]]> http://www.luxurytrainclub.com/press/gw-deal/feed/ 0 http://www.luxurytrainclub.com/uncategorized/luxury-train-club-welcomes-danube-express-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=luxury-train-club-welcomes-danube-express-2 http://www.luxurytrainclub.com/uncategorized/luxury-train-club-welcomes-danube-express-2/#comments Fri, 18 May 2012 10:29:12 +0000 simonpielow http://www.luxurytrainclub.com/?p=1366  

The Luxury Train Club, the concierge for quality rail travel, has listed the Danube Express for the first time, following the announcement of routes in central and south-eastern Europe.

The Danube Express is a private charter train with a total capacity of only 50 passengers, which allows a high degree of personal service.

The Danube Express has deluxe suites with attached shower / washbasin / toilet, as well as two lower level beds, a safe, air-conditioning and adjustable lighting. A steward is on hand to bring drinks, morning tea or coffee to the cabin at any time.

The onboard kitchens create freshly-prepared meals using traditional menus. Diners are served by uniformed stewards at a single sitting in the elegant Restaurant Car. During dinner, cabins are transformed from their daytime configuration of sofas into a cosy sleeping arrangement. The Lounge, with its wood-panelled walls, sofas and piano, is a place to relax and enjoy a drink.

Subject to availability, the Luxury Train Club can arrange the hire of an entire carriage with 5 suites for a private party of up to 10 passengers.

The journeys selected by the Luxury Train Club include:

-       The Balkan Voyager, Istanbul to Budapest, via Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia  & Hungary, a romantic and evocative 3-day journey in retro luxury, only one departure, 3^rd June 2012;

-       The Transylvanian, Budapest to Istanbul, via Lajosmize, Kecskemet, Sighişoara, Braşov, Veliko Turnovo, Kazanlak, or vice versa.  A 4-day journey from the Danube to the Bosphorus,  with stunning scenery and ancient architecture of Transylvania and rural Bulgaria en route, various dates in Summer 2012;

-       The Central European Tour, Budapest, Keszthely, Vienna, Bratislava, Cracow, Prague. Four days and 1,000 miles from Hungary, via Austria, Slovakia, Poland and ending in the Czech Republic.  The Luxury Train Club is now taking bookings for this limited edition 2013 tour with just 4 summer departures.

The Danube Express only carries 50 passengers, serving freshly prepared meals using traditional menus and served at a single sitting in the elegant Restaurant car.  The Lounge enables you to enjoy relaxing drinks, and whilst your dinner is served, your cabin is transformed into a cosy sleeping area.  Your steward is on hand to bring drinks to your cabin at any time, and morning  tea or coffee.  All cabins have air conditioning and  are ensuite, with a shower.

Fay Lejeune of The Luxury Train Club says, “The Danube Express combines luxury rail travel with fascinating off-train excursions in parts of Europe that are less-visited, at an affordable price.”

This half-mile long mode of opulent transport, the most perfect Indian luxury trains, takes one back to a bygone era, whilst maintaining all the modern comforts that can cater for 88 passengers.

Along with exquisite, comfortable dining and lounge cars, there are luxurious cabin choices of Deluxe, Junior Suite, Suite,  Presidential Suite, all with large panoramic windows.  The 24-hour valet service ensures that passengers have a comfortable experience, from having drinks brought to their cabins through to preparing cabins for the night.

Dining and Relaxing

There are two restaurant cars, each seating 42 guests, where you  partake of delicious meals.  All breakfasts (except at the Taj Mahal) are taken on board, with some lunches and dinners off the train.

The two lounge cars provide complimentary drinks, amongst a selection of books and wonderful views.

Cabin Accommodation

Deluxe (112 sq.ft):                           Twin or double beds with bathroom

Junior Suite (150 sq.ft):                Twin or double beds, writing table and bathroom

Suite (220 sq.ft):                              Double bed, living area, bathroom with bath

Presidential Suite (448 sq.ft):    Two double bedroom with bathrooms (one with a bath tub), living/dining area.

Included

All meals, wines, spirits and beers and soft drinks

Sightseeing and entrance fees

Opportunity to meet Indian Royalty

Choice of optional excursions and luxurious spas at hotels

24 hour valet service

Itineraries

 The Heritage of India :  This 7 night/8 day tour takes you from the  city of Mumbai  to the city of Delhi, via some of the most romantic, historical sights in India  -  the beautiful cave paintings of Ajanta, the shimmering Lake City of Udaipur, the majestic fort at Jodhpur, the Pink City of Jaipur and the Taj Mahal in Agra.

The Gems of India  :   3 night/4 day tour takes you from the city of Delhi to Agra, via the renowned golden triangle, which includes the beauty of Jaipur and Agra.  Showing the best of the Mughal and Rajputana,  and some of the most stunning of Indo-Islamic architecture.

The Treasures of India :  3 night/4 day tour is similar to the Gems of India, but with slight variations.

The Indian Panorama :   7 night/8 day tour is a return journey to Delhi, via some of the breathtaking sights of India, visiting temples, forts and palaces.   From the  beauty of Jaipur, to the romance of Lucknow, via Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra,  Gwalior, Orchha, Khajuraho, and Varansi.

The Indian Splendour :  7 night/8 day tour takes you from the city of Delhi to Mumbai, via  the beauty of Agra and Jaipur, Ranthambore, Bikaner, Jodhpur,  Udaipur, and Balasinor.

The Heritage of India

Saturday Day 1  -  Mumbai:   following a traditional welcome and boarding at Mumbai, dinner is served as we travel to the Ajanta caves.

Sunday Day 2   –  Ajanta:   whilst visiting this World Heritage Site, you can marvel at the exquisite frescoes and sculptures in these  2nd century BC caves.

Monday  Day 3   –  Udaipur:   the fantastic landscape leading to  Udaipur is further enhanced by the magnificent structures.  Following breakfast, there is a visit to the City Palace and Crystal Gallery, followed by a traditional lunch in the Fateh Prakash Palace.  After this,  one can either  take a walking tour through the colourful and vibrant Old Market, or visit the vintage car collection of the Royal family, or enjoy a Son et Lumiere  show in the Palace.

Tuesday  Day 4   –  Jodhpur:   following breakfast and lunch on the train, we see the beautiful structures of Jodhpur come into view.  Following a walking tour of the Old Clock Tower Market and a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort, dinner is served at an exclusive venue.

Wednesday  Day 5   –  Bikaner:  the beauty of the desert with its palaces and temples.  Here one can take optional tours of either the Deshnok temples, the Lalgarh Palace Museum, a camel breeding farm or shopping for Kundan jewellery, followed by a visit to the unassailable fortress of  Junagarh.  Camel cart rides will be followed later in the evening by a sand dune excursion with sundowner cocktails and a barbecue dinner.

Thursday  Day 6   –  Jaipur:   a sightseeing tour of this pretty city then leads us to  an elephant polo match followed by a champagne lunch.  After a visit to the impregnable Amber Fort, there will be an opportunity to indulge in shopping, golf, spa, or a visit to the City Palace.

