Extraordinary Train Travel

"What you've done becomes the judge of what you're going to do - especially in other people's minds.  When you're traveling, you are what you are right there and then.  People don't have your past to hold against you.  No yesterdays on the road."

  ~William Least Heat Moon

When traveling abroad I've always enjoyed traveling by train.  But those experiences have been about just getting to the destination.  Sometimes the train can be the destination.  There are some trains that have become famous for their service or for the scenery they cover on their trip.  Years ago we were in Venice and the Orient Express was in the train station.  I remember seeing it and thinking "Wow" that's the Orient Express.  Everyone has heard of it, partly because of Agatha Christie, but also because it is known as one of the top trains in the world.  It earned that reputation, it is one of the most luxurious ways to travel by train.  There are others that may not be quite as famous but have the same reputations.  I would like to travel on all of these some day.

The Trans-Siberian Railway

Trans-Siberian by Lake Baikal

Covering a distance of nearly 6000 miles, the classic route of the Trans-Siberian Railway runs west to east through Russia from Moscow to Vladivostok on the Sea of Japan, and in reverse. It has been said that the Trans-Siberian Railway is "arguably, the world's most famous train experience." Passengers can book a luxurious private train experience or interact with locals on regularly scheduled service. In either case, the round trip journey requires 14 days and skirts the border with China as it makes its way across the Russian landscape. A highlight of the trip is traveling by the shores of the world's oldest and deepest freshwater lake, Lake Baikal, midway through the journey. Trans Siberian Railway Real Russia Limited 3, The Ivories Northampton St. Islington London N1 2HY +44-207-100-7370 www.realrussia.co.uk

The Venice Simplon Orient-Express

Orient Express

The train named in the Agatha Christie mystery "Murder on the Orient Express" has nine different routes across Europe, some as short as a single day. The classic six-day, five-night route of the Orient-Express from Paris to Istanbul takes place once per year. Passengers on the Orient-Express are treated to luxurious accommodations, elegant surroundings and gourmet cuisine as well as spectacular scenery. Orient-Express Hotels Inc. (Train Reservations) 205 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29401 800-524-2420 www.orient-express.com

The Royal Scotsman

The Royal Scotsman in the Highlands

A journey on The Royal Scotsman takes you straight to the heart of the Highlands, through landscapes of towering, pine-clad mountains reflected in mirror-still lochs.Just 36 guests travel through Scotland's finest countryside in private cabins, with an open-deck observation carriage behind. Life on board this luxury train is relaxed and indulgent, with gastronomic dining and the convivial atmosphere of celebrating with friends. After dinner, over a wee dram, a local clansman recounts tales that bring Scottish history alive.Along the way, guests disembark to meet local personalities, talk to experts on subjects from salmon fishing to whisky and take part in fun activities - truly a Scottish rail vacation par excellence.  http://www.royalscotsman.com/web/rs/the_royal_scotsman.jsp

The Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer operates four routes across the vast landscape of the Canadian Rockies and western Canada. The journey is truly one of the most spectacular train trips in the world. Any of the available routes provide breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies, along with possible sightings of bald eagles, bears and ospreys. The train operates between April and October. There are no sleeper cars on the train; passengers are booked in hotels during the overnight portions of their journeys. Travelers who end their trips in Vancouver have the option of adding an Alaska-bound cruise on Holland America Cruise Lines to their itinerary. Rocky Mountaineer Suite 101 - 369 Terminal Ave. Vancouver, BC V6A 4C4 Canada 877-460-3200  www.rockymountaineer.com

The Blue Train

Blue Train

The Blue Train takes its name from its distinctive exterior color. This luxurious train has been in operation since the 1940s, and offers five-star accommodations as it travels the 1000 miles between Cape Town, on the coast of South Africa, to the capital city, Pretoria. The marble floors, high tea and gourmet cuisine pamper passengers while the changing scenery from seashore to interior landscape provide visual stimulation. The train is also available for charter tours for alternate routes. The Blue Train 1 CP Brand Ave. Melkbosstrand, Cape Town 7441 South Africa +27-21-553-8000 www.luxurytrains.co.za

The Palace on Wheels

Palace on Wheels

Included among the world's 10 greatest train journeys by ABC Travel, the Palace on Wheels begins and ends its seven-day route in Delhi as it travels throughout the Rajasthan region of northern India. Its 52 single, double and triple rooms are frequently booked solid several months in advance. The train is fitted out with lavish, regionally oriented decor, and boasts two Indian cuisine restaurants along with a fully stocked bar and bar lounge. The no-smoking train has Wi-Fi Internet service throughout, with electrical sockets and laundry service available. The Palace on Wheels Palace Tours Ltd. 20 Wall St. Princeton, NJ 08540 800-724-5120 www.palacetours.net

**Information and pictures on trains was taken from the internet