The Blue Train: Pretoria to Cape Town
The scenery is both stunning and varying – from the open grasslands and vast wilderness of the Great Karoo, to imposing mountains and lush wine lands, ending in Cape Town and the imposing Table Mountain. This makes it the perfect destination to escape and plan a few city breaks to Cape Town during the year.
A trip on the luxurious Blue Train from Pretoria to Cape Town will live long in the memory of passengers.
Departing in the morning the train arrives in Cape Town at midday the following day.
The scenery is both stunning and varying – from the open grasslands and vast wilderness of the Great Karoo, to imposing mountains and lush wine lands, ending in Cape Town and the imposing Table Mountain.
Tickets start at around £870 per person for two sharing a Deluxe Cabin.
Inverness to Thurso
When thinking of spectacular train journeys in Scotland one immediately thinks of the west coast from Glasgow to Mallaig or the journey from Edinburgh to Fife across the Forth Bridge. However, a trip on the Far North Line from Inverness to Thurso is worthy of consideration.
The four hour trip mostly follows the north east coast and passes through coastal towns and villages offering a view of a remote and tranquil life.
An adult single costs £12.40 and an anytime return costs £32.50.
Trans-Siberian Railway: Moscow to Vladivostok
If distance and duration are measures of a great train adventure, then few can compete with the epic 7 day journey from Moscow to Vladivostok on the Trans-Siberian Railway.
When thinking of stops along the way, for example at Perm or Ekaterinburg, then it is wise to plan before departure.
Having travelled through Siberia, there is something quite magical about disembarking by the Pacific Ocean.
Tickets start at around £300 (£370 including meals) for a 2nd class ticket.
Coast Starlight: Seatlle to Los Angeles
The daily, 35-hour train from Seattle down the west coast of USA to Los Angeles is a train journey like no other.
Passing through mountains, forests and valleys, as well as hugging long swathes of the Pacific Ocean, this journey is probably exactly what you imagine when you think about taking a trip on Amtrak.
Along the way, take time to stop and explore the San Fransisco Bay area, or take the journey in one continuous trip.
Reserved Coach Class seats start at around £67 one way.
InterCity Scenic Train: Zagreb to Vienna
If ever there was a rail service that does what it says on the tin, it is the InterCity Scenic Train linking Zagreb and Vienna. In a little over four hours, this is the fastest means between the two cities. And passengers are treated to stunning views of the Austrian Alps as the train passes directly through the mountain range.
A 2nd class single starts at around £65.
This post was supplied on behalf of Simply Hike online camping, hiking and travel store.