Friday  Day 7   –  Ranthambore – Fatehpur Sikri:   after an exciting early morning safari through the Ranthambore National Park, we rejoin the train for breakfast, whilst travelling down to Fatehpur Sikri where we visit the fascinating deserted royal court complex, comprising of fabulous 16th century architecture, and Jama masjid which is one of  the largest mosques in India.

Saturday  Day 8  -  Agra – Delhi:   in the early morning we visit the romantic Taj Mahal.  A lavish champagne breakfast is served at Taj Khema, overlooking the Taj Mahal.  Back on the train our final luncheon is taken whilst the train traverses back to Delhi, where  this magical voyage ends.

Dates and Tariff 2012/2013:

2012:  October 6,  November 3,  December 1,29

2013:  January 26,  February 23,  March 23

Deluxe         Junior Suite          Suite           Presidential Suite

Prices Per Person

$6,360            $9,200            $12,800               $22000

Single supplements

$4,797           $8,280             $12,800              $22,000

Dates and Tariff 2013/2014:

2013:  October 19,  November 16,  December 14

2014:  January 11,  February 8,  March 8,  April 5

Deluxe         Junior Suite          Suite           Presidential Suite

Prices Per Person

$6,840          $9,890            $13,800               $23,700

Single supplements

$5,160         $8,910            $13,800                $23,700

The Gems of India

Wednesday  Day 1  -  Delhi:   after a traditional Indian welcome, and having being shown to your cabin, guests  enjoy  dinner and a wonderful rest as the train takes you to Agra.

Thursday  Day 2   –  Agra:   following an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal, there will a champagne breakfast served at the Taj Khema which overlooks the wonderful Taj Mahal.  Having had lunch back on the train, there is a sightseeing tour of the Agra Fort, following which  there is an option to either go shopping, have a spa session at an hotel, or a tour to Itmad-ud-Daulah tomb and Fatehpur Sikri.

Friday  Day 3   –  Ranthambore – Jaipur:   after an early morning breakfast, embark on an exciting safari into the Ranthambore National Park.  A relaxed lunch is served  on the train  as we journey to Jaipur.  Here we  have a sightseeing tour of this pretty city,  followed by a visit to the  impregnable Amber Fort, and then an exciting elephant polo match, after which  dinner is served.

Saturday  Day 4   –  Delhi:   our overnight journey from Jaipur takes us to Delhi, where following a breakfast, we bid farewell to the Maharajas’  Express.

Dates and Tariff: 2012/2013

2012:  October 17,  November 14,  December 12

2013:  January 6,  February 6,  March 6,  April 3,17

Deluxe         Junior Suite          Suite           Presidential Suite

Prices Per Person

$3,580          $4,600               $7,000              $12,000

Single supplements

$2,700        $4,140                $7,000               $12,000

Dates and Tariff 2013/2014:

2013:  October 2,30,  November 27,  December 25

2014:  January 22,  February 19,  March 19,  April 16

Deluxe         Junior Suite          Suite           Presidential Suite

Prices Per Person

$3,850            $4,950            $7,600                $12,900

Single supplements

$2,910            $4,460            $7,600                $12,900

The Treasures of India

Sunday  Day 1   –  Delhi:   following a traditional Indian welcome, and having being shown to your cabin,  a delectable brunch is served as the train  takes you to Agra, the City of Muhgal splendour.   Here guests disembark to explore the Agra Fort.  As evening descends, champagne is served at the Taj Khema, overlooking the Taj Mahal.  Dinner is served back on the train, where it is stationary for the night.

Monday  Day 2   –  Agra:   after an early breakfast, visit the romantic Taj Mahal early in the morning.   Back on board, luncheon is served on the way to Ranthambore, where there  is a safari into the Ranthambore National Park.  Back on board, dinner is served as the train travel overnight to Jaipur.

Tuesday  Day 3    -   Jaipur:   after breakfast, guests embark on a sightseeing tour of the Amber Fort, followed by an elephant polo match.  At the end of a tasty lunch in an exclusive venue,  there will be an opportunity to indulge in either shopping in the local bazaars, golfing, spa sessions, or a visit to the City Palace or the royal observatory Jantar Mantar.  Rejoin the train for dinner and the overnight journey to Delhi.

Wednesday  Day 4   –  Delhi:   following a breakfast, we bid farewell to the Maharajas’  Express.

Dates and Tariff: 2012/2013

2012:  October 14,  November 11,  December 9

2013:  January 6,  February 3,  March 3,31,  April 14

Deluxe         Junior Suite          Suite           Presidential Suite

Prices Per Person

$3,580           $4,600             $7,000                 $12,000

Single supplements

$2,700          $4,140             $7,000                 $12,000

Dates and Tariff: 2013/2014

2013:  October 27,  November 24,  December 22

2014:  January 19,  February 16,  March 16,  April 13

Deluxe         Junior Suite          Suite           Presidential Suite

Prices Per Person

$3,850            $4,950           $7,600                 $12,900

Single supplements

$2,910           $4,460            $7,600                 $12,900

Indian Panorama

Saturday  Day 1   –  Delhi:  after a traditional Indian welcome, and  being shown to your cabin, guests  enjoy  dinner and a wonderful rest as the train travels to Jaipur.

Sunday  Day 2   –  Jaipur:  after breakfast, guests embark on a sightseeing tour of the Amber Fort, followed by an elephant polo match.  At the end of a tasty lunch in an exclusive venue,  there will be an opportunity to indulge in either shopping in the local bazaars, golfing, spa sessions, or a visit to the City Palace or the royal observatory Jantar Mantar.  Then we rejoin the train to journey to Ranthambore whilst enjoying dinner.

Monday  Day 3  -  Ranthambore - Fatehpur Sikri:  following breakfast, embark on an exciting  morning safari through the Ranthambore National Park, before rejoining the train to enjoy lunch whilst  travelling down to Fatehpur Sikri where we visit the fascinating deserted 16th century royal court complex. We return to the train for dinner  as we travel to Agra.

Tuesday  Day 4  -  Agra – Gwalior:  following an early morning visit to the jewel of Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal, there will a champagne breakfast served at the Taj Khema, overlooking the Taj Mahal.  We rejoin the train to travel to the city of Gwalior, a city that is reminiscent of traditional  splendour of the  past with its stunning architecture and structures like sandstone mosques, rock temples and fabulous statues.  The magnificent fort on the majestic hills, that overlooks the entire city, gives an enthralling look to the scenic ambiance of this marvelous town.  Luncheon is served at the 120 year old Usha Kiran Palace, following which there is a tour of the Fort and the Jai Vilas Palace Museum.  Here afternoon tea is served, after which you return to the train for dinner and onward travel.

Wednesday  Day 5   –  Orchha – Khajuraho:  following a stop at Orchha and a visit to Jahangiri Mahal, our journey continues to Khajuraho whilst having lunch.  On arrival one can visit the fabulous temples before returning to the train for dinner.

Thursday  Day 6   –  Varanasi:  the day is spent in this Holy Indian city, known for its Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites.  One can visit the silk center and enjoy a river cruise on the Ganges, before returning to the train for dinner.

Friday  Day 7   –  Lucknow:  this is the magical city of the Nawabs.  Here guests visit the spectacular Rumi Darwaza and  Bada Imambara, followed by an exploration of the colourful bazaars.  Enjoy the elegance and charm of a traditional dinner before returning to the train.

