Reef seafood—stunning plates of shrimp, for example. There is an extensive Australian wine list (additional). There are lots of unexpected perks. As one IRT traveler said: “I enjoyed the Sunlander enough that I might consider doing that one again.”

The TourTour starts most Wednesdays and Saturdays year round. Take the Sunlander in luxuri-ous Queenslander Class on this six-day tour exploring north-eastern Australia. Tour includes Kuranda Scenic Railway, Great Barrier Reef via luxury catama-ran, and a glide along rainfor-est treetops on Skyrail. Can be combined with tour on pages 58-59. It is easily added to a Down Under cruise that be-gins/ends in Brisbane and can be done in either direction.

The iTiNerary Day 1: CairnsTransfer included from Cairns airport to hotel.

Day 2: Great Barrier ReefEnjoy the scenic coastal drive to Port Douglas. Board luxury catamaran for a cruise of Low Isles in the Great Barrier Reef, with incredible views through glass-bottom boat. Snorkel equipmentavailable;marinebi-ologist guide. Overnight Cairns

Day 3: Kuranda Scenic RailwayRail through 15 hand-cut tun-nels and past spectacular wa-terfalls on board the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Visit Butterfly Sanctuary and ride above the

rainforest on a gondola.

Days 4-5: Sunlander to BrisbaneSettle into Queenslander Class on the Sunlander with lovely meals included. Head through fantastic inland coastal scenery. Overnight on train. After arrival, overnight in Brisbane.

Day 6: Depart BrisbaneTransfer to airport included.

The highlighTs•Overnightsinfour-starhotelsand all transfers included•Sunlander journey in deluxe Queenslander class•KurandaScenicRailway•Skyrail•CruiseGreatBarrierReefinglass-bottom boat

See page 58 for map.

The priciNg $2,115 AUD per person, double$3,230 AUD single

Tour priced in Australian dollars. Please call for approximate U.S. dollar price. Rates not valid for special events such as New Year’s.


KEY: EB=Eastbound; WB=Westbound; NB=Northbound; SB=SouthboundSome prices are given in local currency, including Canadian Dollars (CAD), Australian Dollars (AUD), South African Rand (R), Euro (€), Swiss Francs (CHF) and British pounds (£). The U.S. dollar price will be determined based on the rate of exchange when payments are made. Red=2014 dates/pricing. Some 2014 information may be tentative.

2o13 appeNdiX

Region/Page # Train Tour/Itinerary Dates Pricing per person (Double/Single)

Africa Pride of Africa Cape Town to Dar es Salaam NB: June 29-July 12; Pullman: $10,600/$14,900P. 4 (Rovos Rail) (NB); or Dar es Salaam to Cape Sept. 28-Oct.11 Deluxe: $13,900/$19,800 Town (SB), 14 days SB: July 15-28; Oct. 14-27 Royal: $18,900/$37,800 2014: NB: Jan. 18-31; 2014: Pullman: $10,600/$14,900 June 28-July 11; Sept. 27-Oct. 10 Deluxe: $13,900/$19,800 SB: Feb. 3-16; March 17-30; Royal: $18,900/$37,800 July 14-27; Oct. 13-26 Africa Pride of Africa Cape to Cairo by Luxury Train, 2014: Jan. 17-Feb. 13 (NB); 2014: Pullman: $48,500/$56,700P. 7 (Rovos Rail) Jet and Boat, 28 days Feb. 4-March 3 (SB) Deluxe: $52,00/$61,500 Royal: $56,000/$66,800 Africa Pride of Africa African Collage: Pretoria- May 16-24 (WB); Oct. 31- Pullman: R45,000/R67,500P. 8 (Rovos Rail) Cape Town (WB) or Cape Town Nov. 8 (WB); Nov. 11-19 (EB) Deluxe: R68,000/R102,000 to Pretoria (EB), 9 days 2014: May 22-30 (WB); Royal: R91,500/R137,250 Nov. 6-14 (WB); Nov. 17-25 (EB) 2014: Pullman: R47,500/R71,250 Deluxe: R71,000/R106,500 Royal: R95,000/R142,500 Africa Pride of Africa Namibia: Pretoria-Swakopmund April 25-May 3 (WB); May 5-13 (EB) 2013 & 2014 pricing same as P. 9 (Rovos Rail) (WB); or Swakopmund- 2014: May 1-9 (WB); Collage trip above Pretoria (EB), 9 days May 11-19 (WB) Africa The Blue Train Southern Africa Safari: Cape Package available year round Double: $9,810 to $11,790P. 10 Town-Johannesburg, 10 days Single: $13,690 to $15,790

