The IrT SocIeTy’S BeST-loved railway journeys 2014 -2015 · The IRT Society’s Best-Loved Railway Journeys® 2014-2015 is a special edition of The International Railway Traveler®,

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railway journeys 2014-2015The InTernaTIonal raIlway Traveler® • SpecIal edITIon no. 199 • $75

The IrT SocIeTy’S BeST-loved

®

Nelson Freeman

Owen hardy

2 | Visit our website for more tours and updates • www.irtsociety.com • (800) 478-4881 • [email protected] Visit our website for more tours and updates • www.irtsociety.com • (800) 478-4881 • [email protected] | 3

New for 2o14 & 2o15• Orient-Express: The Orient-Express changed its name to Belmond. The company oper-ates several of our World’s Top 25 Trains® as well as cruises and hotels. This does not change its standards of excellence.• Central Asia: Begin in Ar-menia, in the shadow of Mt. Ararat. Continue around the shores of the Caspian Sea. Join IRT’s Angela Walker and our group on the October, 2014 “Caspian Odyssey” luxury tour on the Golden Eagle.• Central Europe: Danube Express is upgrading to luxury status in 2015, sources tell us. The Budapest-based train plans an enticing mix of new tours. Top trip picks are on pp. 78-81. • India: The Maharajas’ Express returns to our “Top 25” list after a brief hiatus due to a change in management. The Maharajas’ Express and Deccan Odyssey

both run fabulous programs and offer many new tours. • Sea Cloud: We blocked space on the most popular itinerary of the Sea Cloud, the Dalmatian Coast to Athens (pp. 40-41). • France: We have chartered a French Country Waterways ca-nal cruise Sept. 6-12, 2015. The ship has just six double suites. So call us ASAP.• Canada: We love the Royal Canadian Pacific. But it no longer runs public tours, just charters (and thus not featured here). So call us, charter it, and throw the party of your life. • Australia: Sadly, we bid the Sunlander goodbye from our “Top 25” list. Queenslander service is being retired at the end of 2014.• Japan: Kyushu’s posh Seven Stars train is too new to vie for “Top 25” status. But it’s “One to Watch” (pp. 98-99). Try it with us on our new Japan tour.

I n 2010 you told us: “Our trip’s not over when the train stops! So IRT—the luxury train specialist—joined Virtuoso—the

luxury travel network. The result, for you and IRT, is unpar-alleled access and exclusivity. IRT/Virtuoso means secured space on the iconic Orient-Express or Sea Cloud, just two examples. It means exclusive perks, such as complimentary breakfasts and heli-copter rides, on your Blue Train safari package. It means VIP treatment in our Vir-tuoso hotels and on average $450 of complimentary benefits. It even means a sneak peek at the world’s newest luxury train, Japan’s Kyushu Seven Stars.Enjoy!

ready to travel? CoNtaCt us right Now!

Mail: The Society of International Railway Travelers® 2424 Frankfort Ave., Suite #2 Louisville, KY 40206, USAPhone: (800) 478-4881 (within U.S. and Canada) (502) 897-1725 Fax: (502) 897-1729E-mail: [email protected] facebook.com/irtsocietyWeb: www.irtsociety.com blog.irtsociety.com

Table of Contents

Page Region Train (Ship) Tour/Itinerary

4 Africa Pride of Africa Cape Town to Dar es Salaam

10 Africa Pride of Africa African Collage with Golf Option

12 Africa Pride of Africa Namibian Safari

16 Africa Blue Train Southern Africa Luxury Safari: Cape Town to Johannesburg

20 Asia Golden Eagle/Shangri-La Express The Silk Road: Beijing-Moscow

26 Asia Palace on Wheels India’s Rajasthan

28 Asia Deccan Odyssey Indian Odyssey: Delhi to Mumbai

30 Asia Maharajas’ Express Indian Splendor: Delhi to Mumbai

32 Asia Eastern & Oriental Express Epic Thailand

36 Asia Eastern & Oriental Express Bangkok to Singapore

38 Asia (Orcaella) Myanmar (Burma): Gorges of the Far North River Cruise

40 Europe (Sea Cloud) Gems of the Dalmatian & Greek Coasts

42 Europe Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express: Vladivostok-Moscow

48 Europe Golden Eagle Caspian Odyssey

50 Europe Royal Scotsman Scotland by Luxury Train: Classic & Western Tours

52 Europe Royal Scotsman Grand Tour of Great Britain

56 Europe Venice Simplon-Orient-Express/British Pullman Central Europe: Venice-Prague-Paris-London

58 Europe Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Paris to Istanbul; Istanbul to Venice Annual Journeys

64 Europe Venice Simplon-Orient-Express/British Pullman Romantic Italian Holiday: Florence-Venice-London

68 Europe El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo Northern Spain: Santiago to San Sebastián

72 Europe El Transcantábrico Clásico Northern Spain: Santiago to León

74 Europe Al-Andalus Southern Spain: Andalusia by Luxury Train

78 Europe Danube Express Balkan Odyssey

80 Europe Danube Express Istanbul Tours

82 Europe Glacier Express; Bernina Express; Golden Pass Switzerland’s Classic Trains

84 Europe Flåm Railway & more Arctic Circle Express: Sweden & Norway

86 S. America Hiram Bingham/Andean Explorer Peru’s Machu Picchu & Cusco, Lake Titicaca

88 N. America Canadian/Rocky Mountaineer Trans-Canada Rail Adventure

90 N. America Rocky Mountaineer Canadian Rockies Western Explorer

92 N. America Amtrak’s Empire Builder Glacier Park Discovery

94 Australia Indian Pacific/Ghan Australia Rail Extravaganza

95 World Appendix: Additional itineraries and travel dates

98 Japan Kyushu Seven Stars Not Yet World’s Top 25, but One to Watch

The IRT Society’s Best-Loved Railway Journeys® 2014-2015 is a special edition of The International Railway Traveler®, published by The Society of International Railway Travelers®. Business offices and Tour Desk: 2424 Frankfort Ave., Suite 2, Louisville, KY 40206; telephone: (502) 897-1725; fax: (502) 897-1729. Web: www. irtsociety.com. Owen C. Hardy, CEO & Editor, [email protected]; Eleanor Flagler Hardy, President, [email protected]; Angela Walker, Vice President, Operations, and Senior Editor, [email protected]; Stephen Sebree, Art Director; General email: [email protected]. Editorial & Circulation Offices: 2424 Frankfort Ave., Suite 2, Louisville, KY 40206, tel.: (502) 897-1725; fax: (502) 897-1729. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Society of International Railway Travelers®, 2424 Frankfort Ave., Suite 2, Louisville, KY 40206. ©2014, Hardy Publishing Co., Inc. Nothing in The IRT Society’s Best-loved Railway Journeys® 2014-2015 may be reproduced in any format by any means without publisher’s prior written approval. All rights reserved. Cover photos by Nelson Freeman (Rovos Rail Train) and Owen C. Hardy (elephants.)

why travel with irt?

We know luxury trains. Since 1983, IRT owners, staff and writers have traveled thousands of miles reporting on the world’s best trains. We know what we sell. Result: IRT is the top book-ing agency for individual guests on Rovos Rail, one of the top for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and a major player for many others. “I would recommend you any time. I love working with Eleanor & Owen and everybody at IRT.” — D. Minnerly, Texas, veteran of more than 30 IRT trips

We know luxury hotels, cruises & adventure travel. “Many thanks to you both. I feel like a princess on a pillow,” said M. Platt, who booked her Rovos Rail jour-ney and deluxe hotels with IRT. Because of our Virtuoso con-nection, she received thousands of dollars’ worth of complimenta-ry add-ons, upgrades, sightseeing and transfers. “We would never, never, never attempt to do a trip like this with-out someone like you. You have been great.” — C. Stover, S. Africa 2013

IRT: Your “luxury travel sommelier.” We delight in “pairing” our luxury trains with fabulous Virtuoso hotels, cruises and tours. Example 1: The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express + Four Seasons hotels in Paris and Istanbul (with exclusive Virtuoso perks) + excellent private guides. Example 2: Australia’s Ghan + the exciting, new Lindblad Dar-win-Broome expedition cruise. Example 3: Peru’s Hiram Bing-ham and Belmond Hotels (with Virtuoso perks) + International Expeditions’ Amazon cruise on the new Estrella Amazonica.

Great air contracts. Get to your destination with the best price and schedule, the least fuss and bother. Flight cancelled? Take advantage of your IRT Vir-tuoso bonus: our 24/7 emergency phone number.

Info. We provide everything you need to prepare for your journey, from visas to what to wear, from books to read and immunizations to obtain; when to travel; what to take—and what to leave at home.

VIP treatment. We routinely reconfirm all your services and unabashedly “beg” for compli-mentary extras and upgrades on your behalf. “I’m so positive on IRT I can’t stand it anymore! Now that you’re with Virtuoso it’s expanded even further. “On the cruise Sharon and I were on, we got tons of Virtuoso amenities; at the Intercontinental (in Rome) our meals discounted, special dinners there, breakfast every day. “Aboard the ship, the same thing!”— E. Fitzpatrick, veteran of 19 IRT journeys world’s top 25 traiNs®

IRT’s World’s Top 25 Trains® list is based on millions of miles of travel by IRT owners, staff, writers, editors and travelers. Trains featured in this book cannot pay to be included. We choose them, and we rate them on our scale, not theirs. We send out a huge thanks to all of our IRT guests who traveled on these trains, reviewed them and sent their fabulous photos, included herein! Congratulations! how to book

Simple. Call or email us. Welcome aboard!

Owen Hardy Eleanor HardyCEO & President President

Accredited by


Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa is one of the world’s top five trains. And

considering it runs over sometimes rickety track through the wilds of S. Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania and Namibia, its service, cuisine and on-board comforts, it’s a miracle-worker, too. Add to that a comfy rear-end, open-air deck, genuinely posh accommodations and an all-inclusive price. The company recently re-introduced Edward-ian-style “pillared” dining cars. It’s restoring five diesel locomo-tives so it’s not dependent on contracted engines. Want more nostalgia? This friendly, family-owned business celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2014. Here’s to another 25!

SleePInG CaRS Three types of accommoda-tion, among the most spacious in the industry, accommodate 72 people. All cabins offer a writing surface, a personal safe and com-plimentary mini-bar. All have en-suite bathrooms; original fittings combine with the mod-ern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs. All have a plethora of windows that open—a vital feature, in our opinion, for experiencing the African countryside. Windows can be securely locked. Pullman Suites are the most “spartan.” Book early if you want one. There are just 15 Pullman compartments, and they sell out a year in advance. They are 76 feet square, ideal for single travelers. A comfortable, daytime sofa-seat converts to double or twin beds (one up, one down) for evening. Deluxe cabins are huge (118 square feet), with just three per carriage; there are 22 on board. Deluxe suites

feature either two twins or king-size bed and a small lounge area. Royal Suites take up half a train car at 172

square feet; most depar-tures have four Royal Suites.

Special features include en-suite bathroom with Victorian bathtub (you can soak and watch the world go by) and shower, and a separate, private lounge. Live it up and have dinner served pri-vately in your Royal Suite.

DInInG & lounGe CaRS The two restaurant cars feature delicious meals. All food and drinks, from cocktails to excellent South African wines, are included. Fresh local ingre-dients and traditional dishes such as game are highlights. Every morning, a made-to-order breakfast and cereal/fruit buffet are offered. Lunch and dinner are multi-course affairs on lovely china, silver and linen. Of the two lounge cars, our

favorite is on the back end: it has a bar, sitting area and large open-air “patio” in the rear for wind-in-the- face viewing. IRT travelers enjoy this immensely. Smoking is allowed only in a semi-enclosed lounge.

Pride of Africa: Cape Town to Dar es SalaamThe TRaIn: Pride of Africa • TRaIn TYPe: Luxury

the irt society’s best-loVed railway journeys® 2014-2015

the tour

2014 DatesNB: June 28-July 11; Sept. 27-Oct. 10 SB: July 14-27; Oct. 13-26

2015 DatesNB: July 4-18; Sept. 26-Oct. 10 SB: Feb. 3-17; July 21-Aug. 4; Oct. 13-27

2016 DatesNB: Jan. 16-30; July 2-16; Sept. 24-Oct. 8SB: Feb. 2-16; March 15-29; July 19-Aug. 2; Oct. 11-25

The Pride of Africa runs between Cape Town and Dar es Salaam several times annually. This 14-day tour (15 days in 2015) takes in major portions of South Africa, Zambia and Tan-zania, while touching parts of Botswana and Zimbabwe. From Kimberley’s diamonds to Africa’s Great Rift Valley, every day is unique. Highlights include a two-night stay at a four-star game lodge and one overnight at Victoria Falls. There’s also plenty of time to enjoy the train’s lovely ambience and African countryside.

Note: Railroad tracks in this region can be very bumpy, and delays are not uncommon on this routing. Patience, flexibility and a love of adventure are required for this journey.

NEW: Beginning 2015, an extra day and night, with a game drive (time permitting) in Tanza-nia’s Selous Game Reserve, has been added to the itinerary.

the itiNeraryDay 1: Cape TownDepart Cape Town on Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa and settle in to your private cabin. Soon, a hostess chimes you to lunch featuring South African wines paired with delicious food. Ar-rive Matjiesfontein and explore the tiny Victorian village. Dinner, overnight on board.

Day 2: KimberleyBreakfast and lunch on board. Afternoon arrival in Kimberley to visit Big Hole and Diamond Museum. Return to train for din-ner and overnight.

Day 3: PretoriaArrive Pretoria this afternoon. A light lunch is followed by a city tour. Explore Capital Park, Rovos Rail’s unique headquarters, filled with locomotives, carriages and lots of pet animals. Dinner and overnight on the train.

Day 4: Tau Game LodgeArrive in Zeerust and transfer to the four-star Tau Game Lodge for a full board, two-night stay. You’ll likely spot animals galore just on the drive to the lodge. Lunch is followed by a game drive. Sip cocktails as you watch the sun set—a tradition you’ll grow to love. Head back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Tau Game LodgeOptional early morning game drive, evening game drive or other activities. Overnight at lodge. If you wish, indulge in the spa facilities. Or enjoy a drink and watch the waterhole by the

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Courtesy Owen C. Hardy

Bruce Anderson

Charles Kalb

Shirley Schoof

Owen C. Hardy


Pride of Africa: Cape Town-Dar es Salaam Continued

Democratic Republic

of the Congo

MafekingGaborone

Plumtree

lodge. There’s usually giraffe, elephant, lion or wildebeest seeking water there.

Day 6: Tau; BotswanaEarly morning game drive. By this time, most of our group in July 2011 had seen all the “Big Five,” from lions to leopard, and everything in between. Mo-torcoach transfer to Gabarone, Botswana for border formalities before rejoining the train.

Day 7: ZimbabweTravel through Zimbabwe, with lectures by a historian in the morning and afternoon. Learn about Cecil Rhodes, Victoria Falls, David Livingstone and more. Don’t miss the lectures; they greatly enhance the tour experience. All meals on board.

Day 8: Victoria FallsArrive Victoria Falls. Check into the “Grand Lady” Victoria Falls Hotel. Enjoy lunch at “Jungle Junction,” a lovely open-air dining area with delicious, fresh buffet. There’s time for a hike, nap, or just gazing at the

miracle before you. Enjoy a sun-set cruise on the Zambezi River. Keep your eyes open for hippos. Dinner, overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Victoria FallsDay at leisure. Optional ac-tivities (additional cost) include tour of the Falls, round of golf, helicopter tour of the Falls, more. Depart Victoria Falls late afternoon and complete border formalities for entry to Zambia.

Day 10: On boardPass through Lusaka, Zambia. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board; morning and afternoon lectures. As you pass into Zam-bia, you will notice many small villages of circular thatched huts. When the children hear the train, they dash to wave.

Day 11: On boardDay at leisure as the train continues through Zambia. All meals on board, with morning and afternoon lectures. Our group enjoyed passing time on the back deck, spotting villages, animals and baobab trees.

Day 12: Chisimba FallsDisembark in Kasama for an excursion to Chisimba Falls. This experience is more subtle than Victoria Falls, but still magical. There’s a path for travelers of all walking abilities, and Rovos staff sets up a bar of refreshments. Re-turn to the train and cross into Tanzania. All meals on board.

Day 13: MlimbaArrive Makambako and begin descent through spectacular pass to Mlimba, over gorges and through tunnels—a spectacular day of railroading.

Day 14 (2014 tours): Dar es SalaamArrive Dar es Salaam.

Day 14 (2015 tours): On boardGame drive in Selous Game Reserve, largest in Africa (time permitting). Continue descent into Rift Valley towards Dar es Salaam.

Day 15 (2015 tours): Dar es SalaamArrive Dar es Salaam.

Please note: Due to rough track and delays, the train often arrives very late into Dar es Salaam. We will book your overnight and transfers in Dar (not included in tour cost).

the highlights• Ten nights (11 in 2015) on board one of world’s top luxury trains, all meals and drinks included • Two-night stay at Tau Game Lodge with four game drives • Victoria Falls Hotel overnight with plenty of time and options to explore the Falls • Hippo sightings from Zambezi River sunset cruise • Victorian Matjiesfontein • Chisimba Falls outing • Stunning Makambako-Kiduna Tanzania rail descent into pass• Kimberley Diamond Mine and Museum

“I was combining two fantasies—a very long train trip and an African Safari. The trip is perfect for me.” — S. Waitt Schmalbach, Cape Town–Dar es Saalam, 2014

“I’ll tell you this: There’s no way I would have seen the amount of the world I’ve seen without you.” — L. Williams, Four IRT trips

2015 & 2016 priCiNgAccommodations Double SinglePullman Suite $11,850 $16,350Deluxe Suite $15,300 $21,500Royal Suite $20,550 $41,100

2014 priCiNgAccommodations Double SinglePullman Suite $10,600 $14,900Deluxe Suite $13,900 $19,800Royal Suite $18,900 $37,800

John Mojecki Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Eleanor Hardy


Pride of Africa: Cape Town-Dar es Salaam Continued

“The upgrade at Victoria Falls Hotel was more than expected...we had the three-bedroom Presidential Suite! They told us that the Queen Mother had stayed in that very room when she visited in 1947. Very neat! And the river cruise was a great way to wrap up the trip...elephants playing in the river....and a yawning hippo!“ — B. Stover, African Collage, 2013

Owen C. Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Owen C. HardyOwen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy


Pride of Africa: African Collage The TRaIn: Pride of Africa • TRaIn TYPe: Luxury


the tour2014 DatesNov. 6-14 (WB); Nov. 17-25 (EB)2015 DatesMay 21-29 (WB); Nov. 5-13 (WB); Nov. 16-24 (EB)2016 DatesMay 19-27 (WB); Nov. 14-22 (EB) This is the tour many Rovos Rail staff rank number one: a panoramic 2,300-mile, nine-day South African sojourn. Enjoy game drives in Kruger Park, Mkhaya Reserve and Hluhluwe Game Reserve; spend an evening in Durban and visit Addo Elephant Park as well as an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn. Travel a spectacular rail descent down the Montagu Pass into George; from Knysna the train travels the scenic Garden Route to Cape Town. Golfers have the option of playing five challeng-ing courses, including Ernie Els’ Oubaai Golf Club.

the itiNeraryDay 1: PretoriaMorning departure from Rovos Rail’s private station in Preto-ria. Enjoy lunch and dinner on board as the train travels toward Kruger Park.

Day 2: Game drivesEarly morning game drive in Kruger Park in open vehicles.

Look for Africa’s “Big Five.” Re-turn to the train where brunch is served in the dining car while we travel through Komatipoort to the Swaziland border. This afternoon we arrive at Mkhaya Reserve for another game drive. The train departs for the over-night journey to Hluhluwe.Golfers’ Option: Tee off at Leopard Creek Estate before returning to the train at Swaziland.

Day 3: Hluhluwe; DurbanEarly morning game drive in the Hluhluwe Reserve. The train then departs for Durban. Spend the evening in the city.

Day 4: On board Depart Durban en route to Lions River. Disembark for a visit to the the famous Ardmore ce-ramics gallery. Lunch on board while traveling to Kroonstad. Golfers’ Option: Morning tee-off at Durban Beachwood Country Club, followed by a scenic drive to rejoin the train at Lions River.

Day 5: BloemfonteinMorning tour of Bloemfontein. Train departs this afternoon for Port Elizabeth.

Day 6: Addo Elephant ParkMorning tour of Addo Elephant Park near Port Elizabeth. Addo is

home to over 450 elephants, as well as Cape buffalo, black rhino and a variety of antelope spe-cies. Afternoon train departure to Oudtshoorn. Golfers’ Option: Morning tee-off at Humewood in Port Elizabeth.

Day 7: Oudtshoorn; GeorgeAfter breakfast we arrive at Oudtshoorn for an ostrich farm visit. Afternoon spent in George, where you are at your leisure. Dinner will be together at Fan-court Golf Estate.Golfers’ Option: Transfer to Fan-court Golf Estate for a round at the renowed facility.

Day 8: KnysnaThis morning tour the port city of Knysna. Lunch aboard the train as you wind your way along the spectacular Garden Route—sometimes high above the Indian Ocean, at other times practically at sea level.

Golfers’ Option: Tee off at Oubaai Golf Club, Ernie Els’ first signature course in South Africa.

Day 9: Worcester / Cape TownMorning arrival in Worcester and tour KWV Brandy Distillery. Arrive Cape Town around 5 p.m.

the highlights• Plenty of time to relax and en-joy the Pride of Africa, one of the world’s finest luxury trains• Traveling the Garden Route from Knysna to Cape Town• Spectacular rail descent down the Montagu Pass into George• Several game drives in open vehicles: Kruger Park, Mkhaya Reserve and Hluhluwe Reserve• Addo Elephant Park—home to over 450 elephants, as well as Cape buffalo, black rhino and a variety of antelope species• Oudtshoorn ostrich farm visit• Visit to the KWV Brandy Distill-ery in Worcester• Tours of Durban, Bloemfontein and Knysna• Golfers have the option of playing five challenging courses, including Ernie Els’ first signature course in South Africa

Democratic Republic

of the Congo

Lake Victoria

Uganda

Sudan

EgyptAswan

Ethiopia

Cairo

Nile River

Lake Nasser

Abu Simbel

RailFlightCruise

Hluhluwe

George

DurbanBloemfontein

Oudtshoorn

Mkhaya (Swaziland)

Komatipoort

Worcester

South Africa

Port Elizabeth

DjiboutiAddis Ababa

Asmara

Cape Town

Pretoria

Moz

ambi

que

2014 priCiNgAccommodations Double SinglePullman Suite R47,500 R 71,250Deluxe Suite R71,000 R106,500Royal Suite R95,000 R142,500

2015 priCiNg (See page 12 for 2016 pricing)Accommodations Double SinglePullman Suite R50,400 R 75,600Deluxe Suite R75,600 R113,400Royal Suite R99,800 R149,700

“We have been showered with IRT hotel perks to make our trip even more pleasant. Thanks, Eleanor, for the buffet breakfasts, the afternoon tea for two, the free access to the Internet, and, especially the surprise cake with candle to celebrate our wedding anniversary!... Our trip down Cape Point was marvelous! What a fabulous guide you arranged for us.” — M. Platt, African Collage, 2013

John Fiorilla

Owen C. Hardy

Nelson Freeman

Brooks Stover

Rovos Rail

Owen C. Hardy

Tour priced in South African Rand (R). Please call for approximate U.S. Dollar prices.2016 pricing same as Namibia tour pricing, page 12.


Pride of Africa: Namibian SafariThe TRaIn: Pride of Africa • TRaIn TYPe: Luxury


the tour2015 DatesApril 9-17 (WB); April 19-27 (EB);May 10-18 (EB)2016 DatesApril 7-15 (WB); April 17-25 (EB);April 28-May 6 (WB); May 8-16 (EB) Formerly German Southwest Africa, Namibia retains much of its colonial heritage—it’s well known for its great lager beers. But it’s also a desert land well worth exploring, especially by luxury train. The Fish River Can-yon is second only to the Grand Canyon in size. Sossusveli’s brilliant red dunes are captivat-ing. Top your tour off with game viewing in Etosha National Park. the itiNeraryDay 1: Depart PretoriaDepart Pretoria on the Pride of Africa. Settle into your private compartment and enjoy lunch and dinner on board.

Day 2: KimberleyArrive in Kimberley. Tour the Big Hole diamond mine and city of Kimberley. Continue train jour-ney west this afternoon.

Day 3: UpingtonWalking tour of Upington, oasis town on the Orange River, sur-rounded by the Kalahari Desert and famous for its wine. Cross into Namibia.

Day 4: Fish River CanyonVisit to gigantic Fish River Canyon. Later, walking tour in Keetmanshoop, with its well-preserved German influences. Depart for Windhoek early evening.

Day 5: WindhoekCity tour of Windhoek, Na-mibia’s capital. Depart city in light aircraft for short scenic flight to Sossusvlei for lunch, desert drive, bush dinner and overnight.

Day 6: SossusvleiEarly desert drive and breakfast in Sossusvlei. Mornings and eve-nings offer rich photo opportu-nities of the brilliant red dunes. Depart Sossusvlei for one hour flight to Windhoek and rejoin the train.

Day 7: Mokuti LodgeArrive in Tsumeb. Transfer to Mokuti Lodge and stop for lunch, game drive and over-night in Etosha National Park, home to 114 mammal species, including the rare and endan-gered black rhino and black-faced impala.

Day 8: Etosha National ParkEarly morning game drive in the Etosha, where blue wildebeest, mountain and plains zebra, giraffe, hyena, lion, cheetah, leopard and 340 species of birds may be spotted. Depart from Tsumeb early afternoon.

