LET THE TRAIN TAKE THE STRAIN
Sit back and watch the world go by your window. By Emma Yardley
South Africa: African adventures await What: Kruger & Cape Town by Train Length: 11 days When: Departs once a month year round Departs from: Johannesburg Arrives in: Cape Town Train: Shosholoza Meyl With: Intrepid Travel Price: Starting at $2,165 (does not include airfare)
More info: intrepidtravel.com Travelling from Joburg to Cape Town, the Shosholoza Meyl train winds its way through spectacular mountain passes and across dusty savannahs. Stop in Kruger National Park after dark to spot the Big Five (African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard and rhinoceros) in an open-topped 4x4 and relax at a Stellenbosch winery with a full glass of wine in hand.
Eastern Europe: Cross-countries adventure What: Berlin to Budapest by Rail Length: 11 days When: Summer 2018 Departs from: Berlin Arrives in: Budapest With: Geckos Adventures Price: Starting at $1,880 (does not include airfare)
More info: geckosadventures.com Designed for young travellers aged 18-29, this guided trip takes advantage of Europe’s extensive railway network to transport small groups of like-minded travellers from A to B (or, rather, B to B). Get familiar with some of Europe’s most impressive cities and take in spectacular countryside while hopping from country to country by train. Russia: Cross from West to East What: Trans-Siberian Express Winter Wonderland Length: 15 days When: February 2018 Departs from: Moscow Arrives in: Vladivostok Train: Golden Eagle With: Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Price: Starting at $15,895 (U.S.) (does not include airfare) More info: goldeneagleluxurytrains.com Pass through eight time zones on arguably the world’s most epic train route — the Trans-Siberian — in the highest level of comfort. Making its way from Moscow to Vladivostok along the longest singles-ervice railway in the world, the unique Golden Eagle luxury train offers guests an all-inclusive wintertime journey like no other. Peru: High-end at great heights What: Andean Plains and Islands of Discovery Length: Three days When: All year (except February) Departs from: Arequipa Arrives in: Cusco Train: Belmond Andean Explorer With: Belmond Price: Starting at $1,225 (U.S.) (does not include airfare) More info: belmond.com On this exclusive two-night excursion, experience some of Peru’s most spectacular views — all from the comfort of a chic luxury sleeper train. Transporting up to 48 passengers, the Belmond Andean Explorer climbs through the Andes, stopping at Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, to visit its traditional reed islands.