Asia Golden Eagle Trans- The Silk Road: Moscow- Sept. 20-Oct. 10 (EB); Silver: $22,395/$31,395P. 12 Siberian Express/ Beijing (EB); or Beijing- Sept. 24-Oct. 14 (WB) Gold: $27,895/$39,895 Shangri-La Express Moscow (WB), 21 days 2014: Sept. 20-Oct. 10 (EB); Imperial: $38,495/$53,895 Moscow-Almaty*, 13 days Sept. 24-Oct. 14 (WB); 2014: Silver: $23,995/$34,995 Urumchi-Beijing*, 9 days Oct. 23-Nov. 12 (WB) Gold: $29,995/$43,495 (*See website for pricing) Imperial: $42,395/$63,595

Asia Palace on Wheels India’s Rajasthan by Private Departs Wednesdays, $4,025/$5,390P. 15 Train: Delhi-Delhi, 8 days September through April Service tax of 3.09% and $15 per person commercial tax additional. Asia Deccan Odyssey Indian Maharaja: Mumbai- SB: March 13; April 10 Silver: $4,165/$6,650P. 16 Delhi (NB) or Delhi-Mumbai Oct. 23; Nov. 6, 20; Dec. 4, 18 Gold: $4,865/$7,770 (SB), 8 days NB: March 6; April 3; Oct. 16, 30; Platinum: $6,965/$11,130 Nov. 13, 27; Dec 11, 25 Service tax of 3.09% and $24 p.p. addt’l. Asia Eastern & Oriental Epic Thailand: Bangkok- Nov. 23-Dec. 1 State: $9,200/$13,800P. 18 Express Chaing Mai-Bangkok, 9 days 2014: Feb. 23-March 1; Nov. 13-19 Presidential: $11,800/$17,700

Asia Eastern & Oriental Bangkok to Singapore (SB), NB: March 16; April 3, 17; May 22; Pullman: $2,560/$2,560P. 20 Express 4 days; or Singapore to June 19; July 11, 20; Sept. 19, 28; State: $3,740/$5,610 Bangkok (NB), 3 days Oct. 11, 18; Nov. 8, 16; Dec. 20 Presidential: $5,410/$8,120 SB: March 11; April 8, 22; May 27; June 24; July 15; Aug. 12; Sept. 23; Oct. 7, 14, 21; Nov. 4, 11; Dec. 2, 23 2014: Jan 27-30

Asia Orcaella (ship) Mandalay-Yangon, 12 days Nov. 18-29; Dec. 23-Jan. 3 Deluxe: $5,610/ $7,360 P. 21 2014: Feb. 3-14 State: $7,210/ $10,450 Balcony: $10,080/ $16,100

Europe Golden Eagle Trans- Across Siberia by Private Train: WB: May 18-June 1; June 16-30; Silver: $15,495/$22,395 P. 22 Siberian Express Vladivostok-Moscow (WB) or Aug. 10-24; Sept. 7-21 Gold: $18,995/$26,895 Moscow-Vladivostok (EB), EB: May 5-19; June 3-17; Imperial: $29,995/$42,895 15 days July 28-Aug. 11; Aug. 25-Sept. 8 2014: Silver: $16,595/$23,995 2014: WB: May 17-31; June 14-28; Gold: $19,995/$29,995 Aug. 9-23; Sept. 6-20 Imperial: $32,995/$47,995 EB: May 4-18; June 1-15; May 2014 departures offer seasonal July 27-Aug. 10; Aug. 24-Sept. 7 savings. Please see website.

QueenSland rail

QueenSland rail

QueenSland rail



Europe Golden Eagle Trans- Russian Winter Wonderland: 2014: Feb. 28-March 14 (EB); Silver: $15,995/$22,995 P. 24 Siberian Express Moscow-Vladivostok (EB) or March 13-27 (WB) Gold: $19,995/$29,995 Vladivostok-Moscow (WB), Imperial: $32,995/$47,995 15 days

Europe Golden Eagle Trans- Naadam Festival: Moscow- July 1-13 (EB); July 10-22 (WB) Silver: $14,795/$21,495P. 24 Siberian Express Ulaan Baatar (EB) or Ulaan 2014: July 1-13 (EB); Gold: $18,495/$26,395 Baatar-Moscow (WB), 13 days July 10-22 (WB) Imperial: $29,495/$41,795 2014: Silver: $15,495/$22,595 Gold: $18,995/$27,995 Imperial: $29,995/$44,995

Europe Golden Eagle Trans- Caspian Odyssey: 2014: October 15-30 2014: Silver: $20,995/$30,495P. 25 Siberian Express Yerevan-Almaty, 16 days Gold: $26,495/$38,495 Imperial: $42,695/$63,995