Saturday  Day 8   –  Delhi:  following a sumptuous breakfast, we bid farewell to the train.

Dates and Tariff 2012/2013

2012:  October 20,  November 17,   December 15

2013:  January 12,  February 9,   March 9,  April 6

Deluxe         Junior Suite          Suite           Presidential Suite

Prices Per Person

$5,560           $8,800           $12,800                $22,000

Single supplements

$4,193          $7,920            $18,800                $22,000

Dates and Tariff 2013/2014:

2013:  October 5,  November 2,30,  December 28

2014:  January 25,  February 22,  March 22

Deluxe         Junior Suite          Suite           Presidential Suite

Prices Per Person

$5,980           $9,460            $13,800               $23,700

Single supplements

$4,510         $8,520             $13,800               $23,700

The Indian Splendour

Saturday  Day 1  -  Delhi:  after a traditional Indian welcome, and  being shown to your cabin, you will enjoy  dinner and a restful evening  as the train takes you to Agra.

Sunday  Day 2   –  Agra:   following an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal, there will a champagne breakfast served at the Taj Khema, overlooking the wonderful Taj Mahal.  Following this there is an option for shopping in Agra or a visit to Fatehpur Sikri, the fascinating deserted 16th century royal court complex, or the Itmad-ud-Daula tomb.  Following  lunch we visit the Agra Fort before rejoining the train for our onward travel and dinner.

Monday  Day 3  -  Ranthambore – Jaipur:  after an early morning breakfast, embark on an exciting safari into the Ranthambore National Park.  A relaxed lunch is served  on the train  as we journey to Jaipur.  Here we  have a sightseeing tour of this pretty pink city,  followed by a visit to the  impregnable Amber Fort,  an exciting elephant polo match, and a champagne dinner.

Tuesday  Day 4  -  Bikaner:  if ever beauty has bloomed in a desert, it has been at Bikaner.  Founded in 1488, the imposing palaces and beautiful,  richly sculptured temples of red and yellow sandstone display some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization.   After visiting this city, there is  an optional tour to either Lalgarh Palace or  the Deshnok (Rat Temple), followed by a visit to the unassailable for of Junagarh.  Following a camel cart procession around the undulating sand dunes there is an evening of  folk dance performances over sundowner cocktails and barbecue dinner amidst  the sand dunes.

Wednesday  Day 5  -  Jodpur:  during a relaxed breakfast  the beautiful structures of Jodhpur come into view.  Here we  partake of a walking tour of the Old Clock Tower Market and a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort.  Dinner is served at an exclusive venue.

Thursday  Day 6  -  Udaipur:   the fantastic landscape leading to  Udaipur is further enhanced by the magnificent structures.  Following breakfast, there is a visit to the City Palace and Crystal Gallery,  followed by a traditional lunch in the Fateh Prakash Palace.  After this,  one can either  take a walking tour through the colourful and vibrant Old Market, or visit the vintage car collection of the Royal family.

Friday  Day 7  -  Balasinor:  after breakfast, we visit the largest dinosaur fossil park in the world.  A tour of  a local village is followed by lunch with the Royal Family of Balasinor.  Rejoining the train, dinner is served as it travels to the final destination.

Saturday  Day 8  -  Mumbai: and departure after breakfast.

Dates and Tariff 2012/2013

2012:  September 29,  October 27,  November 24,   December 22

2013:  January 19,  February 16,   March 16

Deluxe         Junior Suite          Suite           Presidential Suite

Prices Per Person

$5,560            $8,800           $12,800               $22,000

Single supplements

$4,193           $7,920            $18,800                $22,000

Dates and Tariff 2013/2014:

2013:  October 12,  November 9,  December 7

2014:  January 4,  February 1,  March 1,29

Deluxe         Junior Suite          Suite           Presidential Suite

Prices Per Person

$5,980          $9,460              $13,800            $23,700

Single supplements

$4,510         $8,520              $13,800             $23,700

Booking & Reservations

To find out more, or to book please call us on +44 (0)1249 890176.   We will be happy to answer any questions and make all your arrangements for you.

Fay says, “The Danube Express combines luxury rail travel with fascinating off-train excursions in parts of Europe that are less-visited, at an affordable price.”

The Danube Express only carries 50 passengers, serving freshly prepared meals using traditional menus and served at a single sitting in the elegant Restaurant car.

The Lounge enables you to enjoy relaxing drinks, and whilst your dinner is served, your cabin is transformed into a cosy sleeping area.

Your steward is on hand to bring drinks to your cabin at any time, and morning  tea or coffee.  All cabins have air conditioning and  are ensuite, with a shower.

The Balkan Voyager

Istanbul to Budapest, via Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia  & Hungary

Imagine the romantic mystery of departing from Istanbul, travelling through Bulgaria and Serbia, crossing the Danube  to arrive in Budapest.

Itinerary

The private train leaves from the atmospheric Sirkeci Station in Istanbul, travelling to Plovdiv, where there  is a guided sightseeing tour of the old town and the Roman Amphitheatre.

We travel on to Sofia for a guided tour of the ancient city walls,  the Rotunda of St George,  St Sophia Church and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

From Sophia we depart to cross the mighty Danube,  journeying  through the stunning scenery of  Sicevo Gorge, before arriving at Novi Sad.   Here we have a guided tour which includes  the imposing 18th Century Austro-Hungarian Petrovaradin Fortress, Liberty Square and the beautiful Dunavska (Danube)  Street in the Old Town.

Our departure from Novi Sad takes us to  our destination,  Budapest (Nyugati station).

Included

•   Two nights’ accommodation in Deluxe twin compartments with lower side by side beds
•   Guided half-day excursions in Plovdiv, Sofia and Novi Sad
•    Two days’  full board – breakfast, lunch and dinner
•   Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks

Tariff

Deluxe Twin Compartment  £990 per person (based on 2 sharing)

Date

3 June

The Transylvanian

Budapest to Istanbul, via Lajosmize, Kecskemet, Sighişoara, Braşov, Veliko Turnovo, Kazanlak.       Or Istanbul to Budapest.

A four day journey voyaging East from the banks of the Danube to the shores of the Bosphorus,  encountering the stunning scenery and ancient architecture of Transylvania and rural Bulgaria along the way or vice versa.

Itinerary

After a  mid-morning reception in the Royal Waiting Room at Nyugati station we board the Danube Express, settling  in to enjoy lunch en route to Lajosmizse for a ”Puszta” horse show.  Later there is free time in Kecskemét.  Back on board, enjoy a drink in the Lounge car as the train crosses the Great Hungarian Plain and dine as the journey to Transylvania continues.

Arrive in Sighişoara rumoured to be the birthplace of Dracula.  One of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, burgher houses and ornate churches line its streets.  Lunch whilst on the way to Braşov,  for an afternoon tour of Bran Castle, known as Dracula’s Castle.  Dinner is served as the train  climbs over the Carpathian Mountains on the way  to Bulgaria.

