Going to the city of Prague has always been a childhood dream of mine. The place alone is an epitome of natural beauty, richness of culture and diversity. Couple it with a rail journey so luxurious and comfortable as the luxury train rides offered by the Orient Express. Really, nothing could be better than this duo.

Take that journey through Venice and experience the uniquely fascinating architectural tour that will bring you to the city of Venice, Prague and all the way to London. The rail journey takes a stretch of six nights and seven days to get the most out of this exciting voyage to Venice and other several wonderful locations.

Day One of the Venice Expedition aboard Orient Express

On the first day, upon passengers’ arrival, you are welcomed at the hotel lobby and shown to your luxurious room. You may spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city of Venice.

Day Two: Highlights of Venice 2-Hour Guided Tour

On the second day, you will be setting on a guided tour. It is a two-hour group tour right after your breakfast including a group walking tour called the ‘Highlights of Venice’ where passengers may find out about Venice’s famous landmarks as well some of the city’s unrevealed secrets.

Day Three: Transfer to Venice Simplon Orient Express

On the third day; however, passengers are motioned to board the Orient Express and enjoy an especially prepared gourmet course upon boarding. The third day will be the last day of stay in the city of Venice and travelers will then be moved to the popular Venice Simplon Orient Express carriage to get off in the evening. While in the carriage, you will have a personal service staff to help you settle in to your compartment comfortably and cozily. And as the train passes across the Venetian Lagoon and sets forth to Northern Italy, you will be called in for a formal dinner especially created by a skilled chef who made a delectable gourmet menu for all the passengers. And if after dinner is over, and you do not feel like sleeping yet, you may always hang around the bar and surrender to your compartment readied and converted into a very cozy bedroom for sleeping.

Day Four: Journeying from Prague to Vienna

Day four of the journey will start in preparation for going to Prague from Vienna. You will be served continental breakfast as you awake at the same time that the carriage comes near Vienna, the capital of Austria. A quick stop it will be. And lunch is served in one of the carriage’s restaurant cars before finally arriving at Prague.

Day Five: Free Leisure Day in Prague

The fifth day of this Venice journey includes an early morning tour of Prague’s Castle District right after breakfast as well as going to the Strahoy Monastery’s library for some entertainment. After which, passengers of the Orient Express return to their hotel for a free day in Prague, considered to be one of the most undoubtedly beautiful cities in Europe.

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What type of traveler are you? Are you in for the more exotic and exciting adventures by trains? Or you go for a not so laid back but wide-ranging train adventure? Of course, no one would like a laid-back escapade especially after having planned the vacation for many months, and having paid a significant sum of money for the trip’s expenses. Try one of the most exciting and luxurious rail journeys from the Orient Express, the Australia Great Pacific Orient Express. Discover more speckled scenic views of lush green, abounding tourist destinations and a very comfortable and luxurious wandering experience.

Traversing the Sydney-Brisbane-Cairns Route

Starting from Sydney and stopping along Brisbane before finally hitting it on with Cairns is the most liked itinerary of this railway. From Sydney, the passengers see all the way through the green Blue Mountain ranges seeing its forests from side to side. And upon exiting Sydney, passengers will get off to be toured in Hunter’s Valley, a popular place well-known for its vineyards. Also, the passengers will catch views of the splendid Eastern Coast’s country side. A splendid trip where you will breathtakingly adore the panoramic scenes of lush green, the rainforests, gleaming white beaches, the tropical plants and most of all, the exotic wildlife.

And once you get back on the train, passengers will catch a view of the gleaming white beaches and bright blue waters of Brisbane. Then adore the striking beauty of the very green rain forests and mountains of the Queensland. Truly, one will be amazed upon beholding such exceptionally beautiful sites in Australia.

Helicopter Tours at Prosperine

After passing through Queensland, passengers will make a stop at Prosperine, to experience a great helicopter ride overlooking the most exciting spot in this journey, the Great Barrier Reef. Going to this spot is actually considered one of the greatest natural wonders in the whole world. Seeing this amazing natural beauty while on board a helicopter soaring 80 kilometers from the shores, also called the Reefworld, is definitely a very memorable experience you will treasure in your lifetime! This is exclusively meant for the use of the Orient Express’ guests. Here, Orient Express passengers can do varied activities such as snorkeling, swimming, scuba-diving, or gazing at the marine life in the underwater observatory.