Europe Royal Scotsman Classic: 5 days Classic: Apr 21, 25, 29; May 17, 25; Classic: $6,800/$6,800P. 26 Western: 4 days June 3, 15, 24; July 15, 19, 27; Western: $5,380/$5,380 Highland: 3 days Aug. 5, 12, 24; Sept. 2, 13, 17, 21, 30; Highland: $3,710/$3,710 Grand West Highland (GWH), Oct. 7, 11, 15 West Highland: $8,000/$8,000 combines Western & Highland: Western: May 3, 10; June 28; July 12; North Western: $10,960/$10,960 6 days Aug. 2, 9, 30; Sept. 6, 27; Oct. 4 Grand North Western (GNW), Highland: May 6, 29; June 19; combines Classic & Western: July 31; Aug. 20, 22, 28; Sept. 25 8 days GWH: May 3, 29; June 19; July 31; Aug. 20, 28; Sept 25 GNW: April 29; June 24; July 12; Aug. 2, 5, 9; Sept. 27, 30; Oct 4

Europe Royal Scotsman Classic Whisky Journey, April 21-25 $6,800/$6,800P. 27 5 days 2014: April 28-May 2

Europe Royal Scotsman Country Homes & Gardens, June 7-11 $7,330/$7,330P. 27 and Wales, 5 days 2014: June 6-10

Europe Royal Scotsman Grand Tour: Scotland, England July 5-12 $14,020/$14,020P. 28 and Wales, 8 days 2014: July 11-18

Europe Venice Simplon- Venice-Prague-Paris or May 1-5; June 5-9; Oct. 2-6 Paris: $3,570/$3,570P. 30 Orient-Express; London, 5 days 2014: May 7-11; June 4-8; Cabin Suite: $5,580 p.p. double British Pullman Oct. 1-5 London: $4,120/$4,120 Cabin Suite: $6,130 p.p. double Europe Venice Simplon- Venice-Krakow-Dresden-Paris, July 4-11 To Paris: $8,570/$8,570P. 31 Orient-Express or London, 8 days (all suites) To London: $9,240/$9,240 Europe Venice Simplon- Paris-Istanbul Annual Tour, Aug. 30-Sept. 4 $10,340/$19,900P. 32 Orient-Express 6 days 2014: Aug. 29-Sept. 3

Europe Venice Simplon- Istanbul-Venice Annual Tour, Sept. 6-11 $10,340/$19,900P. 33 Orient-Express 6 days 2014: Sept. 5-10

Europe Venice Simplon- Scandinavia: Venice-Copenhagen- April 6-13; April 10-17 $6,490/$8,170P. 33 Orient-Express Stockholm or reverse, 8 days

Europe Venice Simplon- Romantic Italian Holiday: March 23, 30; April 13, 16, 20; $6,915/$8,235P. 34 Orient-Express; Florence-Venice-London (NB), May 7, 11, 14; June 8, 11, 15, 22; Cabin Suite upgrade: British Pullman 6 days July 13, 20; Aug. 10, 24; Sept. 14, 17, $1,150 p.p. double (NB) 21, 24; Oct. 5, 8, 12, 26; Nov. 2 $1,920 p.p. double (SB) See website for SB departures

Europe El Transcantábrico Santiago-San Sebastian (EB), EB: March 23; April 6, 20; May 4, 18; €4,250/ €8,500P. 36 Gran Lujo or San Sebastian-Santiago (WB), June 1, 15, 29; July 13, 27; Discounts for early booking. 8 days Aug. 10, 24; Sept. 7, 21; Oct. 5, 19 2014: €4,400/ €8,800 WB: March 30; April 13, 27; May 11, 25; June 8, 22; July 6, 20; Aug. 3, 17, 31; Sept. 14, 28; Oct. 12, 16


Europe El Transcantábrico Santiago-León (EB) or WB: March 23; April 6, 20; May 4, 18; €2,700/€3,700P. 38 Clásico León-Santiago (WB), June 1, 15, 29; July 13, 27; Discounts for early booking. 8 days Aug. 10, 24; Sept. 7, 21; Oct. 5, 19 2014: €2,700/€3,700 EB: March 30; April 13, 27; May 11, 25; June 8, 22; July 6, 20; Aug. 3, 17, 31; Sept. 14, 28; Oct. 12, 16

Europe Al-Andalus Seville roundtrip, 6 days April 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12, 19, 26; Standard Suite: €2,550/ €3,550P. 40 June 2, 9, 16, 23; Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29; Superior Suite: €3,250/ €4,450 Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 Discounts for early booking. 2014: March 16, 23, 30; 2014: Standard Suite: €2,850/ €4,050 April 6, 13, 20, 27; May 4, 11, 18, 25; Superior Suite: €3,400/ €4,700 June 1, 8, 15, 22; Sept. 21, 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9

Europe Danube Express Istanbul to Prague, 10 days May 26-June 4; June 16-25; €5,990/ €8,950P. 42 Sept. 22-Oct. 1

Europe Glacier Express; Switzerland Escorted Tour, June 19; July 3; Aug. 14, 28; From £1,895/£2,045P. 44 Bernina Express 10 days Sept. 11

Europe Glacier Express; Switzerland’s Classic Routes, Available year round 15-day tour: CHF 5,146/ CHF 6,500 (4*)P. 46 Bernina Express 8 days or 15 days CHF 7,888/ CHF 11,675 (5*) Golden Pass See page 46 for additional pricing.