Arrive in Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria’s ancient capital on the steep banks of the Yantra River.   See the superbly preserved medieval Tsarevets Castle before  lunching,  as we  climb over the Shipka pass to Kazanlak, where the rose oil is prized worldwide.  Visit the Shipka Memorial Church and a Thracian tomb. We dine as the Danube Express continues through scenic landscapes towards Turkey.

Wake in Istanbul Sirkeci station and disembark after breakfast.

Included

• Four nights’ accommodation in Deluxe compartments
•  Sightseeing tours in Sighişoara, Braşov, Veliko Turnovo and Kazanlak, and the Puszta horse show at Lajosmizse
•  Three days’  full board – breakfast, lunch and dinner
•  Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks

Tariff

Deluxe Twin Compartment   £2790 per person

Sole Occupancy  £3990

Dates

Eastbound 2012/13

• 30th May 2012
• 20th June 2012
• 5th September 2012
• 19th September 2012
• 22nd May 2013
• 12 June 2013

Westbound 2012/13

• 24th June 2012
• 9th September 2012
• 23rd September 2012
• 26th May 2013
• 16th June 2013
• 22nd September 2013

The Central European Tour 2013

Budapest, Keszthely, Vienna, Bratislava, Cracow, Prague

Four days’  travelling 1000 miles  from Hungary, into Austria, Slovakia, Poland and finishing in the Czech Republic.  The romance of the scenery and the historical  buildings and venues  cannot fail to absorb you into this tour.

Itinerary

 Day 1
After a welcome reception in Budapest Nyugati Station, your attendant will show you to your cabin.  Enjoy luncheon  as the train skirts Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe.  After an afternoon in Keszthely with a sightseeing tour of the baroque Festetics Palace, dinner will be served on board as the train travels overnight to Austria.

Day 2
Arriving  in Vienna after breakfast,  the morning tour includes St Stephens Cathedral, the Opera, and Schönbrunn Palace.  Rejoin the train for lunch before arrival in Bratislava, with a sightseeing tour including the Old Town and Castle.  Dine on board as the train travels overnight to Poland.

Day 3
The morning tour of Cracow includes Wavel Castle and the Cloth Hall.  Lunch in a local restaurant is followed by an afternoon visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mines – a World Heritage Site.  Dine on board as the train travels overnight to the Czech Republic.

Day 4
Disembark in Prague after breakfast.

Included

• Accommodation in Deluxe twin compartments with lower beds and en suite shower/WC .
• Two lunches, three dinners and three breakfasts on the Danube Express.
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks.
• Excursions as outlined above with English-speaking local guides including lunch in Cracow.

Tariff

Deluxe  Twin Compartment   £2790 per person

Sole Occupancy    £3990

Dates

2013 – May 11,   June 1 / 22,   September 28

Booking & Reservations

To find out more, or to book  please call us on +44 (0)1249 890176.   We’ll be happy to answer any questions and make all your arrangements for you.

The Balkan Voyager, Danube Express, from the Luxury Train Club

The Balkan Voyager

Istanbul to Budapest, via Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia  & Hungary

Imagine the romantic mystery of departing from Istanbul, travelling through Bulgaria and Serbia, crossing the Danube  to arrive in Budapest.

Sirkeci, one of the Luxury Train Club's favourite stations served by the Danube Express

Itinerary

The private train leaves from the atmospheric Sirkeci Station in Istanbul, travelling to Plovdiv, where there  is a guided sightseeing tour of the old town and the Roman Amphitheatre.

We travel on to Sofia for a guided tour of the ancient city walls,  the Rotunda of St George,  St Sophia Church and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

From Sophia we depart to cross the mighty Danube,  journeying  through the stunning scenery of  Sicevo Gorge, before arriving at Novi Sad.   Here we have a guided tour which includes  the imposing 18th Century Austro-Hungarian Petrovaradin Fortress, Liberty Square and the beautiful Dunavska (Danube)  Street in the Old Town.

Our departure from Novi Sad takes us to  our destination,  Budapest (Nyugati station).

Included

•   Two nights’ accommodation in Deluxe twin compartments with lower side by side beds
•   Guided half-day excursions in Plovdiv, Sofia and Novi Sad
•    Two days’  full board – breakfast, lunch and dinner
•   Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks

Tariff

Deluxe Twin Compartment  £990 per person (based on 2 sharing)

Date

3 June

The Luxury Train Club presents the Transylvanian, the Danube Express

The Transylvanian

Budapest to Istanbul, via Lajosmize, Kecskemet, Sighişoara, Braşov, Veliko Turnovo, Kazanlak.       Or Istanbul to Budapest.

A four day journey voyaging East from the banks of the Danube to the shores of the Bosphorus,  encountering the stunning scenery and ancient architecture of Transylvania and rural Bulgaria along the way or vice versa.

Veliko Turnovo, on the Transylvanian route of the Danube Express, from the Luxury Train Club

Itinerary

After a  mid-morning reception in the Royal Waiting Room at Nyugati station we board the Danube Express, settling  in to enjoy lunch en route to Lajosmizse for a ”Puszta” horse show.  Later there is free time in Kecskemét.  Back on board, enjoy a drink in the Lounge car as the train crosses the Great Hungarian Plain and dine as the journey to Transylvania continues.

Arrive in Sighişoara rumoured to be the birthplace of Dracula.  One of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, burgher houses and ornate churches line its streets.  Lunch whilst on the way to Braşov,  for an afternoon tour of Bran Castle, known as Dracula’s Castle.  Dinner is served as the train  climbs over the Carpathian Mountains on the way  to Bulgaria.

Arrive in Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria’s ancient capital on the steep banks of the Yantra River.   See the superbly preserved medieval Tsarevets Castle before  lunching,  as we  climb over the Shipka pass to Kazanlak, where the rose oil is prized worldwide.  Visit the Shipka Memorial Church and a Thracian tomb. We dine as the Danube Express continues through scenic landscapes towards Turkey.

Wake in Istanbul Sirkeci station and disembark after breakfast.

Included

• Four nights’ accommodation in Deluxe compartments
•  Sightseeing tours in Sighişoara, Braşov, Veliko Turnovo and Kazanlak, and the Puszta horse show at Lajosmizse
•  Three days’  full board – breakfast, lunch and dinner
•  Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks

Tariff

Deluxe Twin Compartment   £2790 per person

Sole Occupancy  £3990

Dates

East:    2012:   May 30,  June 20,  September 5 / 19

East:     2013:  May 22,  June 12

West:    2012:  June 24,  September 9 / 23

West:   2013:   May 26,  June 16,  September 22

The Central European Tour 2013

Budapest, Keszthely, Vienna, Bratislava, Cracow, Prague

Four days’  travelling 1000 miles  from Hungary, into Austria, Slovakia, Poland and finishing in the Czech Republic.  The romance of the scenery and the historical  buildings and venues  cannot fail to absorb you into this tour.

The Danube Express Central European Tour from the Luxury Train Club includes a visit to Schloss Schönbrunn, Vienna

Itinerary:

 Day 1:               After a welcome reception in Budapest Nyugati Station, your attendant will show you to your cabin.  Enjoy luncheon  as the train skirts Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe.  After an afternoon in Keszthely with a sightseeing tour of the baroque Festetics Palace, dinner will be served on board as the train travels overnight to Austria.