Going to the Macalister Mountains along Kuranda Scenic Railway

Traveling around the destination city which is Cairns, the carriage will then move through the mountains of Macalister which is along the Kuranda Scenic Railway. However, before making a stop at Kuranda City and its rain forest, the passengers will have to get off the train once again for another thrilling adventure. This is yet one of the best things in this train journey to Australia, a superb ride in the Skyrail cable car on the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

This is actually the world’s longest cable car ride. And after this sky ride, passengers of Orient Express will again transfer to the next train station in Cairns, where this exhilarating rail expedition of a lifetime will draw to an end.

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Ever heard of India’s Palace on Wheels? It is a renowned place in India that has always been described as an exotic adventure. What makes it an especially exotic place is the collection of mysteries abounding this very old land. So, if you haven’t attempted to go on a truly wonderful and exciting exotic adventure by trains, particularly the Orient Express, well, you must try Palace on Wheels in India. This voyage through India is considered to be really one of the most out of the ordinary rail tours in the world!

Learning the Rajasthan Culture

The Palace on Wheels lets the travelers explore the obscurity of this antique land as well as learn and understand the Rajasthan culture which is evident with the textile decorations and adornments you will see while all aboard the carriages. This as well as the itinerary they designed displays the significant landmarks and spots linked with the Rajasthan culture. Even the cuisine of Rajasthan curries on board, you will surely enjoy!

This journey to Palace on Wheels takes seven nights and eight days for the entire trip covering the cities of India’s origin city, the New Delhi, as well as Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaislmer and several other cities in India. Hop into the Orient Express and let their posh and luxurious carriages hurl you away to the mystique of India. At the same time, be pampered by very accommodating and courteous service staffs of the Orient Express making you feel like a true member of the Indian royalty.

Overnight Slumber at the Palace Wheels

Just after passengers get on the Orient Express on the first day. They are immediately hurled to New Delhi where they are in for a sleep over at Palace on Wheels. It is such a great and exciting experience to acclimatize themselves to the lavish and out of the ordinary surroundings of their cubicles.

Day two of the journey is heading to Jaipur which is known to be the Maharajas’ land. Passengers will get off the train and tour the city going to a number of palaces including the Amber Fort where passengers get to experience riding an elephant. Passengers also get to see the City Palace, and other famous landmarks which make this trip a remarkably amazing one!

Day three, the Orient Express train will reach destination in Jaisalmer City, situated at the very heart of Thar Desert. It is where they will set forth for a tour to Jaisalmer Fort and have fun riding a camel’s back over some sand dunes. There will also be a repertoire of cultural programs to look forward to while staying at a nearby five-star hotel and after a while surrendering to the train to call it quits for the night.

And on the fourth day of this voyage, the Orient Express will take on the journey to the city of Jodhpur which is very unique due to its surroundings of very tall stone walls and seven gates. All these, as well as the seven castles where passengers can also visit Jaswant Thada and the Fort of Meherangarh are really exciting places to be.

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Orient Express is a name that has lived since the 1920s and so, and continues to linger and live on. Having made its mark on the train history of the entire world, the Orient Express has truly embarked on the right moves; thus paving its way to a lifetime achievement of being a very well-known train travel service company world wide.
Orient Express a Name Constantly Linked to Luxury

Orient Express is also the name that has been constantly linked to luxurious and most exclusive trains so comfortable ad enjoyable to ride in. Starting from the renowned Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in the early beginnings of the Orient Express,  as well as its other sister trains in the United Kingdom, the Orient Express’ portfolio now becomes to include even the special going away or departures transversely all throughout the world from the high Andes in Peru to the very heart of South East Asia.

Orient Express a Compact of Memories, Excitement and Enjoyments

And whether it is already the time for a very meaningful and memorable journey, or a much shorter trip perhaps for just within the day or maybe dinner to have a good time and celebrate something special, traveling onboard the Orient Express is comprehensively memorable, enjoyable, and therefore becomes very highly suggested.

Orient Express’ Very First Expedition

And looking back since its first ever expedition or what you might prefer to call voyage, journey, trip or tour, or whatever you may want calling it, it still boils down to one singular thing and that is, Orient Express is the best among all train travel service providers. It does not need many words to explain or highlight the prestige that the Orient Express has achieved for itself through the years.

Orient Express, a Name Invoking Mystery and Romance

Again, Orient Express, it is such a name that invokes anticipations of mystery and romance very much similar to the elegance of traveling concepts during the 1930′s.