Europe Flåm Railway Arctic Circle Express: June 7, 14, 21, 28; £2,745/£3,320P. 48 Stockholm to Oslo, 15 days July 12, 26; Aug. 2, 16 North America Royal Canadian Pacific Royal Canadian Rockies July 25-31; Aug. 1-7 $8,200/$8,200 CAD + GSTP. 50 Experience, 7 days GST is 5%

North America Royal Canadian Pacific Pacific Express: Calgary- Aug. 29-Sept. 2 $5,800/$5,800 CAD + GSTP. 51 Vancouver, 5 days GST is 5%

North America Canadian (VIA Rail) First-Class Rail across Canada: WB departs Sundays and Ranges from $4,199 to $7,329 CAD P. 52 & Rocky Mountaineer Toronto-Vancouver (WB), Thursdays, April 25-Sept. 19 (+applicable taxes). Rates vary 13 days, or Vancouver-Toronto EB departs Sundays and depending on date of departure, (EB), 12 days Thursdays, May 2-Sept. 26 direction of travel and service level.

North America Rocky Mountaineer Canadian Rockies Western EB: Mondays & Thursdays Ranges from $2,249 to $4,849 CADP. 54 Explorer, Vancouver-Calgary WB: Tuesdays & Saturdays (+ applicable taxes). (EB) or Calgary-Vancouver April 21-Oct. 1 See page 54 for full chart. (WB), 8 days

North America Amtrak’s Empire Glacier Park Discovery, Daily, May to September Moderate hotels: $2,699/$4,488P. 55 Builder Chicago-Seattle, 11 days Deluxe hotels: $3,049/$5,588 Upgrade to bedroom: $650/$1,350

South America Hiram Bingham; Peru’s Machu Picchu & Available year round $6,530/$10,670P. 56 Andean Explorer Cusco, 8 days Puno extension: $1,725/$2,115 Australia Indian Pacific/The Ghan Australia Rail Extravaganza, Departs most Wednesdays $8,750/$13,089 AUDP. 58 17 days year round Upgrades available – see p. 59.

Australia Sunlander Cairns-Brisbane, 6 days Departs most Wednesdays & $2,115/$3,230 AUDP. 60 Saturdays year round

www.irTsocieTy.comblog.irtsociety.com

facebook.com/irtsocietytwitter: @luxuryrail

Celebrating the World’s Top 25 Trains Since 1983

2424 FrankFOrT avenue, SuiTe 2lOuiSville, kenTuCky 40206

502.897.1725Fax: 502.897.1729

800.478.4881www.irTSOCieTy.COM

Travel wiTh us oN The world’s Top 25 TraiNs®

Pride of AfricA (Africa)Blue TrAin (Africa)

ShAngri-lA exPreSS (Asia)PAlAce on WheelS (Asia)deccAn odySSey (Asia)

eASTern & orienTAl exPreSS (Asia)golden eAgle TrAnS-SiBeriAn exPreSS (Europe)

The royAl ScoTSmAn (Europe)Venice SimPlon-orienT-exPreSS (Europe)

BriTiSh PullmAn (Europe)Al-AndAluS (Europe)

el TrAnScAnTáBrico (Europe) dAnuBe exPreSS (Europe)glAcier exPreSS (Europe)BerninA exPreSS (Europe)

golden PASS PAnorAmic exPreSS (Europe)FlåM railway (Europe)

royAl cAnAdiAn PAcific (North America)cAnAdiAn (North America)

rocky mounTAineer (North America)hirAm BinghAm (South America)

AndeAn exPlorer (South America)indiAn PAcific (Australia)

The ghAn (Australia)SunlAnder (Australia)

THE PRIDE OF AFRICA

THE SOCIETY OF INTERNATIONAL RAILWAY TRAVELERS

WWW.IRTSOCIETY.COM • CELEBRATING THE WORLD’S TOP 25 TRAINS SINCE 1983

®

THE SOCIETY OF INTERNATIONAL RAILWAY TRAVELERS


®

AL ANDALUS EXPRESS

ORIENT•EXPRESSTHE SOCIETY OF INTERNATIONAL RAILWAY TRAVELERS


®VENICE SIMPLON

eastern & oriental express

THE SOCIETY OF INTERNATIONALRAILWAYTRAVELERS

CELEBRATINGTHE WORLD’STOP 25 TRAINSSINCE 1983

n n n n www.irtsociety.com n n n n

www.irtsociety.com800.478.4881502.897.1725

the irt society’s best-loved railway journeys...

Documents