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We often equate trains with the daily struggle of commuting to work. If you’ve ever spent time cramped on the 8am train to the city, you’ll know what we mean. However holidaying via train can be a truly unique and relaxing experience.
Considering that a train can act as a hotel, lounge, café, bar and restaurant in addition to being your way of getting around, it can be a great option for travellers looking for an all inclusive and stress free holiday.
There are quite a few amazing train trips across the world, and we want to take you through some of our top picks in Spain, Japan and Australia.
If you’re looking to escape the daily grind, a trip on one of these luxury train lines may be just the ticket – contact one of our personal travel managers to get on-board for your next holiday.
Kyushu Seven Stars Cruise Train, Japan
Having launched just one year ago, the Kyushu Seven Stars has fast been added to many a traveller’s ‘wish list’.
Located on Japan’s lush southern island of Kyushu, the high-tech luxury sleeper train cost three billion yen to complete, with no detail spared. Handcrafted woodwork and delicate art adorn walls throughout, complemented by bamboo blinds and ‘shoji’ – traditional Japanese paper screens.
There are two circuits available on the island – a one-night 800km tour of north Kyushu or a 1,200km tour of the entire island.
If you’re after a truly authentic experience before or after your rail journey, spend a night in a traditional ‘ryokan’ (Japanese inn) and let an onsen (hot spring) melt away any of your aches and pains.
While the on-board entertainment will keep you busy, you may find yourself distracted by the sheer beauty of the surrounding landscape. Take a trip in November to enjoy the spectacular autumn maple leaf displays.
Al Andalus Express, Andalucia – Spain
Travel through the historic towns in Spain’s Sierra Nevada foothills in style with the Al Andalus Express.
Step aboard and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to the 1930s; the brown and cream 12-car train has been restored to the glory of its heyday. You’ll find everything you need for a relaxing trip on-board, with a two car restaurant, showers, a lounge room, games room, bar and dance floor.
The Al Andalus Express tracks its way through the Spanish landscape from Seville to Cordoba, Granada and Jerez, offering guests the opportunity to disembark at each town to explore.
Walk the lengths of the Jewish quarter and taste traditional Andalusian dishes of fish, calamari and chorizo in Cordoba, and explore the Alhambra gardens and royal palaces in Granada.
After this six-day tour, you’ll be forgiven for feeling a pang of nostalgia as you leave the divine 1930s carriages behind you.
The Ghan, Australia
Sometimes the most amazing experiences are in our own backyard.
Enter The Ghan, the jewel in Australia’s locomotive crown. Since 1929, travellers have taken in the heart of the Outback from the safety and comfort of the train’s comfortable cabins, ambling along from Darwin or Adelaide to Alice Springs.
View the spectacular red centre while indulging in regionally based, gourmet food served in a classic, laid-back (but always impeccable) Aussie style.
You can also opt to break your journey up in Alice Springs, stepping off to explore awe-inspiring Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon.
If luxury is your thing, treat yourself by upgrading to a roomy gold class cabin with your own ensuite bathroom.
Talk to your travel manager about booking your most memorable train trip http://www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm-search/
Have you had a unique train experience that you’d recommend? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
We at Travel Managers Australia recognise the traditional owners of the country where we live and work. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people and their enduring cultures and connections to the land and waters of New South Wales.
