Discover the beauty of Peru, a land richly loaded with geographical variety and get mesmerized with the panoramic landscapes to behold your sight. Travel now and take the Peru-Orient Express rail journey via its official train travel company, the PeruRail. PeruRail runs four individually different train services connecting some of the most spectacular parts of Peru. The main highlight of the tour includes that of the Andes.

The PeruRail Journey via Orient Express

PeruRail starts the rail journey from Cusco, a very historical place in Peru heading to Machu Picchu which is very popular for its ruins. The trip then goes on to several other beautiful places in the country. Passengers actually have the option to choose which journey route they prefer to take. Passengers’ choice of routes includes going from the very historic place Cusco to Machu Picchu, known as the Lost City of the Incas; or the Sacred Valley to renowned for its ruins Machu Picchu, or better yet, from Cusco to the awe-inspiring Lake Titicaca. Some even opt to start their journey from Puno to Lake Titicaca or to Arequipa as well as the Colca Canyon. But whichever route you choose, you are sure to find yourself gazing adoringly at the beautiful panoramic scenes laid before your very eyes.

PeruRail to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas

The only way you may get to Machu Picchu is through PeruRail with the train leaving from the historic Cuzco and Ollantaytambo. Otherwise, you will be forced to walk the Inca trail which might be too exhausting for you. Machu Picchu, called the Lost City of the Incas, is a living proof that indeed the culture of Peru is rich in Inca architecture. One of the greatest examples of the Inca architecture, and situated 2,350 meters above sea level, the Machu Picchu can be found about 112 km from the historic place Cuzco. Left in ruins, the place is enveloped by green forests believed to have been founded in the mid-15th century. However, the ruins were only discovered during 1911 when first seen by Hiram Bingham, an American explorer.

Budget Packages for Peru Escapades via Orient Express’ PeruRail

The trains offer a variety of traveling budgets. You may wish to ride a comfortable and yet functional rail car, then the Backpacker Train is the one most suitable for you. So if you consider yourself a light traveler or what is more popularly known as the backpackers, then go for the Backpacker Train. There are also the Vistadome trains that will give you amazing panoramic windows, making you catch a full glimpse of Peru’s natural beauty and lush scenes.

Another option would be to take the Andean Explorer which was made to look like the famous British Pullman carriages of the 1920′s. Or take the Hiram Bingham, named after the American explorer, which is another of Orient Express’ luxury trains committed to nothing else but perfect accommodation and service. Truly, Peru remains one of the most interesting destinations of the world!

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At one time, traveling by railroad was the best way for a first-class experience. Today, fewer people ride the rails, as it is often easier and more luxurious to fly. Did you know, though, that you can still find complete sightseeing vacation packages that have you travel via private railcar? These experiences can be quiet rewarding, allowing you to actually see the countryside and interesting tourist destinations without having to drive yourself. If you are interested in a private railcar journey, check out the following options for a unique travel experience:

The Orient Express

Contrary to its name, the famous Orient Express was actually a trans-Europe journey to the gateway of Asia: Istanbul, Turkey. You may be familiar with the romanticized tale of this famous journey from novels and movies such as Bram Stoker’s Dracula or Agatha Christie’s 1934 Murder on the Orient Express. Travellers could start in London, cross the English Channel and board the train in Paris, travelling through Munich, Vienna, and Budapest, Hungary. From Budapest they could choose the route from Belgrade (Serbia) to Athens, or alternately, through Bucarest, Romania, to Constantinople – what is now Istanbul, Turkey. From Turkey or Greece, world leisure travelers could opt to continue their journey by boat or other trains to destinations in the Middle East, India and beyond.

Today you can relive a taste of the past through at least one company that operates service along some of the same rail lines in restored vintage rail carriages. The Venice-Simplon Orient Express offers regular trips from London to Venice and less frequent trips between Venice and Istanbul. The same travel company also offers similarly-themed rail vacations in Malaysia/Thailand and across Australia.