Day 9: SwakopmundArrive in Swakopmund midday.

the highlights• Six nights on Pride of Africa, one of the world’s finest trains with all meals and drinks included• The Big Hole in Kimberley, site of one of the world’s most famous diamond rushes• Visit Fish River Canyon, second largest canyon in the world• Tour of Windhoek, a cosmopol-itan city with a strong German influence• Game drives and overnight at Mokuti Lodge, located in the game-rich Etosha National Park• Overnight excursion to the world-famous Sossusvlei, a stunning dry lake in the Namib Desert surrounded by massive red sand dunes

2015 priCiNgAccommodations Double SinglePullman Suite R50,400 R 75,600Deluxe Suite R75,600 R113,400Royal Suite R99,800 R149,700

2016 priCiNgAccommodations Double SinglePullman Suite R 53,950 R 80,925Deluxe Suite R 81,000 R121,500Royal Suite R107,000 R160,500

Nelson Freeman

David Minnerly

Daniel Du Plessis

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Tour priced in South African Rand (R). Please call for approximate U.S. Dollar prices.


Pride of Africa: Namibian Safari Continued

“They (IRT) constantly followed up with emails or calls to make sure everything was going as promised and that we were enjoying it. We are already planning our next trip using their excellent services!” — Virtuoso.com review, Rovos Rail Namibia, 2013

“I was extremely happy with all aspects of the journey…especially the train journey itself. I met some very wonderful people…and lo and behold, we are planning to meet up on another Rovos train journey in 2014.” — B. Stover, African Collage, 2013

the irt virtuoso differeNCe

• VIP meet & greet airport transfers

• Virtuoso hotels and safari camps with an average of $450 of added value per booking

• Custom sightseeing matched to your desires and interests

Bruce Anderson

Rovos Rail Bruce Anderson

Eleanor Hardy

Bruce Anderson

Bruce Anderson

Nelson Freeman

Charles Kalb


Blue Train: Southern Africa SafariThe TRaIn: Blue Train • TRaIn TYPe: Luxury


No visit to South Africa is complete without a trip on the iconic Blue Train, one of the world’s great luxury

trains. It runs once weekly in each direction between Pretoria and Cape Town. The 27-hour journey of 994 miles includes one sightseeing stop. With its distinctive “B” logo, the train is gorgeous. Improvements are never-ending. New in 2014: wifi. Also, if you want only the Blue Train, we can arrange a com-plimentary hotel night in either Pretoria (Sheraton or Castello di Monte) or in Cape Town (Westin or Taj) through the end of 2015. (Hotel includes breakfast and a one-way transfer to or from the station.) Shoppers love the Blue Train boutique and its smart clothing, jewelry and accessories. Service is friendly, yet profes-sional. Our chef from a previous trip warmly greeted us—she was still serving her famous “Man-dela” chocolate pot de crème, beloved by its namesake. In fact, our butler from a recent trip, Jan September, counts Mandela, Desmond Tutu and Margaret Thatcher among his guests dur-ing his 30-year career.

SleePInG CaRS There are two consists; one carries 74 passengers, the other 58. Cabins vary, so pay close attention! All have private bath-rooms and are air-conditioned.

All cabins have television, CD and DVD systems. Windows do not open. Deluxe Suites: These are 84.5 square feet. Some have twin beds; others have a double bed. The double bedded-suites have a bathtub; twin-bedded suites have showers. There are four of these per car. Luxury Suites: These are 106.5 square feet. Some have double beds; some have twins. The double bed is 6.2 feet long and 4.5 feet wide. Each consist carries two luxury suite carriages with 3 suites per carriage. These en suite bathrooms have tub and shower.

Double beds and luxury suites are hard to get so book at least a year in advance.

DInInG & lounGe CaRS Dining is in the 42-seat diner in two seatings and includes delicious African and continental cuisine. The wine list is spectacu-lar and is included in your train fare. Breakfast or dinner can be served either in your cabin or in the dining car. Each Blue Train set has classic lounges in warm shades of brown with large picture windows. Af-ternoon tea is served daily in the lounges. Our favorite perch: the rear lounge with its gigantic back window to view the receding scene as you sip your drink.

“Our Blue Train dining experience was divine, from our first morsel served in the train’s VIP lounge—a perfectly flaky ham croissant and a hot apricot tart—to our last dessert, a succulent dark chocolate ‘pot’ with alternating fillings nicknamed the ‘Mandela Microwave’ after the famous passenger, who requested it after every meal.” — O. Hardy, IRT CEO, Blue Train, 2011

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

David Minnerly

Shahin Ganji

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Brooks Stover

Owen C. Hardy


Blue Train: Southern Africa Safari Continued

the tourTour can be taken throughout the year. IRTs owners Owen & Elea-nor Hardy loved this itinerary so much, we wanted to share it with you. It includes many unique experiences, from the luxurious Blue Train, to beautiful Cape Town, to fantastic safari camps in Botswana. All hotels and camps are IRT Virtuoso partners: This means valuable, exclusive and complimentary amenities for you, an added value of thousands of dollars.

the itiNeraryDay 1: Cape TownVIP Meet and greet at Cape Town airport and transfer to the Mt. Nelson, a legendary Bel-mond (Orient Express) hotel.

Day 2: Cape PointEnjoy a private, full-day Cape Point tour, which includes one of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives. Savor lunch in the lovely café and a private visit to Casa Labia, an Italianate estate built in 1929. The family has spent two years restoring this national monument.

Day 3: Cape WinelandsTake a private Winelands Tour, with a visit to the Muratie Wine Estate. Enjoy a private wine tasting and cellar tour including a traditional South African lunch hosted by the owner. This is one of the oldest traditional wine estates in Stellenbosch.

Day 4: Blue TrainTransfer to the Blue Train lounge for morning departure. Soon it’s time for an elaborate brunch. The afternoon includes a 45-minute walk around tiny Matjiesfontein, afternoon tea on board and pre-dinner drinks. Dinner is an elegant occasion; men are requested to wear jacket/tie and ladies evening wear. Overnight on Blue Train.

Day 5: Blue Train; PretoriaBreakfast is served in the dining car or in your cabin. Afternoon arrival at Pretoria Station, where you are met by your guide, who will take you on a half-day Johannesburg tour, with a stop at the outstanding Apartheid Museum. Check in to The Saxon Hotel, legendary and beauti-ful, with spectacular dining

and service, heated swimming pools, gardens and meandering pathways.

Days 6-7: Okavango DeltaTransfer to the airport for short flight to Maun, then by light aircraft to Eagle Island Camp in Okavango Delta. The camp has 12 beautifully appointed luxury tents. Program includes safaris by helicopter, boat and foot with wonderful guides. Also included: all meals, drinks, game-viewing activities, even laundry!

Days 8-9: Chobe National ParkTransfer by light aircraft to the heart of the Chobe National Park, known as the elephant capital of the world. It’s a fantas-tic place for spotting leopards, lions, wild dogs, cheetahs, hy-enas, zebras and beautiful birds. The Savute Elephant Camp perches on the Savute Channel, a spectacular base for explor-ing. Savute has only 12 luxury tents. Spend two nights in this all-inclusive camp.

Day 10: JohannesburgMorning transfer by light air-craft to Maun and connect with

regional flight to Johannesburg. Check in for your international flight home or extend your stay.

the highlights• Overnight on Blue Train in a de-luxe suite, including meals and all drinks and wine (Luxury Suite upgrade also available)• Four nights in five-star hotels • Four nights in five-star safari camps in Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, including all meals, drinks, game drives and laundry service • Full-day Cape Point Tour, with private visit to Casa Labia and lunch• Private full-day Winelands tour and exclusive lunch with the owners at Muratie wine estate• VIP airport assistance in Cape Town, Maun and Johannesburg• Spectacular helicopter experi-ence at Eagle Island• Virtuoso benefits throughout: Complimentary room upgrades (subject to availability), break-fasts, high tea, sparkling wine, spa visits

2014 priCiNg Double: $ 7,985 to $11,280Single: $11,330 to $17,530

“Our steward, Mr. Jan September, regaled my wife Eleanor and me with stories of the famous personages he’d served over the years: Margaret Thatcher (‘you could tell she was a very powerful person, but she made me feel very comfortable’), Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former South African President Nelson Mandela, American musician Quincy Jones, British runway model Naomi Campbell, and American film stars Danny Glover and Farrah Fawcett.“— O. Hardy, IRT CEO, Blue Train, 2011

2015 priCiNg Double: $ 8,725 to $12,585Single: $12,440 to $19,605

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

David Minnerly Eleanor Hardy

Blue Train

Price varies based on season and availability. Book early for best rates.


Shangri-La Express/Golden Eagle: The Silk RoadThe TRaInS: Golden Eagle (see page 42) and Shangri-La Express (described below). Passengers change trains at the Kazakhstan/China border. Note that doubles booked in Gold or Imperial Class will get two adjoining double compartments on the Shangri-La Express train.

TRaIn TYPe: First Class


The private Shangri-La Express is not a luxury train, but it is at this writing the most mod-ern hotel train in China. It

far surpasses regular train service. During our 2013 trip, IRT own-ers and guests were pleasantly surprised by the train’s comfort. The commodious shower cars feature ample space for changing and water pressure as vigorous as that in a good hotel. The glass-like Chinese rails made for one of the smoothest rides we’ve had anywhere.

SleePInG CaRS The Shangri-La Express is modern and air-conditioned. Its first-class sleeping compartments have bunk-style twin beds, small table and armchair. A small wash-room with sink is shared between compartments. Two toilets are down the hall: one is a chemical toilet which can be used when the train is stopped. The shower car in the middle of the train has large individual compartments. Each has shower, mirror, sink, hair dryer, easy chair and changing area. Robes, towels and slippers are provided. An at-tendant cleans after each use. Service on board is cheerful; each car has its own attendant who cleans the cabins, makes the bed and is on call to serve tea and coffee 24 hours a day. (The op-erator of the Silk Road tour hires extra cleaning staff to assure its high standards are maintained.) The young staff speak little Eng-lish, but they are pleasant and, for the most part, attentive (a trans-lation card in the cabin helps). Silk Road couples booking Gold accommodation get two ad-

joining cabins on the Shangri-La Express, so they can spread out; each person has a lower bed and shares the washroom in between.

DInInG & lounGe CaRS Cereal, fruit, eggs and toast are served for breakfast in the dining car, while the Chinese chefs offer local dishes at lunch and din-ner, which we found quite tasty. Wine and beer are included with lunch and dinner, along with soft drinks, tea and coffee. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages are served in the bar car. (Alcohol not included outside meal times.) Who should take this train? Adventurous travelers who are more focused on the destination and the incredible sights outside the window and the sightseeing at the frequent stops. Do not take this train if you think that it is a Chinese version of the Royal Scotsman. You will be sorely dis-appointed. To enjoy this trip fully, be pre-pared for lots of walking, includ-ing on uneven pavement.

“I can’t say enough, it really was like booking with your best friend. Angela and Jen, everyone was great, personal, fun, just everything you did was so wonderful, took out all the anxiety I might have, I could never have done this on my own.” — L. Swett, Silk Road, 2013

Owen C. Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Eleanor Hardy Eleanor Hardy

Hallette Richards Owen C. Hardy


Owen C. Hardy


Shangri-La Express/ Golden Eagle: The Silk Road Continued

the tour2014 DatesSept. 20-Oct. 10 (EB); Sept. 24-Oct. 14 (WB)2015 DatesSept. 19-Oct. 9 (EB); Sept. 23-Oct. 13 (WB);Oct. 22-Nov. 11 (EB) IRT Owners Owen and Elea-nor Hardy chose this spectacular two-train tour—one of Society members’ all-time favorites—for the company’s 30th anniver-sary trip in 2013. It exceeded all expectations. “Wow!” was a frequently heard comment. Visiting places few Western-ers have ventured, this 21-day trek follows along one of the world’s oldest and most historic trade routes: through China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Russia. The great caravan route, where silks, spices, inventions and traditions were traded, is preserved to a remarkable degree.

2014 priCiNgAccommodations Double Single Silver Class $23,995 $34,995Gold Class $29,995 $43,495Imperial Suite $42,395 On request

“Walking back from full day of incredible information and sightseeing, I turned to one of the other travelers and said: ‘Another wow day’… every day it was opening up a new piece of the world; there’s just no better way to do that. It was phenomenal; just phenomenal.” — L. Swett, Silk Road, 2013

“I recommend you to everybody. I loved those trips we did. The Silk Road ...just tickled me to death.” — J. Briggs, upon return from 2013 Palace on Wheels trip


the itiNeraryDay 1: Beijing, China Transfer included from airport to five-star Beijing hotel for three-night stay. Meet fellow travelers at welcome dinner.

Day 2: Beijing, ChinaFull day tour of Beijing, includ-ing Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and park-like Temple of Heaven. If you’ve been here before, tour “modern” Beijing, including Olympic Village, stadi-ums, CCTV Tower.

Day 3: Beijing, China Morning visit to the Great Wall, a life-changing event. Afternoon is free (we suggest the sublime Summer Palace). Dinner at spe-cial Peking Duck restaurant.

Day 4: Board Shangri-La ExpressAfternoon transfer to giant Beijing West station to board Shangri-La Express and begin the 6,835-mile journey to Moscow.

Day 5: Xian, China Explore Xian’s ancient city walls and Great Mosque, one of old-est and largest in China. Tour by bike if you wish. Afternoon visit to world-famous Terracotta Warriors, one of 20th century’s greatest archaeological finds. Alternative Han Yangling Museum visit available. Enjoy stunning Tang Dynasty dinner, music, dance show.

Day 6: Lanzhou, China Morning arrival at this vital city on the Silk Route. Visit Gansu Provincial Museum. A highlight is the “flying horse,” thought to be the first sculpture depicting a galloping horse dating from the Eastern Han period.

Day 7: Dunhuang, China Arrive in small oasis city of Dun-huang to visit a highlight of the trip: Mogao Thousand Buddha Cave Complex. It contains 500 grottoes, carved 700 to 1,700

years ago. Lunch with local folk performance. Afternoon ex-ploration of Gobi Desert; a fun camel ride tops off the day.

Day 8: Turpan; Urumchi, China The Flaming Mountains create a stunning backdrop in Turpan. Tour the city’s ancient under-ground irrigation system that has supplied water to the sur-rounding orchards and vine-yards for centuries. Next, visit elegantly decaying sand city of Jiaohe, founded in 108 BC. Then motorcoach to Urumchi to see Xinjiang Provincial Museum’s renowned mummy exhibition. Train departs for Kazakhstan.

Day 9: China & Kazakhstan Arrive Alashankou for border control and transfer to Golden Eagle. (Note: border crossing can take hours.) Settle into your private cabin with en suite facili-ties, and enjoy your first dinner on the Russian train.

Day 10: Almaty, Kazakhstan Tour Almaty, flourishing former capital of Kazakhstan. Enjoy tra-ditional lunch in Kazakh “yurt,” a typical nomadic dwelling.

Day 11: Tashkent, Uzbekistan Breakfast and lunch on board, with lectures on region’s his-tory. Arrive Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan. Local tour includes the Old Town, Railway Museum, Museum of Applied Arts.

Day 12: Samarkand, Uzbekistan Tour Samarkand, and find out first-hand why Alexander the Great admired it and why it was nicknamed “Rome of the East.” Highlights include Bibi Khanum Mosque, Ulug Beg observatory and Registan Square by day and night.

Day 13: Bukhara, Uzbekistan Morning arrival in oasis city Bukhara. UNESCO funded the city’s renovation for its 2,500-

Eleanor Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy Eleanor Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Eleanor Hardy


Shangri-La Express/ Golden Eagle: The Silk Road Continued

year anniversary in 1999. See The Ark, fortified residence of Emirs of Bukhara—infamous for their cruelty. Enjoy tradi-tional lunch in the city, then visit Emir’s Palace of Moon and Stars.

Day 14: Merv, Turkmenistan Once an important stopping point on the Silk Road, Merv, during the 12th century, was briefly the world’s largest city. In 1794, tragedy struck after the Emir of Bukhara destroyed the dam which supplied Merv’s population with water.

Day 15: Ashgabat, Turkmeni-stanArrive Ashgabat, capital of Turk-menistan and newly construct-ed “Las Vegas of the Kara Kum Desert.” The city’s modern layout with thousands of evergreens, fountains, white-marbled new buildings and gilded statues amazes. The center is dedicated to its notorious (and deceased) first president.

Day 16: Khiva, Uzbekistan Cross back into Uzbekistan and tour Khiva—important trading center at crossroads of routes between Mongolia, Russia, Chi-na and Persia. Khiva’s fabulous buildings, mosques, minarets and bazaars testify to its former wealth. This was a favorite stop for our group.

Day 17: Kara Kum, Kazakhstan All-train day crossing Kazakh-stan’s Kara Kum Desert, stop-ping briefly at remote villages along way. Evening crossing into Russia.

Day 18: Volgograd, Russia Stalingrad, as it was known in WWII, was the scene of one of the most horrific battles in hu-man history. Visit sobering war memorial at site where Russia turned back Nazi advance.

Day 19: Moscow, Russia Arrive Moscow late afternoon. Transfer to five-star centrally located hotel for two-night stay. Evening at leisure.

Day 20: Moscow, Russia Full day touring in Moscow: St. Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square, Kremlin, Lenin’s Tomb. Alternate touring options abound.

Day 21: Moscow, Russia Airport transfers included.

the highlights• Grand trek across China, Ka-zakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmeni-stan and Russia• The most stylish and comfort-able way to see sights rarely seen by Western travelers• Terracotta Warriors of Xian • Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Great Wall• Viewing Samarkand’s Registan Square beautifully lit at night • Thousand Buddha Cave Complex of Dunhuang, site of 500 grottoes carved up to 1,700 years ago• Volgograd, formerly Stalin-grad, site of the legendary WWII battle between the Nazis and the Soviet Union• Exploring Gobi Desert by camel, including Crescent Lake • Moscow’s Kremlin & Red Square• Flexible touring options in Beijing, Xian, Moscow• All meals, wine/beer with lunch and dinner, tours, airport trans-fers and gratuities included

“You know the ropes…. We trust your judgment. I certainly would book others with you… Just watching you and Eleanor in action, guiding the customers, taking care of us. Absolutely professional.” — P. Klopp, Silk Road, 2013

“Fantastic trip! Just fantastic.” — L. Williams, Silk Road, 2013

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Eleanor Hardy


Palace on Wheels:India’s RajasthanThe TRaIn: Palace on Wheels • TRaIn TYPe: First Class


The Palace on Wheels, a ven-ture of Indian Railways and the state of Rajasthan, started a winning trend in 1982. It

was India’s first hotel train. And it is the only hotel train to focus entirely on colorful Rajasthan with this tried-and-true itinerary. This train has always offered a good price point and value. It is not a luxury train; its meals, off-train tours and service are nice (and beat driving or flying by a long shot!) but do not meet our luxury standards. However, IRT guests have rated the train highly for cleanliness, service, and scenery. Also, if you hate or-ganized shopping stops, you will need to insist to be taken back to the train.

SleePInG CaRS The train, with its cream-colored livery, has 14 sleeping carriages, each with four com-partments with two twin beds.

Curtains and bedspreads are silk. Each air-conditioned compart-ment has a private sink, toilet and shower; they also have stereo speakers with a number of music programs available, intercom and wall-to-wall carpeting. Each sleeping car has a cozy lounge at one end, where passengers often socialize over a cup of tea.

DInInG & lounGe CaRS The train has two restaurant cars: each serves Continental, Chinese and Indian cuisines. Off the train, Indian cuisine buffets are held in beautiful settings such as palace hotels. Dining on board or off-train is plentiful but not gourmet. Our recent travelers gave the experienced on-board staff a 10+. The lounge car’s bar is well-stocked and its small sofas are welcoming. Drinks and gratu-ities are additional.

the priCiNgoCt. 2014-MarCh 2015$4,025 per person, double$5,390 single

sept. 2014 & april 2015$3,010 per person, double$4,025 singleRates do not include 3.09% service tax and $15 per person commercial tax.

the tourTrain departs Delhi each Wednes-day from September to April. Board India’s popular Palace on Wheels, and see Rajast-han, “land of the Maharajas.” The tour takes in this remote, otherwise inaccessible region: desolate deserts, hills marked with fort walls, legendary pavilions—even a shimmering white palace set in the middle of a serene lake. The train travels mostly by day; nights are spent at quiet sidings. Note: This train books quickly. Please book well in advance. We do not recommend travel during low season (Sep-tember & April) due to heat.

the itiNerary Day 1: DelhiA welcome ceremony is fol-lowed by dinner on board.

Day 2: JaipurFull day in “Pink City” of Jaipur—Palace of Winds, City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar Ob-servatory; elephant ride, lunch at Amber Fort.

Day 3: Sawai MadhopurMorning looking for wildlife in Ranthambore National Park. Lunch on board, then visit Chit-taurgarh’s historic fort.

Day 4: Udaipur Full day in Udaipur, with its

marble lake palaces. Explore the City Palace, followed by lunch at lavish palace hotel. Take in Crystal Gallery museum.

Day 5: Jaisalmer Tour Jaisalmer’s yellow sand-stone fort and grand architec-ture. Camel ride on sand dunes. Dinner at five-star hotel.

Day 6: Jodhpur Explore Mehrangarh Fort, tow-ering above historic Jodhpur, then Umaid Bhawan Palace. Return to the train after lunch.

Day 7: Bharatpur/Agra Morning visit to bird sanctu-ary, an IRT favorite. Afternoon

tour of Agra Fort and, as your trip finale: the incomparable Taj Mahal.

Day 8: DelhiEarly morning arrival in Delhi.

the highlights• Elephant ride to Amber Fort in “Pink City” of Jaipur • Walled “Blue City” of Jodhpur, with its massive Mehrangarh Fort and stunning Umaid Bha-wan Palace• Camel ride on the sand dunes near Jaisalmer• Ranthambore National Park• Lake Palaces of Udaipur• Bird sanctuary, Bharatpur• Taj Mahal & Agra Fort

“Eleanor takes a personal interest in her clients and even went so far as to call us when we were half way around the world, part way through our trip, just to make sure everything was going well. Eleanor is a pro at what she does; we cannot recommend her enough!” — Virtuoso.com Review, 2014

Teresa Salsas

Bill Douglass

Harry Cook

Jim Nicholls

Edward Ross

Edward Ross Harry Cook


Deccan Odyssey: Indian OdysseyThe TRaIn: Deccan Odyssey • TRaIn TYPe: Luxury


The management of the Dec-can Odyssey is changing in 2014 to one of our favorite luxury operators, we are

thrilled to report. The on- and off-board experience is expected to improve dramatically. Further, Deccan Odyssey will be offering more itineraries to parts of India not covered by other luxury trains. These include to Gujurat, Hyderabad & Nashik. See our website for other itineraries of-fered on this train. SleePInG CaRS The train has 11 air-condi-tioned sleeping cars with two cabin types. Deluxe cabins are large at 95 square feet, with four per car. They have twin beds and en-suite shower, sink and toilet. Four Presidential suites (205 square feet) each take up half a train car. These suites have large double bed, separate sitting room and two bathrooms. They can accommodate up to three adults or two adults and two children. Passengers booked in Presidential Suites enjoy private touring along the way. Each sleeping car has a small lounge area at one end. The train takes a maximum of 88 passengers. DInInG & lounGe CaRS The Deccan Odyssey is now being managed by a renowned hospitality company, making for high-quality on-board service. The experienced staff is friendly and professional. A new kitchen car is being purpose-built for the train, scheduled to arrive in late 2014. Lovely meals are served in the two diners, Peshwa I & Peshwa II, with a choice of international and Indian cuisine. Off-train din-ing is often Indian cuisine only. Public spaces abound. There’s a bar car with full-time bar-

tender, and a conference car with plasma-screen TV, library and business center. Unique to this train is the spa car, which offers massage services, sauna, beauty parlor and small workout room.

the tour2014 Dates:October 18; November 15;December 132015 Dates:January 10; February 7;March 7; September 19 Visit some of India’s most iconic landmarks, including many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while calling the Dec-can Odyssey home. Soak in the beauty of Udaipur, the “City of Lakes,” the colorful cities of Jaipur & Jodhpur, and search for tigers in Ranthambore National Park. The breadth of India’s cul-ture, history and ineffable spirit come alive as you travel from Delhi to Mumbai.

the itiNeraryDay 1: Delhi to RanthamboreBoard the Deccan Odyssey in Delhi and begin your enchant-ing journey, heading east.

Day 2: Ranthambore Spend an unforgettable day in Ranthambore National Park, once the private hunting ground of the maharajas of Jaipur. Embark on morning and afternoon safaris in search of macaques, sloth bears, leopards, hyenas, deer, foxes, crocodiles

and the famed yet elusive tigers, which call the park home.

Day 3: AgraMorning arrival in Agra. Disem-bark to visit the iconic Taj Mahal and other architectural gems of the Mughal Empire, including the Itmad-ud-Daulah and the impressive Agra Fort.

Day 4: JaipurArrive in the historic capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, the “Pink City.” Explore the city’s forts and palaces, and take a guided walk through the colorful bazaars. This evening, celebrate your arrival in the regal lands of Raj-asthan with a special dinner.

Day 5: JodhpurContinue your journey to the edge of the Thar Desert and the Blue City of Jodhpur. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Market and the magnificent Meheran-garh Fort, famous for its several palaces, with fabulous views of the city.

Day 6: UdaipurThis morning, arrive in the Lake City of Udaipur. Visit the famous City Palace and its spectacular Crystal Gallery followed by an

enthralling walk through the quaint streets of the Old City. Complete your day with a boat cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola.