Day 2:               Arriving  in Vienna after breakfast,  the morning tour includes St Stephens Cathedral, the Opera, and Schönbrunn Palace.  Rejoin the train for lunch before arrival in Bratislava, with a sightseeing tour including the Old Town and Castle.  Dine on board as the train travels overnight to Poland.

Day 3:               The morning tour of Cracow includes Wavel Castle and the Cloth Hall.  Lunch in a local restaurant is followed by an afternoon visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mines – a World Heritage Site.  Dine on board as the train travels overnight to the Czech Republic.

Day 4:               Disembark in Prague after breakfast.

Included 

• Accommodation in Deluxe twin compartments with lower beds and en suite shower/WC .
• Two lunches, three dinners and three breakfasts on the Danube Express.
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks.
• Excursions as outlined above with English-speaking local guides including lunch in Cracow.

Tariff

Deluxe  Twin Compartment   £2790 per person

Sole Occupancy    £3990

Dates

2013 – May 11,   June 1 / 22,   September 28

Booking & Reservations

To find out more, or to book  please call us on +44 (0)1249 890176.   We’ll be happy to answer any questions and make all your arrangements for you.

The carriages were built in France between 1929 and 1930 by the Wagon-Lits Company, and have now been restored to their original splendour that is matched with an on board service that combines quality meals with a romantic travel experience.

Accommodation

Al Andalus has seven renovated sleeper carriages, five of which are original Wagon-Lits carriages dating from 1929.

There are twelve standard suites on the train; each suite has two lower beds, a safe, a closet and a large bathroom.

Each of the twenty superior suites have a double bed (150 x 200 cm), a mini-bar, safe, closet and a full bathroom.

During the day, beds fold into comfortable couches, so that each suite becomes a comfortable private lounge.

All suites are individually air conditioned.  Train stewards are available at all times.

Lounge and dining cars

The train has four lounge cars, dating between 1928 – 1930.

These carriages are used as restaurants, saloons and lounges.

Music recitals are given in these cars.  All  the carriages are air conditioned and are available 24 hours a day.

Itinerary

2012

Day 1 – Sunday   Seville to Cordoba

Board the train at 12:00 (noon) at the Santa Justa Railway Station in Seville.

Settle in over luncheon,  en route to Córdoba.  On arrival, join a coach tour to the Old Town, a World Heritage Site.  Of particular interest are the Reales Alcazares, the Mosque / Cathedral of the Juderia.

There will be free time before dinner at a local restaurant,  and a night on the static train  in Córdoba station.

Day 2 – Monday    Córdoba – Baeza – Úbeda – Granada

Breakfast on board then arrival in Linares Baeza, from where the coach travels to the Olive Oil Museum and the historic part of Baeza, a world heritage site and the seat of the International University of Andalucía.

Free time before lunch and visit to Úbeda.

Return to the train for the onward journey to Grenada, where the train stops for the night.

Day 3 – Tuesday    Granada

Visit La Alhambra and the Jardines del Generalife, followed by free time in Alhambra and lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the city; the quarters of Albaicin, Sacramonte and its cathedral, the first Spanish Renaissance church.

Free time before dinner at a local restaurant, with a flamenco performance.

Overnight on the train at Granada.

Day 4 – Wednesday    Granada – Ronda – Cadiz

Enjoy the scenery of the Serrania during breakfast as the train travels to Ronda.

Visit the city which hangs on the edge of a huge escarpment known as El Tajo.  This is the birthplace of bullfighting with a history that goes back to Roman times.  Free time will be followed by lunch in Ronda.

After lunch, re-board the train for a journey to Cadiz, a coastal city on the Bay of Cadiz and one of the oldest cities in Europe with an important heritage.  Visit the city and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.

Overnight on the train at Cadiz.

Day 5 – Thursday    Cadiz – Jerez – Sanlúcar – Jerez

Arrive in Jerez during breakfast.

This is the birthplace of sherry wine and some of the most deep rooted Andalusian traditions.  Visit one of the most important wineries for a tour and wine tasting.

Continue to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, for the show “The Andalusian Dancing  Horses”.  After the show and a visit to the riding school, travel by coach to the neighbouring town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda on the estuary of the Guadalquivir River.

Lunch is followed by a boat trip down the Guadalquivir.

Return to the train waiting at Jerez, where there will be free time and dinner at a restaurant.

After dinner there will be a special tour-end party with a night on the train at Jerez.

Day 6 – Friday   Jerez – Seville

The train reaches its final destination at Seville during breakfast.

The city has a fine cultural and historic heritage, which make it an attractive tourist destination.

The city tour will end just before midday, when guests will return to the Santa Justa Station to collect luggage.

Departures 2012

Journey of 6 days and 5 nights, with Saturday departures from Seville.

May   13, 20, 27

June  03, 10, 17, 24

September 16, 23, 30

October 07, 14, 21, 28

November 04, 11, 18, 25

December 02

Prices 2012

In Euros; payment is preferred in Euros but can be accepted in GBP or USD at prevailing exchange rate at time of invoicing (charges apply, ask for details).

Booking, in advance          6+ months     6 – 4 months         less than 4 months

Standard Suite

Double Occupancy                           €2,300                  €2,400                        €2,500

Supplement Single Occupancy   €1,000                  €1,000                         €1,000

Superior Suite

Double Occupancy                             €2,750               €2,850                          €2,950

Supplement Single Occupancy      €1,000              €1,100                           €1,200

Supplement Triple Occupancy      €900                 €950                               €1,000

Payment

Deposit payment                   40% of total price to reserve

Balance payment                   60% at least 15 days prior to departure

Cancellations                          Up to 30 days before departure: refund less 15% registration and guarantee fee.  Between 30 and 15 days : less 25% of the total.  Between 14 and 5 days: less 50% of the total.  Between 4 and 1 day(s): less 80% of the total.  Less than 24 hours or failure to turn up:  No refund, 100% of the total is payable.

Departures 2013

Journey of 6 days and 5 nights, with Saturday departures from Seville.

March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

April 7, 14, 21, 28

May 5, 12, 19, 26

June 2, 9, 16, 23

September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

October 6, 13, 20, 27

November 3, 10, 17, 24

December 1

Prices 2013

In Euros; payment is preferred in Euros but can be accepted in GBP or USD at prevailing exchange rate at time of invoicing (charges apply, ask for details). Prices per person

Booking, in advance          6+ months     6 – 4 months         less than 4 months

Standard Suite

Double Occupancy                          €2,550                  €2,650                         €2,750

Supplement Single Occupancy  €1,000                  €1,000                         €1,000

Superior Suite

Double Occupancy                          €3,050                €3,150                          €3,250

Supplement Single Occupancy   € 1,000              €1,100                           €1,200

Supplement Triple Occupancy         €900                  €950                          €1,000

Payment

Deposit payment                   40% of total price to reserve

Balance payment                   60% at least 15 days prior to departure

Cancellations                          Up to 30 days before departure: refund less 15% registration and guarantee fee.  Between 30 and 15 days : less 25% of the total.  Between 14 and 5 days: less 50% of the total.  Between 4 and 1 day(s): less 80% of the total.  Less than 24 hours or failure to turn up:  No refund, 100% of the total is payable.