The Trans-Siberian Railway

Another Europe to Asia rail journey is the Trans-Siberian Railway. This is the longest continuous rail line in the world, running over six thousand miles. You can start your seven-day journey in Moscow and see the countryside and a number of Russian and Asian cities on your way to Vladivostok, or you can opt for a much longer trip, with stops in locations like Irkutsk and Lake Baikal. Most people tend to think of a vacation as a trip to somewhere warm and sunny, but this railcar journey takes you into a beautiful winter paradise instead.

The Blue Train, Africa

Luxurious fine dining and unique African scenery come together on The Blue Train. Running through South Africa, this train is all about five-star luxury. The private cars are perfect for guests who like the finer things in life, and the dinner service, complete with fine local wines, is second to none. You can, of course, expect to pay more for a journey on The Blue Train, but overall, the experience is well worth the money.

Canada and the Canadian Rockies

VIA Rail of Canada likes to boast of “The Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World,” and they might be right. If you choose the full cross-continent journey across the world’s second largest country, you will experience a wide range of terrains from forests and farmland, rolling prairies and lake sides, to the majestic Canadian Rockies. On some trips you sleep on the train, while others you ride the train by day and stop for land tours and then stay overnight in a luxury hotel. The full-blown Coast to Coast vacation is 16 nights and 17 days – but well worth it if you have the time. Canada offers a rich variety of natural wonders and hospitality as well.

South America and the Andes

PeruRail is one of the highest railroad lines in the entire world, and these routes take travelers to a variety of destinations, including Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, and the historic city of Cuzco. The spectacular views from your railcar alone are worth the trip, and if you love culture, this is a great way to explore the ancient world of the Incas.

Almost all countries in the world, including India, Canada, Spain, Mexico, and, of course, the United States, offer railway tours. While some, like the Tran-Siberian and others listed above, can take up your entire one to two week vacation, others are great for simple day trips, or even just afternoon trips. For example, the scenic Stroudsburg Railroad on the east coast of the United States takes you into Pennsylvania farm country over just a short afternoon ride. Opportunities like this are available around the world. So, even if you do not want to spend your entire time on a train, you can add a railcar journey as part of your vacation.

When booking a trip by rail, keep in mind that not all trains offer private options. If you plan to make this the bulk of your journey, make sure that the railcar you are booking will allow for you to have a bit of privacy with your travel companions. Some trains only offer traditional seating, which can be uncomfortable and cramped on longer trips. Also, make sure you check on the accommodations for sleeping and eating. Although many lines offer eating and sleeping facilities, for some, this is about function not comfort. If you want a luxury vacation, make sure you do your research and choose a true five-star option.

The world is changing. With our fast-paced daily lives, most people are looking for the quickest way to get from point A to point B. Sometimes, though, the actual travel is the best part of the vacation. Do not overlook rail travel when planning your next vacation. If you are not sure which rail journey is right for you, work with a travel agent. Although we typically think of a travel agent as someone who plans cruises and resort vacations, they can also help you book a private railcar journey. These train trips can help you make memories that last a lifetime.

Cynthia Andrews
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/riding-the-rails-complete-sightseeing-vacations-by-private-railcar-692168.html

Ever imagined getting a very comfortable, luxurious and unique train ride experience? Get your tickets now from the Orient Express and hop aboard one of its very popular and well-loved carriages, the British Pullman! The British Pullman can accommodate 226 passengers at the most, with each carriage seating between 20 and 26 passengers. The passengers will be seated comfortably in small cubicles which can accommodate four people at maximum.

The Luxury and Comfort the British Pullman Brings

After hopping on board the British Pullman, passengers will easily get the feeling of luxurious comfort blended with elegance and style in a carriage. You may relax with the very softly upholstered furniture, so comfortably cozy to sit on. Have some champagne and savor, make the best out of this romantic and exciting adventure!

The British Pullman, a Palace on Wheels

During the 1920′s and the 1930′s, the British Pullman was first thought of as ‘Palaces on Wheels’. George Mortimer Pullman, the man from whom the carriage was named after, made British Pullman an epitome of glory, elegance and gratification. By merely looking at the train’s interiors, passengers would know that each rail car has been designed to elegance and perfection. If you look at its interiors, you will see that each rail car is a manifestation of a unique and elaborate design, the mosaic flooring and the gleaming and stunning Art Deco works of art. Later on in 1882, Pullman Car Company gained dominance of luxury train travels in Britain and since.