Others might also consider the name Orient Express with the famous writer Agatha Christie. The popular crime-writer Agatha Christie who was so enthralled by the sagacity of adventure made up on a railway trip. To Agatha Christie, the trains, was an unusual world. In the same manner that the landscapes and country side sceneries, the panoramic views are just brought together by accident and never intentionally or deliberately.

At present, passengers and travelers do not need any more to take a trip to Venice or perhaps Istanbul in Turkey just to experience the beautiful lavishness and romance of a voyage on the Orient Express. There abound voyage schedules and destinations which are not far for some people. A traditional 1930′s British Pullman carriage, the Northern Belle carriage, another sister carriage to the Venice Simplon-Orient Express British Pullman, was started on in May of year 2000.

This deluxe train presents meals while on journeys, day tours, Saturday breaks, majestic tours and special events with departures from many Northern United Kingdom cities, which also include Manchester, Edinburgh, Liverpool, York and Glasgow.

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There is a destination for people of all preference and a mode to suit every pocket. While a camp in the countryside or the hills could be somebody’s idea of a rejuvenating getaway, others would like to go river rafting, or a jungle safari.

The coastal resorts of the world offer wonderful opportunity to explore the ocean and organizers will ensure you get the time of your life scuba diving, fishing, deep sea swimming or just having plain fun splashing in the saline waves. For some, the time to visit regions of cold climes is winters when they could watch the snowfall and have all the fun they have only dreamt of having.

In a world that’s full of surprises, you just have to name your calling and there would be a destination to make you happy. Head for Switzerland, the basket of nature’s bounty in the lap of the Alps, if mountains excite you; take a trip to the Caribbean if sun, sand and sea are your scene; cover England, France, Italy, Spain and Greece if you are intrigued by history and fascinated by monuments.

More over, half the thrill of holiday trips is in your choice of travel mode. You could fly from one destination to another if in a hurry, or book a space in any of the cruise liners that sail luxuriously slow in the waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian and any other ocean of the world. The cruise liners are known to pamper the traveler silly and some are even dedicated exclusively to gays and lesbians.

Traveling by train is another luxury and the railway network of Europe and Australia are perfect for a journey on the tracks. Travel by some famous trains like the Orient Express and Palace on Wheels is an experience in itself.

Yet another style of traveling is trekking, in which people abandon all modes of transport and simply scale the track on foot armed with a sleeping bag and food rations. The destination could be anywhere and nowhere. That’s the spirit of traveling and a footloose holiday.

Andrew Stratton
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/how-would-you-like-to-holiday-140647.html

One part of Turkey is part of Europe, while the rest is geographically situated in West Asia, (also called the Middle East). Many languages are spoken in Turkey, such: as Greek, Armenian, Kurdish, Arabic and their official language, Turkish.

Travelers that come from Western Europe are not required to have a visa, except those coming from the UK. It is still possible to travel to Turkey by means of a train from Europe, albeit not very practical. This is done by those who are driven by the romantic notion of traveling by train, made famous by the movie the Orient Express.

Arriving by plane is the fastest way to get to Turkey, and the most practical. Taxi services are widely available outside of the airports to welcome tourists.

It is a delight to travel around Turkey by bus. The buses offer accommodation equipped with air-conditioning and a great crew that attends to the needs of the passengers. They also offer food and drink. In addition to rest stops at restaurants every couple of hours or so.

Visitors who plan to drive while visiting this country should be very careful while on the road. Road accident rates are high in Turkey, especially, since their roads are often left in poor condition.

Things to do while in Turkey.

- Turkey offers a great cuisine derived from Arabic and Mediterranean style. These dishes often contain meat such as lamb, which is a staple meat in turkey. A lot of spices are also used in their dishes. Turkish coffee is a very popular drink that must be sampled while visiting.

- Travelers who are planning to go to Turkey during winter can take advantage of the numerous ski centers that are available. Rafting and yachting are also popular activities there, perfect during the summer and fall season.

- Tourists who want to absorb the culture and get better acquainted with Turkey’s history can visit some of their famous landmarks such as: Topkapi Palace, Ayasofya Museum, Mt. Nemrut and the ancient City of Troy.

- Turkey is also famous for their diverse wildlife. It is one of only a few countries in the world that has preserved their ecological equilibrium. Many rare species here are protected by the government.

- The natural landscape of this country is a treasure. Visitors can go on hiking trips to partake in this wonderful outdoors experience.

It is predicted that on March 29, year 2006, a total solar eclipse will take place in Turkey. So those who want to experience this phenomenon should schedule their vacation around this time

James Yee
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/important-facts-on-turkey-travel-138895.html

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

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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