Tour Inclusions

-  Six day and five nights on board the Al Andalus Train

-  Five breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners on board or at restaurants

-  High quality wines, liquor, coffee and tea with meals

-  Accompanying hostess throughout the journey

-  Guide during excursions

-  Coach for transfers and visits

-  Musical performances

-  All visits, transfers and entrance fees

-  An attentive crew at your service

Booking & Reservations

To find out more, or to book please call us on +44 (0)1249 890176.   We’ll be happy to answer any questions and make all your arrangements for you.

El Transcantábrico luxury trains have been travelling through Cantabria, Castille, Asturia and the extraordinary Picos de Europa for 25 years.

Either going from Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastián, or from San Sebastián to Santiago, the magic of northern Spain awaits the traveller; from Galicia to the shores of the Bay of Biscay.

Gastronomy, art, monuments and landscapes are presented to the voyager from the comfort of a five-star train hotel, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo.

Routes & Map

Itinerary: Santiago de Compostela – San Sebastián

Meeting Point: 12.00hrs  Santiago de Compostela, Parador Nacional de Los Reyes Católicos,  Plaza del Obradoiro, 1     Telephone: +34 981582200

Day 1, Saturday

• Santiago de Compostela
• The Praza or Plaza do Obradoiro, the Platerias (full of silvermiths’ shops) and the Cathedral
• Lunch in Santiago de Compostela
• Ferrol by coach to meet the train
• Viveiro

Day 2, Sunday

• Breakfast aboard the train to Ribadeo
• Lugo’s coast, with Las Catedrales beach
• Lunch in Ribadeo
• Luarca, “The White Town of the Green Coast”
• Dinner and overnight in Luarca

Day 3, Monday

• Candas
• Gijon with city tour
• Oviedo and its Pre-Romanesque monuments
• Dinner and overnight in Oviedo

Day 4, Tuesday

• Arriondas, the heart of Asturias
• National Park of Picos de Europa
• Covadonga Lakes and the Sanctuary of Covadonga
• Cangas de Onís
• Lunch on the train
• Llanes, fishing village on the east coast of Asturias
• Dinner and overnight in Llanes

Day 5, Wednesday

• To Cantabria, through the La Hermida Pass
• Santo Toribio de Liebana sanctuary and Potes
• Cabezon de la Sal
• Comillas, the archbishop’s palace
• Lunch in Potes
• Dinner and overnight in Cabezón de la Sal

Day 6, Thursday

• Santillana del Mar
• Museum of Altamira
• Lunch in Santillana del Mar
• Santander
• The Casino on El Sardinero
• Dinner and overnight in Santander

Day 7, Friday

• Bilbao, in the Basque Country
• The Guggenheim Museum (open July – August)
• Lunch on the train
• Balmaseda
• Dinner and overnight at Balmaseda

Day 8, Saturday

• San Sebastián
• City tour and journey’s end

2012 Departures

May 12, 26.   June 9, 23.   July 7, 21.   August 4, 18.   September 1, 15.

Itinerary: San Sebastián – Santiago de Compostela

Meeting Point:  12.00hrs.   San Sebastián Londres & Inglaterra Hotel, Calle Zubieta, San Sebastián         Telephone: +34 943 440 770

Day 1, Saturday

• San Sebastián
• Reception and city tour
• Coach to Bilbao to board the train
• Balmaseda
• Dinner and overnight in Balmaseda

Day 2, Sunday

• Bilbao
• Guggenheim Museum (open July – August)
• Lunch on the train
• Santander
•  The Casino on El Sardinero
• Dinner and overnight in Santander

Day 3, Monday

• Unquera
• Coach to La Hermida Pass
• Potes and Santo Toribio de Liebana sanctuary
• Lunch in Potes
• Cabezon de la Sal, by train
• Comillas
• Dinner and overnight in Cabezon de la Sal

Day 4, Tuesday

• Santillana del Mar
• Altamira caves and the medieval town
• Lunch in Santillana
• Llanes
• Arriondas
• Dinner and overnight in Arriondas

Day 5, Wednesday

• National Park of Picos de Europa
• Covadonga Lakes and the Sanctuary of Covadonga
• Cangas de Onis
• Lunch on the train
• Oviedo with city visit
• Dinner and overnight in Oviedo

Day 6, Thursday

• Gijón
• Visit and lunch in Gijón
• Luarca, ‘The White Town of the Green Coast’
• Dinner and overnight in Luarca

Day 7, Friday

• Ribadeo in Galicia
• Las Catedrales beach
• Landscape of Las Rías Altas
• Lunch in Ribadeo
• Viveiro
• Dinner and overnight in Viveiro

Day 8, Saturday

• Ferrol
• Coach to Santiago de Compostela
• Plaza do Obradoiro, the Platerias, the Cathedral
• Journey’s end

2012 Departures

May 19   June 2, 16, 30   July 14, 28  August 11, 25   September 8, 22  October 6, 20  December 1.

Cabin Accommodation

El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo is stationary overnight, allowing a good night’s rest and an opportunity to enjoy the nightlife of the nearby towns.

Each Suite on the Gran Lujo has:

• 150×200 cm Double bed
• Sofa, convertible into a bed
• Large bathroom with sauna / steam shower, hairdryer and hydro-massage
• Writing desk and telephone with outside line
• Inidivudal controls for music and lighting
• Computer with Internet, videogames, TFT TV, DVD player, game console
• Hardwood panelling and individual air-conditioning
• Large windows with curtains

The Dining Car

The elegant but simple dining car serves a fine buffet breakfast and an occasional other meal.

Most dining, except breakfasts, takes place in local restaurants, enabling passengers to sample northern Spanish cuisine from the Asturias, Cantabria, Galicia and the Basque country, using the finest ingredients, frequently locally-sourced.

Lounge Cars

El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo has 4 lounge cars, made more than a century ago.

These include the bar car with its own dance floor, with entertainment every night.  A second bar car provides a more quite atmosphere in which to enjoy a drink.  The remaining two lounge cars are for watching the scenery go by, reading or socialising with friends.

There is a library with newspapers and magazines; DVDs and television are available on board.

General Information

Dress Code

Smart leisure wear for the day.  Smart casual for the evening.

Luggage

There is limited storage space  inside the cabin for luggage storage.   Soft-topped luggage is easier to store.

 Included

All meals, wines and other drinks served during the journey

All tours and  transport during the journey

Prices  2012

Booking & Reservations

To find out more, or to book El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo please call us on +44 (0)1249 890176.   We’ll be happy to answer any questions and make all your arrangements for you.

Private
Rail Car Rentals

Private rail cars give you one thing above all: the luxury of time alone with the people who matter most.

Rail Charters

Large group train travel from £35pp.

Baggage Delivery

Have your bags delivered to your Train.

If you are a travel agent you can book through us too – using Open Access Rail.

Booking  For Travel Agents

Trans-Siberian Express

One of the world’s greatest railway journeys, the Trans-Siberian Railway runs from Moscow over the Urals, across the magnificent Russian steppes and alongside the shores of the world’s largest freshwater lake.   By the time the Golden Eagle arrives in Vladivostok, it will have passed through eight time zones, and travelled over 6,000 miles; one quarter of the way around the world.  The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express  takes a leisurely two weeks for the journey, making sure you have plenty of time to take in and enjoy this voyage of a lifetime.

