July 2006
Monthly Archive
Adelaide – Alice Springs – Darwin Australia train trip
Australia is a land of incredible spectacles, with a range of fantastic experiences to engage and excite you on each and every day of your holiday.
Discover an inspiring variety of richly coloured landscapes from golden sandy beaches and turquoise blue seas to the rich ochre hues of the outback.
A legendary journey into the heart of Australia. Enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own cabin, excellent cuisine and experience one of the world's greatest train journeys aboard The Legendary Ghan. You can find cheap hotels along the way.
Travel through vast sheep and cattle stations, ancient mountain ranges and over the red baked earth of the Great Victoria Desert. Marvel at the spectacular colours of the outback, the Spinifex plains and salt pans of the interior, the brilliant sunsets and starlight night skies on this epic adventure to the heartland of Australia.
The Ghan transports you from the capital cities of Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide direct to the mysterious Red Centre of Australia then finishing in Darwin. Alice Springs is the ideal base from which to explore the wonders of the Red Centre, including Uluru/ Ayers Rock and Kings Canyon.
Find hotels in Sydney here.
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Christchurch – Greymouth New Zealand steam train trip
A two day Christchurch – Greymouth steam hauled adventure. This year Jb1236 will take us through the heart of the Southern Alps for our overnight stay in Greymouth.
This is an excellent time of year to traverse the South Island's coast to coast rail route, with snow on the ranges and mountains within the spectacular Arthur's Pass National Park.
Accommodation is at the Kingsgate Hotel in Greymouth with dinner on Saturday night and breakfast on Sunday morning included in the price. Book early to ensure you get a seat on this popular excursion as seats are strictly limited with little chance of adding extra's.
The train departs Christchurch on the 9th at 8:45am and arrives back in Christchurch at 5pm on the 10th.
Mainline Steam is an organisation devoted to the restoration and operation of historic mainline steam locomotives. Regular day excursions and multi-day tours are operated, by Mainline Steam, over rail lines thoroughout New Zealand.
These excursions provide travellers with the unique opportunity to relive the days when steam was king while experiencing the magnificent New Zealand countryside.
Palace On Wheels India – luxury train trip
A unique journey through India in royal class style!
With its cream saloons, with a border of flowers, chug through Rajasthan on a journey through the former royal kingdom of this state. Once ruled by kings whose presence lingers on its forbidding fortress, and fairytale palaces…
The Palace On Wheels India is the only regularly operating Luxury Train in India, at present this heritage train of Rajasthan comprises 14 well appointed inter-connected passenger coaches.
It's one of the world's most exciting rail journeys, as much for the train and the facilities provided on board, as for the royal destinations it proceeds to every single day. With everything taken care of – dining, accommodation, sight seeing – as well as organized shopping, there is nothing for the traveller to do but sleep in the history of the land.
Times have changed and the winds have shifted, but the Palace On Wheels cruises along in a unique style, the kind only the Maharajas of yesteryear could have perpetuated and enjoyed.
Today, of course, each traveler on board is, is treated like the royalty in his or her own right.
The exquisite & exclusive Palace on Wheels has luxurious cabins, wall-to-wall carpeting, a well stocked bar, two dining cars and a very personalized service.
Example Schedule
Wednesday Day 01: Delhi – Jaipur
1830 hours
>> Depart Delhi for Jaipur.
>> Dinner & overnight on Board.
Thursday Day 02: Jaipur – Jaisalmer
0200 hours
>> Arrive Jaipur
0730 – 0815 hrs
>> Breakfast on board.
0830 – 1230 hrs
>> Morning excursion to Amber Fort. Make your ascent to the palace fortress on the gaily caparisoned elephant back. Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace which are famous for the excellence of their design and decoration.
1300 – 1430 hrs
Lunch at Palace Hotel.
1430 – 1830 hrs
Afternoon tour of Jaipur known as "The Pink City of Rajasthan". Visit the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory, which was built in the 1700's, yet even today still looks futuristic or almost surrealistic; the City Palace and its Museum, the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds.
1930 hrs
Palace on Wheels departs for Jaisalmer
Dinner & overnight on board.