Day 7: VadodaraContinue your journey to the royal city of the Gaekwads, Vadodara. Visit the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeo-logical Park, the magnificent Jama Masjid and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. On your journey’s final evening, sample local delicacies from the royal kitchens at the Laxmi Vilas Pal-ace as you marvel at a mesmer-izing folk dance performance.

Day 8: MumbaiThis morning, arrive in Mumbai and bid farewell to the Deccan Odyssey as your royal passage through the grand vistas of India comes to an end.

the highlights• See India from supreme com-fort: the Deccan Odyssey, with its excellent management both on-board and off, two dining cars, lounge, spa car with steam bath, exercise facilities and mas-sage room

• Taj Mahal & Agra Fort, both UNESCO sites• View Lake Palaces of Udaipur by boat cruise• Tour “Pink City” of Jaipur & “Blue City” of Jodhpur • Bird- and tiger-spotting safaris in Ranthambore National Park• Exclusive dance performance and dining at Laxmi Vilas Palace• UNESCO World Heritage Site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeo-logical Park• Extend your journey in Mum-bai or Delhi: Our Virtuoso hotel partners abound.

2014 & 2015 priCiNg Accommodations Double Single Deluxe Cabin $ 3,675 $ 5,075Presidential Suite $ 5,513 $11,025Rates do not include 3.09% government service tax

“When travel arrangements are made by Eleanor Hardy and her staff, I can relax and know that all will go well. I travel alone so it is important to know that I will be met at the airport and my hotel arrangements are in place. Example: my last trip had me arriving at Almaty, Kazakhstan at 2:00 AM—smooth as silk, no problems!!” — Virtuoso.com, 2013

Saul Rothstein Photo Courtesy of Angela Walker

Angela Walker

Saul Rothstein Angela Walker

Angela Walker Saul Rothstein


The TRaIn: Maharajas’ Express • TRaIn TYPe: Luxury


Maharajas’ Express: Indian Splendor

The Maharajas’ Express was custom-built to be the most luxurious train in India. Launched in 2010, it offers

the largest train compartment in the world, along with state-of-the-art amenities. It carries up to 88 passengers.

SleePInG CaRS The train offers four types of compartments. All cabins feature large picture windows, LCD television, DVD player, wardrobe, telephone, digital climate control and wireless internet access (though the connection is spotty). All have full en suite bathroom (sink, shower, toilet) and a full-time butler. Deluxe Cabins are 112 square feet, one of the largest entry level cabins of any luxury train. Deluxe cabins have either a double bed or two twin beds, small writing desk and stool. Junior Suites are 150 square feet and also come with either double or twin beds. They have a table and two chairs, as well as two windows: great for viewing the passing scenery. There are two Suites, each of which measures 220 square feet and has a double bed, larger seating area separate from the bedroom, minibar, two windows and a larger bathroom, with shower and bathtub. For the full royal experience, treat yourself to the Presidential Suite—the largest train accommodation in the world. You will have an entire train car (448 square feet) to yourself and private butler. There are two bedrooms (one with double bed and one with twin beds), two bathrooms (the master includes a bathtub), and a large seating area with couch, table, chairs and desk. Those in either the Suite or

Presidential Suite enjoy touring by private car. Deluxe and Junior Suite guests have group touring by motorcoach.

DInInG & lounGe CaRS The Rang Mahal (Color Palace) and Mayur Mahal (Peacock Palace) are the two beautiful dining cars. Both seat 42 passengers and offer the same multi-course menu with either Indian or continental cuisine, including a vegetarian option. The Rang Mahal has an elegantly hand-painted ceiling; the Mayur Mahal ceiling is composed of small mirrored tiles. All tableware is emblazoned with the elegant crowned “M.” Recent travelers gave the on-board food and wine good, but not exceptional, ratings. The experienced staff tend to guest needs. The Rajah Club car is the train’s center, where guests are welcomed back from excursions with cool drinks. It has comfy chairs and tables, and a bartender always on duty. (House wine, beer and liquor are included in the tour cost; top-shelf liquors and full wine list are available at additional cost.) There is also a Safari Bar with lounge area; newspapers and games are available.

the tour 2014 Dates:Oct. 11; Nov. 8; Dec. 62015 Dates:Jan. 3, 31; Feb. 28; March 28;Oct. 17; Nov. 14; Dec. 12 India’s newest luxury train is a perfect way to soak up the regal heritage of Rajasthan, with its hilltop forts, lavish palaces and vibrant bazaars. Feel like royalty as you sip champagne while admiring the Taj Mahal; stalk the elusive tiger in Ranthambore; indulge in traditional barbecue delicacies prepared on the sand dunes; participate in an Elephant Polo Match. The Maharajas’ Express is your elegant home for seven nights.

the itiNeraryDay 1: Delhi to Agra Board the Maharajas’ Express in Delhi and settle in to your spacious cabin. Dinner on board as the train sets out for Agra.

Day 2: AgraDisembark early morning to visit the incomprable Taj Mahal and witness the sun rise over the white marble palace. Enjoy champagne breakfast overlooking the monument. Free time for shopping or optional tour to ruins of Fatehpur Sikri, or Itmad-ud-daulah, a Mughal mausoleum. Afternoon visit to Agra Fort. Lunch and dinner on board.

Day 3: Ranthambore & JaipurEarly morning safari in Ranthambore National Park, famous for its tigers, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard. It is also a bird-

watcher’s paradise. (Note: Tiger sightings are rare.) Lunch on board while traveling to Jaipur. Begin tour at Amber Fort; see its royal apartments, Chamber of Mirrors and Hall of Victory. Time for shopping. Evening Exhibition Elephant Polo Match (participation encouraged), followed by champagne dinner.

Day 4: BikanerEnjoy the desert scenery over breakfast. Arrive medieval city of Bikaner, once a major center in the cross-desert caravan trade. Morning at leisure on the train. Or choose an optional tour to Lalgarh Museum or Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, where rats are worshipped. After lunch, proceed to moated Junagarh Fort, built in 1593. The impressive Fort Museum is adorned with lavish costumes and jewelry. This afternoon, experience the royal pageantry as a convoy of decorated camel

carts lead you through a rural village to the sand dunes. Sip “sundowner” cocktails and savor traditional barbecued delicacies, accompanied by local folk music and dance.

Day 5: JodhpurEnjoy breakfast as you arrive in the Blue City of Jodhpur. Option to visit a local village this morning. Following lunch on board, proceed on a walking tour of Jodhpur’s bustling Old Clock Tower market. Continue to the towering Meherangarh Fort, with its intricate latticed windows and elaborately carved panels. This evening savor dinner in an exclusive venue.

Day 6: UdaipurUdaipur is an enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid lakes and green hills. Visit the City Palace, with impressive mosaics, mirrors and tiles. Feast like a king with lunch at Durbar

Hall, with cuisine and hospitality reminiscent of the ancient Mewar glory. Optional walking tour through the Old Market of Udaipur or visit the Vintage Car Collection of the royal family. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 7: BalasinorArrive Balasinor and transfer to Dinosaur Fossil Park, one of the largest in the world. Local village visit followed by exclusive lunch with a royal family to relish their unique cuisine. Return to the train for a festive farewell evening.

Day 8: MumbaiTour ends in Mumbai.

*Tours listed as optional are at additional cost

the highlights • Watch the sunrise over the amazing Taj Mahal, followed by a champagne breakfast• Travel by camel cart to a special “Sundowner” party in the sand dunes, with traditional barbecue and entertainment• Wildlife of Ranthambore, perhaps even the elusive tiger• Explore Meherangarth Fort, with fabulous views of Jodhpur• Exclusive lunch with Indian royalty• Dinosaur Fossil Park• Gorgeous Maharajas’ Express with modern amenities

“It would be hard to conceive of a more relaxed, safe, and pleasurable way of seeing a slice of India.” — Anthony Lambert, IRT Blog Track 25, 2014

2014 & 2015 priCiNg Accommodations Double Single Deluxe Cabin $ 5,980 $10,490Junior Suite $ 9,460 $17,980Suite $13,800 $27,600Presidential Suite $23,700 $47,400Rates do not include 3.09% government service tax

Angela Walker Angela Walker

Angela Walker

Angela Walker

Angela Walker

Angela Walker


Eastern & Oriental Express:Epic ThailandThe TRaIn: Eastern & Oriental Express

TRaIn TYPe: Luxury


In 1991, following the success of its European continental train, the Orient-Express com-pany acquired New Zealand’s

famed Silver Star, transported it to Southeast Asia and, following refurbishment, re-christened it the Eastern & Oriental Express (E&O). We think this is one of the most beautiful trains in the world, with food and service to match. The heart of the train is its experienced and outstanding staff, some of whom have served on board since it was launched. It regularly runs the 1,262 miles between Singapore and Bangkok, Thailand. We especially recommend the longer jour-neys, which encourage the sense of traveling in a private club, venturing out by day to the most unusual and wonderful places. For 2014, the incomparable “Epic Thailand” adventure is featured here. If you want to take what many IRT guests believe is one of the best itineraries on of-fer, book this for 2014. For 2015, there are two special journeys. The five-night “Fables of the Peninsula” tour runs Singapore-Bangkok and includes a night at Malaysia’s famed Cameron Highlands Resort. The two-night “Ancient Kingdom of Lanna” tour runs Bangkok-Chi-ang Mai-Bangkok and borrows

elements from the “Epic Thai-land” program. Combine it with a three-night Bangkok-Singapore itinerary (pp. 36-37) for a grand Southeast Asian rail excursion—and receive a 15% discount on both journeys. See appendix or website for dates and pricing of 2015 special journeys.

SleePInG CaRS All cabins are air-conditioned and include private bathroom with sink, shower and toilet. They are paneled with cherry wood and elm burr with marquetry. Beds fold into comfortable seating during the day. There is 24-hour room service. The train has 30 double Pull-mans; they are 62 square feet with one upper and one lower berth. There are also six single Pullmans which are 54 square feet and have one lower bed. The 28 State compartments are 84 square feet with two lower berths. Presiden-tial Suites, with a whopping 125 square feet of space, have two lower berths, a lounge area and complimentary mini-bar stocked with your favorite drinks.

DInInG & lounGe CaRS Breakfast and afternoon tea are served in your cabin; lunch and dinner are served in the two restaurant cars, lavishly decorated with rosewood and elm paneling. Dining on board is a highlight: the French chef well deserves international accolades for his Western-Eastern fusion styles. Dining and service match its sister train, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. The Observation Car, with its outdoor deck, is a favorite spot. One-third of the car is an out-door viewing area decorated with teak. Its interior is the perfect place to enjoy cocktails amidst a

‘veranda’ ambiance. It has teak wood flooring, paneled walls, rat-tan furniture and potted plants. The bar car is open all day and late into the evening for cocktails.The pianist keeps things lively.

“We’ll be back. After such nice pampering [from IRT], we’re fans!” — C. Gordon, Customized Family Tour of London & Paris, 2013

Eleanor Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy


Eastern & Oriental Express: Epic Thailand Continued

the tour2014 Dates Nov. 13-202015 Dates See appendix and website for revised itineraries and dates. Experience the special hospi-tality and charm of Thailand on the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express. Of all the journeys on the E&O , this has the most on-train time—six glorious nights. Enjoy the spectacular open-air deck as you cruise through the countryside; relish the on-board meals and relax in your cabin or in the lounge.

the itiNerary Day 1: BangkokArrive Bangkok’s lovely Manda-rin Oriental Hotel for overnight stay in a superior room.

Day 2: Depart BangkokBreakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the train station to meet the Eastern & Oriental Express. After a welcome reception, settle in to your private cabin with en-suite facilities, followed by dinner in one of the opulent dining cars.

Day 3: Prasat SikhoraphumFollowing breakfast, you will be escorted to a traditional Isan vil-lage to meet the residents. Visit the local temple and school, and see women weaving on home looms. You will be invited to participate in the bai sii (sa-cred thread) ceremony with lo-cal elders. Lunch on board. Late afternoon arrive in the small town of Sikhoraphum where you visit Prasat Sikhoraphum, a beautifully restored 12th-century Khmer temple. Enjoy a sunset cocktail reception in this perfect, tranquil setting. Informal dinner on board.

Day 4: Phanom RungThis morning visit Phanom Rung, another majestic and highly revered 12th-century Khmer temple, which has been nominated for World Heritage status. After exploring this magnificent complex, visit a nearby village famous for its silk weavers. Return to the train for an afternoon at leisure on board, watching rural Thailand pass by. Enjoy lunch, dinner and entertainment on board.

Day 5: Chiang MaiExcursion options in Chiang Mai are many: a visit to an elephant camp, Buddhist temple tour or shopping in city’s best bou-tiques. We can arrange anything you wish. Informal dinner on board.

Day 6: LampangPony-carriage tour of Lampang, ending at historic Ban Sao Nak, “house of many pillars.” Built in 1895 on 116 pillars by a local resident, the house is now a museum. Tour the house and garden, and enjoy morning tea. Lunch on board as you travel through the breathtaking coun-

tryside. Enjoy the vistas from the open-air car, order a sunset cocktail and move to the dining car for another delicious dinner.

Day 7: Asoke ValleyMorning guided tour of Khao Yai National Park, home to wild elephants, gibbons, deer and fabulous birds. Lunch and tour at celebrated Gran Monte vineyard in scenic Asoke Valley. Thailand’s first female oenolo-gist, Nikki Visootha Lohitnavy, introduces this family-run estate and presents a selection of her wines. Back on board, toast a wonderful journey with a fare-well cocktail party and dinner on board.

Day 8: BangkokAfter breakfast, continue with your onward arrangements.

the highlights• Six nights on board the Eastern & Oriental Express, with exquisite meals in the restaurant cars• Overnight in five-star Manda-rin Oriental Hotel in Bangkok• Glimpse Isan village life, including sacred ceremony with elders• Choose your excursion in Chiang Mai• Carriage ride to Baan Sao Nak for tea at 116-pillared traditional Thai home• Time to enjoy the open-air observation car on the train, watching rural Thailand pass by• “New latitude” wine tasting and lunch in the cool country-side of Khao Yai• Silk weavers of Phanom Rung

See page 37 for map

“Hi Angela, we…wanted to take a moment to thank you for all your efforts which went to make our trip as successful as it was. From the moment we handed our luggage to the driver at the airport in Singapore, we never had to move it again until we collected it at London Heathrow.” —D. Allen, Eastern & Oriental Express, 2013

2014 priCiNgAccommodations Double Single State Cabin $ 9,200 $13,800Presidential Suite $11,800 $17,700

2015 priCiNgEpic Thailand tour not running in 2015. See appendix and website for alternate journeys on this train.

Owen C. Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy


Eastern & Oriental Express:Bangkok to SingaporeThe TRaIn: Eastern & Oriental Express

TRaIn TYPe: Luxury


Combine the Bangkok-Singapore journey with the Orcaella cruise on the Ayeyarwady River (pages 38 & 39).

the itiNerary Day 1: BangkokThe Eastern & Oriental Express departs Bangkok early evening. Sip a welcome drink, then settle into your private compartment. Dine in one of the lovely dining cars as the train travels into the countryside. Retire to your cozy cabin, transformed into a bedroom by your steward.

Day 2: Wang Po & River KwaiAwake to the excitement of the train trundling along the wooden trestle viaduct from Wang Po and onto River Kwai Bridge Station. Disembark for a cruise amid the lush greenery of the Kwai Yai River, and learn about the infamous Thailand-Burma Railway and the bridge, built in World War II. Visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre. Rejoin the train for lunch, dinner and overnight on board.

Day 3: PenangAfter brunch, the train arrives at Butterworth. Disembark for the crossing to Penang and a guided tour of colonial George-town, with pre-World War II

mosques, elaborately-roofed temples, churches, bazaars and colorful shophouses. Return to the train for dinner and your final night on board.

Day 4: SingaporeAftr breakfast, it’s time to leave the train, having crossed the Straights of Johor into Singa-pore.

the highlights• Three nights in your luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express cabin with en suite facilities• Cruise with local historian to bridge over River Kwai; visit Thailand-Burma Railway Centre• Tour of colonial Georgetown on Penang Island• Spectacular meals on the train, which has received internation-al accolades• Sip cocktails and enjoy the train’s outdoor observation area

Philippine Sea

North

Pacific

Ocean

Bay ofBengal

Indian Ocean

China

Myanmar

Cambodia

Laos

PapuaNew Guinea

Philippines

Taiwan

Malaysia

A U S T R A L I A

I N D O N E S I A

Penang

Chiang Mai

Lampang

Prasat Sikhoraphum

Singapore

River KwaiThailand

Vietn

am

— Epic Thailand— Bangkok-Singapore Classic Journey

South C

hina

Sea

the tourThere are many departures of this itinerary throughout 2014 & 2015 in each direction. The re-verse itinerary is only three days. See our website for complete list of dates. Linking Bangkok and Sin-gapore, this Eastern & Oriental Express trip provides a satisfying taste of four great cultures: the glittering Thai temples of Bang-kok and Singapore’s exciting mix of Chinese, Indian and Malay architecture and cuisine. The mid-journey visit to the famed bridge over the River Kwai is an added bonus.

“Orient-Express has a great attention to detail that puts them a cut above. I think we are up to our 10th property now between trains and hotels, and as usual on this trip, we couldn’t find a nit to pick.” — D. Allen, Eastern & Oriental Express & Road to Mandalay, 2013 2014 priCiNg Bangkok-Singapore journey

Accommodations High Season Low SeasonPullman $2,820 $2,560Pullman Single $2,820 $2,560State Cabin $4,110 $3,740Presidential Suite $6,220 $5,410

2015 priCiNg Bangkok-Singapore journeyAccommodations High Season Low SeasonPullman $2,960 $2,690Pullman Single $2,960 $2,690State Cabin $4,320 $3,930Presidential Suite $6,530 $5,680

Owen C. Hardy

Eleanor Hardy


Eleanor Hardy

Bruce Anderson Owen C. Hardy

Low Season: April-Sept. / High Season: Jan-March; Oct.-Dec.See website for full list of dates and Singapore-Bangkok journey pricing.


Orcaella:Gorges of the Far NorthThe ShIP: Orcaella • ShIP TYPe: Luxury


When IRT owners and Owen & Eleanor Hardy and our group of 27 boarded the Orcaella

in early 2014, David Minnerly of Texas was almost speechless. “WOW!” was his main comment. He has been everywhere, on just about every ship and train, and he said it was one of his favorite ships anywhere. The ship boasts a small pool, fitness room, spa, bar, indoor and outdoor lounges, boutiques, fine dining and service by 40 staff members as only Belmond (Orient-Express)can provide. Accommodating only 50 guests, the four-deck river cruiser has 15 State Cabins, nine Deluxe Cabins and one Junior Suite across the

Main Deck and Upper Deck. Most luxurious: two Balcony Suites. All cabins have air condi-tioning and private facilities. Four cabins can be interconnected.

2014 & 2015 priCiNgAccommodations Double Single Deluxe Cabin $ 6,900 $ 8,810State Cabin $ 8,870 $12,400Junior Suite $10,640 $14,880 Balcony Suite $13,400 $19,960

the Cruise2014 DatesDec. 22, 2014-Jan. 2, 2015*2015 DatesOct. 22-Nov. 2; Nov. 5-16; Dec. 22-Jan. 2, 2016*2016 DatesCall to get on the waitlist.*Special New Year’s Eve Cruise This 11-night, 682-mile cruise winds through majestic gorges to northern Myanmar near the Chinese border, finishing at Bagan, home to 2,000 pagodas.Travel aboard the luxurious river boat Orcaella and take in the scenic majesty of Myanmar. The boat, staff, dining and the visits: it will be one of the most amaz-ing journeys you’ll ever take. As several IRT travelers said, “It just gets better and better with each passing day.” Ask about other itineraries and dates on this popular ship.

the itiNerary Day 1: Mandalay-MingunAfter your included flight from Yangon to Mandalay, board

Orcaella. Cruise north on the Ay-eyarwady River; stop in Mingun to visit world’s largest brick-built pagoda. Welcome dinner.

Day 2: Mingun-Nwe NyeinDisembark at Nwe Nyein for walking tour; see artisans sculpting traditional clay pots.

Day 3: Kyan Hnyat-KathaMorning stroll around village of Kyan Hnyat. School children greet you, and the market be-gins to bustle with activity.

Day 4: Katha-ShweguTrishaw tour of Katha market, made famous by George Orwell in Burmese Days. Afternoon visit to typical riverside Shan village.

Day 5: Zinbon-Bhamo-Shwe PawToday, green-clad mountains appear, reaching down to the narrowing channel. Travel past logging camps and old colonial village of Zinbon. At Bhamo, visit the town center’s vibrant tribal meeting point.

Day 6: Shwe Paw-KathaMorning tour of picturesque Shwe Paw Island and its ancient pagodas. Witness novitiates’ ceremony at tiny Moe Dar.

Day 7: Katha-Kyan HnyatRide meter-gauge train through thick jungle and teak forest to Naba, a forest station.

Day 8: Kyan Hnyat-MogokTravel through a lush forestry re-serve. In Mogok, see elephants working in the teak forests.

Day 9: MandalayMandalay city tour, including lunch at a local restaurant. Eve-

ning tribal dance performance.

Day 10: BaganFull day cruising. Enjoy sunset over Bagan and its 2,000 pago-das—an other worldly vision.

Day 11: Bagan-Mt PopaEarly morning option to take Balloons Over Bagan. Visit ancient Bagan sites with expert guide. Afternoon, your choice: tour to Mount Popa—legend-ary home of animist spirits. Or explore on your own by horse-drawn cart or bicycle. Evening cocktail party, farewell dinner.

Day 12: YangonTransfer to Bagan airport for included flight to Yangon.

the highlights• Guided tour of Mandalay, Myanmar’s ‘second city’• Visit elephants working in the teak forests of Mogok• Guided tour of Bagan• Optional tour of Mount Popa, legendary home of animist spirits• Cocktail parties on the top deck of the Orcaella• Trishaw trip to Katha, famed market of George Orwell’s Bur-mese Days• Sail past the picturesque island pagoda of Thihadaw

“Remember the stop at the wedding? And also the cane-ball game/cocktail party? And also the trip to the little school? And many, many other highlights. Another of your glorious, unforgettable trips.” — R. Fisher, Orcaella Myanmar Cruise, 2014

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Ron Fisher

Owen C. Hardy


The ShIP: Sea Cloud • ShIP TYPe: Luxury


the ship A gift from millionaire businessman E.F. Hutton to his wife, heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, the Sea Cloud was built in Germany in 1931. Reputedly costing $1.2 to $1.5 million—some tens of millions in today’s dollars—she was hailed as the largest private sailing yacht in the world. Post spent weeks designing the décor of each stateroom down to the smallest detail, including the placement of paintings. With 30 sails measuring a total of 32,000 square feet, the Sea Cloud is a masterpiece of shipbuilding and the last private four-masted ship ever built.

the tour2014 Dates All departures sold out2015 Dates WB: May 31-June 11; Aug. 23-Sept. 3EB: June 10-21; Sept. 2-13 (IRT group departure) Sail on the historic Sea Cloud from the medieval walled city of Hvar to the ancient temples of Olympia. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of some of Europe’s most beatiful coastal gems. Discover the remarkable sites of Albania, cut off from the modern world for decades, and explore Montenegro, Corfu, and incomparable Dubrovnik. IRT and our Virtuoso partner,

Lindblad Expeditions, are delighted to offer this fabulous journey.

the itiNeraryDay 1: In Transit Depart on an overnight flight*.

Day 2: Dubrovnik/Embark Arrive in Dubrovnik, Croatia and embark on the Sea Cloud.

Day 3: Hvar, Croatia In Hvar, one of the most attractive and lively of Croatia’s historic towns, a walking tour shows us key sites. You may also hike up to the Citadel.

Day 4: Korčula, Croatia Sail in the morning, then explore beautiful Korčula. Visit the house believed to be Marco Polo’s birthplace; enjoy free time at Korčula’s cafés and waterfront; see a private performance of the traditional Moreška sword dance.

Day 5: Dubrovnik, Croatia We anchor off Dubrovnik’s city walls and land in the heart of Old Town. Stroll marble‐paved streets and walk on the ramparts. There’s a private performance of traditional klapa music. Opt for an after‐dinner stroll through town.

Day 6: Kotor, Montenegro Sail into the Gulf of Kotor. Visit

Perast, then take a boat to the islet of Gospa od Skrpjela. See medieval Kotor, and drive up the 27 serpentine switchbacks to the top of the fjord for an unrivaled view.

Day 7: Kruje & Tirana, Albania Dock in Durrës, drive to the ancient capital of Kruje, and visit the medieval market and Ethnographic Museum. Continue to the contemporary capital, Tirana, scattered with the vestiges of one of the longest dictatorships in Eastern Europe.

Day 8: Butrint, Albania Visit the ancient city of Butrint, a World Heritage Site. Continue to Lekuris Castle for great views of Albania’s coastline.

Day 9: Ithaca, GreeceFew names elicit the intrigue and sense of adventure as Odysseus’ home of Ithaca. Today, the island remains off the beaten track, with gems of small Ionian villages. We’ll drive to explore the sites that link it to the era described by Homer. Afternoon sailing.

Day 10: Katakolon/Olympia Explore the ancient site of Olympia, home of the Panhellenic Festival held here beginning in 776 BC. Return to the ship and continue south.

Day 11: Aboard the Sea Cloud Be sure to be on deck as Sea Cloud’s sails are hoisted the old‐fashioned way: by hand. Sail around the Peloponnesian Peninsula.