As well as a tour of Moscow, Russia’s vibrant capital, we will also stop at Yekaterinburg, where the Romanovs were executed;  Kazan, with its beautiful Kremlin;  Irkutsk, the ‘Paris of Siberia’ ;  Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic.  We will also stop  at Lake Baikal, to visit a traditional fishing village and enjoy a barbeque at the water’s edge.

The Golden Eagle  branches off the Trans-Siberian main line to take a trip into Mongolia for a visit to the capital, Ulaan Baatar, before returning to Russia for the remainder of the trip.

In Vladivostok, there is  time to explore and tour  this rarely-visited city, which until relatively recently, was completely closed to foreigners.

One of the main attractions of the journey has to be the gradually changing scenery;  from the climb through the Ural mountains (the boundary between Europe and Asia), to the wide open steppes and broad rivers, travelling on the Trans-Siberian is the only way to truly take in the vastness and grandeur of the world’s largest country.

The Golden Eagle is formed of 12 new fully en-suite sleeping cars featuring state of the art amenities as well as a range of sumptuous public  cars for dining and relaxing.

Itinerary & Routes

The Trans-Siberian Express runs on a number of routes Eastbound and Westbound.

The Classic Route

A 14-day adventure from Moscow to Vladivostok, via Mongolia.  This tour is also available Westbound from Vladivostok to Moscow.

Departures:

Moscow to Vladivostok:     July 30 – August 13;  August 25 – September 8.

Vladivostok to Moscow:    May 21 – June 4;  August 11 – 25;  September 8 – 22.

• Day 1     Vladivostok (arrivals)
• Day 2     Vladivostok
• Day 3     Khabarovsk
• Day 4     On board
• Day 5     Ulan Ude
• Day 6     Ulaan Baatar
• Day 7     On Board
• Day 8     Lake Baikal
• Day 9     Irkutsk
• Day 10   On board
• Day 11   Novosibirsk
• Day 12   Yekaterinburg
• Day 13   Kazan
• Day 14   Moscow
• Day 15   Moscow (departures)

Trans-Siberian Express via BAM

A 14 day alternative route, via the Baikal-Amur Mainline

This route follows the same tracks as the classic route as far as Novosibirsk.  The train then takes a route south to Novokuznetsk, before turning north over Lake Baikal.

A Westbound itinerary is also available.

• Day 1     Vladivostok (Flights arrive)
• Day 2     Vladivostok
• Day 3     Komsomolsk na Amur
• Day 4     On Board
• Day 5     Tynda
• Day 6     Novaya Chara
• Day 7     Severomuysk, Severobaikalsk
• Day 8     Bratsk
• Day 9     Sayan Mountains and Abakan
• Day 10   Novosibirsk
• Day 11   Yekaterinburg
• Day 12   Kazan
• Day 13   Moscow
• Day 14   Moscow

Mongolia & The Russian Far East

7 days from Ulaan Baatar to Vladivostok

For those with less time and a particular interest in Mongolia and the Russian Far East, this 7 day tour from Ulaan Baatar to Vladivostok allows you to experience the Eastern section of the classic Trans-Siberian train route.

• Day 1     Ulaan Baatar
• Day 2     Ulaan Baatar
• Day 3     On Board
• Day 4     On Board
• Day 5     On Board
• Day 6     Vladivostok
• Day 7     Vladivostok

Tariff 2012

Gold class twin share: £3,995 per person

Gold class single: £4,995 per person

THE SILK ROAD (MOSCOW TO BEIJING, AND BEIJING TO MOSCOW)

The Silk Road route is the same in both directions

Departures:

Westbound:    September 25 – October 15

Eastbound:     September 21 – October 11

21 days from Moscow to Beijing

Retracing one of the most important trading routes of ancient civilisation, this remarkable tour follows in the footsteps of such legendary figures as Alexander the Great and Marco Polo.

Crossing both Russia and China as well as some of the remotest former Soviet republics – Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – the  journey  takes in some of the most magnificent yet rarely-visited sights from the ancient world.  Eastbound trips start in Russia’s capital Moscow (westbound trips end here), with plenty of time to explore.

The Golden Eagle then travels on to Volgograd, often better known as Stalingrad, where the Soviets turned the course of the Second World War, before heading to far remoter places that owe their importance to a time much further back in history.

The crossing of the  Kara Kum desert is followed by the amazing 2,500 year old cities of Khiva and Bukhara, both considered so important by UNESCO that it supported their restoration,  as well as Samarkand, the ‘Rome of the East’. Much admired by Alexander the Great before he destroyed the ancient city, Samarkand is home to Registan Square, a spectacular open space surrounded by beautiful Islamic buildings and considered one of the most inspirational sights in central Asia.

Between visits to Khiva and Bukhara, there is  a two-day excursion into Turkmenistan and a visit to the capital city of Ashgabat, a huge modern folly in the desert and a monument to the recently deceased President Sapamurat Turkmenbashi.  The ancient city of Merv is toured before returning to Uzbekistan.

After crossing the border into China, and changing trains (details below), the tour takes in the fascinating Magao Thousand Buddha cave complex (a network of almost 500 grottoes containing over 2,000 statues and 45,000 murals created up to 1,700 years ago), the Jiayuguan fortress at the end of the Great Wall (considered one of northern China’s most spectacular sights) and the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, an army of almost 6,000 statues recognised as one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th Century.

The  journey ends in Beijing, the vibrant capital of modern, confident China, where the latest architecture rubs shoulders with Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

• Day 1     Moscow, Russia
• Day 2     Moscow
• Day 3     Onboard
• Day 4     Volgograd
• Day 5     Kara Kum Desert, Kazakhstan
• Day 6     Khiva, Uzbekistan
• Day 7     Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
• Day 8     Merv
• Day 9     Bukhara, Uzbekistan
• Day 10     Samarkand
• Day 11     Tashkent
• Day 12     Alamty, Kazakhstan
• Day 13     Crossing into China (Change of Trains)
• Day 14     Urumchi & Turpan
• Day 15     Dunhuang
• Day 16     Jiayuguan
• Day 17     Xian
• Day 18     Beijing
• Day 19     Beijing
• Day 20     Beijing – The Great Wall
• Day 21     Beijing

Kamchatka Discovery

Pre- or Post-Tour Extension – 5 Days

Extend your Trans-Siberian Express journey by taking a breath-taking 5-day tour of the Kamchatka Peninsula on the Pacific Rim ‘Ring of Fire’.

This undiscovered land of active volcanoes, geysers and wild bear contains some of the world’s most spectacular scenery.

If you are travelling eastbound, your visit to Kamchatka will be at the end of your tour; if you are travelling westbound, it is before starting your journey to Moscow.

Day 1

Flight arrivals in Petropavlovsk, the capital city of this little-known peninsula. Transfer from your flight to a centrally located hotel.  There is a  welcome dinner.