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Canada Luxury Ski and Snowboard Tour by Train
Ski and Snowboard Tour
Experience the ultimate Canadian Rockies ski and snowboard adventure as you travel to beautiful Lake Louise aboard the world-renowned Royal Canadian Pacific luxury train.
Enjoy the majestic scenery, as the train winds its way into the Canadian Rockies through Banff National Park en route to Lake Louise – Canada's largest ski and snowboard area.
Lake Louise offers breathtaking scenery and a ski and snowboard experience that leaves riders coming back for more.
An early morning departure from the Canadian Pacific Railway Pavilion in downtown Calgary takes you along the foothills of Alberta. Delight in a scenic breakfast as the train winds its way into the Canadian Rockies through Banff National Park en route to Lake Louise – Canada's largest ski and snowboard area.
The train will park at Chalet Spur and you will be whisked off by motor coach for a day on the 4200 ski-able acres of mountain slopes.
After a few turns down the mountain, enjoy a private lunch at the lodge prior to returning to the slopes for the afternoon.
Upon arrival back to the train, the gourmet dinner prepared by our world class chefs await you. Reminisce with your fellow guests over dinner and drinks, as the train journeys east back to Calgary for the final leg of your tour.
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Six day steam train trip in Yorkshire, UK
Take a steam train ride to Bolton Abbey. Travel along the Railway Children line and enjoy its Bronte connections at Haworth. Cross the Cumbrian Hills on the famous Settle and Carlisle Railway. Experience the wild and remote moorland vistas surrounding the village of Hawes. Trundle through picturesque Wensleydale aboard a heritage railcar. Explore some fantastic Yorkshire gardens. Topped off with a day to enjoy the historic city of York.
Example six day train tour
Travelling by train to the Victorian spa town of Harrogate and the 4 star Yorkshire Hotel situated in the town centre with free time for sightseeing at this traditional Yorkshire town.
A leisurely day of little distance but great attractions commencing at historic Ripley Castle and Gardens which date back to the 14th century. A short journey takes us to the world heritage site of Fountains Abbey where the dramatic remains of a Cistercian Abbey are surrounded by an ornamental lake and medieval deer park. The day ends at Harlow Carr Gardens.
Travelling by coach from Harrogate to Keighley where we board the Worth Valley Railway steam train for a ride along the Railway Children line to Haworth where time is free for sightseeing and visiting the Bronte parsonage the former home of the Bronte sisters. We conclude with a visit to the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway.
A grand circular tour of Yorkshire and the Cumbrian Fells commencing with a train ride over the famous Settle & Carlisle line alighting high on the moors at Garsdale. From here we follow the route of the now closed railway over the fells to Hawes for a sightseeing break in this pretty town. We then continue to Redmire to board a heritage diesel train for a scenic journey through Wensleydale before returning to Harrogate by coach.
A short train journey brings us into the city of York for a completely free day for shopping and sightseeing including amongst the attractions are York Minster and the National Railway Museum. We return to Harrogate by train in the late afternoon.
After free-time to enjoy the shops and sights of Harrogate itself we return homeward by train.
New Zealand train trips with car option
Travel on trains with comfortable seating, air conditioning, and wide panoramic windows. Enjoy the food and beverage service while listening to the informative commentaries. Train speed normally does not exceed 100 kilometres ( 60 miles ) per hour.
North to South Island travel is on the Interisland Line, the most reliable operator. Ships feature restaurants, bars, information centres & even movie theatres. Relax on board and witness the spectacular scenery pass by on the 3 hour interisland crossing.
Example train trip: Mainland by Rail
Cruise across Cook Strait on the Interislander to the Marlborough Sounds and Picton. Farewell the ferry and ride the Tranz Coastal train over the wine producing soils of the Wairau Valley. Returning to the coast hug the rugged seashore to Kaikoura, renowned for its lobster fishing and whale watching. Skirt the Hundalee Hills to reach Christchurch. On arrival uplift a vehicle for your South Island travel.
