For travellers looking for the ultimate in epic luxury rail travel on some of the world's greatest railways, the list below might provide enough inspiration to inflame the imagination.
™
Lhasa to Hong Kong aboard the Shangri-La Express
Rail tours between Tibet's capital Lhasa and Hong Kong take in a breathtaking sweep of natural wonders and culture. The Shangri-La Express is a luxury first-class locomotive and well-equipped for such a journey.
The journey is one of contrasts - not only do travellers get the chance to visit the 6,000 Terracotta Warriors of Xian but also to witness Giant Pandas in the wild in Yunnan Stone Forest, the 'First Wonder of the World'.
The experience begins Lhasa, where travellers are given the chance to explore Jokhang Temple, Tibet's holiest shrine. On the third day, travellers are given a tour of Norbu Lingka, the Dalai Lama's Summer Palace.
For four nights, travellers get to stay on a luxury river cruiser as it glides through the world-famous Three Gorges.
The Silk Road aboard the Trans Siberian Express
Retracing one of the most important trading routes of ancient civilisation, this tour follows in the footsteps of such legendary figures as Alexander the Great and Marco Polo.
Crossing Russia and China as well as some of the former Soviet republics, this journey takes in countless sights from the ancient world. The Tran-Siberian Express is the ultimate in luxury transportation.
The trip begins in Moscow, then on to Volgograd for some fabulous sightseeing opportunities.
The Kara Kum desert is followed by the amazing 2,500 year-old cities of Khiva and Bukhara -- then onto Samarkand, 'Rome of the East'. Samarkand is home to Registan Square, a space considered to be one of the most inspirational sights in central Asia.
After crossing the border into China, the tour bypasses the Magao Thousand Buddha cave complex, the Jiayuguan fortress and the Terracotta Warriors, an army of 6,000 statues.
The Arctic Circle by Steam
The Arctic Circle by Steam is an incredible steam-hauled 7,000km, 13 day journey from Moscow to St Petersburg and on to Murmansk, inside the Arctic Circle. Followers of luxury rail travel will delight to the sight and sound of steam engines juxtaposed with all the conveniences of modern travel.
The journey begins in Moscow, where travellers spend a day touring Russia's vibrant capital, including Red Square and the Kremlin. At Leningradski station guests join a private train.
The train is then hauled from Moscow by Europe's largest operating steam locomotive, GWT's P36.0032. The train departs north towards Saint Petersburg and the Arctic Circle.
Then it's on to Pavlovsk where the itinerary includes a visit Catherine's Summer Palace in Pushkin. The next day travellers are given a guided tour around the ancient city of Pskov.
A highlight of the journey is in Kem where guests are transferred to a small boat bound for Solovetsky Monastery on beautiful Solovetsky Island in the White Sea.
The Canadian Rockies aboard the Royal Canadian Pacific
Step aboard a Canadian Pacific Railway vintage business car for the ultimate in luxury rail vacations. The spectacular Canadian rocky mountain scenery, five-star hospitality and comfortable accommodations onboard the Royal Canadian Pacific ensures the journey of a lifetime.
The National Geographic Traveller agrees with this sentiment, as in 2008 this tour was recognised by them as the "Tour of a Lifetime".
The quintessential Canadian Rockies rail tour is unique in that it focuses on the heritage and culture of the Canadian Rockies, while escorting passengers through some of the most spectacular terrain in the world along the historic Canadian Pacific Railway lines. Tour highlights include: Banff and The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Lake Louise, Kicking Horse Pass and Columbia Valley wetlands.
Beijing to Moscow aboard the Trans-Siberian Express
This trip is more adventure-driven and packed with activity than a majority of tours. The tour commences in Beijing where guests board the Ulanbaatar bound train.
Travellers then have a couple of days leisure time before boarding the Trans-Siberian Express Irkutsk-bound train. Upon arriving in Irkutsk, guests transfer to Listvyanka Village on the shore of Lake Baikal for a choice of activities such as: dog sledding, snow shoeing plus many others.
Several days later the train heads for Novosibirsk. Upon arrival in Ekaterinburg guests are given a tour of the city, followed by a thrilling choice of day trip options: from a trip to the Romanov graves to mountain biking in the Ural Mountains, from ice fishing to Siberian husky dog sledding.
Tahiti is growing as one of the top luxury travel vacation destinations. From honeymooners wanting to experience the intimacy of these secluded islands, to active divers awaiting the colorful underwater displays, to families wishing for a unique experience; Tahiti has a lot to offer for travelers northern pacific expeditions review of all types. But, the number one drawback is the perceived cost of Tahitian travel. With such hotels as the St. Regis, the Le Méridien, and the Le Taha'a Private Island Resort, travel to Tahiti does not strike the experienced traveler as a "budget-friendly" destination. However, there are several ways to experience Tahiti on a budget.
Tahiti Club Med
The Bora Bora Club Med Resort has one of the most prime locations on the island. Situated on its own lagoon in the midst of coconut groves, this resort sports one of the few all-inclusive experiences in Tahiti. Though it is an older resort, it's well maintained and the price is right. The resort is made up of bungalows, although none of them are over the water. It is recommended that you spend the extra money to get an ocean view bungalow to enhance your experience and beat the Polynesian heat. For travelers who have their hearts set on Tahitian luxury vacations, Club Med Bora Bora is a great option to consider.
Privately Owned and Operated
There are a number of privately owned and operated inns, motels, bed and breakfasts and villas that are open for public business. These properties are usually run by a native family, and offer more modest accommodations. This also means less people and more privacy which is a unique way to experience Polynesian life up close and personal. You can explore on your own or enjoy the lagoon that the family has probably explored for generations. You will also be contributing to the wellbeing of a number of native Tahitian families who will welcome you to their homes with open arms. These privately owned and operated accommodations offer travelers interested in a luxury travel vacation a taste of rustic charm.
Tahitian Cruising
Now, more cruise ships than ever before are exploring the waters of Tahiti. From the most luxurious Paul Gauguin to the Tahitian Princess vessel, there are a number of options. The key is to find a cruise line that offers all the amenities you are interested in on a well-equipped boat for the most minimal price. Princess Cruise Line's Tahitian Princess does just that. Talk about a cheap luxury cruise! This ship, carrying only 700 passengers, offers some of the best and up to date amenities. Prices start at only $1,039.00 per person.
Tahiti has become such a popular destination that it's being added to the itineraries of luxury world cruises. But you do not have to be ultra rich to experience Tahiti. There are so many options for the cost conscious traveler. You could try the Club Med on Bora Bora. You can experience the rustic peace of a privately owned and operated resort. You can even find reasonably priced cruises to the Tahitian islands. Travelers have plenty of options. Imagine the breathtaking wonder and excitement you will feel when you discover that you too can experience the luxury of Tahiti...on a budget!