Day 2

The region is home to over 160 volcanoes, of which 29 are still active.  After a tour of the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky area, we take an Mi8 helicopter over 3 of the most spectacular – Korryaksky, Avachinsky and Kozhelsky – on our way to Geyser Valley.  Discovered in 1941, it is the only geyser field in Eurasia.  This 6km-long basin has over 90 geysers, and is the second largest in the world.  The largest geyser, Velikan, is capable of producing a jet of water reaching up to 130 feet (40 meters). Overnight  in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

Day 3

Today another private helicopter is taken to visit volcanoes south of the city – Gorely, Viluchinsky and Mutnovsky – where, weather permitting, we will land in the crater.  Our flight continues to Kurilskoye Lake and the Yuzhno-Kamchatskiy Reserve, which contains the world’s largest concentration of brown bears.  Accompanied by a Park Ranger, we will view wild bears and stellar sea eagles.

From mid-July to the end of September, the bears can be seen catching salmon as an estimated 6 million run upriver from the sea of Okhotsk to spawn in Kurilskoye Lake.  On our return, we stop at the Ksudoch Volcano for a brief visit to the crater’s edge overlooking a large lake.  The walls of the crater are coloured  red, gold, brown, and grey from volcanic activity.

This is one of Kamchatka’s most beautiful and least-visited places.  Return to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky for overnight stay.

Day 4

Morning tour of the highlights of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.  After lunch we visit an Itelmen settlement.  The native inhabitants of Kamchatka, the Itelmens are thought to have settled in this region over 6,000 years ago, having migrated from China.  Traditionally fisherman and fur hunters, they are reputedly the best herbalists among the Nordic people.

Day 5

Transfer to the airport for departing flights.

Note:  Day 4 may take place any point during the  stay, depending on weather and flying conditions.  All flights subject to cancellation due to adverse weather conditions.  In the event of this happening, there will be an alternative programme by road.

Cabin Acommodation: Imperial Suites

The Imperial Suites are the most spacious cabins available onboard the Golden Eagle measuring 120 sq ft (11.2 sq metres).

They benefit from their own large and luxurious fixed King Size bed as well as a dedicated sitting area with dressing table.

Suite facilities include private en-suite facilities with large power shower and underfloor heating, individual air-conditioning, wardrobe, DVD/CD player with LCD screen and two large picture windows.

Guests will also have a dedicated butler service, a selection of complimentary drinks from the premium bar list, included laundry service and room upgrades to the next available category at our selected hotels as per the itinerary.

• Area: 120 sq ft (11.1 sq m)
• Width: 17ft 4ins (3.6m)
• Length: 6ft 7ins (2m)
• Bed Width: 5ft/1.5m; sleeps 2 in (UK) King Size bed
• Bed Length: 6ft 2ins (1.9m)
• Cabins per car: 1 (plus 3 Gold Class Cabins)

• Sitting area
• Remote controlled air-conditioning and heating
• Recessed lighting and wardrobe
• Dressing Table
• Personal safe
• Private en-suite bathroom with full power shower and underfloor heating
• Bathrobes, slippers and toiletries provided; towels & linens changed daily
• DVD/CD player with LCD screens
• Drinks from the Bar Car included from the Standard and Premium Bar List (excluding Premium Wine List); complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water available at all times
• Dedicated Butler Service with laundry service included

Cabin Accommodation: Gold Class

Gold Class cabins have everything from power showers and underfloor heating to a DVD/CD player, LCD screen and individual air conditioning – and at 77sq ft (7 sq m) they are among the largest rail cabins anywhere in the world.

Fully en-suite, the bathrooms contain a separate shower cubicle.

• Cabin area: 77 sq ft (7sqm)
• Cabin length: 6′ 7″ (2m)
• Cabin width: 11′ 8″ (3.6m)
• Lower bed width: – 4′ 5″ (1.35m)

• 77 sq ft (7 sq metres)
• Sleeps 2 in either lower standard (4ft 6) double bed or bunk style
• Remote controlled air-conditioning and heating
• Recessed lighting and wardrobe
• Personal safe
• Private en-suite bathroom with full power shower and underfloor heating
• DVD/CD player with LCD screens
• Towels and Linens changed regularly
• Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water in cabin
• Drinks from the Bar Car included from the Standard Bar List
• Laundry service available for a fee
• 5 cabins per carriage

Cabin Accommodation: Silver Class

Silver cabins are more compact at 60sq ft (5.5 sq m) and have similar facilities with a fully en-suite wet room.

• Cabin area: 60 square feet, (5.5sqm)
• Cabin length: 6′ 7″ (2m)
• Cabin width: 9′ (2.7m)
• Lower bed width: 4′ (1.2m)
• Upper bed width: 2′ 9″ (85cm)

• 60 sq ft (5.5 sq metres)
• Sleeps 2 in lower small double bed (4ft) or bunk style
• Remote controlled air-conditioning and heating
• Recessed lighting and wardrobe
• Personal safe
• Private en-suite bathroom with ‘wet-room’ style shower and toilet
• DVD/CD player with LCD screens
• Towels and Linens changed regularly
• Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water in cabin
• Laundry service available for a fee
• 6 cabins per carriage

Restaurant Cars

A particular delight of the Golden Eagle is two beautifully appointed restaurant cars, the venue for chefs to serve carefully-prepared meals using only the finest local ingredients.

Whether it be the world-renowned ‘Borsch’, caviar or Omul – a fish unique to Lake Baikal – they offer a culinary experience representing the very best of Russia.

Meals are complemented by wines from around the world, as well as – naturally – vodka.

Lounge Car

The social heart of the train is of course the bar car, a great place to relax and settle into the unhurried pace of life on board.

Unwind in comfortable surroundings and watch the world go by as you get to know your fellow passengers; the bar stays open until the last person leaves.

General Information

What is included in the price

All accommodation as per the itinerary, both on board the train and in hotels; all meals starting with dinner on the first day (on some tours this may differ slightly, please refer to the specific itinerary); a generous allowance of wine, beer, soft drinks and tea and coffee with all lunches and dinners both on and off the train (except where stated otherwise); all arrival and departure transfers; guided off train sightseeing excursions; the services of experienced tour leaders; complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water 24 hours a day, all gratuities; the services of a doctor (except where stated otherwise).

Gratuities

All gratuities are included in the tour price.  Passengers are asked to refrain from offering gratuities to crew/hoteliers/drivers etc.

Luggage

There is limited storage space inside the cabin for luggage storage.  Soft-topped luggage is easier to store.  Clients can have assistance to store their luggage.

Dress Code

During the day, dress is casual both on and off the train.   In the evening we suggest smart casual.

Tariff

For full  details and quotes for Trans-Siberian railway tours and journeys, please contact us on +44 (0)1249 890176.

We’ll be happy to answer your questions and provide you with a full quote.

STOP PRESS – 2013 Fares for the Golden Eagle

Many Golden Eagle 2012 journeys are nearly sold out, so these fares may help your planning for 2013.  If the train journey you require is not described above, please contact us for details:

Booking & Reservations

We’ll be happy to answer any questions and make all your arrangements for you.

We book the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express directly on your behalf.

Contact us in the UK : +44 (0)1249 890176 or info@luxurytrainclub.com