The British Pullman Serving the British Royal Family

Would you believe it but most of the carriages before were regularly used by the British Royal Family specifically for shorter journeys! However, for much longer voyages, the royal family had an especially made train to bring them to various places. Some of the trains were actually even used as carriages to transport foreign dignitaries during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953.

Story Behind the British Pullman Restoration

The classic British Pullman trains were restored in Cornforth, Lancashire. It was a major attempt to revive such very old and historical trains considering the very intricate engineering work it will require just to completely finish the interiors of the carriages. And so, it was in 1977 that James Sherwood got two sleeping trains from the Orient Express and continued to search for some other 35 remarkable trains from museums around as well as from excellent private collections of some antique collectors.

And upon final restoration, the new British Pullman trains of Orient Express were ran in April 1982 as part of the extraordinary run coming from London all the way to Brighton to open the Brighton Festival. And since then up to present, the British Pullman trains offer passengers the real meaning of a luxury train travel at its best! You will be guaranteed that anywhere you go inside the British Pullman carriage, you will find them all exceeding your standards.

From the restaurant cars, to the saloon and bar cars, as well as the observation car, passengers will surely get the most elegant and luxurious yet comfortable and enjoyable train ride ever!

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An inside look at the Venice Simplon Orient Express, The Worlds most famous luxury train. Shown on Blue Peter

Duration : 0:9:5

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Tornado on a fathers day round trip of Kent, returning to London via Canterbury, Thanet, Dover, Folkestone and Ashford. Tornado stopped at Folkestone West to take on water and allow passengers a photo call.
Folkestone West is also now used by the Orient Express as its base for its weekly visit.
Copyright cjb12121

Duration : 0:2:47

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Great Railway Journeys of the World, Series 1, Episode 6 (S01E06), first broadcast by BBC television 4th December 1980.

Historian Michael Wood travels on the Blue Train, the most luxurious train in the world, and follows the trail of the empire builder, Cecil Rhodes, from Cape Town to Victoria Falls. His journey takes him through the great wilderness of the Karoo and the diamond fields of Kimberley to the gold city of Johannesburg and its sprawling offspring, Soweto. He sees, at first hand, how the settling of South Africa has produced apartheid. Leaving South Africa, Wood travels through Botswana around the edge of the Kalahari and into a war. During filming in December 1979, Zimbabwe-Rhodesia was still a battlefield as the politicians argued out a cease-fire agreement in London.

Duration : 0:6:47

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If there is one thing in life that can never be bought nor traded for money, it is the "experience" of doing great things. Really, great experiences are tremendously delightful and shall forever be etched in one’s heart. I’m sure a lot of people know this that is why there are just so much of these luxurious trips availed by many people all over the world. Bookings in travel agencies fly here left and right. Individuals, peer groups, couples and families all truly want to get an awesome and rewarding experience beyond doubt together with their loved ones! And there is no better way to do it than go Orient Express!

Orient Express has established itself as a very popular carrier of people who want to have a glimpse of the varying cultures of other countries, the people and their beautiful places. So, let Orient Express take you anywhere you go and get a taste of other countries’ customs and traditions aboard their luxuriously comfortable trains! Here are some of the most famous and most-loved tourist destinations where you may be brought to by Orient Express.

Eastern and Orient Express

What could ever be more exciting than riding aboard a very posh train all the way from Singapore to Bangkok, Thailand? Usually, travellers would take flights instead of train rides. But train rides can also be very luxurious, comfortable and exciting with the train rides of Orient Express! This is called the Eastern and Orient Express journey wherein travellers enjoy their 1,262 mile train ride to Bangkok. The trip is divided into four days and three nights with two stopovers at Penang Island and the so-called River Kwai.

These stopovers are like excursions led by official tourist guides explaining the unique and beautiful sceneries beholding your sight! Get a glimpse of the rainforests while comfortably seated in the Orient Express. See jungles, rivers, rice fields, and sometimes even water buffalos and elephants loitering.

