The Trans-Siberian Express is a private, luxury train that crosses Russia and Siberia from Moscow to Vladivostok. A 15-day journey takes passengers 6,000 miles across the Europe/Asia divide and stops at seven interesting Siberian towns en route. There are four full days on board for relaxation, watching the passing scenery, or learning some Russian. The GW travel website explains that the train offers two types of luxurious en-suite sleeping cars and one type with only a washbasin.
One of the most scenic train vacations in the world, the Rocky Mountaineer travels across British Columbia and Alberta, through the Canadian Rockies. Passengers can view mountains, lakes and wildlife from the luxury train as it only travels in daylight. Two-day journeys go between Vancouver and Jasper or Calgary. According to the Rocky Mountaineer website, passengers stay in overnight accommodation in Kamloops or Quensel. Day trips are now available between Vancouver and Whistler. The train offers a GoldLeaf service, with a Dome Coach for viewing the scenery, or RedLeaf service where meals are served to the passengers' seats.
The Royal Scotsman luxury train takes only 36 passengers on a rail vacation into the Highlands of Scotland. According to the official Royal Scotsman website, various lengths of travel are available, from two to seven-night journeys. The Royal Scotsman has 16 twin and four single cabins, all with en-suite shower, washbasin and toilet facilities. With fine dining and an Edwardian Observation Car, the luxury train vacation is a relaxing way to see parts of Scotland. A Grand Tour of Great Britain will be available in 2011.
One of the most romantic train vacations is a journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Passengers starting from the U.K. travel from Victoria Station in London on restored 1920s British Pullman carriages. Across the English Chanel in France, the glamorous 1920s and 30s Wagon-Lit carriages take passengers to Paris or Venice. The luxurious journey offers passengers fine dining, a bar carriage with a baby grand piano and elegant sleeping cars with a concealed washbasin and inlaid marquetry. The Orient Express website and brochure explains that other facilities are placed at the end of each carriage.