Day 12: Athens, Greece Disembark for flights* home, or to join the optional extension. pre-voyage exteNsioN: Visit historic Mostar, then drive along the coast to take in Trogir and Split (4 days). post-voyage exteNsioN: Four days dedicated to exploring the sites of Athens. the highlights• The fabulous Sea Cloud, a mas-terpiece of shipbuilding, with 30 sails measuring 32,000 sq. ft.• Two stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites: the ancient ruins of Olympia, Greece, and Alba-nia’s historic city of Butrint• Montenegro’s stunning Gulf of Kotor and Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny islet formed from sunken fishing boats• The marble-paved lanes and ramparts of glorious Dubrovnik• Wine included with lunch and dinner; gratuities included• A dynamic IRT group of expe-rienced and fun travelers on the Sept. 2, 2015 departure

*Flights not included.

the priCiNgAccommodations PriceCategory 1 $11,630Category 1 Single $17,090Category 2 $13,150Category 3 $15,890Category 4 $16,710Original/Deluxe Category B $18,180Original/Deluxe Category A $19,690Owner’s Suite $22,190

Sea Cloud: Gems of the Dalmatian & Greek Coasts

Owen & Eleanor Hardy Cordially Invite You

to Join The Legendary Sea Cloud

for an Exclusive Owners’ Choice Tour

of the Dalmatian & Greek Coasts

Sept. 2-13, 2015

“I’ve always wanted to sail on the Sea Cloud. It’s the Orient-Express of the ocean, a 1930s-era grande dame. Eleanor and I look forward to welcoming you aboard.” — Owen Hardy, IRT Founder and CEO

All photos courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions


Golden Eagle: Trans-Siberian ExpressThe TRaIn: Golden Eagle • TRaIn TYPe: Luxury


The Golden Eagle, launched in 2007, earned IRT’s luxury status in 2012 and just keeps getting better and better.

With its all-en suite cabins, it’s always been the best way to see Siberia. Besides Moscow-Vladi-vostok, it ranges as far north as Russia’s Arctic and covers the Silk Road tour in Central Asia. The “Freedom of Choice” off-train touring program continues to expand. Trans-Siberian tours now offer hiking around Lake Baikal, cooking classes in Irkutsk and walking tours of Yekaterin-burg. Other tours offer cycling and horseback riding. The pro-gram appeals to repeat travelers as well as to guests who simply prefer a range of activities from which to choose. Summer Trans-Siberian tours are steam-hauled by a P36 4-8-4 locomotive for 100 miles into or out of Moscow. And—new in 2014—the train also is steam-hauled for the side journey around Lake Baikal (conditions permitting). Just about everything is included: transfers, sightseeing, all meals (with wine and beer)—even gratuities. In all, 58-60 staff members cater to the needs of 90 to 100 passengers. SleePInG CaRS All cabins have toilet, sink and shower, individually controlled air-conditioning/ heating, safe, wardrobe, DVD/ CD player and TV. Beds fold into comfy seating by day. Silver Class cabins are 60 square feet, with six compart-ments per car. There is a small lower double bed and upper twin bed. The Silver Class shower oc-cupies the same space as the sink and toilet; to take a shower, the passenger draws a curtain around him- or herself. It sounds odd, but it works well. Silver is big enough for a solo traveler, but we

don’t recommend it for a couple on this long journey. Gold Class compartments, at 77 square feet, have five cabins per car. Gold Class bathrooms have under-floor heating and separate showers with curved, sliding glass door. The lower bed is double-bed width; the upper bed is a twin. At 120 square feet, the Impe-rial Suite is the train’s most spacious accommodation. It has a fixed king-sized bed, dressing table and lounge area as well as a large en suite shower and under-floor heating. It boasts two large picture windows (Silver & Gold have one). Imperial guests receive complimentary mini-bar, laun-dry service, dedicated butler and room upgrades at hotels (where available). They can take meals in their cabin upon request. The best perk of all: the private guide and driver dedicated to Imperial guests on most off-train tours.

DInInG & lounGe CaRS The train has two 64-seat restaurant cars. The “Gold” diner is decorated with brass, elaborate indirect lighting and gleam-ing wood. The “White” diner is arrayed in shades of white and

cream, with gold medallions and intricate carvings. A maitre d’ and executive chef supervise communication and on-board service and food. The bar car includes a piano and pianist. Bar drinks are in-cluded in Gold (standard list) and Imperial Class (premium list); drinks are additional for Silver Class passengers. The bar closes when the last guest leaves. There’s always something hopping in the bar car: a Rus-sian lesson, singing, classical piano concert, perhaps a game of bridge. “We are in St. Petersburg tonight. The fast train was great!

Thank you so much for the beautiful hotel here and for the upgrade. What a nice surprise!!” — C. Smith, Trans-Siberian

Express, 2012

“Fantastic service from IRT…I give you all 10s!” — J. Sanger, Trans-Siberian Express, 2013

Bruce anderson

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Bob Stewart

Bruce Anderson

George Stratton

Bob Stewart


Golden Eagle: Trans-Siberian Express Continued

the tour2014 Dates:Eastbound: July 27-Aug. 10; Aug. 24-Sept. 7 Westbound: Aug. 9-23; Sept. 6-20

2015 Dates:Eastbound: May 5-19; June 5-19; July 26-Aug. 9; Aug. 22-Sept. 5Westbound: May 18-June 1; June 18-July 2; Aug. 8-22; Sept. 4-18

The Trans-Siberian Express is the big train ride—an epic 15-day journey spanning two continents and seven time zones. Travel on the world’s most famous railway on the private Golden Eagle. Most days are spent touring cities along the route; there are several wonderful and decidedly not boring all-train days. Nights are spent on board (except in top hotels on first and last nights of the tour). This is one of IRT members’ favorite journeys. Almost ev-eryone who does this trip loves it and can’t believe the beauty and variety of the landscape.

the itiNeraryDay 1: VladivostokTransfers included from Vladivo-stok airport to the Hotel Hyun-dai. Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome reception dinner.

Day 2: VladivostokToday’s city tour includes the major military attractions of this once “closed-to-foreigners” city, including a restored World War II submarine. This afternoon board the Golden Eagle train; settle into your private compart-ment and enjoy dinner in one of the beautiful restaurant cars.

Day 3: KhabarovskLeisurely morning as the train passes directly north of Seoul, Darwin and Osaka. Stop in Khabarovsk, most easterly point of our journey, for a short city tour. Rejoin the train and head west, crossing the Amur River.

Day 4: On boardOur journey today follows the Shilka and Amur Rivers, close to the Chinese border. Relax on board as the Russian scenery unfolds before you. Perhaps attend an on-board lecture or Russian language lesson. These are interesting and fun.

Day 5: On boardToday offers another opportu-nity to enjoy the train’s service and amenities. Practice your improving Russian or sit back and enjoy a drink (perhaps the local favorite, vodka) in the bar car, where a resident musician entertains. Enjoy all meals in the train’s lovely diners.

Day 6: Ulaan Baatar, MongoliaOur Trans-Siberian adventure takes us into Mongolia, home of Genghis Khan. The morning trip into Ulaan Baatar is breath-taking. We visit the capital city, taking in the National Museum to learn the country’s his-tory. Lunch is Mongol style in a traditional Ger (Yurt) where we experience an authentic meal, enjoying excellent local dishes and entertainment. Afternoon free to meet a traditional family or ride a Mongolian pony. We board the train and return to Russia.

Day 7: Ulan UdeAfternoon arrival in Ulan Ude, where you’ll notice a fascinat-ing change of culture and dress. At the Old Believers Village, we have the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of these communities as we are treated to a traditional meal and concert featuring local dancers and musicians.

Day 8: Lake BaikalToday is a highlight: a fantastic adventure as we wind our way through tunnels and around cliffs along the shoreline of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater lake, Lake Baikal. We stop at one of the bays and have a barbecue at the water’s edge

“The trip was excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed it. It was better than what we had hoped for.” — J. Varadi, Trans-Siberian Express, 2013

Owen C. Hardy

Bruce Anderson

Owen C. Hardy

Bruce Anderson

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Bruce Anderson


Golden Eagle: Trans-Siberian Express Continued

2014 priCiNgAccommodations Double SingleSilver Class $16,595 $23,995Gold Class $19,995 $29,995Imperial Suite $32,995 $47,995

(weather permitting), includ-ing freshly smoked fish. Take a swim, if you dare! We then visit Listvyanka, a small Baikal village nestled below surrounding hills. Optional hike up the hills for views of the lake from above. The train will be steam-hauled for the side journey around Lake Baikal (conditions permitting).

Day 9: IrkutskToday we arrive in Irkutsk, the “Paris of Siberia.” Admire the city’s classic wooden architec-ture, and visit the Decembrist House museum, where a private concert will be given. Alterna-tive touring options include a bicycle tour or visit to a tradi-tional Russian dacha (cottage).

Day 10: On boardFull day on board to enjoy the train. All meals served in the restaurant cars.

Day 11: NovosibirskVisit the world’s largest Opera

House at Lenin Square in this modern city on the River Ob. Also visit the city’s excellent railway museum.

Day 12: YekaterinburgTour Yekaterinburg, last city in Asia and capital of the Urals, including the Romanov execu-tion site and memorial. Or take a walking or cycling city tour, or visit a traditional Russian sauna. Later, the train crosses the Asia/Europe divide.

Day 13: KazanMid-morning arrival in Kazan, beautiful capital of Tatarstan on the Volga River. One highlight of our city tour is Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we’ll see the stunning mosque and magnificent onion-domed cathedral.

Day 14: MoscowMid-morning arrival in Mos-cow—the end of our 6,000-mile journey. Full day touring

this vibrant city, including Red Square. Here we see an eclectic mix of fascinating architec-ture: from the ornate St. Basil’s Cathedral and grand Kremlin to the somber and evocative site of Lenin’s tomb. Alternative Moscow touring options will be available, such as the Tretyakov Gallery (fine art) or excursion to Sergiev Posad. Transfer to a five-star hotel, and enjoy a farewell gala dinner.

Day 15: MoscowEarly-morning Kremlin visit if your journey arrived in Mos-cow on a Thursday, when the Kremlin museums are closed. Transfers to Moscow airport included.

the highlights• Guided tours in Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Ulan Ude, Lake Bai-kal, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk, Yekat-erinburg, Kazan and Moscow• Afternoon barbecue on shore of Lake Baikal, largest freshwa-

ter lake in the world (weather permitting)• Dinner, concert and dancing provided by the Old Believers, breakaway Eastern Orthodox sect living outside Ulan Ude• Irkutsk, elegant home of the upper-class “Decembrist” revolutionaries exiled by Tsar Nicholas I in 1825• Yekaterinburg, infamous execution site of Tsar Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra, their son, daughters and servants, by the Bolsheviks in 1918• Grand Moscow’s Red Square, the Kremlin and Kremlin mu-seum, with its Imperial jewels and Fabergé eggs• All meals, fine wine with lunch and dinner, hotels, gratuities, off-train tours and arrival/depar-ture transfers included• Summer tours will be steam-hauled in or out of Moscow the irt virtuoso differeNCe

Extensions galore:• St. Petersburg with special sightseeing and Virtuoso partner hotels with complimen-tary breakfast, spa visits, and upgrades• Moscow to St. Petersburg by river cruise with our Virtuoso partners, AMA or Viking

2015 priCiNgMay departuresAccommodations Double SingleSilver Class $15,895 $23,495Gold Class $19,595 $28,695Imperial Suite $30,995 On request

All other departuresAccommodations Double SingleSilver Class $16,995 $24,995Gold Class $20,595 $30,995Imperial Suite $33,995 On request

Owen C. Hardy George Stratton

Owen C. Hardy

George Stratton

Owen C. Hardy


Samarkand’s stunning architec-ture shows why it was one of the most famous cities in Asia. Visit Bibi Khanum Mosque and the Ulag Beg observatory, and see Registan Square by day—and beautifully illuminated by night.

Day 14: Tashkent, UzbekistanAfternoon arrival in Tashkent, capital city of Uzbekistan. Spend the afternoon touring this mod-ern Soviet-style city, noted for its tree-lined streets, numerous fountains and parks.

Day 15: Almaty, KazakhstanArrive Almaty. City tour includ-ing Panfilov Park, in the heart of the city and home to the Zenkhov Cathedral, a 19th-cen-tury Russian Orthodox Church made entirely of wood. Over-night Intercontinental hotel. Say goodbye to fellow travelers at finale dinner.

Day 16: Almaty, KazakhstanAirport transfers included.

the highlights• Crossing the Caspian Sea by train ferry• Samarkand’s Registan Square, by day and night• Khiva and Bukhara, amazing Silk Road cities• Gori, birthplace of Stalin• Darvaza burning crater in the Kara Kum Desert• Tblisi’s old town, with winding streets and alleyways• Emir’s Palace of the Moon and Stars• Cave city of Uplistsikhe, dating from the 6th century BC

Golden Eagle:Caspian OdysseyThe TRaIn: Golden Eagle • TRaIn TYPe: Luxury


ARMENIA

AZERBAIJAN

GEORGIA

KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

IRAQIRAN

RUSSIA

AFGHANISTANPAKISTAN

CHINA

KAZAKHSTAN

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

Baku

Tbilisi

Turkmenbashi

Tashkent

CaspianSea

Aral Sea

TURKEY

MtskhetaGori

Almaty

Samarkand

Ashgabat

Khiva

Bukhara

Yerevan

Darvaza

the tourOctober 16-31, 2014October 15-30, 2015 Begin this amazing tour in Yerevan, capital of Armenia, and travel through the South Cauca-sus to Georgia and Azerbaijan before crossing the Caspian Sea to Turkmenistan. There join the Silk Road route through Uzbeki-stan, ending in Almaty, Kazakh-stan. Travel in luxury aboard the fully en-suite Golden Eagle.

the itiNeraryDay 1 & 2: YerevanArrive Yerevan. Included transfer to the Marriott for a one-night stay. Tour the capital city, which has a rich history, having been occupied as early as 6000 BC. Board the Golden Eagle and depart for Georgia on Day 2.

Day 3: Lake Sevan & DilijanScenic rail journey around Lake Sevan and short walk on beach. In Dilijan, visit Monastery of Haghpat. Cognac reception this evening at Avan Dzoraget Hotel.

Days 4 & 5: Tbilisi & TelaviHead into Georgia, arriving Tbili-si. The old part of the city retains much of its original layout, a web of winding streets and alleyways. Sites include ruins of the ancient fortress Narikala and the 13th-century Metekhi castle and cathedral. Also visit beauti-ful wine area in Telavi.

Day 6: Gori & MtskhetaGori is one of the oldest cities in Georgia, founded in the 7th century. Joseph Stalin was born here in 1879. Visit the Stalin Museum, which includes his pri-vate railway carriage. Then on to Uplistsikhe for a barbecue lunch on the banks of the Mtkvari River with traditional music. This famous cave city dates from the 6th century BC. Late afternoon we visit the city of Mtskheta, Georgia’a old capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 7: Baku, AzerbaijanBaku, capital of Azerbaijan, lies on the western shore of the sparkling Caspian. The core of

present-day Baku is the Old Town, or fortress, of Icheri-Shek-her. Most of the walls, strength-ened after the Russian conquest in 1806, survive, as does the 90-foot tower of Kyz-Kalasy. The Old Town is picturesque, with its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings. Overnight at five-star hotel in Baku while our train is loaded on the ferry.

Day 8: TurkmenbashiEarly morning we join the train ferry for a 12-14 hour crossing of the Caspian Sea to the town of Turkmenbashi, the western terminus of oil and natural gas pipelines and the Trans-Caspian Railway, linking the Caspian region with central Asia. Option to fly from Baku to Ashgabat.

Day 9: Ashgabat, TurkmenistanToday we tour Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan. Situated be-tween the Kara Kum Desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range, its fountains, golden domes, marble buildings and hundreds of thousands of evergreen trees

appear strangely incongruous in the middle of the desert.

Days 10-11: Khiva, UzbekistanTravel through the Kara Kum Desert. Optional visit to the astounding ‘burning sands’ gas crater fire at Darvaza. Explore the ancient city of Khiva, founded 2,500 years ago, with its impressive mosques and ba-zaars. As one of the Silk Road’s most important trading posts (and one of IRT guests’ favorite stops), it is now a World Heri-tage Site. It lies at the crossroads between Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia.

Day 12: Bukhara, UzbekistanBukhara is simply outstand-ing. The main highlight is The Ark, a residence of the Emirs of Bukhara, the ruthless leaders who ruled until Soviet times. We travel out of the city to experi-ence the Emir’s enchanting Palace of the Moon and Stars.

Day 13: Samarkand, UzbekistanFounded in the 6th century BC,

“I was extremely pleased with the services provided by Angela Walker. Before the trip, Angela was attentive to all details which made trip planning for us easy and without stress.” — Virtuoso.com review, 2014


2014 priCiNgAccommodations Double Single Silver Class $20,995 $30,495Gold Class $26,495 $38,495Imperial Suite $42,695 $63,995

Courtesy of Owen C. Hardy Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Owen C. Hardy


The Royal Scotsman:Classic & Western ToursThe TRaIn: The Royal Scotsman • TRaIn TYPe: Luxury


One of the most delightful and jolly rail experiences we’ve ever had was aboard The Royal Scotsman. We

love it for so many reasons: It’s a small venue—just 36 passengers. This makes you feel so at home, and so pampered. The food is fabulous, as is the wine selec-tion. And its collection of Scotch (and other spirits) in the bar is awe-inspiring. The outings range from the sublime to the challeng-ing. Most of the train’s cars are of 1960s vintage, but they have been recast into an Edwardian confection of varnished woods, polished brass and fine fabrics. IRT guests love the open-air back deck and that the tour cost covers almost everything.

SleePInG CaRS The five sleeping carriages provide 16 double and four single cabins, beautifully de-signed with rich inlaid wood. The twin compartments are 85 square feet with two lower single beds positioned in an “L” shape; two cabins have double beds, large enough for only the most slim of couples. Four compartments are for single travelers, great news because they do not require a single supplement—a rarity on luxury trains. These are 66 square feet and contain one twin bed. All cabins have large en suite bathrooms with sink, toilet and shower. They also feature dress-ing table, full-length wardrobe, individually controlled heating, ceiling fans, opening windows and cabin service call button. The train stops at quiet sidings at night. Please let us know if you are very tall: one double room has an extra-long bed.

DInInG CaRS & lounGe Dining is elegant. Meals are multi-course, candlelit af-fairs, made with the finest local produce, seafood and meat, with

finely paired wines. The tradi-tional dining car offers tables for four or two; the second dining car is set for 20 people at three large tables. Presentation is gor-geous; service is friendly. At the end of the train is its the observation car. Originally built in 1960 by the Metropol-itan-Cammell Carriage and Wagon Company, the car began service in 1961 as a first-class kitchen car. In 1989, the car was bought from its private owner and converted it to its current configuration, able to comfort-ably hold all 36 guests in the lounge area. At the back is our favorite spot: the open-air ob-servation platform, for wind-in-the-face viewing of the striking Scottish scenery.

the tours2014 & 2015 DatesOperates April through October. See appendix or website for full schedule. Bagpipes, intimate musical events, the grand sweep of the moors and the gorges: The Royal Scotsman Classic Tour is a journey straight to the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Life on the train is indulgent, with the freshest, finest local produce served in the dining cars. Two highlights: a private tour and tasting at Glen Ord Distillery and a personal tour of the mag-nificent Ballindalloch castle and gardens. We highly recommend combining the Classic with the Western journey. These are just two of the seven imaginative itineraries on this train.

the ClassiC tour itiNeraryDay 1: Edinburgh-KeithCheck in for The Royal Scotsman at the Balmoral Hotel, located next to Waverley Station. Depart Edinburgh this afternoon, trav-eling north across the magnifi-cent Forth Railway Bridge—one of the first cantilever bridges. Afternoon tea is served before arriving in the market town of Keith. Enjoy an informal dinner on board and perhaps a night-cap with your fellow guests in the observation car.

Day 2: Glen Ord; PlocktonFirst, a leisurely breakfast on board (try the haggis—at least the vegetarian haggis!). Then, visit Glen Ord Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest, for a private tour and tasting. Continue west from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, one of the most scenic lines in Britain. The line passes Loch Luichart and the sum-mit and Achnashellach forest, descends to Strathcarron and runs along the edge of stunning Loch Carron. At Plockton, take a boat trip to view seals and the Isle of Skye; or enjoy a dram at the Plockton Hotel. A formal dinner is followed by entertain-ment on board.

Day 3: BallindallochOptional visit to Eilean Donan castle before the train departs Kyle. It retraces yesterday’s route to Inverness, then heads south for a visit to Ballindal-loch, one of Scotland’s most romantic castles. Tour the 16th-century home and gardens of the Macpherson-Grant family. Golfers can play on the estate’s course; clubs are available for rent. Return to train at Boat of Garten on private Strathspey Railway for overnight. After a formal dinner, a Highlander storyteller entertains.

Day 4: Rothiemurchus; GlamisMorning excursion to Rothiemurchus Estate; choose from activities such as fishing, clay pigeon shooting or a tour of the estate. Rejoin the train at Kingussie and lunch while traveling south to Dunkeld. Dis-embark and visit Glamis Castle, Seat of the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and childhood home of the late H.M. Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Rejoin the train in Perth for an informal dinner on board.

Day 5: EdinburghArrive Edinburgh mid-morning.

the westerN tour itiNeraryThe Western tour runs on Scotland’s scenic West Highland Line.

Day 1: West Highland LineThe Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh early afternoon and heads west, skirting Glasgow before reaching Craigendoran, the starting point for the ma-jestic West Highland Line. Enjoy afternoon tea as the train passes Loch Lomond and Glen Falloch, with views of waterfalls, moors and mountains. A formal dinner, then entertainment on board.

Day 2: Arisiag; Fort WilliamBreakfast is served as train continues west, passing by Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest moun-tain. Travel along the stunning

coastline and disembark at Ari-saig for a walk along the Morar Sands, with views of Isle of Skye and Cuillin Mountains. Lunch is served as the train retraces its route back to Fort William. This afternoon, a Highlander accom-panies you to Glenfinnan Monu-ment to explain the history of the area before tea at Inverlochy Castle. Energetic guests can walk to beautiful Steall Water-fall. Informal dinner on board, followed by entertainment.

Day 3: Isle of ButeEnjoy breakfast while traveling south. At Wemyss Bay, board the ferry to Isle of Bute. View sea-shore, moorland, farmland and forest—and visit Mount Stuart, Britain’s most spectacular Victo-rian Gothic house. Learn about the fine private portrait collec-tion or hike the gardens and the grounds with the ranger. Return to the train for formal dinner.

Day 4: EdinburghArrive Edinburgh mid-morning.

the highlights• Before-dinner drinks in the cozy lounge car, all included• Wind-in-your-face viewing from the open-air platform• Breathtaking views of moors, mountains, lakes and sea

• Intimate setting with just 36 passengers total• Highest levels of dining and service on board• Fabulous off-train tours to dis-tilleries and castles, often with the owners as tour guides• Inspiring dramatic and musical events by Highlanders• IRT Virtuoso Difference: Private transfers, sightseeing and The Balmoral with complimentary breakfast, upgrades (average added value $450 per booking)

THEMED TOURSCountry Homes & Gardens, Golf and Whisky tours on The Royal Scotsman. See appendix or website for dates/pricing. Or call IRT for details.

2014 & 2015 priCiNgClassic Tour or Whisky Tour: $6,530 per person, double or single

Western Tour: $5,180 per person, double or single

Grand North Western tour (both itineraries): $10,540 per person, double or single

Save $1,170 per person when booking both tours!

Dundee

Aberdeen

Edinburgh

Dingwall Keith

Kyle ofLochalsh

Arisaig

Fort William

WemyssBay

Craigendoran

Aviemore

Boat of Garten

Perth

Glasgow

Invergordon

Dunkeld

PlocktonCarrbridge

Inverness

Classic Tour &Garden Tour Route

Western Tour Route

Spean Bridge

“It’s amazing how much we took in — we saw a lot of history: walled towns, cathedrals, castles....It was just a delightful experience.” — W. Kennedy, Royal Scotsman, 2013.

Owen C. Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Eleanor Hardy


The Royal Scotsman:Grand Tour of Great BritainThe TRaIn: The Royal Scotsman • TRaIn TYPe: Luxury


Perth. Enjoy afternoon tea and continue north on the Highland line to Aviemore. Stable this evening in Highland village of Boat of Garten. Enjoy cocktails and informal dinner on board.

Day 2: Rothiemurchus; Strathisla DistilleryMorning at Rothiemurchus Estate. Options abound: clay pigeon shooting to wildlife walks. Rejoin the train and head north, soon arriving Culloden Battlefield, where the last battle on mainland British soil took place in 1746. This afternoon, whisky connoisseurs can visit Strathisla Distillery, home of one of Scotland’s most famous malts, Chivas Regal, for a tasting

and tour. Dinner on board and overnight stabling in Dundee.

Day 3: Chester; LlanrwstEnjoy breakfast and lunch on board as the train rolls into Eng-land, past the fringes of Lake District National Park, with its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. Afternoon walking tour of the beautiful walled city of Chester, ending with a drinks reception at the magnificent Chester Cathedral. Re-join the train and cross into Wales. The train wends its way through Welsh valleys to Llanrwst, where you disembark for a visit of Gwydir Castle, a fine example of a Tudor courtyard house, built around 1500. See the paneled

dining room dating from the 1640s following its repatriation from the New York Metropolitan Museum.

Day 4: Portmeirion; FfestiniogVisit the walled town of Caer-narfon, with its picturesque castle. Transfer to the quaint Ffestiniog Railway, and enjoy a ride on the oldest independent railway company in the world. This narrow-gauge railway was built in the 19th century and travels past the edge of Snowdonia National Park from Porthmadog. Dinner is served back on board The Royal Scots-man as it returns to England.