The Eastern and Orient Express luxury train adventure brings you through the whole of South East Asia. After a luxurious stay of a few days in Singapore, you will then head to Bangkok, Thailand, Chiang Mai and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia aboard this high-class Orient Express luxury train.

Discover and see the sights around Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore on a very extraordinary rail journey in the luxurious comfort of the green carriages of the world renowned Eastern & Oriental Express. Ran by the same people who restored the world famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Europe, the Eastern & Oriental Express is an exclusive train of unparalleled luxury and comfort!

The cubicle is an air-conditioned and stylishly furnished day room and converts into a very warm and comfortable bedroom for sleeping comfortably at night time. Experience the taste of their unique papaya juice courteously served to you before dinnertime.

Traverse along the Orient Express railroads bringing you to an unforgettably 1,200 miles of wonderful journey connecting the most astonishing and beautiful cities if the East! Take in the mystery and excitements this trip will bring to your life!

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….where dd you go, and did you enjoy it? I’m considering a day trip to Bath on the O.E. for my 40th but it seems like such a lot of money and they seem to discourage children. I wouldn’t want to do it without my daughter. Has anyone been on one of these trips, and what did you think – worth the money? Thank you.

Yes we went on a steam haled one we left Waterloo at 10.00 AM had time to have a look round in bath. we had good food on the way up and back, arrived back at Waterloo at 9.50. We Enjoyed it that much we have book for next year. Have a Good time.

Yes – Michael Palin could tell you. He did a superb series of programmes for a TV series of railways all over the world ! ! !

The beautiful and elegant Orient Express we now know is a new and not the original Orient Express. The original Orient Express, considered by many as the really true descendant of the very first Express d’Orient train is the one that had gone from Paris in 1883. About 125 years old or so, the Orient Express’ history can be traced from 1883 to 2009. The two expensive tourist trains known that time were the Orient Express, which is actually the Venice Simplon Orient Express and the Nostalgic Orient Express which is as beautiful as the Venice Simplon Trains.

Strasbourg- Giurgiu Route in 1883
And so in 1883, Express d’Orient began service twice weekly. First stop at Strasbourg and last stop at Giurgiu where the travelers would traverse the Danube River by ferryboat. The ride would go all the way to Bulgaria to meet a second train that would be picking up all passengers for the 7-hour journey to Varna on the Black Sea.  After which an Austrian Lloyd steamer would join for the 14-hour sea expedition to Constantinople in Istanbul.

Paris-Vienna Route in 1889
Through the years, Express d’Orient’s service improved and became a daily trip doing the Paris-Munich-Vienna itinerary while at the same time, continuing operations twice a week from Vienna to Giurgiu to be picked up by the ferryboat to Ruse, Bulgaria. It was in 1889 that Express d’Orient started doing direct Paris-Constantinople operations and eventually officially named The Orient Express. After that Orient Express experienced incessant suspension of operations from left to right.

And finally in1919, Simplon Orient Express began its services and operations as the newest addition to Orient Express. They traversed the Southerly path from Paris heading to various places including Trieste, Lausanne, Belgrade Milan, Venice, and Istanbul beginning in 1920. They particularly took this path to be bale to avoid Germany that time. The Allies did not have full trust of the Germans at that time; thus, taking the route of Calais-Istanbul instead.

Looking back at history, we would see that it was actually the Venice Simplon Orient Express which stopped operations in 1977 when suddenly the Orient Express was asked to cut back its services. The Orient Express therefore was limited to running only from Paris to Vienna. With this the company lost several of its cars and seats from Paris to Budapest, even its sleeping car from Paris to Bucharest which ran twice a week. At that time, the name Orient Express almost got snuffed out.

However, it continued existing. It was beautifully brought back into full operations for some time again. However, in June 2007 when it started to run again its services since the TGV-Est express lines resumed operations, the Orient Express for Paris-Vienna route got cut back again. So that time, they had no other choice but to just run services from Strasbourg to Vienna.

And it was so unfortunate that it happened again and was announced that come December this year, specifically on December 12, 2009, the Orient Express’ Strasbourg-Vienna route is finally going to be withdrawn after a long period of 125 years.

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