Exploring the resurgence of rail travel: Unveiling why your future grand expedition might be conducted by train
Man, I'm pumped! Emily just dropped a bomb on me - we're going on an epic train adventure, ** Portugal to Vietnam**! Can you believe it? This ain't no ordinary train ride, it's the longest non-stop train route in the world!
Kicking off in my current homeland, we'll traverse Europe, blast through remote Mongolian landscapes, and finally arrive in the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City for a well-deserved Saigon beer. Sure, the Trans-Siberian route might be longer, but adding train and station changes, the Portugal to Vietnam journey isn't just doable – it's freakin' exciting, and we're not alone!
The EU has declared 2021 the 'Year of Rail' to boost support for the continent's already impressive train connections. In the coming years, new night-trains will hit the tracks, like Vienna to Paris and Zurich to Rome, making the world a greener place.
Now, train travel might make you think of rustic wooden carriages and fancy dining rooms, but let me tell you – all train rides aren't created equal. Over the years, I've experienced everything from cozy dorm accommodations to first-class champagne sips while my family was stuck in economy.
So, maybe a 300-hour journey isn't your thing, and you're more into luxurious train trips that are truly unforgettable. For that, check out the brand new Luxurious Train Travel Collection by Original Travel (UK) and France's Voyageurs du Monde! These guys are experts in crafting bespoke travel experiences, and now they're bringing the best of the best train journeys to the table.
Here are just three of their tantalizing train journey getaways:
1. Romance by rail to Italy's iconic trio
I've got a major soft spot for Italy, and what could be more iconic than a romantic train journey from Venice to Rome, with a stop in Florence? The train travel in Italy is a breeze, especially between these cities, and these beauties offer everything from local services to luxury trains.
On this journey, you'll visit the magical floating city of Venice, where a private gondola ride is followed by a tour of the Doge's Palace. Next up, admire Florence's art and architecture up close, with priority passes to the Museo del Duomo and a guide to help you navigate the city like a local. Lastly, enjoy a walking tour of Rome, one of history's most historic cities, and don't forget to swing by Trastevere for some delicious Italian cuisine!
2. Enjoy a luxury journey from Bangkok to Singapore
I've visited both Singapore and Bangkok countless times, and taking the train between the two is all about the phenomenal journey, with the mood-lit, mahogany-clad Eastern & Oriental Express transporting you back in time to the 'golden era' of train travel.
Start your journey in Singapore with some VIP treatment, including private tours, sky-bar visits, and high-end dining before hopping on board the Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express for two unforgettable nights. Depending on your route, you might even make stops in Malaysia for hiking, exploring rural villages, or breaking up the journey in Kuala Lumpur.
3. See two iconic cities in Russia by rail
St. Petersburg is about as far as I've ever made it in Russia, but this grand city, home to incredible architecture and the legendary Hermitage Museum, has me itching to see more. Moscow, the capital of Russia, is equally rich in historical attractions.
Take the Red Arrow route for an overnight journey between the two cities, traveling in refurbished luxury carriages with a restaurant car. This tour includes the must-sees coupled with high-end accommodations in both cities, and you'll enjoy exclusive early entry tickets at the Hermitage – a total game-changer.
So, there you have it – a taste of the luxurious train travel adventures waiting to happen. With Original Travel and Voyageurs du Monde at the helm, you're in for a wild ride!
Delve deeper into Italy's iconic cities with a romantic train journey from Venice to Rome, encountering the charm of Venice, the art and architecture of Florence, and the historical grandeur of Rome, all united by the convenience of train travel.
Embrace the elegance of the 'golden era' of travel on the phenomenal journey from Bangkok to Singapore, journeying through Malaysia and enjoying the experience of the mood-lit, mahogany-clad Eastern & Oriental Express, reminiscent of a bygone era.
