Adventure travel may often be associated with knee-wobbling adrenaline-fuelled activities, but for you, it may be quite the opposite. For you, it’s all about taking the time to explore new territories, mingling with the locals and wildlife, and introducing your tastebuds to different flavours, all the while appreciating the new settings and textures of the landscape that surround you.
Unsurprisingly, one of the best ways to do this is by rail. Not only is it comfortable, convenient and being able to enjoy the luxury of space and world-class on-board services including the fine dining, but also, the day excursion options are all so well thought out and organised.
Here are five Great Train Journeys we recommend for the young adventurer in you. And if any of these journeys take your fancy, Rail Plus has a $50 voucher for you to take advantage of for your next booking. All you need to do is answer a couple of questions.
The Ghan, Australia
This iconic rail journey is right in your back yard, so you don’t have very far to go at all! A fabulous start to ticking off this list of great train journeys, The Ghan covers 2,979km from Adelaide to Darwin and includes all the spoils you’d expect, such as comfortable cabins, good food, great bar service and fun day excursions. As you may have watched parts of it on SBS in January, the joy of slowly travelling through the heart of Australia is a thoroughly enriching and rewarding experience. Raw, rugged and spectacular are just some common words used to describe the Australian Outback – and that’s exactly what you will experience.
Rovos Rail, Africa
In a series of train journeys that last from 24 hours right up to a fortnight, the Pride of Africa links some of Africa’s greatest destinations from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam. From the game reserves of Mpumulanga, the thundering Victoria Falls and the desert landscapes in Namibia to the stark beauty of the Karoo, lush cane fields of KwaZulu-Natal and the magnificent garden route along the Cape South Coast, you will find an itinerary that suits your interests – even golfing!
Belmond Grand Hibernian, Ireland
The very first and only luxury train experience in Ireland, the Belmond Grand Hibernian is an exclusive and boutique offering with only 20 cabins per train (16 twin and four double), with each cabin named after an Irish county. You can pick from two, four and six-night itineraries to suit your interest, time and budget. What’s great about this experience is the luxuriously appointed Georgian inspired decor – travelling through Emerald Isle doesn’t get more stylish than this!
Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, Switzerland
From the country that continues to bring us some of the world’s best cheeses, chocs and clocks, their train journeys are equally as celebrated and definitely worthy of any bucket list. Not only are they renowned for their punctuality, more than anything, they are best known for their jaw-dropping scenic routes. From lush valleys to icy glaciers, and from the snow-capped Alps to the balmy Mediterranean, it’s all here in Switzerland. With eight different routes covering 1200km of tracks across all of the four language regions of the country, you can pick and choose your preferred journey from any point and at any time that suits your holiday schedule.
Eastern & Oriental Express, South East Asia
Travelling between Singapore and Bangkok doesn’t get more luxurious than onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express. Considered one of the most exotic train journeys available, you will experience ancient temples, winding rivers, quaint villages, the lush tropical countryside and wild jungle terrains that make this South East Asian peninsula so special. There’s even an optional excursion to the bridge over the River Kwai. The colonial setting of the train transports you to the region’s past, and also the 24-hour steward and fine dining services are top rate. It’s just charm and class all the way.
Now don’t forget, you can win a $50 voucher to go towards your next great train holiday booking by participating in this very short survey.
For more information on these train journeys and others around the world, head to www.railplus.com.au or speak to a Great Train Journeys expert on 03 8799 4828.