Day 5: Bath; OxfordBreakfast is served en route to the spa city of Bath. This UNESCO World Heritage site has some of the most magnificent Georgian buildings anywhere in the UK. Take a guided tour around the Roman Baths, built around Britain’s only hot spring. Free time to wander around the city and indulge in the stylish shops before re-joining the train for travel to Oxford. Dinner will be at one of the UK’s finest country house hotels, the Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, a Belmond (Orient-Express) hotel. This gorgeous manor house is also home to one of the UK’s best restaurants. Return to the train for after-dinner drinks.

the tour2014 DatesJuly 11-182015 DatesJuly 10-17Please see pages 50-51 and ap-pendix for additional, regularly scheduled tours on this train. There can surely be no finer way to see Scotland, England and Wales than traveling aboard one of the world’s great luxury trains. The Royal Scotsman of-fers this once-a-year, exclusive journey exploring the best of Great Britain.

the itiNeraryDay 1: Depart EdinburghThe Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh and heads west to

“The Royal Scotsman is a real winner.” — W. Kennedy, The Royal

Scotsman, 2013

“Everything was wonderful… it goes without saying that your service was its usual impeccable self. Many thanks.” — G. Guptill, The Royal

Scotsman Western Journey,

2013

Eleanor Hardy

Ffestionog Railway

George Guptill


Angela Walker

Eleanor Hardy


The Royal Scotsman: Grand Tour of Great Britain Continued

2014 & 2015 priCiNg$13,460 per person, single or double occupancy

North Atlantic Ocean

North Sea

Irish Sea

English Channel

Dundee

Boat of Garten

Edinburgh

Llandudno

Alnwick

Scarborough

York

Chester

Bath

Hereford

London

LakeDistrict

Ireland

S c o t l a n d

E n g l a n d

W a l e s

Cambridge

Oxford

Day 6: Cambridge Morning exploration of Cam-bridge, home to the historic Corpus Christi college, including the Parker library, with its me-dieval and Renaissance manu-scripts. Enjoy a leisurely punt on the River Cam. Overnight stabling in Scarborough.

Day 7: YorkBreakfast served en route to the Roman walled city of York, where you have a guided tour or free time to explore. Take in the splendor of York Minster, the largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe; or admire the 700-year-old timber-frame houses on The Shambles. Railway enthusiasts should visit

the National Railway Museum, home to the UK’s rail collec-tion, including the famous Flying Scotsman locomotive. Enjoy coffee at Fairfax House, regarded as the finest Georgian townhouse in England. The train departs York traveling through Northumberland into Alnmouth, where we disembark for a private viewing of Alnwick Castle followed by an exclusive farewell dinner. The glorious medieval castle dates to 1096; Harry Potter or gardening fans will love it. Rejoin the train for your final night on board.

Day 8: EdinburghTour ends upon arrival in Edin-burgh mid-morning.

the highlights• Clay pigeon shooting or a na-ture walk at Rothiemurchus• Whisky tasting at Strathisla• Walking tour of Chester; cocktail reception at Chester Cathedral• Gwydir Castle tour with tales of its history and “hauntings”• Narrow-gauge Ffestiniog Railway ride, the world’s oldest independent railway company• Leisurely morning in the spa city of Bath, a UNESCO Site• Dinner at one of the UK’s finest country house hotels in Oxford• Visit the National Railway Museum in York, which houses the famous Flying Scotsman locomotive (optional)• Private tour of Alnwick Castle with exclusive farewell dinner

• Afternoon tea/drinks in the ob-servation car and elegant meals on The Royal Scotsman • All meals, drinks, sightseeing included. Gratuities to the staff additional.

the irt virtuso differeNCe

• Linger in Scotland or Eng-land at a fabulous Virtuoso country home

• Golf at British Open courses and stay at Virtuoso partner hotels

• Cruise canals; hike the glens

George Guptill

Owen C. Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Angela Walker

Eleanor Hardy


Venice Simplon-Orient-Express& British Pullman

The TRaIn: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, British Pullman (see page 64)

TRaIn TYPe: Both luxury


One IRT guest was so moved when she first saw the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), she burst

into tears. Like most IRT guests, she felt as if she were living out her long-held dream, becoming part of a glamorous history. This train, with its restored, 1920s vintage cars, is the world’s most authentic luxury train. Why take it? When you see it standing in the station, sparkling in its navy and gold livery and snowy white roof, it takes your breath away. The cars are coal-heated; windows open to the fresh air. There is no air condi-tioning. Toilets are down the hall; there are no showers. No matter. A typical review from IRT guests: “It was just fabulous. Even the chef treated us to an extra course of wonderful foie gras when we complimented him... Thanks for one of the best, if not the best, trips ever.” K. & K. Palmer of Australia. The spirit and beauty of the train, the high level of service throughout, and the five-star level of the food and wine envelop one in a giddy, joy-ful aura. We would take it all over Europe every year if we could. The train accommodates up to 190 passengers; on special jour-neys it takes about 100 persons.

SleePInG CaRS Sleeping compartments have Pullman-style beds (one up, one down) that fold into a comfort-able sofa during the day. A sink enclosed in a lovely vanity fits into the corner. All amenities are supplied. Itineraries are designed to dodge the reality that there are no showers. Do what Agatha Christie did: Stop at fabulous hotels along the way.

For discriminating travelers, we recommend booking a cabin suite (two double cabins con-nected to make 72 square feet). This way, both members of a couple get lower beds, double the space and two sinks. Important to note: on some departures, there’s no single supplement.

DInInG & lounGe CaRS There are three gorgeous dining cars: one with marquetry; another with Chinese lacquered walls with brightly colored animals; and a third with Lalique crystal insets. The management of the dining cars is superb. For starters, a maitre d’ visits you during the day to reserve your table; seatings are staggered, allowing the staff to properly welcome and serve each diner. The dining experience is five-star both in food quality/variety and service. The lounge car is decorated in the Art Nouveau style. Fresh flowers adorn the tables, and a pianist entertains in the evening. It’s a perfect place to read Le Monde by day; enjoy cocktails before dinner and a nightcap.

2014 priCiNgVenice-Prague-Paris-London$4,080 per person, double or single $6,340 cabin suite, per person, double

Venice-Prague-Paris$3,560 per person, double or single $5,820 cabin suite, per person, double

the tour2014 DatesJune 4-8; Oct. 1-52015 DatesMay 20-24; Sept. 30-Oct. 4 Venice, Prague and Paris or London are yours on this fabu-lous journey offering two nights on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and a glorious afternoon on the British Pullman. Two nights in Prague allow time to explore at your leisure. Solo travelers: no single supplement.

the itiNeraryDay 1: Depart VeniceBoard the splendid Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Venice. After settling into your cabin, sip an aperitif in the bar car and listen to the sounds of the baby grand piano before dinner in one of the beautiful restaurant cars.

Day 2: Arrive PragueBreakfast is served in your cabin at a time to suit you. Spend the morning relaxing, gazing at the beautiful scenery, or chatting with fellow passengers. Later,

enjoy a three-course lunch on board. The train pulls in to Prague this afternoon. Transfer to your chosen hotel for two nights. (Hotel/transfers not in-cluded. IRT will arrange for you.)

Day 3: PragueEnjoy the many attractions of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The medieval streets of the Old Town and Hradcany Castle contrast distinctively with the 20th-century buildings of Wenceslas Square. Take a guided tour or explore on your own.

Day 4: Depart PragueMorning at leisure before rejoin-ing the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Paris. Afternoon tea is served in your compartment. A leisurely four-course dinner is prepared on board by skilled French chefs. Enjoy a drink in the bar car before retiring.

Day 5: Arrive LondonContinental breakfast is de-livered to your cabin. You can disembark in Paris, but oh what a shame! If you stay on board, enjoy a delicious brunch as you continue to the French coast. Af-ter the Channel crossing, board the stunning British Pullman for the trip to London. A traditional English tea accompanied by a glass of champagne is served at your table. Arrive Victoria sta-tion early evening.

the highlights• The Venice Simplon-Orient-Ex-press itself, with lovingly restored 1920s-era cars and stellar service• Afternoon tea on the British Pullman while traveling through the English countryside• Free time in Prague to explore this European capital • Delicious on-board meals• IRT Virtuoso package Prague with transfers, special castle tour, complimentary breakfast

Venice-Prague-Paris-london

2015 priCiNgVenice-Prague-Paris-London$4,200 per person, double or single $7,000 cabin suite, per person, double

Venice-Prague-Paris$3,670 per person, double or single $6,470 cabin suite, per person, double

Eleanor Hardy Steven Abrams

Eleanor Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy


Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Annual Istanbul JourneysThe TRaIn: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

TRaIn TYPe: Luxury


the tours The Venice Simplon-Orient-Ex-press trips in and out of Istanbul are so popular, they sell out more than a year in advance. Traveling through Europe like a period Broadway musical on wheels, there’s palpable excite-ment at every stop. Spend three nights on board paired with two nights in five-star hotels. Food, wine, service, off-train tours, atmosphere: everything is over-the-top. This is one of Europe’s most popular journeys. Call to be waitlisted or book now for 2015 and 2016.

the itiNerary:paris to istaNbul2014: Aug. 29-Sept. 32015: Aug. 28-Sept. 22016: Aug. 26-31 (tentative)Day 1: Board VSOE in ParisBoard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Paris mid-afternoon. After being greeted by your steward, settle into your private cabin and relax with afternoon tea. Enjoy a gourmet dinner and overnight on board.

Day 2: HungaryRelax and enjoy the sublime scenery as the train travels into Hungary. Continental breakfast is served in your cabin, and

lunch is served in the opu-lent dining cars. On arrival in Budapest transfer to your luxury hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: BudapestEnjoy a private guided tour of Budapest, with lunch at a local restaurant included. Rejoin the train late afternoon, and per-haps enjoy an aperitif in the Bar Car before dinner as the train travels into Romania.

Day 4: Sinaia; BucharestAfter breakfast, the train arrives at the mountain town of Sinaia. Disembark for a visit to beauti-ful Peles Castle, which was also

“My favorite memory of the train? The people I met and …and meeting the train manager — a grey-haired, nice-looking gentleman.” — B. Segel, VSOE London-Venice, 2013

“The Orient-Express lived up to its hype…everyone was very accommodating.” — B. Segel, VSOE London-Venice, 2013

Owen C. Hardy

Steven Abrams

Steven Abrams Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Kathleen HarrisByron Berkley

Owen C. Hardy Owen C. Hardy


Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Istanbul Journeys Continued

“Your service is beyond my wildest dreams. We had not planned to spend a whole week in Turkey. I am so thrilled I’m going to be able to spend the time there. We are thrilled with all you have done for us.” — B. McCuskey, VSOE Paris-Istanbul, 2013

visited by the very first Orient-Express passengers in 1883. Rejoin the train to complete the short journey to Bucharest. On arrival transfer to the Athenée Palace Hilton Hotel where lunch is served. In the afternoon there will be a short city tour. Dinner and overnight in Bucharest.

Day 5: BulgariaRejoin the Venice Simplon-Ori-ent-Express as the train travels south across the Danube and

into Bulgaria. An afternoon stop is made in this pretty, rural country. Lunch and dinner are served as your journey contin-ues. Final night spent on board.

Day 6: IstanbulThis morning the train enters Turkey and crosses the beautiful Thracian Plain. After breakfast and lunch on board, arrive Is-tanbul, ending a fascinating and unique journey across seven countries and cultures.

the itiNerary:istaNbul to veNiCe2014: Sept. 5-102015: Sept. 4-92016: Sept. 2-7Day 1: IstanbulBoard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Istanbul this afternoon. Glimpse magnificent views of the Sea of Marmara as the train departs. Dinner and overnight on board the train.

Day 2: BucharestContinental breakfast is served in your cabin as the train travels through Bulgaria and on to Romania. After lunch onboard, VSOE arrives in Bucharest. Enjoy a tour of the city. Dinner and overnight in Bucharest at the Athenée Palace Hilton Hotel.

Day 3: SinaiaDepart Bucharest for the short journey to the mountain town of Sinaia. Transfer to a local restaurant for buffet lunch. Then it’s on to Peles Castle, the sum-mer home of the former King Carol. Return to the train and depart for Hungary. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 4: BudapestArrive Budapest this morning. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of this city split into two parts by the Danube River. Lunch is provided before transferring to the Sofitel

Hotel for an overnight stay. Din-ner and overnight in Budapest.

Day 5: ViennaRejoin the VSOE mid-morning. Lunch is served as the train crosses into Austria, arriving Vienna, where you disembark for a visit to this beautiful city. Return to the train for dinner and your final night on board.

Day 6: VeniceEnjoy breakfast while travel-ing through Italy. Arrive in Venice and disembark into the sparkling city. Travel by boat to Burano for an included lunch. Transfers included to Venice hotel of your choice.

the highlights• The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express itself, with lovingly restored 1920s-era cars, five-star dining and stellar service• Romania’s Peles Castle, one of Europe’s finest royal palaces• A perfect mix of three over-nights on the train and two nights in five-star hotels• Musical events throughout. Ex-amples: red-jacketed Hungarian military band greeting you at the station; charming soprano, violinist and pianist in a royal residence on the Black Sea

2014 priCiNg$ 9,000 per person, double occupancy$17,320 single occupancy$17,320 cabin suite, per person, double occupancy

2015 priCiNg$ 9,270 per person, double occupancy$17,840 single occupancy$17,840 cabin suite, per person, double occupancy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Richard Brandt

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy


Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Istanbul Journeys Continued

Sinaia

Paris to IstanbulIstanbul to Venice

Basle

Zurich

Vienna

Verona

Innsbruck

the irt virtuso differeNCe

• Great boutique or fab five-star Virtuoso hotels in Paris, Istanbul or Venice with many complimentary and valuable extras

• Enjoy a custom-designed pro-gram in any of these cities just for you, with skip-the-line sightseeing and museums with expert guides

• Explore hidden neighborhoods of Paris, Istanbul or Venice

• Visit Cappadocia, Ephesus, or rent a gulet on the coast of Turkey

• Special on-board complimentary surprise from all of us at IRT

Owen C. Hardy

Doug Kopecky

Courtesy Kathleen Harris

Eleanor Hardy

Owen C. Hardy Carol Burrows

Owen C. Hardy



Venice Simplon-Orient-Express& British Pullman:

The TRaIn: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (see page 56), British Pullman

TRaIn TYPe: Both luxury

Romantic Italian holiday

The British Pullman is a luxury, vintage day train that completes the British leg of Orient-Express journeys

between Paris and London. Pas-sengers from the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express disembark in Cal-ais, France, and board a special Orient-Express bus for the short “piggyback” train ride through the Eurotunnel to Folkestone. There, they board the British Pullman for the ride to London’s Victoria station. The British Pullman, along with its “sister” train the Northern Belle, also operates a full array of day trips, many of them with themes such as castles, gardens, historic houses, romance and Christmas. Of special interest to railfans are the train’s steam-hauled trips. Call for details.

DInInG CaRS The British Pullman comprises 11 lovingly restored luxury cars from the 1920s and 1930s, all sporting an elegant cream and burnt umber livery. Each car seats 20-26 passengers; the train’s total capacity is 226. Passengers are seated at tables for two or four, although one car has a limited number of single tables and tables for three. Several have private “saloons.” Each car has its own name, décor and history. “Minerva” and “Perseus,” for example, were used to bring foreign dignitaries

to Queen Elizabeth II’s corona-tion in 1953. “Perseus” also was used in Winston Churchill’s funeral train in 1965. The Queen Mother used “Phoenix” on many occasions, while “Audrey” was regularly used by members of the Royal Family between 1951 and 1964. “Zena,” meanwhile, was a star in the 1976 film “Agatha.” Dining is high art on the train. Tables are set with starched white cloth, shining silverware and glittering crystal. Each meal is accompanied by fine wines and champagnes selected by the train sommelier. A typical luncheon menu: seasonal soup served with chived créme fraiche; seared fillet of herb-encrusted salmon,

braised broad beans and smoked bacon, baby new potatoes with a Noilly Prat sauce; chocolate Jaffa Cake tart. A typical tea menu might include finger sandwiches, warm scones with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry jam; afternoon tea pastries; a broad selection of tea and Co-lumbian coffee.

“Nestled on a hilltop surrounded by trees and terraced gardens, the Villa San Michele overlooks the city of Florence spread out before you like a sepia-toned Renaissance map.” — Owen Hardy,

IRT CEO, VSOE Romantic Italian Holiday

Eleanor Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Owen C. Hardy Eleanor Hardy Eleanor Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Eurostar Italia train (above) takes you from Florence to Venice in two hours.


Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & British Pullman: Romantic Italian Holiday Continued

And tonight, savor the superb Tuscan cuisine alfresco on the loggia, admiring the Duomo below. Or dine indoors at the Cloister, serving Tuscan and Ital-ian specialties.

Day 2: FlorenceStart your day with a sump-tuous breakfast alfresco; an incredible buffet of Italian deli-cacies awaits you. Then spend the day exploring Florence. A private car and guide are at your disposal for a personal, four-hour tour. Visit the Duomo, made of green, pink, and white marble; the Ponte Vecchio, bridging the River Arno, built in 1345; the Pitti Palace, Florence’s largest palazzo; the Uffizi Gal-lery, the world’s top repository of Renaissance masterpieces; Boboli Gardens; or the Galleria dell’ Accademia, which houses Michelangelo’s “David.”

Day 3: VeniceMorning transfer to the railway station. Board the high-speed Eurostar Italia to Venice and relax in your reserved, first-class seat. We will arrange your private transfer by boat to the legendary Cipriani, one of the

world’s most famous hotels. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the grounds. Enjoy the swimming pool, tennis courts and the Casanova Beauty & Wellness center, offering a range of services. Stroll the gor-geous garden, blooming with roses. The hotel offers several dining venues—our favorites were the formal dining, now called Oro, and the very popular and informal “Cip’s Club,” a great spot at sunset. (Please let us reserve for you well in advance.)

Day 4: VeniceToday is reserved for your personal half-day tour of Venice. Perhaps you would like a walk-ing tour of “La Serenissima”—the Most Serene Republic of Venice. Or take in the city’s most famous sights: the Piazza San Marco, Accademia Gallery, St. Mark’s Cathedral and Doge’s Palace. IRT guests have loved visiting Murano with their guide to shop for special glass. The rest of your day is at your leisure. Nothing beats a ride on an ordinary “vaporetto”—water taxi—to take in the sights. High-ly recommended is the Café Florian, on St. Mark’s Square,

founded in 1720. Return to the Cipriani via the 24-hour vintage speedboat shuttle, docked right by San Marco’s Square.

Day 5: Venice Simplon-Orient-ExpressAfter breakfast, transfer by boat to Santa Lucia Station. Proceed to the waiting Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and settle in to your compartment. Soon, you will make your way to one of the dining cars for a sumptuous lunch. Enjoy your leisurely day on board as the train travels through the beautiful scenery of the Italian Dolomites and the Swiss Alps. Afternoon tea is served in your compartment. After an exquisite four-course dinner, you may want to relax in the lounge car, while conversing with other guests and listening to the strains of Cole Porter or George Gershwin, courtesy of the on-board pianist.

Day 6: British PullmanContinental breakfast is served in your compartment. A deli-cious brunch is served in the diner as you travel on towards the Channel. At Calais Ville, coaches shuttle you through

the tunnel and on to Folkestone, where you will join the British Pullman train for the trip to Lon-don. Enjoy afternoon tea with wine and a glass of champagne. The train arrives into London’s Victoria station early evening.

the highlights• The gardens and pool of the five-star Villa San Michele, a former monastery overlooking Florence• The gardens, pool and dining at the palatial Cipriani Hotel in Venice, blissfully removed from crowds• Watching the mountain scenery pass by from your cozy compartment on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express• Afternoon tea, wine and cham-pagne on the British Pullman to London• Five-star dining on the trains• Private guide/driver for half-day each in Florence and Venice• Note: All attractions subject to closing days.• IRT Virtuoso Difference: We can extend number of nights, add London, get timed tickets to popular museums, order a sunset gondola—take advantage of our access!

Verona

Florence

the tour2014 & 2015 DatesMany departures available, mid-March through early November. See appendix or website for dates. Try this for romance: two nights in Florence at the Villa San Michele, a former monas-tery turned five-star hotel; two nights in Venice at the Cipriani, iconic waterside pleasure palace overlooking the Grand Canal; two days on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, capped off by afternoon tea on the British Pullman while traveling to Lon-don. Perfect for honeymoons, anniversary celebrations, or any other occasion demand-ing over-the-top luxury and romance.

the itiNerary Day 1: FlorencePrivate transfer included from Florence airport or rail station to the Villa San Michele. Dating from the 15th century, with a façade attributed to Michelan-gelo, the hotel must be one of the most romantic places in the world. Afternoon at leisure—stroll the Italian gardens or relax in the pool overlooking the city.

“What a way to celebrate a special anniversary or birthday! I can hardly wait until our 35th... The VSOE was incomparable.”— Eleanor Hardy, IRT President

VSOE Romantic Italian Holiday

2014 priCiNg$6,910 per person, double occupancy$9,215 single occupancy

Upgrade to cabin suite: $2,150 per person, double

2015 priCiNg (tentative)$7,190 per person, double occupancy$9,610 single occupancy

Upgrade to cabin suite: $2,210 per person, double

Owen C. Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Diego Eskenazi

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy


El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo:Northern Spain, Santiago-San SebastianThe TRaIn: El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo & Clasico

TRaIn TYPe: Luxury


The 52-passenger El Transcan-tábrico Clásico train started in 1983. In April 2011, Gran Lujo, a brand-new Transcan-

tábrico, was added. It features all Deluxe Suites, each occupying half a train car. Due to the size of the large suites, the Gran Lujo takes only 28 passengers. Both trains traverse Northern Spain along narrow-gauge tracks and are operated by RENFE (Spanish Railways). Overnights are spent at quiet sidings on both trains. (Sorry, railfans.)

SleePInG CaRS Clásico Train: This train set has six sleeping cars, each with four double compartments at 65 square feet. Each has en suite toi-let, sink and shower (with sauna-hydro massage), mini-bar, closet and desk. All rooms have double beds (not queen size); three also have a small upper bunk. This is a narrow-gauge train, making onboard accommodations tiny. Gran Lujo Train: Compart-ments are 129 square feet and have private, en suite toilet, sink and shower (with sauna-hydro massage), minibar, safe, closet and desk. Each has double bed (four have two twins) and sepa-rate lounge area with long sofa, lots of storage, flat-screen televi-

sion and computer with wi-fi access (acessibility limited).

DInInG & lounGe CaRS The focus of both El Trans-cantábrico journeys is Northern Spain’s food and wine. IRT’s Owen & Eleanor Hardy and Angela Walker loved both trains, staff, and the towns visited, not to mention the dining (and Spanish wines!). Our advice: pace yourself with all the food, wine and sightseeing. Skip a meal and have soup in a small café and go to bed early. Most of the dining is very late and meals are long. Some meals are on board; others in local restaurats. All meals and wine are included; bar drinks are additional. El Transcantábrico has four public cars where you can relax, enjoy the scenery, socialize, read or play one of the many board games. There are two handsome salon cars, where a buffet break-fast is served, as well as a bar car and pub car with dance floor; en-tertainment is provided nightly. Sometimes, it’s live Spanish music. Other times, it’s recorded. But many nights, there’s a party. Join in! We recommend couples book two rooms on the Clásico so you can spread out. The earlier you

book, the closer you are to dining and lounge cars. The main complaint: too much food! Days can be long with a considerable amount of walking. Tours are conducted in several languages.

“I loved breakfasts on board the El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, with offerings such as made-to-order crepes and delicious, fresh Iberian ham!” — Angela Walker, IRT

the irt virtuoso differeNCe• Virtuoso partner hotels in Santiago, Leon and in San Sebastian with great pricing, and complimen-tary and exclusive benefits including breakfast, dining credit, access to the Cathedral, upgrades• River cruise with our Virtuoso partner AMA or Viking on the Douro River • Ocean cruises with Regent in/out of Barcelona

Angela Walker

Angela Walker

Angela Walker

Angela Walker

Angela Walker



El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo: Northern Spain, Santiago-San Sebastian Continued

the tour2014 & 2015 Dates Departs most Saturdays, late March through October in either direction between Santiago and San Sebastian. See website for complete list of dates. Board the Gran Lujo and travel slowly across northern “Green Spain,” stopping to explore local culture and cuisine. Fresh ingre-dients and fine wines enhance the dining experiences—a highlight of this tour. End in San Sebastian, a day-train ride from France, Barcelona or Madrid. On this itinerary, your luxury suite comprises half a train car.

the itiNeraryDay 1: Santiago-ViveiroMeet your fellow travelers at noon today in the lobby of the Santiago Parador. City tour of Santiago de Compostela, focus-ing on the famous Cathedral, followed by lunch in the city. Then motorcoach to Ferrol and board the El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo. Sip welcome cham-pagne while traveling northeast to the walled town of Viveiro for a walking tour and dinner.

Day 2: Ribadeo & LuarcaContinue by train east through scenic river landscapes. Tour Ribadeo and take a walk on beautiful Cathedral’s Beach. Af-ter lunch, travel to Luarca, “the white town of the green coast,” for a tour and dinner.

Day 3: Oviedo-GijónThe train travels to Candás, and then Avilés, where you will visit the historic old town. Continue to the coastal city of Gijón, largest in Asturias, for a tour followed by lunch. You may wish to spend your time in Gijón at the local railway museum. This afternoon cross green lands to Oviedo, with its array of pre-Romanesque monuments. Dinner on board.

