Everything Old is New Again – Vacation by Train

Did your parents ever tell you to hold on to something (suit, tie, skirt, slacks, Chia Pet, Pet Rock) because it would eventually come back into style?  Who knew that they were talking about Vacation by Train?   Okay.   Maybe not. But they should have been talking about it…

The hottest NEW travel is vacation by train.  This isn’t just about U.S. vacation by train, either.  More people are traveling by train for vacation in Europe, Asia, Africa, Canada, and South America today than at any other time since the Golden Age of the Rail Industry in the 1800s. And, the good news is that train travel is for everyone and can be combined with any kind of vacation.

If you don’t believe me, keep reading about these glorious excursions on some of the most iconic rail systems in the world.

Vacation by Train

The Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineers led the way in travel for people who wanted to EXPERIENCE the U.S. Rocky Mountains and Western Canada.  This area has become synonymous with breathtaking vistas and heart-stopping mountainous terrain.

Your senses will explode as you view the Rocky Mountains from a window in the dining car, a dome-topped car, or the windows of your sleeper room.  This award-winning train line offers many touring options including jaunts that allow you to stop at the incredible Lake Louise and Banff or the majestic ski terrain around Mount Whistler that was featured during the Vancouver Olympics.  From glorious hardwoods all around to beautiful china in the dining car, this truly is the way to satisfy your quest to visit Canada and the Rockies.  It is also an amazing journey to add to an Alaskan Cruise out of Vancouver.  What a way to get your Canadian Train Vacation Fix!

The Napa Valley Train

Perhaps the most identified THEME train is The Napa Valley Wine Train.  If you are interested in all things WINE, then this is the train trip for you.  The Train is based in the picturesque town of Napa and does an assortment of rail tours through the wine estates.

You can choose from:

The Legacy Tour – which includes Robert Mondavi, Charles Krug, and V. Sattui. The legacy of these Italian families represents a combined winemaking history of more than 300 years. And some very fine vintages. Some say this is where it all began. And this is where your journey begins. To learn more about qkawine.com, which entails interesting information about wine, you can click the link.

The Collective Tour – Sparkling wine and Mason jar poached eggs set the mood.  As you can see and check, you will visit three incredible wineries – The Napa Green Certified St. Supery Estate Vineyards and Winery, Beringer Winery, and Raymond Vineyards. You will experience wine-making from the vineyards, to the processing, to the tasting. During this 6-hour sensual treat, your winery visits are wrapped around incredible food like honey-fennel cracked mustard glazed Pacific salmon or rosemary garlic marinated grilled flat iron steak.

Are you getting the picture here?  Well, then another choice will take you over the top…

Romance On The Rails – You will take a 3-hour journey in a private booth of the Vista Dome absorbing the beauty of this Romantic Evening train ride through Napa Valley.  This breathtaking sumptuous dinner aboard a delightful train is a great way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, or JUST BECAUSE….

What is truly amazing is that this is just a sample of the various experiences that can be enjoyed on a West Coast Train Vacation package!

The African Blue Train

When you mention to someone about the Blue Train, you either get a blank stare or an awe-inspired glaze.  There is NO in-between.  It is one of the most luxurious trains in the world and has just a few routes.  But, oh, the routes.  It goes from Cape Town to Pretoria or Krueger National Park.  One of the NORMAL stops is Victoria Falls…  Did I mention Krueger National Park and Victoria Falls?   That is the reason that you have to see this train to believe it.  When the luxury is this intense, you know that you are in a place that will define the rest of your life – Africa.

Now, let’s switch tracks…….

There is a company that owns some of the best-known luxury trains in the World.  Belmond owns The Royal Scotsman in Scotland, The Hiram Bingham in Peru, The Belmond Andean Explorer in Peru, The Grand Hibernian in

Ireland, The British Express in the United Kingdom, AND……ta da…..The Venice Simplon – Orient Express.   Yes, THAT

*Orient Express*

Now, we’re talking trains.

The Hiram Bingham is an incredible train that travels between Cusco and Machu Picchu in Peru.  The dome cars give a breathtaking view of the Andes and access to this UNESCO Heritage area that cannot be duplicated.  It is named after the discoverer of Machu Picchu and cannot be matched.

Riding Belmond Royal Scotsman can be an eye-opener.  It is the essence of Scotland in a train. Not only are the cars some of the most luxurious including the Bamford Spa but the journeys are unique and

whimsical.  For instance…the Scotch Malt Whisky Trail which includes all meals and beverages, private tours of the Glen Ord, Glenlivet, and Tullibardine distilleries, and a tasting at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society headquarters.   HOW COOL IS THAT!!!!

And now, Ladies and Gentlemen…..

Oh, ok….

The Venice Simplon – Orient Express.  Perhaps the best-known train in the world, this is more than a train.  It is the pinnacle of the Golden Age brought to life.  You almost expect Agatha Christie or Hercule Poirot to wander by your seat in the Club Car while you have Tea.  The cabins are sumptuous and the routes are without compare.  Try Venice to London (with a 2-night stop in Vienna) or Paris to Budapest or …..

This train will take you away.

All of these iconic trains are waiting for you.  One call to Fox Travel and you can be on a journey that will be life-changing and life-enhancing.  We are talking BUCKET LISTS here, people.

Contact Us!

Are you interested in a vacation by train? Contact Alma, or one of our other agents at Fox Travel to get set up on one of these amazing trips at 281-363-0808, or fill out the form below.