Departing Christchurch travel south across the Canterbury Plains with a back drop of the Southern Alps to your right. Cross over New Zealand’s finest salmon fishing rivers before arriving Oamaru. Here you may wish 
to visit the towns collection of fine whitestone buildings. Continue south past the picturesque Blue Skin Bay and traverse over Killmog Hill to reach Dunedin. This afternoon you may wish to join the Taieri Gorge Railway New Zealand’s spectacular historic rail journey – crossing giant viaducts and passing through ever changing scenery.
This morning is free to explore Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula renowned for its abundant wildlife. Traverse Saddle Hill to Mosgiel and the Taieri Plains. Round Lake Waihola and continue over the rolling South Otago farmland to Gore. Leaving the main highway it is on to Lumsden and Mossburn before reaching Te Anau.
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Legendary journey through the heart of Australia
Legendary journey through the heart of Australia Experience one of the world's greatest train journeys aboard The Legendary Ghan.
The legend has soared to new heights with the extension of The Ghan journey to Darwin. When The Ghan first departed Adelaide for Alice Springs, it was always intended that it would one day travel through to Darwin. More than 70 years, that dream has become reality.
The Ghan now travels 2,979 kilometres from Adelaide to Darwin on this transcontinental journey through the Red Centre of Australia. The Ghan offers a weekly return journey between Adelaide and Darwin, and in either direction provides two nights aboard this legendary train.
Marvel at the spectacular Australian landscapes; from the rusty reds of the MacDonnell Ranges surrounding Alice Springs, gateway to Ayers Rock and the Red Centre, then north to Tennant Creek, Katherine and the tropical splendour of Darwin.
Off-train touring is a feature of the new journey, providing the chance to learn more about the unique desert flora and fauna.
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For a information about getting to Australia try the new Lastminute.com.au site which has last minute package deals for Quantas , Virgin Blue and cheap flights to Australia. You can also find many hotels in Australia to choose from in any city, such as Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
If you’re landing in Sydney for the New year then take the opportunity to see the fantastic fireworks at midnight over the Sydney Bridge. You can find hotels in Sydney (or Asia hotels) to stay at from Sydney Hotels website.
The fireworks are world famous and last for over 14 hours as throughout the day there are family events and festivals leading upto the New Year countdown. Find a hotel in Sydney and enjoy the countdown with over 1 million others!
Glacier Express in Switzterland
One of the highest countrys in Europe Switzerland offers you the opportunity to see fantastic scenery and magnificant sights from the comfort of a modern train.
On this 7 1/2-hour rail trip over 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels and over the Oberalp pass (2,033m/6,670 ft) you can experience the Swiss Alps in all their breath-taking magnifience from the comfort of your seat in the panorama car.
Unspoilt mountain forests, lush Alpine pastures, rushing mountain streams and mountain valleys with their rich traditions stretching back hundreds of years.
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THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER train trip
"The Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World" Take a two-day journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, entirely in daylight. You overnight off the train with hotel accommodations included in your fare. Travel from Vancouver to either Jasper, Banff or Calgary and vice versa.
The trains operate from April through October with two classes of service offered. We recommend the deluxe Gold Leaf Service, where every seat is in the private glass-topped dome car for optimal viewing.
Downstairs, the luxurious Gold Leaf dining room features regional cuisine created by onboard chefs. Rocky Mountaineer Railtours offers a variety of vacation packages–both escorted and independent rail/drive–in connection with the train journey.
The packages feature the Canadian Rockies and the Pacific Northwest.
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Los Angeles West coast by train
The Coast Starlight connects the hottest cities on America's West Coast and is considered to be one of the most beautiful of all train routes. Daily services between Seattle and Los Angeles, the Coast Starlight passes through Portland, Eugene, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Barbara.
There is a great variety scenery along the Coast Starlight route: snow-covered mountains, dense forests, fertile valleys and long stretches of Pacific Ocean shoreline.
You have the chance to stop off at places like Paso Robles, where you can tour one of over 48 wineries or relax in the natural hot springs. Head to San Luis Obispo to climb the enchanted hill to Hearst Castle. Leave your heart in spectacular San Francisco. Or just stop and smell the roses in Portland.
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