Day 4: Picos de Europa-LlanesTravel by coach to Picos de Eu-ropa National Park, a highlight of this journey. Visit lakes and historic Sanctuary of Covadon-ga and town of Cangas de Onís, with its famous Roman Bridge. After lunch, return to the train for journey to the fishing village of Llanes for a tour and dinner.

Day 5: Llanes-Cabezón de la SalEnjoy breakfast as the train en-ters Cantabria. Our motorcoach takes us along the gorge of La Hermida, the Cantabrian peaks surrounding us, to the monas-tery of Saint Toribio de Liebana. The monastery is one of only five places of Christianity that has the privilege of perpetual indulgences, possessing the largest surviving piece of the True Cross. Time to visit charm-ing Potes followed by lunch. Continue to Cabezón de la Sal for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Santillana del Mar-SantanderMorning and lunch in medieval Santillana del Mar including Altamira Cave and Museum. The site features a reproduc-tion cave with wall paintings done 14,000 years ago. Train to Santander for dinner, tour and optional visit to local casino.

Day 7: Santander-BilbaoBreakfast on board while travel-ing to Bilbao. City tour includes the old quarter and the famous Guggenheim Museum. Lunch

and free time in Bilbao. The train then travels to Villasana de Mena for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: San SebastianThis morning, motorcoach to San Sebastian, a lively city with beautiful beaches. Enjoy a city tour, ending before lunch. We encourage you to linger in San Sebastian, a city famous for its restaurants and cuisine.

the highlights• English-speaking tours of his-toric, charming cities of northern (or “Green”) Spain, where Span-iards go on holiday• Surprising peaks and gorges of Picos de Europa National Park• Sample Spain’s famed “north-ern cuisine”; meals are carefully paired with local wines.• Evening entertainment in the lounge car—music and dancing• Explore the Guggenheim Mu-seum in Bilbao• Visit the monastery of Saint Toribio de Liebana, one of only five places of Christianity that has the privilege of perpetual indulgences

2014 & 2015 priCiNg - graN luJohigh seasoN (May, JuNe, septeMber)Accommodations Booked 6+ Booked 4-6 Regular months prior months prior rateDouble Cabin €4,050 €4,275 €4,500Single Cabin €6,075 €6,413 €6,750

low seasoN (MarCh, april, July, august, oCtober)Double Cabin €3,825 €4,038 €4,250Single Cabin €5,738 €6,057 €6,375Tour priced in Euro (€). Please call for approximate U.S. dollar price.

“It is a first-class operation. The train is very well done. The accommodations are very comfortable…On-board service was excellent. The scenery was very pleasant, and the bus tours very well run…we very much enjoyed the cosmopolitan nature of the passengers.” — J. West, El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, 2013

Angela Walker

Angela Walker

Angela Walker

Angela Walker



El Transcantábrico Clásico: Northern Spain: Santiago-LeónThe TRaIn: El Transcantábrico Clásico

TRaIn TYPe: Luxury


the tour 2014 & 2015 DatesDeparts most Saturdays, late March through October in either direction between Santiago and San Sebastian. See website for complete list of dates. El Transcantábrico Clásico narrow-gauge train pokes along 400 miles of incredible scenery across northern Spain, skirting coastline, meandering among mountains, following rivers and running along deep canyons. Program includes onboard buf-fet breakfast and day touring by motorcoach to restaurants and sites not reachable by train. This itinerary uses the Clásico train set.

the itiNeraryDay 1: Santiago-ViveiroGroup check-in at noon at the Santiago Parador. City tour of Santiago focusing on the famous cathedral. Lunch in the city, then motorcoach to Ferrol and board the El Transcantábrico Clásico. Meet the train crew and settle into your cozy cabin. Relax and enjoy the sunset while traveling northeast to the walled town of Viveiro for a tour and dinner.

Day 2: Viveiro-LuarcaContinue by train east through scenic river landscapes. Tour of Ribadeo, take a walk on Cathe-dral’s Beach, and lunch. Travel to Luarca, “the white town of the green coast,” for dinner and overnight stabling.

Day 3: Oviedo-GijónDisembark in Candás and coach to Avilés to tour preserved old town. Continue to coastal city of Gijón, largest in Asturias, for lunch. This afternoon cross green lands to Oviedo, with its array of pre-Romanesque monuments. Afternoon free with optional city visit. Dinner in Oviedo.

Day 4: Gijón-LlanesTravel to Picos de Europa Na-tional Park, a tour highlight. Visit lakes and historic Sanctuary of Covadonga and the town of Cangas de Onís, with its famous Roman Bridge. Return to the train for lunch on board while traveling to the fishing village of Llanes for dinner.

Day 5: Llanes-SantanderDisembark in Cabezón de la Sal and motorcoach to the

Neo-Caves of Altamira with its impressive museum. Continue on to Santillana del Mar for lunch and walking tour of this medieval city. Train to Santand-er, dinner, city tour and optional visit to local casino.

Day 6: Santander-BilbaoAfter breakfast on board, we will arrive to Bilbao, a surprising city. City tour includes the Gug-genheim Museum. (Note: If you wish more time in the museum, please advise your guide and go straight to the museum. Also note on westbound departures, the Guggenheim Museum visit is only possible in July & Au-gust.) Lunch and afternoon free. Continue to Villasana de Mena for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Mataporquera-CistiernaEnjoy scenery of the Valle de Mena over breakfast. Transfer by coach to visit the Romanesque Art of Palencia: Villalcázar de Sirga, Carrión de los Condes and Frómista. Lunch in Villalcázar de Sirga. Afternoon visit to the Ro-man Villa of La Olmeda and re-join the train, continuing west. Dinner and night in Cistierna.

Day 8: Cistierna-LeónEnjoy final breakfast on board as the train travels to León. Our city tour includes San Isidoro, the Cathedral, Botines, Old Quarters and San Marcos. The program is over by about 2 p.m.

the highlights• Sample Spain’s famed “northern cuisine” with excellent wines, on board and at great local restau-rants• English-speaking tours of his-toric, charming cities of northern Spain• Beautiful scenery: mountains, rivers, deep canyons, coast lands• Picos de Europa National Park, with its many lakes and rugged peaks• Visit the Neo-Caves of Altamira museum• City of Bilbao and the famed Guggenheim Museum• Enjoy a walk on Cathedral’s Beach among the giant rock formations• All meals and off-train tours included except where noted; gratuities not included• IRT Virtuoso Difference: Let us book your extensions pre- and post in historic Paradors with complimentary add-ons.

2015 priCiNg - ClasiCohigh seasoN (May, JuNe, septeMber)Accommodations Booked 6+ Booked 4-6 Regular months prior months prior rateDouble Cabin €2,822 €2,978 €3,135Single Cabin €4,233 €4,468 €4,703

low seasoN (MarCh, april, July, august, oCtober)Double Cabin €2,565 €2,708 €2,850Single Cabin €3,848 €4,062 €4,275Tour priced in Euro (€). Please call for approximate U.S. dollar price.Call or see website for 2015 pricing.

“You have all the advantages of traveling in this warm, cozy train, but none of the pressures of group interaction — except as you want to be involved. That was really beautiful. Everybody had her own little nest.” — L. Swett, El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, 2013

“It was truly a wonderful trip. I absolutely loved the train…the guide you got for us in Madrid: She was excellent.” — R. Menzies, El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, 2013

Owen C. Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

Owen C. Hardy

William Schwartz Eleanor Hardy


Al-Andalus: Andalusia by TrainThe TRaIn: Al-Andalus • TRaIn TYPe: Luxury


Southern Spain’s opulent, broad-gauge Al-Andalus returned to the rails May, 2012, and IRT’s Angela

Walker gave it a great rat-ing. With its 1920s-era cars newly renovated, the Al-Andalus includes bar, lounge and two dining cars, as well as all-en suite cabins. The train combines stellar service, exquisite Art Deco styling and excellent cuisine for a unique tour of Andalusia.

SleePInG CaRS The Al-Andalus has seven recently remodeled all en-suite sleepers, five of which were built in France in 1929. These carriages were used by the British Royal Family on their journeys from Calais to the Cote d’Azur. The train’s Belle Époque decoration has been enriched by several re-cent additions, with cutting-edge technical upgrades. Each standard suite has two twin lower beds, safe, closet and private bathroom with shower, sink and toilet. The superior suites have a double bed, minibar, safe, closet, and full bathroom. During the day, the beds can be folded into comfortable couches, offering a space for reading or to enjoy the landscape in a private lounge. All suites are separately air-conditioned. Most nights the train is stabled.

DInInG & lounGe CaRS The Al-Andalus has four railway gems: its lounge/dining cars from 1928 and 1930. These common spaces are devoted to the leisure and comfort of train travel. The two dining cars have tables for two or four. A buf-fet breakfast is served on board daily; one lunch and two dinners are also served on board. Service and meals are top-notch, featur-ing local specialties and Spanish wines. The bar car has a dance floor, bar and armchairs. It features live entertainment two nights during the journey. The lounge car, in beautiful light greens and grays, has large couches, tables and chairs. Games and books are provided, and there is a computer with internet connectivity for guest use.

“Oh, the places you go! It’s so fantastic. The places you go are wonderful...

“I highly recommend it. We were able to get into places, where ordinarily there are so many lines, such as the Alhambra. Each place we stopped at was so interesting.” — M.A. Hall, Al-Andalus, 2013

High-speed AVE trains (above) connect Seville to Madrid in only 2.5 hours or to Barcelona in 5 hours.

Angela Walker

Angela Walker

Angela Walker

Angela Walker

Angela Walker

Angela Walker

William Schwartz


Al-Andalus: Southern Spain Andalusia by Train Continued

the tour 2014 & 2015 DatesDeparts most Mondays, mid-March through October. See website for full list of dates. Enjoy the Spanish landscape from the Al-Andalus as you journey through the country’s southernmost territory. See “tra-ditional” Spain, from flamenco to bullfighting and the Alham-bra. It begins and ends in Seville and includes many UNESCO World Heritage sites. The six-day tour calls for some long days and considerable amount of walking.

the itiNeraryDay 1: Seville & CadizBoard the Al-Andalus at Seville’s Santa Justa Station. After on-board welcome reception, tour Seville including the Cathe-dral, largest Gothic building in Europe. Lunch in Seville; return to the train and travel to Cadiz, where you can enjoy free time before dinner at a local res-taurant. After dinner, the train travels to Jerez for overnight.

Day 2: JerezBreakfast on board, followed by a visit to a winery in Jerez, the birthplace of Sherry. Then visit the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, where you will enjoy the “Andalusian Horse

Dancing” show. Lunch in Jerez, followed by free time. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional cuisine.

Day 3: RondaEnjoy the lush beauty of the Ser-ranía region as the train arrives Ronda. This amazing and pictur-esque city clings to the edge of a huge escarpment known as El Tajo, and is joined by a bridge that crosses the canyon. It is the birthplace of bullfighting, with a history dating back to Roman times. Enjoy free time after your included lunch in Ronda. Return to the train for dinner while traveling to Granada, where the train stables overnight.

Day 4: GranadaMorning dedicated to visiting the incomporable Alhambra and its captivating “Gener-alife” Gardens. Described by Moorish poets as “a pearl set in emeralds,” the Alhambra’s Moorish palaces were built for the last Muslim Emirs in Spain. After Ferdinand and Isabella conquered this fortress, they were shocked to experience the astounding beauty of the architecture, the spirituality of the writings on the walls, not to mention the amazing fountains and baths fed by five miles of conduit from the river. Plenty of

time to explore the Alhambra, followed by lunch in the palace grounds. In the afternoon, enjoy free time in Granada, the beauti-ful city at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains and at the confluence of three rivers. Also visit the quarters of Albaicín, Sacromonte and its Cathedral, the first Spanish Renaissance church. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a stirring flamenco performance.

Day 5: Baeza & ÚbedaAfter breakfast, arrive in Renais-sance city of Baeza, whose province, Jaen, is the center of the world’s olive oil industry. Travel by coach to visit the Olive Oil Museum, followed by a tour of historic Old Baeza, still surrounded by its ancient city wall. Lunch will be in Úbeda, whose beautiful, hand-carved stone and whitewashed façades transport you back in time. These two towns jointly are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Free time after lunch. Savor dinner on board as you glide through the olive groves en route to Córdoba.

Day 6: Córdoba-SevilleThis morning take in Córdoba, wandering its labyrinthine al-leys and visiting the fabulous Mezquita, or Great Mosque.

This 10th-century mosque was converted to a cathedral during the Reconquest, and now both Spanish Islamic and Renaissance architectural features. Lunch on board the train while traveling to Seville, arriving Santa Justa Station around 5 p.m.

the highlights• Exploring the incredible Al-hambra and Gardens, followed by lunch on the grounds• Flamenco performance in Granada (Flamenco is a UNESCO “Intangible World Heritage,” born in Andalusia)• Cordoba’s fascinating Great Mosque-Cathedral• Ronda, birthplace of bullfighting• Visit a local winery and sample regional wines in Jerez• Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and “dancing Andalusian horses” show• Five nights onboard the Al-Andalus; all meals and excur-sions included

2014 & 2015 priCiNghigh seasoN (May, JuNe, septeMber)Accommodations Booked 6+ Booked 4-6 Regular months prior months prior rateStandard Double €2,822 €2,978 €3,135Standard Single €4,233 €4,467 €4,703Superior Double €3,366 €3,553 €3,740Superior Single €5,049 €5,330 €5,610

low seasoN (MarCh, april, July, august, oCtober)Standard Double €2,565 €2,708 €2,850Standard Single €3,848 €4,062 €4,275Superior Double €3,060 €3,230 €3,400Superior Single €4,590 €4,845 €5,100Tour priced in Euro (€). Please call for approximate U.S. dollar price.


• IRT’s concierge service can arrange fabulous Virtuoso partner hotel in Seville and sightseeing to its many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Add Madrid or Barcelona; IRT’s concierge team can arrange your high-speed AVE train and great Virtuoso partner hotels.

• We add an average of $450 of extra value in complimen-tary, exclusive amenities to your booking.

William Schwartz

Angela Walker

Gary Robinson

Angela Walker

Gary Robinson


Danube Express:Balkan OdysseyThe TRaIn: Danube Express • TRaIn TYPe: First Class*


The Danube Express might well be called “The Grand Budapest Hotel Train.” Based in the Hungarian capital, it is

Europe’s only “hotel on wheels” with private shower, sink and toilet. In 2015, operation of the Danube Express will be assumed by Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, operators of the Golden Eagle (see page 42). This is great news for luxury train lovers. Why? At press time, Golden Eagle Luxury Trains was busy turning a very good train into a great one. That should mean a more highly trained staff. It should mean five-star, on-board cuisine and imagina-tive off-train activities. *And it should mean a host of other upgrades that, we feel confident, will promote the Danube Express from “merely” first-class to luxu-ry status. We say “should,” how-ever, because these improvements are still underway at press time. But Golden Eagle has a great track record (no pun intended), and we’re betting on their suc-cess. Sign up on our website to get the latest emailed updates on this and all of our trains.

SleePInG CaRS The Deluxe Class sleeping cars offer great overnight accom-modations. Deluxe cabins are air conditioned, with private, en suite facilities and two lower beds that fold up into seating during the day. They are roomy at 83.4

square feet, including the bath-room, and are the No. 1 choice of IRT travelers. Heritage Class cabins are basic and a fraction of the size. They are 33.2 square feet, with bunk-style beds that fold into seating by day; shower and toilet are down the hall. We do not recommend Heritage Class for luxury travelers.

DInInG & lounGe CaRS The aforementioned luxury upgrades most likely will include the trains’ dining cars. In the past, dining has been delicious but not fancy. Meals have been hearty local specialties such as goose, mashed potatoes and braised red cabbage; with friendly, experi-enced service. The lounge car is spacious. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the brandy—the local specialty—is tasty.

the tourMay 4-12, 2015 The Society of IRT was among the first to celebrate the union between the Danube Express and its new operator, Golden Eagle Luxury Trains. Space on this Balkan itinerary was selling briskly, even before this publica-tion reached the press. Here’s hoping the powers that be will offer additional dates for this incredible adventure (call us or check our website for updates).

the itiNeraryDay 1: VeniceBoard the Danube Express for an early evening departure from Venice. Enjoy a welcome dinner on board, and get to know your fellow guests over live piano music in the lounge car.

Day 2: Ljubljana and ZagrebLjubljana is a delightful city, with ancient architecture and youth-ful culture. City tour includes

Preseren Square, Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge and Plecnik Market. Lunch served on the train while traveling to Croatia’s elegant capital, Zagreb. Walk-ing tour of the Upper Town and ‘Kapitol’ (ancient town center), with its Baroque atmosphere and cultural monuments. Also take in the wide boulevards and ornate buildings of Lower Town. Day 3: Sarajevo and MostarArrive in the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo, a blend of Eastern and Western culture, with mosques and minarets, ancient bazaar and atmospheric Turkish quar-ter. Discover the city’s poignant history through an enthralling tour detailing the Balkan War. Scars of war are still evident as we travel past war-torn build-ings and make a special visit to the Tunnel Museum under the airport. Our guide, who lived through the conflict, will bring to life the struggles the local

citizens faced during the siege of the city. This afternoon, tour historic Mostar, one of the most important cities of the Ottoman Empire. See the renowned stone arch bridge, rebuilt in 2004, link-ing the Christian and Muslim ar-eas. Also visit Turkish House and the mosque, then walk through the bazaar streets, where you can find traditional souvenirs. Day 4: BelgradeArrive in Belgrade, capital of Serbia. Located at the strategic meeting point of the Danube and Sava Rivers, this cosmopoli-tan city has fortifications from Celtic times, medieval tombs and Turkish baths. Our city tour includes Tito’s memorial, Town Hall, Republic Square and Knez Mihajlova Street as well as ‘Varos’ Gate and a visit to the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress.

Day 5: Sofia and PlovdivMorning in Bulgaria’s modern capital, Sofia. View sections of

Roman wall, admire the ancient church of St. George, visit the golden-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Turkish Bashi Mosque. Lunch on the train as we travel to Plovdiv. This “City of Seven Hills” is one of the oldest in Europe, with more than 200 known archaeological sites. Explore the charming Old Town’s ancient theatres, medieval walls and Ottoman baths. Day 6: Kazanlak; Veliko TarnovoBegin today with a tour of Kazanlak, famous for its rose oil production. Visit Shipka Memo-rial Church and a Thracian tomb with vaulted brickwork dating to the 4th century BC. Lunch on board as the train climbs over the Shipka Pass and on to Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria’s ancient capi-tal. Tour includes the superbly preserved medieval Tsarevets Hill and Castle. Free time. Dinner on board en route to Romania.

Day 7: Brasov and SighisoaraOvernight the train twists and turns as it climbs over the Carpathian Mountains. Arrive in Brasov for a tour of Bran Castle (“Dracula’s Castle”). This beautiful 14th-century building is situated amongst stunning mountain scenery. After lunch on board, take a walking tour of Sighisoara, a World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved fortified me-dieval towns in Europe. Burgher houses and ornate churches line its cobblestone streets. Day 8: HungaryMorning exploring Kecskemét, a fascinating city at the geo-graphical center of Hungary. Then (conditions permitting), a steam engine will be attached to the front of the Danube Express for a thrilling ride into Lajosmizse, where we enjoy a spectacular ‘Puszta’ horse show. Early afternoon arrive Budapest, the romantic Hungarian capital. Short tour includes Royal Palace,

St. Mathias Church and city view from Gellert Hill. Enjoy a farewell dinner and overnight at the Four Seasons Gresham Palace.

Day 9: BudapestTransfers to Budapest airport or train station included.

the highlights• Travel through eight European countries, with seven nights on board the Danube Express• Special visit to the Tunnel Museum under Sarajevo Airport with a guide who lived through the seige of the city• Walking tour of Zagreb’s “Kapitol”• Mighty Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade• Kazanlak tour including visit of a Thracian tomb• Excursion to Dracula’s Castle• Traditional Puszta Horse Show• Overnight at the five-star Four Seasons Gresham Palace• Steam haulage (conditions permitting)

2015 priCiNgAccommodations Double Single Heritage Class $ 9,795 $15,295Deluxe Class $15,395 $23,995

Eleanor Hardy

Eleanor Hardy

Eleanor Hardy Eleanor Hardy Eleanor Hardy

Golden Eagle Luxury Trains


Danube Express: Istanbul ToursThe TRaIn: Danube Express • TRaIn TYPe: Luxury


the tour:veNiCe-istaNbul2015 DatesJuly 3-14 (Istanbul-Venice)July 11-22 (Venice-Istanbul) This brand-new Danube Ex-press itinerary is so exciting, we know IRT travelers will love it. You’ll visit some of Europe’s most fascinating and unex-plored places. The Venice hotel is one of our favorites, and the Pera Palace in Istanbul is historic and recently renovated. Tour operates in both direc-tions. We show it here starting in Venice because so many IRT travelers like to add extensive sightseeing in Turkey post-train. Please call our IRT Concierge Desk to find out more. Add the British Pullman & Ven-ice Simplon-Orient-Express’ over-night service London-Venice or vice versa. What a way to go!

Days 1 & 2: VeniceArrive Venice. Private transfer in-cluded to magnificent Belmond Hotel Cipriani for two-night stay. Walking tour of major Venice highlights included.

Day 3: TriesteBoard the Danube Express at Santa Lucia Station. Spend a re-laxing day on board as the train skims Italy’s eastern edge. Arrive Trieste mid-afternoon and tour the main town square. Cross into Slovenia after dinner on board.

Day 4: Ljubljana & ZagrebArise early to experience the scenic stretch of railway to Ljubljana. Morning in this grand old city and depart for Zagreb, Croatia for an afternoon tour. Evening departure for Bosnia.

Day 5: Sarajevo & MostarTour beautiful, tragic Sara-jevo this morning. Continue to Mostar, a small medieval town in northern Herzegovina. A fascinating day exploring this

beautiful yet war-torn region.Day 6: DubrovnikMorning arrival in Capljina, where we board a motorcoach for two-hour scenic drive across the border into Croatia and Dubrovnik, a stunningly intact walled city on the Adriatic Sea coast where you’ll spend the rest of the day.

Day 7: BelgradeFollowing an overnight trip on the train from Capljina, cross the border into Serbia and arrive in lively Belgrade. Spend the day touring this cosmopolitan capital city, including the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress. Depart early evening for Macedonia.

Day 8: SkopjeMorning tour of Skopje, which Lonely Planet describes as “among Europe’s most en-tertaining and eclectic small capital cities.” Return to the train, with afternoon stop in Thessaloniki, Greece. Continue to Bulgaria.

Day 9: Sofia & PlovdivArrive in Sofia early morning,

and spend a half day exploring this charming Eastern European capital city. Early afternoon ar-rive Plovdiv, a picturesque town, with many gardens, museums and archaeological monuments.

Days 10 & 11: IstanbulCross the Turkish border in the wee morning hours and arrive Istanbul mid-morning. Spend two nights in Istanbul at Pera Palace Hotel, built in 1892 to cater to Orient Express guests.

Day 12: Depart IstanbulAirport transfers included.

the highlights• Eight countries, six capitals• Tour by survivor of 1990s Bosnian war in Sarajevo, which endured the longest siege in modern warfare• Dubrovnik, fabled 700-year-old city on the Mediterranean• Belgrade, former Yugoslavian capital, with its medieval tombs, Turkish baths and Celtic fortifi-cations• Dinner in Thessaloniki’s Aristo-telous Square• Plovdiv, Bulgaria, one of Eu-rope’s oldest cities

2015 priCiNg: veNiCe to istaNbulAccommodations Double Single Heritage Class $10,595 $15,795Deluxe Class $16,995 $25,495

istaNbul to budapestAccommodations Double Single Heritage Class $ 4,995 $ 7,795Deluxe Class $10,195 $15,295

the tour: istaNbul-budapest2015 DatesJune 10-17 (Istanbul-Budapest)June 29-July 6 (Budapest-Istanbul) Explore Eastern Europe on this week-long itinerary from Is-tanbul to Budapest (or reverse) taking in Bulgaria and Romania. Travel through the dramatic Carpathian Mountains, visit an ancient tomb and see Dracula’s Castle.

Day 1: IstanbulIncluded transfer from Istanbul airport to iconic Pera Palace Hotel for a two-night stay.

Days 2 & 3: IstanbulSightseeing in Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar. Late afternoon of Day 3, depart Istan-bul on the Danube Express.

Day 4: Kazanlak; Veliko TurnovoTrain to Kazanlak, situated in the Valley of Roses. Visit ancient vaulted Thracian tomb dating to 4th century BC. Lunch on board while climbing over the Shipka Pass to Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria’s

ancient capital. Tour superbly preserved medieval Tsarevets Hill and Castle. Dinner on board, en route to the Romanian border.

Day 5: Brasov & SighisoaraOvernight on the train as it climbs over the Carpathian Mountains. Arrive in Brasov for a tour of the Bran Castle, “Dracula’s Castle.” Lunch on board as we continue to Sighisoara, where we have a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the best-preserved forti-fied medieval towns in Europe. Dinner, overnight on the train.

Day 6: Kecskemet & BudapestArrive Kecskemet, geographical center of Hungary. A steam en-gine is scheduled to be added for travel to Lajosmizse for spectacular puszta horse show. Afternoon arrival in Budapest; welcome reception in the Royal Waiting Room at the station. Transfer for two-night stay at fabulous Four Seasons Gresham Palace. Day 7: BudapestSee highlights of Budapest on

half-day sightseeing tour. After-noon at leisure. Farewell dinner.

Day 8: Depart BudapestAirport transfers included.

the highlights• Two nights at Istanbul’s Pera Palace, built for Orient-Express guests such as Agatha Christie

• Kazanlak, world perfume capital• Bran Castle, reputed castle of Count Dracula• Sighisoara, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns• Steam-hauled train ride (condi-tions permitting)• Hungarian puszta horse show • Two nights Budapest’s five-star Four Seasons Gresham Palace



Eleanor Hardy



Glacier Express, Bernina Express & Golden Pass:

The TRaInS: Glacier Express, Bernina Express & Golden Pass

TRaIn TYPe: First Class

Switzerland’s Classic Trains

The spectacular Bernina line was completed in 1910 and is run by Rhaetian Rail-ways. Beginning in Chur, St.

Moritz or Davos, it passes the glaciers of Piz Bernina, making this the highest railway cross-ing in the Alps. It travels over 38 miles, climbing grades of up to 7%—without rack and pinion—to more than 7,391 feet at the Bernina Pass summit, and drops down to just 1,408 feet at Tirano, Italy. One minute, it seems, you’re above the tree line in a frozen wasteland; the next, you’re zooming to a landing, like in an airplane, into a subtropical Italian paradise. Bernina Express trains have spacious first- and second-class Panorama cars. You won’t be sitting long, however. The train passes over viaducts as high as 295 feet, twists through the Al-bula Valley, up past rock forma-tions and glaciers, then plunges into Italy on a famous corkscrew viaduct.

• The Swiss proudly hail the Glacier Express as the world’s slowest express train. It takes almost eight hours and the services of two private, narrow-gauge railroads to traverse the 168 mountainous miles between two posh resorts—Zermatt and St. Moritz. The Alpine route of the Glacier Express is what makes this train so marvelous—crossing 291 bridges, passing through 91 tunnels, and mastering the 6,660- foot Oberalp Pass. The first- and second-class panorama cars are air-cushioned, air-conditioned and wheelchair-accessible.

• The 39-mile, meter-gauge Montreux-Oberland Bernois (MOB) is one of Switzerland’s

oldest electric railways. It con-nects Montreux, on Lake Geneva, with the ski resort of Gstaad, ending in Zweisimmen. The so-called “Golden Pass Route” continues on the standard-gauge Bern Lötschberg-Simplon railway to Spiez, and then on to Inter-laken, over the Brünig Pass, to the shores of Lake Lucerne. Covering a distance of almost 150 miles, it is one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys. Besides its regu-lar passenger services, the MOB runs the plush Golden Pass Pan-oramic Express and ultra-modern Golden Pass Super Panoramic Ex-press. The latter boasts vista-dome cars for maximum viewing of the spectacular mountain scenery. Super Panoramic Express trains also have a special, eight-passen-ger viewing area in the front of the train, above the driver, for the ultimate in ringside seats.

2014 priCiNg8-Day Tour Double SingleFour-Star Hotels CHF3,028 CHF4,662Five-Star Hotels CHF4,878 CHF7,868

15-Day Tour Double SingleFour-Star Hotels CHF6,600 CHF9,962Five-Star Hotels CHF7,810 CHF11,950

Prices given in Swiss Francs (CHF). Please call for current U.S. dollar pricing. 2015 pricing not avail-able at presstime.

the tourAvailable year round. May & September are recommended.Note some trains or excursions may not be running in winter. These independent journeys include four of Switzerland’s most scenic train routes. A steam railway adds a historic element, and the mountain railways are impressive engi-neering feats. You’ll never stop looking out your train window or taking photos! Available as an 8-day or a 15-day tour. the itiNeraryDay 1: Zurich-LucerneArrive Zurich. Train to Lucerne. Afternoon at Swiss Museum of Transport, and its vast collection of trains, autos, planes, more. Overnight Lucerne.

Day 2: Lucerne, Mt. RigiTrain to Goldau, then take Mt. Rigi cogwheel train for round trip to summit for great views (weather permitting). Optional train depot tour*. Lake Lucerne boat cruise. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 3: Mt. PilatusCruise Lake Lucerne to Alp-nachstad for trip up Mt. Pilatus via world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Descend mountain via gondola, cable car.

Day 4: Furka Steam trainRegular train to Realp. Board Furka Steam Railway for two-hour trip to Gletsch. (Optional train depot tour*.) Travel be-hind 80-year-old steam engine

via rack railway—over bridges, along rushing waters and finally, down valley with views of Rhone Glacier. Board postal bus to Meiringen and change for train to Interlaken.

Day 5: InterlakenInterlaken day at leisure. Opt for train excursion (at additional cost). Brienzer Rothorn steam train covers 4.6 miles, passing through six tunnels and rich alpine flora. (Optional train de-pot tour, engineer course*.) Or venture to the highest railway station in Europe aboard the world-famous Jungfrau Railway. Views of Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau peaks from 11,398-foot station.

Day 6: Centovalli TrainRegular train Interlaken to Domodossola via Spiez. Change to Centovalli Railway for scenic ride through Italy to Locarno. Centovalli—“a hundred val-leys”—offers views of spectacu-lar waterfalls, vineyards, palm tree-lined lakes below. Continue to Italian-influenced Lugano. Enjoy lakefront stroll in pedes-trian-only historic city center.

Day 7: LuganoAt leisure in Lugano. Sug-gested excursion: Mt. Generoso cogwheel railway for panoramic views (steam train on select Sun-days); stop off at Melide for Swiss Miniatur, where 127 miniature Swiss buildings are on display, along with over two miles of railway track and model trains, funiculars and cable railways.

PART IIDay 8: Bernina Express(Return to Zurich for flight home if taking Part I only.) Postal bus through Italian countryside to Tirano. Board Bernina Express for dazzling, four-hour trip to Chur. Cross 196 bridges, travel through 55 tunnels. Spectacular glacier, forest scenery, including Brusio’s Circular Viaduct, Land-wasser Viaduct. Overnight Chur.

Day 9: ChurFree day. Try one-hour Chur-Arosa railway trip over Langwi-eser viaduct (200 feet). Or travel Davos-Filisur line, with its many hairpin curves, tunnels, via-ducts. Visit impressive Wiesen Viaduct (289 feet).

Day 10: Glacier ExpressRide entire Glacier Express route Chur-Zermatt. Take in Alpine scenery from large picture win-dows and enjoy lunch served at your seat. Overnight Zermatt.

Day 11: Gornergrat/MatterhornRide Gornergrat Railway to summit. View breathtaking, cir-cular panorama of 12,000-foot mountains within 9-mile radius. Admire Alps in all their majesty, including world-famous Mat-terhorn (weather-permitting). Optional train depot tour*.

Day 12: Zermatt-MartignyRegular train Zermatt-Martigny. Options include: Mt. Blanc Express to Chamonix, France; St. Bernard Express, combination train/postal bus excursion to

8,054-foot St. Bernard pass. Visit famed St. Bernard kennels.

Day 13: Golden Pass LineRegular train to Montreux. Board panoramic coaches of the Golden Pass. Travel through Lake Geneva region over Golden Pass to Gstaad. Overnight Gstaad, full of traditional Swiss chalets.

Day 14: Golden Pass LineContinue Golden Pass jour-ney to Zweisimmen. Change trains to Interlaken. One more train change to Zurich. It’s an extremely scenic day—and a fitting finale!

Day 15: ZurichTake one of many trains from Zurich to airport for flight home.

*Noted options and luggage transfers additional, and must be booked well in advance. the highlights• Famed Glacier and Bernina Express rides over scenic lines• Golden Pass line, running along six lakes from Spiez to Lucerne• Rigi and Pilatus mountain views• Furka Steam trip behind 80-year-old locomotive• Gornergratbahn, with views from 10,000 feet above sea level • Scenic Centovalli trip into Italy• Mt. Blanc Express into France or St. Bernard Express to 8,000-foot pass• Numerous shop/depot visits available upon request • Optional Jungfraubahn trip to Europe’s highest rail station


Montreux-Oberland Bernois

Angela Walker

James Russo


Flåm Railway:Arctic Circle ExpressThe TRaIn: Flåm Railway

TRaIn TYPe: First Class & Standard Class


With the Flåm Railway, it’s what you see outside that counts. In about an hour, the line climbs

some 2,833 feet from Flåm sta-tion, nestled in the innermost corner of the Aurlandfjord, to the mountain station at Myrdal on the Bergen Railway. On the 12.4-mile-long ride, you’ll see rivers that cut through deep ra-vines, waterfalls cascading down the sides of steep, snow-capped mountains and farms clinging dizzily to sheer slopes. The Flåm Railway is one of

the world’s steepest railway lines on normal gauge. The gradient is 55/1000 on almost 80% of the line––a gradient of 1:18. The twisting tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountain are manifes-tations of the most daring engi-neering in Norwegian railway his-tory. Pass through 20 tunnels—18 of which were drilled by hand. The railway recently underwent a face-lift; its new fleet of trains, in forest green livery, comprises five engines and 12 cars. It also boasts new interiors and a unique guide and loudspeaker service.

the tour2014 DatesJune 6, 13, 20, 27; July 4, 11, 25; August 1, 82015 DatesJune 5, 12, 19, 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; August 7 Travel on some of the most well-maintained railway sys-tems in Europe while witness-ing truly outstanding scenery. Our tour begins in Stockholm, then travels one of the most northerly lines in the world, crossing the Arctic Circle. Then we enjoy an in-depth explora-tion of southern Norway’s fjords and scenic railways, ending in the cultural capital of Oslo. Tour includes Flåm, Bergen and Rauma Railways! Note: This is a budget-oriented tour that requires stamina and the ability to carry your own luggage.

the itiNeraryDay 1: London to StockholmIncluded flight* from London to Stockholm, where you spend two nights at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, close to historic Old Town. Afternoon sightseeing tour of the modern city and the narrow streets of Gamla Stan (the Old Town).

Day 2: StockholmToday is at your leisure to explore Sweden’s lively capital. Perhaps take a boat cruise along its waterways. We particularly recommend visiting the Vasa, a royal flagship recovered from the seabed after sinking in the harbor on her maiden voyage in 1628, now a superb museum.

Day 3: Inland to ÖstersundDeparting Stockholm we head inland by InterCity train to Östersund, nestled on the shore of Lake Storsjön, Sweden’s fifth largest lake. Here we stay for one night at the Best Western Gamla Teatern.

Day 4: The Inlandsbanan, Arctic Circle and LaplandTake the Inlandsbanan tourist train through Sweden’s land-scape of lakes and forests to the

untamed wilderness of Lapland. After crossing the Arctic Circle into the “Land of the Midnight Sun” we enjoy a light dinner with local Sami specialities before transferring to the Hotel Jokkmokk, set in the heart of this World Heritage region.

Day 5: The Ofoten RailwayTransferring through Laponia to Gällivare, we continue on the Ofoten Railway—one of the most northerly lines in the world—past sheer drops down to fjords and dramatic moun-tains. We arrive at the port of Narvik for a two-night stay at the Quality Grand Royal Hotel.

Day 6: NarvikFree day in Narvik. You may wish to visit the Ofoten Museum, to discover the cultural history of Narvik, or enjoy a cable car ride to experience breathtaking views or visit the poignant Red Cross War Memorial Museum.

Day 7: South to TrondheimBegin today with a coach jour-ney along the coast and a beau-tiful ferry crossing. At Fauske we continue by train, leaving the Arctic Circle and arriving late evening in Trondheim, Norway’s religious capital. Spend two nights at the centrally located Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel.

Day 8: TrondheimExplore Trondheim at your own pace. Perhaps visit the fascinat-ing Music Museum at Ringve, specializing in instruments from around the world, and stroll around the Botanical Gardens. Other suggestions: the National Museum of Decorative Arts or Nidaros Cathedral, considered to be the most significant cathe-dral in Norway.

Day 9: The Rauma RailwayWe leave Trondheim by train for Dombås, where we join the 71-mile Rauma Railway for a jour-ney through jagged mountain peaks and gorges, following the course of the River Rauma to Åndalsnes. We transfer by coach to Geiranger for a two-night stay at the Union Hotel, situated at the head of the fjord.

Day 10: GeirangerfjordThe Geirangerfjord is one of Norway’s most spectacular, and today we enjoy the beautiful scenery during a morning boat cruise. See famed waterfalls, “Seven Sisters” and the “Friar,” set against the sheer moun-tains, while snow-covered peaks and deep blue waters demon-strate why the site deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status.

Day 11: To FlåmWe leave Geiranger by coach and continue through fjord country to Flåm at the head of the Aurlandsfjord. We travel through valleys hemmed in by lofty mountains and along steep-sided fjords, every bend in the road offering a new and interesting perspective. In Flåm we stay at the Fretheim Hotel.

Day 12: The Flåm RailwayToday enjoy a superb excur-sion on the Flåm Railway. Our rail journey takes us up into the mountains along one of the steepest lines in the world, twisting and turning to accom-modate the extreme terrain. We reach the end at Myrdal and return to Flåm, where we board the express boat for an after-noon journey along Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, Sognefjord. Navigating coastal islets and skerries, we end the day in Bergen. Stay two nights at Radisson Blu Hotel Norge.

Day 13: BergenToday is at leisure in Bergen, nestled beneath seven strategic hills and surrounded by fjords. The city’s wharf, called Bryggen, is lined with classic wooden buildings and has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site; and the Fløibanen funicular railway affords great views of the city and its harbors from the top of Mount Fløien.

Day 14: Bergen Railway to OsloWe leave Bergen by train for a magnificent journey on North-ern Europe’s highest railway line, the Bergen Railway. The train climbs high above the tree line across some of the most remote areas of western Nor-way before descending through pastures to the elegant city of Oslo. On arrival we walk the short distance to check in to the central Thon Hotel Opera.

Day 15: Oslo to LondonMorning free in Oslo before included flight* Oslo to London.

*Tour available without London flights, approx. £200 p.p. reduction

the highlights• The astonishing Flåm Railway to Myrdal, which climbs 2,800 feet in 12 miles• Oslo-Bergen Railway, with one of the most spectacular scenic railway journeys in Europe• Cruise of the Geiranger Fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site• Sweden’s Inlandsbanan to the Arctic Circle• The Ofoten Railway, one of the most northerly lines in the world, with dramatic mountain and fjord scenery• Time to explore Stockholm, Narvik, Trondheim and Bergen

SWEDEN

FINLAND

Narvik

Trondheim

Bergen

ArcticOcean

NorwegianSea

BalticSea

Gulfof

Bothnia

0 125 Miles

125 km

Flam

Jokkmokk

Östersund

Stockholm

NORWAY

Andalsnes

Geiranger

Gällivare

SHIP ROUTECOACH ROUTETRAIN ROUTE

˚

Oslo

Dombas

Fauske

Did you receive additional satisfaction or value on your trip by traveling with IRT?

“Oh yes. I can’t say enough good things about IRT.” — N. Norris, Arctic Circle Express, 2013

2015 priCiNg Double SingleHigh season £ 3,045 £ 3,690Low season £ 2,945 £ 3,590

2014 priCiNg Double SingleHigh season £ 2,925 £ 3,510Low season £ 2,845 £ 3,430Prices given in British pounds (£). Please call for current U.S. dollar pricing.

Chuck Blardone

Norwegian State Railways

Chuck Blardone

Tomas Votava

Chuck Blardone


Hiram Bingham & Andean Explorer: Peru’s Machu PicchuThe TRaInS: Hiram Bingham, Andean Explorer

TRaIn TYPeS: Luxury (HB); First Class (AE)


Belmond (Orient-Express) runs all passenger trains in the region; IRT loves two of them. The narrow-gauge

Hiram Bingham is a perfect com-plement to the Belmond hotels in Peru. This gleaming blue-and-gold train makes the 3.5-hour trip between Cusco and Machu Picchu on a varying schedule. The train has two 42-seat dining cars serving excellent Peruvian spe-cialties (and wine) for brunch on the journey to Machu Picchu, and for dinner on the evening return to Cusco. The overall ambiance is gorgeous, with large windows, beautiful china, silver and linens. There is also a great bar/observa-tion car with outdoor viewing platform—a perfect place to snap photographs.

The Andean Explorer makes the 9.5-hour daytime trek from Cusco to Puno and Lake Titicaca, one of the highest standard-gauge rail routes in the world, reach-ing altitudes up to 14,150 feet. Seating on the train is at tables of two and four; an included three-course lunch is served at assigned tables. The coaches are beauti-fully decorated in soft beiges with china, silver and crisp linens on each table. After-lunch coffee is served in the observation/bar car, which sports a small bar, tables, and plenty of comfortable chairs. The most important feature is the large, glass-walled, observa-tion deck with open platform, great for taking in the incredible scenery. IRT members agree: this amazing trip is over way too soon.

P E R U

Puno

Cusco

Juliaca

SicuaniLa Raya

Aguas CalientesMachu Picchu

Lake Titicaca

Vilcanota River

Pomatales RiverUrubamba

River

Sacred Valley

HiramBinghamCusco-Machu Picchu

AndeanExplorerP

ac i f i c Oc e an

the tour2014 & 2015 DatesThis independent tour can be taken throughout the year. Reaching Machu Picchu by the luxurious Hiram Bingham is just one highlight of this eight-day “soft” adventure. Main tour overnights are in Belmond (Ori-ent-Express) hotels: Miraflores Park, Cusco’s Monasterio and Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel at the site. Private tour of Inca ruins with crowd-free dawn and sunset visits. Add-on tours feature Belmond’s Andean Explorer from Cusco to Lake Titicaca and a visit to Colca Canyon, with its large condors. IRT Virtuoso Difference through-out: complimentary meals, spa visits, and more at each hotel.

the itiNerary Day 1: LimaArrive Lima. Private transfer to the exclusive Miraflores Park Hotel. Check in to Pacific Ocean view Junior Suite.

Day 2: LimaMorning tour of downtown Lima with private guide. Lunch at Casa Garcia Alvarado, built in 1912, hosted by the owner. Visit Enrico Poli collection, a private art collection rivaling that of most museums. Return to the hotel and enjoy included dinner at its signature Mesa 18 restaurant.

Day 3: Lima-CuscoOne-hour flight to Cusco*, then transfer to the stunning Hotel Monasterio, a 300-year-old former monastery. Enjoy a cup of hot coca tea in your deluxe room, equipped with oxygen to help you acclimatize to Cusco’s high altitude (11,000 feet). Af-ternoon tour of Cusco, including the Cathedral, Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) and Archbishop’s Palace. Dinner at the hotel’s El Tupay Restaurant.

Day 4: Hiram Bingham to Machu PicchuMorning transfer to Poroy Sta-tion and board the Hiram Bing-ham, named after the explorer

who “rediscovered” Machu Pic-chu in the 20th century. The train descends into the Sacred Valley and passes fields and colorful villages in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Enjoy a tasty brunch, mimosas and views of the mountains and the sparkling Urubamba River. Afternoon ar-rival in Aguas Calientes. Transfer to Machu Picchu. Check-in for a one-night full-board stay at the Sanctuary Lodge just a few steps from the site entrance. Take a two-hour guided tour around one of the most outstanding archaeological wonders of the world. Return to the hotel for af-ternoon English-style tea. Dinner at the hotel’s deluxe restaurant.

Day 5: Hiram Bingham to CuscoExperience a magnificent dawn at Machu Picchu. Linger over breakfast at the hotel; watch the sunrise; or hike challenging Huayna Picchu. Lunch at the hotel. Return to Cusco by Hiram Bingham with dinner and enter-tainment on board. Overnight at Hotel Monasterio.

Day 6: Sacred ValleyFull day tour of the Sacred Valley with guide. Visit Sacsayhuaman fortress, with spectacular views of Cusco. Take in the town of Pisac, with its traditional market of arts and crafts. Lunch stop at Hacienda Huayocari, then continue through to Ollantayt-ambo, with original Inca houses, natural water canals and ancient terraces. Enjoy a special dinner at the contemporary MAP café, located in the Museum of Pre-columbian Art.

Day 7: LimaFly back to Lima*, and return to Miraflores Park Hotel. Afternoon personalized shopping tour in bohemian district of Barranco, with its antique republican con-struction and artsy shops. Dinner at Restaurant Huaca Pucllana, located within an archeological compound.

Day 8: Depart LimaTransfer to airport included.

aNdeaN explorer add-oN:Day 1: Andean Explorer to PunoSpend the day on board the Andean Explorer traveling from Cusco to Puno. The scenic jour-ney takes almost 10 hours, and it’s too short! Brief stop en route at La Raya, highest point on the line at 14,150 feet. Delightful lunch is served on board, enter-tainment in the bar car. Journey ends as you pull into Puno along Lake Titicaca. Overnight at Hotel Titilaka with lake view.

Day 2: Uros & Taquile IslandsWe recommend an early wake-up call to see the sun rising over Lake Titicaca, the highest navi-gable lake in the world at 12,500 feet. Full day visit to the Uros & Taquile Islands with boxed lunch. IRT guests say visiting the floating islands and the families who make their homes there is a highlight of their trip to Peru.

Day 3: Return to LimaPrivate transfer to Puno airport with stop at archaeological site of Sillustani (time permitting). Fly to Lima.*

*Flights not included in pricing.Urgent: Book trains before your international flights.

the highlights• Hiram Bingham luxury train • Suites and deluxe rooms in Belmond (Orient-Express) hotels: Miraflores Park, Monasterio and Sanctuary Lodge• Two-hour private guided tour of Machu Picchu; its serenity at sunset and dawn• Private touring in Cusco with local guide; private transfers• A la carte lunches and dinners where specified; buffet breakfast in all properties• Lunch with Signora Alvarado in her private home• Enrico Poli private art collection• Spectacular Andean Explorer add-on with floating islands visit

Ask about Colca Canyon ex-tension, including Arequipa

“The [Hiram Bingham] train was just lovely and comfortable, and the service was impeccable.” — L. Seward, Peru, 2013

2014 priCiNg$ 7,080 per person, double occupancy$11,740 single occupancyAndean Explorer extension: $1,765 p.p., double; $2,150 single occupancy

“The Andean Explorer was a nice, long train ride, so you got to see all of the countryside.” — L. Seward, Peru, 2013

2015 priCiNg (tentative)$ 7,695 per person, double occupancy$12,760 single occupancyAndean Explorer extension: $1,915 p.p., double; $2,335 single occupancy

Norman Severin

Norman Severin Eleanor Hardy

Norman Severin

Angela Walker


Canadian/Rocky Mountaineer:Trans-Canada Adventure


The Canadian’s new tag line is “Beauty Takes No Shortcuts.” VIA Rail Canada’s flagship train, the Canadian, has run

the 2,775 miles between Toronto and Vancouver since 1955. VIA recently presented a finished Prestige Class sleeper car and advised bookings will begin in spring, 2015. The Prestige Class roll-out has been delayed several times; we aren’t banking on it until we can actually book our guests.

SleePInG CaRS Sleeper Plus Class cabins are 35 square feet and have bunk-style beds that make into seating. IRT couples have loved booking a suite: two connecting double cab-ins. You’ll get chocolates on the

pillow, sparkling wine, breakfast in bed. You’ll have a large double bed (5 feet, 11 inches by 5 feet, 2 inches,) and a room size of 72.5 square feet. The upgrade can add a few thousand dollars to your trip. Both services have private toilet and sink; shower is down the hall. (Please see IRT website for other classes of service.) This itin-erary includes Sleeper Plus Class.

DInInG & lounGe CaRS All meals are included in the newly renovated diner. Dinner is served with china, silver and linen and features Canadian wines. IRT travelers have given the service high marks. Sleeper passengers have exclusive access to the renovated Skyline and Park cars (Fall, 2011).

The TRaInS: Canadian (described below) & Rocky Mountaineer (see page 90)

TRaIn TYPeS: Both First Class

the tour2014 & 2015 DatesDates of departure: Sundays and Thursdays, late-April to mid-Sept. (Reverse itinerary, which is one night shorter, departs Vancouver Sundays and Thursdays.) Take this legendary Trans-Canada rail tour on two first-class trains: the Canadian, with VIA Rail’s lovely service, and the all-daylight Rocky Mountaineer. See Niagara Falls and spend four days exploring the pristine wilds of Lake Louise, Jasper and Banff National Parks. Begin in Toronto; cross northern Ontario’s scenic lake lands, prairies of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta and the towering Canadian Rockies, before ending in Vancouver, on the Pacific Coast. Options to extend your journey to Victoria, Seattle or Alaska abound.

the itiNeraryDay 1: Toronto Arrive Toronto; enjoy IRT com-plimentary limo transfer airport to hotel. Explore Canada’s largest city at your leisure. Two nights in Toronto hotel.

Day 2: Niagara FallsMotorcoach tour to Niagara Falls, one of the world’s great wonders. Cruise on Maid of the Mist to base of Horseshoe Falls.

Days 3-5: On board CanadianEnjoy four-day journey across Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatch-ewan and Prairie Provinces on

board the Canadian. Take meals in beautiful diner, toast your va-cation under the stars in famous domed Park car, and overnight in your cozy private cabin.

Day 6: JasperAfternoon arrival in Jasper, sur-rounded by beautiful mountain scenery and teeming with wild-life. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 7: JasperJasper National Park is a World Heritage Site and Canada’s largest National Park. Today you will enjoy a short scenic tour including the many natural attractions, rugged peaks, and perhaps even glimpse wildlife. Remainder of the day free to explore. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 8: Icefields ParkwayTravel to Lake Louise via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. Stop at Athabasca Falls and Columbia Icefield for ride on “Ice Explorer” vehicle to Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Brief stop at Bow Lake before arriving Lake Louise for overnight at the Fair-mont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 9: Lake Louise to BanffFree morning in Lake Louise, followed by a half-day tour into Yoho National Park. See Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and natu-ral rock bridge spanning Kicking Horse River. Overnight in Banff.

Day 10: BanffTour Banff: Bow Falls, Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner, the Hoo-doos. Continue to Kananaskis for the highlight of today’s adventure—a 12-minute Sum-mit Helicopter Tour over the remarkable landscape of the Rockies. Afternoon at leisure in Banff. Overnight Banff hotel.

Day 11: Banff-KamloopsBoard the Rocky Mountaineer for daylight trip to Kamloops. Travel between high peaks of Cana-dian Rockies, over mountain passes through tunnels, along rocky lake shores and across ranchlands. Experience the Con-tinental Divide, Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass, Craigellachie, glaciers and snow-capped peaks. Dine in the lovely restaurant (GoldLeaf only) for breakfast and lunch. Most exciting spot on the train: the large open-air observation plat-form (GoldLeaf only). Overnight in Kamloops.

Day 12: Kamloops-VancouverReboard the Rocky Mountaineer for another full day on board, including breakfast and lunch. Scenery changes to desert interior through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Moun-tains and lush green fields of Fraser River Valley. Look for the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate. Overnight Vancouver hotel.

Day 13: VancouverDepart Vancouver or extend your journey.

the highlights• Spotting Canadian wildlife from trains’ domes—big-horned sheep, elk, black bears, bald eagles, osprey• Riding VIA Rail’s Canadian, with overnights in your private compartment• Tasty meals in the lovely din-ing cars of Canadian and Rocky Mountaineer• Tours of Banff, Yoho National Park, Icefields Parkway and Niagara Falls• Time to explore Lake Louise, Banff and Jasper and Vancouver• Riding in the Rocky Moun-taineer’s GoldLeaf service, the double-decked dome cars with open-air platform

• Suggested upgrades: Order a Suite; ask for deluxe hotels throughout


• Complimentary limo airport transfer• Adventure lodge in British Columbia with complimetary add-ons• Regent Cruise of the Inside Passage• Amtrak to/from the U.S.• Virtuoso partner Lindblad adventure cruise in Alaska• Extend to Victoria, stay in our Virtuoso partner hotel, the Fairmont Empress, with special amenities

2014 priCiNgRanges from $5,028 to $8,149. Limited availability. Please call.

2015 priCiNg Departure Date SilverLeaf GoldLeaf GoldLeaf DeluxeLow season: $5,405 $6,832 $8,312High season: $6,476 $8,108 $9,893

Low season: April 26-May 21; high season: June 28-Sept. 17. See web-site for full pricing chart. Prices are in USD & subject to fluctuate. Do not include Canadian GST, provincial taxes or fuel surcharge. Prices based on westbound travel, double occupancy. Call for single prices.

“The Rocky Mountaineer was splendid. We enjoyed every minute of it. On the Canadian, having the joined double bed-rooms worked out wonder-fully well. I liked it very much...Had we not upgraded, I don’t think we would have enjoyed it anywhere near as much. It was absolutely worth it.”— G. Holbrook, celebrating 50th anniversary on board Trans-Can-ada Rail Adventure, 2012

Courtesy of Gary Campbell

Rocky Mountaineer Railtours



Rocky Mountaineer: CanadianRockies Western ExplorerThe TRaIn: The Royal Scotsman • TRaIn TYPe: First Class


2014 priCiNgRanges from $2,804 to $5,364. Limited availability. Please call.

2015 priCiNg Departure Date SilverLeaf GoldLeaf GoldLeaf DeluxeApril 20-30: $3,314 $4,487 $5,354May 4-28: $3,365 $4,538 $5,456June 1-25: $3,671 $5,048 $6,119June 29-July 6: $3,773 $5,201 $6,272July 9-Oct. 1: $3,671 $5,048 $6,119

Prices in U.S. dollars and subject to fluctuate. Prices do not include 2.5% Canadian GST or fuel surcharges. Prices are per person based double occupancy. Single rates available upon request.

The Rocky Mountaineer explores Western Canada in comfort and class and runs by daylight only. Routes

abound: Vancouver to Banff, Lake Louise or Calgary; Vancouver to Jasper; and Seattle to Vancouver, expanding to 18 departures each way in 2015. A sister train, the Whistler Mountaineer, travels Whistler to Jasper via Quesnel. Our passengers love them all, and all can be customized to fit your time and budget. IRT recommends GoldLeaf service. When you get on board, you will agree. It has a beauti-ful bi-level dome coach, is fully air-conditioned with full-length dome windows, and assigned seating that can accommo-date groups of four. The main benefit, from our point of view,

is GoldLeaf passengers’ exclu-sive access to the large open-air observation deck. (SilverLeaf has a tiny one.) In GoldLeaf Service, walk down a spiral staircase or take the elevator from the dome level to the diner where the full galley kitchen prepares remark-able multi-course breakfasts and lunches. Alcoholic beverages are complimentary throughout. The diner can seat 36 in tables for four. GoldLeaf service includes upgraded hotels for packages with overnights, in most cases five-star Fairmont hotels. SilverLeaf Service, started in 2011, offers seating in reclining chairs in a single-level dome coach with panoramic views. It includes hot meals at your seat and over-nights in moderate hotels. IRT does not book Red Leaf.

the tour2014 & 2015 DatesDeparts Mondays and Thurs-days, mid-April to September. (Reverse itinerary departs Calgary Tuesdays and Saturdays.) Travel a spectacular Rocky Mountaineer classic route—Van-couver to Jasper, followed by several days to explore the un-paralleled beauty of Jasper, the Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise, Banff and Yoho National Park. Tour ends in Calgary.

the itiNeraryDay 1: VancouverArrive Vancouver. Enjoy IRT com-plimentary limo transfer to your hotel. Overnight.

Day 2: Vancouver-KamloopsBoard Rocky Mountaineer. View green fields of Fraser River valley, forests, winding river

canyons, wildlife, rushing waters of Hell’s Gate, steep slopes and rock sheds along Thompson River. Overnight in Kamloops.

Day 3: Kamloops-JasperContinue northeast to Cana-dian Rockies and Alberta. Train climbs along North Thomp-son River through mountains toward Continental Divide. View Mt. Robson (highest peak in Ca-nadian Rockies), Pyramid Falls, Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park. Overnight Jasper.

Day 4: JasperTour of Jasper National Park, a World Heritage Site and the Ca-nadian Rockies’ largest national park. See the area’s many natu-ral attractions, rugged peaks and wildlife. Afternoon free and overnight in Jasper.

Day 5: Jasper-Lake LouiseEnjoy a motorcoach tour along the Icefields Parkway and visit the Columbia Icefield. Ride “Ice Explorer” to Athabasca Glacier; continue to Bow Lake and Lake Louise. Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 6: Lake Louise-BanffAfternoon tour of Yoho National Park. View such wonders as Emerald Lake and natural rock bridge spanning Kicking Horse River. See famed Spiral Tunnels. Overnight Banff.

Day 7: Banff-CalgaryFull-day tour of Banff area: Bow Falls, Banff Gondola, Lake Min-newanka, Surprise Corner, the Hoodoos. Summit helicopter “flightseeing” tour over the Rockies included. Tour ends in Calgary. Overnight Calgary.

Day 8: CalgaryTour ends in Calgary.

the highlights• Two full days on board the fabulous Rocky Mountaineer, enjoying the scenery of the Canadian Rockies and spotting wildlife along the way• Seven nights’ hotel accommo-dation• Icefields Parkway Tour, includ-ing Ice Explorer• Views from The Fairmont Cha-teau Lake Louise• Yoho National Park Tour, Lake Louise to Banff• Helicopter Flightseeing tour• Jasper Park sightseeing tour• Ride on the Banff Gondola, with exquisite Rockies views• Tour can be customized, with additional nights anywhere in the region, private touring, transfers, spa reservations

“Our trip was wonderful!! The Rocky Mountaineer days were beyond our expectations, and we look forward to enjoying all the RMR routes.”— G. Campbell, Rocky Mountaineer, 2011


Donald Connolly

Courtesy Gary Campbell

Hallette Richards

Courtesy Gary Campbell Donald Connolly


Amtrak Empire Builder:Glacier Park DiscoveryThe TRaIn: Empire Builder • TRaIn TYPe: First Class


2014 priCiNg$3,999 per person, double$5,499 single occupancy

Upgrade to bedroom:$450 per person, double$900 single *Different hotels are used in Chicago and Seattle on 2014 tour. Please inquire.

2015 priCiNg $3,399 per person, double $4,749 single occupancy

Upgrade to bedroom:$450 per person, double$1,150 single

Minneapolis

Fargo

Spokane

Seattle

PortlandHelena

Madison

St. PaulSD

NDMT

WY

ID

WA

OR

IL

MN

WI

OntarioManitobaSaskatchewan

Alberta

British Columbia

Chicago

Williston

Havre

Milwaukee

ContinentalDivide

Glacier Park

the tour2014 DatesAugust 2, 9, 16, 23, 30;Sept. 6, 132015 DatesJune 20, 23, 27;July 7, 11, 18, 21, 25;August 1, 8, 18, 22, 29;Sept. 5, 15 The northern U.S. boasts some of the country’s last truly wide-open spaces, and Amtrak’s Empire Builder is a fabulous way to see them. The long-distance train plies the northern route to the West Coast between Chicago and Seattle or Portland. Begin in Chicago’s grand Union Station, head to the unspoiled country of Montana. Spend four nights in Glacier National Park and continue west to Seattle, passing through the seven-mile Cascade Tunnel, forests of fir trees and along Puget Sound. IRT guests love this escorted tour: its inclusions, nights on the train, tour manager and four nights in Glacier National Park. Highly recommend for couples to upgrade to deluxe bedroom. Book early, as this tour is quite popular!

the itiNeraryDay 1: Arrive ChicagoWelcome to Chicago! Our favor-ite stop: the Art Institute. Maybe yours is the Magnificent Mile for shopping and dining. Meet your tour guide and fellow travelers at a wine and cheese reception.Overnight Essex Inn Chicago.

Day 2: Chicago to Glacier Park on board Empire BuilderEnjoy morning Chicago tour with lunch before transferring to Union Station to begin your rail journey aboard Amtrak’s Empire Builder. Train departs 2:15 p.m. Overnight on train.

Day 3: Full day on boardEnjoy full day on the train; arrive Glacier Park about 7 p.m. Upon arrival, check into rustic Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier. Day 4: Glacier National ParkMorning boat cruise of Two Medicine Lake. This afternoon on your own to enjoy the park. Overnight Glacier Park Lodge.

Day 5: International Peace Park TourAfter your included breakfast,

take a full-day tour inside Glacier National Park, and cross the Ca-nadian Border to Waterton Lakes National Park. Lunch is on your own. Take afternoon tea (op-tional) at Prince of Wales Hotel, one of the most photographed hotels in the world. Overnight Many Glacier Hotel. Note: Passports required to enter into Canada. Early reservations required for tea.

Day 6: Glacier National ParkYour journey continues aboard red bus jammers on the rugged eastern slopes and follows the glacially carved valleys of the St. Mary region. Continue down the west side of the park for an optional lunch at Lake McDon-ald Lodge. Overnight Many Glacier Hotel.

Day 7: Last Day In GlacierEnjoy a morning cruise of Swift Current Lake. You’ll have the chance to take a short trail hike and boat cruise on Josephine Lake. In the afternoon, transfer back to East Glacier and depart Amtrak’s Empire Builder at 6:45 p.m. to Seattle. Overnight on board.

Day 8: Depart GlacierArrive Seattle 10:25 a.m. Enjoy a guided tour of the city. After-noon at leisure. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. Overnight Warwick Seattle Hotel.

Day 9: SeattleTour ends after breakfast. You have the option to depart for home or extend your jour-ney. Ideas: Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies or cruise on Columbia River Gorge with our Virtuoso partners.

the highlights• Two nights aboard Amtrak’s Empire Builder, from Chicago to Glacier Park and from Glacier to Seattle• Six nights’ hotel accommoda-tions, including four in Glacier National Park• 16 included meals; all meals in-cluded while on board the train• Many Glacier Hotel & Glacier Park Lodge• International Peace Park Tour• Afternoon at Waterton Lake with option for afternoon tea• Guided tours of Chicago and Seattle

“Just a short note to tell you that my husband and I had a wonderful trip on Amtrak… We have traveled all over the world, and this is the first time we had spent on a destination throughout the USA by train. I would recommend it for anyone. Thank you for the upgrade to a bedroom.” — M. Berta, Glacier Park Discovery, 2013

Hallette Richards

Travis Dewitz

Amtrak Owen C. Hardy


Ghan & Indian Pacific:Australian Rail ExtravaganzaThe TRaInS: Sunlander & The Ghan

TRaIn TYPe: Both First or Luxury Class


Australia’s transcon-tinental Indian Pacific offers a once-weekly

service between Perth and Sydney, via Adelaide, across more than 2,704 miles, in both directions. It adds a second departure from late August to mid-November. Almost 300 miles of it is across the longest straight track in the world, the Nullarbor Plain. The journey takes three nights. Meanwhile, The Ghan takes 48 hours—two nights on board—to travel from Adelaide to Darwin over 1,852 miles of track. There is one departure weekly in each directions, with one more late May to late August. The Ghan and the Indian Pacific both offer Platinum luxury-class service. In 2008, The Ghan kicked off the new Platinum service, featuring 24 luxury class cabins twice the size of Gold Service cabins. Each cabin has private, en-suite show-er, sink and toilet, huge windows, twin or double bed, and includes all meals, private transfers on both ends, and sightseeing tours along the way, not to mention butler service. IRT guests highly recommend Platinum.

the tour2014 & 2015 DatesTour starts most Wednesdays.Urgent: Do not book your international air until all legs are confirmed. Schedule subject to drastic change. This sweep of Australia includes The Ghan and Indian Pacific, must-see Top End of Dar-win, Kakadu National Park, Ayers Rock and Perth. It abounds in UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s such a fine feeling looking out your train window at dawn to see the shining red desert.

the itiNeraryDay 1: Depart Sydney

Board Indian Pacific. Dinner and overnight on board.

Days 2 & 3: Indian Pacific

Full train days. Pause in Bro-ken Hill and Adelaide, with time for a tour at each. Enter salt lake country and vast Nullar-bor Plain; stop at Cook, one of world’s most isolated outposts. Evening stop at Kalgoorlie with tour option. Meals and over-nights on the train.

Days 4 & 5: Arrive Perth Take in scenery of Avon Valley over breakfast before morning arrival in Perth. Two-night stay in Perth. Tour Perth’s major tour-ist attractions, including replica of 1899 Perth Tram. Scenic cruise of Swan River.

Day 6: Perth to Darwin Fly to Darwin*, check into Crowne Plaza Darwin. Afternoon at lei-sure; optional tours available.

Days 7 & 8: Kakadu National ParkTwo days in Kakadu National Park: Jumping Crocodile cruise, Bowali Visitor Center, rock art site at Ubirr; Aboriginal art site at Nourlangie; cruise on Yellow Water Billabong.

Day 9 & 10: Katherine-Darwin Cruise on Katherine Gorge, with sheer sandstone cliffs. Continue to Edith Falls and Adelaide River War Cemetery. Return to Dar-win. Free day in Darwin.

Day 11: Board The Ghan Board The Ghan; travel south past lush tropical scenery to Katherine. Enjoy a tour at Kath-erine Gorge.

Day 12: The Ghan-Alice Springs Arrive Alice Springs; transfer to Alice Springs Resort.

Day 13: Uluru (Ayers Rock) Coach trip to Uluru (Ayers Rock); stop at camel farm. Travel to 36 rock domes of Kata Tjuta, and explore Walpa (Olga) Gorge.

Day 14: Uluru & Olgas Rise early for sunrise and tour Uluru base. Take Mutitjulu Walk to view aboriginal rock paintings.

Day 15: Kings Canyon Scenic walk to discover Kings Canyon, with towering orange

walls. Return to Alice Springs.

Day 16: The Ghan-Adelaide Morning free in Alice Springs. Board The Ghan south to Ad-elaide. Overnight on board.

Day 17: Adelaide Arrive Adelaide around noon.

*Flights not included in pricing. This independent itinerary can be customized and varies with train schedules.

Suggested add-on: Lindblad Darwin-Broome expedition cruise. Call for details.

2014 priCiNg $ 9,685 AUD per person, double (Gold Service)$16,657 AUD single (Gold Service)

Upgrade to Platinum service:$1,775 AUD per person, double, Indian Pacific$1,350 AUD per person, double, The Ghan

Single pricing includes single occupancy of twin share cabin on the trains. Tour priced in Australian dollars. Call for approximate U.S. dollar price. Rates vary based on season and special events.

Stephen Morse

KEY: EB=Eastbound; WB=Westbound; NB=Northbound; SB=SouthboundSome prices are given in local currency: Australian Dollars (AUD), South African Rand (R), Euro (€), Swiss Francs (CHF), British pounds (£) and Japanese Yen (¥).

The U.S. dollar price will be determined based on the rate of exchange when payments are made. Red=2014 dates/pricing.

2o14/2o15 appeNdix

Region/Page #(s) Train Tour/Itinerary Dates Pricing per person (Double/Single)

Africa Pride of Africa Cape Town to Dar es Salaam 2014: NB: Sept. 27-Oct.10 Pullman: $10,600/$14,900P. 4-9 (Rovos Rail) (NB); or Dar es Salaam to Cape SB: Oct. 13-26 Deluxe: $13,900/$19,800 Town (SB), 14 days 2015: NB: July 4-18; Royal: $18,900/$37,800 Note tour will be 15 days in 2015 Sept. 26-Oct. 10 Pullman: $11,850/$16,350 SB: Feb. 3-17; July 21-Aug. 4; Deluxe: $15,300/$21,500 Oct. 13-27 Royal: $20,550/$41,100 Africa Pride of Africa African Collage: Pretoria- 2014: WB: Nov. 6-14; Pullman: R47,500/R71,250P. 10-11 (Rovos Rail) Cape Town (WB) or Cape Town EB: Nov. 17-25 Deluxe: R71,000/R106,500 to Pretoria (EB), 9 days Royal: R95,000/R142,500 2015: WB: May 21-29; Nov. 5-13 Pullman: R50,400/R75,600 EB: Nov. 16-24 Deluxe: R75,600/R113,400 Royal: R99,800/R149,700 Africa Pride of Africa Namibia: Pretoria-Swakopmund 2015: WB: April 9-17; April 30-May 8 Pullman: R50,400/R75,600 P. 12-15 (Rovos Rail) (WB); or Swakopmund- EB: April 19-27; May 10-18 Deluxe: R75,600/R113,400 Pretoria (EB), 9 days Royal: R99,800/R149,700 Africa The Blue Train Southern Africa Safari: Cape 2014 & 2015: Package available 2014: $7,985-$11,280/$11,330-$17,530P. 16-19 Town-Johannesburg, 10 days year round 2015: $8,725-$12,585/$12,440-$19,605 Price varies based on season/availability

Asia Golden Eagle Trans- The Silk Road: Moscow- 2015: Sept. 19-Oct. 9 (EB); Silver: $24,595/$35,895P. 20-25 Siberian Express/ Beijing (EB); or Beijing- Sept. 23-Oct. 13 (WB); Gold: $30,795/$44,595 Shangri-La Express Moscow (WB), 21 days Oct. 22-Nov. 11 (WB) Imperial: $43,995/On request Moscow-Almaty*, 13 days *See website for pricing Moscow-Almaty Asia Palace on Wheels India’s Rajasthan by Private 2014 & 2015: Departs Wednesdays, Oct. 2014-March 2015: $4,025/$5,390P. 26-27 Train: Delhi-Delhi, 8 days September through April Service tax of 3.09% and $15 p.p. addt’l. Asia Deccan Odyssey Indian Odyssey: Delhi to 2014: Oct. 18-25; Nov. 15-22; 2014 & 2015 pricing:P. 28-29 Mumbai, 8 days Dec. 13-20 Deluxe Cabin: $3,675/$5,075 Other itineraries available. 2015: Jan. 10-17; Feb. 7-14; Presidential Suite: $5,513/$11,025 See our website for details. March 7-14; Sept. 19-26 Service tax of 3.09% additional.

Asia Maharajas’ Express Indian Splendour: Delhi- 2014: Oct. 11-18; Nov. 8-15; Dec. 6-13 2014 & 2015 pricing:P. 30-31 Mumbai, 8 days 2015: Jan. 3-10, 31-Feb. 7; Deluxe: $5,980/$10,490 Other itineraries available. Feb. 28-March 7; March 28-April 4; Junior Suite: $9,460/$17,980 Oct. 10-17; Nov. 7-14; Dec. 5-12 Suite: $13,800/$27,600 Presidential Suite: $23,700/$47,400 Service tax of 3.09% additional.

Asia Eastern & Oriental Epic Thailand: Bangkok- 2014: Nov. 13-20 State: $9,200/$13,800P. 32-35 Express Chaing Mai-Bangkok, 8 days Presidential: $11,800/$17,700 Asia Eastern & Oriental Fables of the Peninsula: 2014: Oct. 18-25 State: $9,200/$13,800P. 32-35 Express Singapore-Bangkok, 8 days (2014) Presidential: $11,800/$17,700 7 days (2015) 2015: Feb. 25-March 3; March 28- State: $7,900/$11,850 April 3; May 25-31; Sept. 2-8; Presidential: $10,200/$15,300 Sept. 30-Oct. 6; Nov. 22-28

Asia Eastern & Oriental Ancient Kingdom of Lanna: 2015: Feb. 18; March 20; April 21; Pullman: $2,600/$2,600P. 32 Express Bangkok-Chaing Mai-Bangkok, May 7; June 10; Oct. 15 State: $3,800/$5,470 3 days Presidential: $5,500/$7,910

Asia Eastern & Oriental Bangkok to Singapore (SB), 2014: 11 SB departures, June-Dec. 2014: Ranges from $2,560 to $6,220P. 34-35 Express 4 days; or Singapore to 10 NB departures, June-Dec. Bangkok (NB), 3 days 2015: 24 SB departures, Jan.-Dec. 2015: Ranges from $2,690 to $6,530 18 NB departures, Jan.-Dec. Asia Orcaella (ship) Gorges of the Far North, Dec. 22, 2014-Jan. 2, 2015; Deluxe: $6,900/ $8,810 P. 38-39 Yangon-Mandalay-Bagan- 2015: Oct. 22-Nov. 2; Nov. 5-16; State: $8,870/ $12,400 Yangon, 12 days Dec. 22-Jan. 2, 2016 Junior Suite: $10,640/$14,880 Other itineraries available. Balcony Suite: $13,400/ $19,960 See our website for details.

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Region/Page # Train Tour/Itinerary Dates Pricing per person (Double/Single)

Europe Sea Cloud (ship) Dubrovnik-Athens (EB), or 2015 WB: May 31-June 11; Cat. 1: $11,630; Cat. 1 Single: $17,090 P. 40-41 Athens-Dubrovnik (WB), 12 days Aug. 23-Sept. 3; Cat. 2: $13,150; Cat. 3: $15,890 *Includes Day 1 in transit 2015 EB: Sept. 2-13 Cat. 4: $16,710; Cat. B: $18,180 (IRT Owner’s Choice) Cat. A: $19,690; Owner’s Ste: $22,190

Europe Golden Eagle Trans- Across Siberia by Private Train: 2014 WB: Aug. 9-23; Sept. 6-20 Silver: $16,595/$23,995 P. 42-47 Siberian Express Vladivostok-Moscow (WB) or EB: July 27-Aug. 10; Aug. 24-Sept. 7 Gold: $19,995/$29,995 Moscow-Vladivostok (EB), Imperial: $32,995/$47,995 15 days 2015 EB: May 5-19; June 5-19; Silver: $16,995/$24,995 Other itineraries, including July 26-Aug. 9; Aug. 22-Sept. 5 Gold: $20,595/$30,995 Winter Wonderland & Nadaam WB: May 18-June 1; June 18-July 2; Imperial: $33,995/On request Festival, available. See website. Aug. 8-22; Sept. 4-18 May departures offer seasonal savings. Europe Golden Eagle Trans- Caspian Odyssey: 2014: October 16-31 (IRT Group) Silver: $20,995/$30,495P. 48-49 Siberian Express Yerevan-Almaty, 16 days 2015: October 15-30 Gold: $26,495/$38,495 Imperial: $42,695/$63,995 Silver: $21,495/$31,295 Gold: $27,195/$39,495 Imperial: $43,795/On request Europe Royal Scotsman Classic: 5 days 2014 Classic: July 6, 21, 26; 2014 & 2015 Pricing: P. 50-51 Western: 4 days Aug. 4, 15, 23; Sept. 1, 12, 22; Classic: $6,530/$6,530 Grand North Western (GNW), Oct. 6, 13, 19 Western: $5,180/$5,380 combines Classic & Western: 2014 Western: July 18; Aug. 1, 8, 29; GNW: $10,540/$10,540 8 days Sept. 5, 19; Oct. 3, 10 Other itineraries available. 2015 Classic: April 20; May 11, 17, 21, 25; See our website for details. June 1, 15, 22; July 1, 5, 20, 26; Aug. 3, 14, 24, 31; Sept. 11, 21; Oct. 5, 12 2015 Western: April 24; May 1, 8; June 12, 19, 26; July 17; Aug. 7, 28; Sept. 4, 18, 25; Oct. 2, 9 Europe Royal Scotsman Classic Whisky Journey, 2015: April 27-May 1 $6,530/$6,530P. 51 5 days

Europe Royal Scotsman Country Homes & Gardens, 2015: May 5-10 $7,000/$7,000P. 51 5 days

Europe Royal Scotsman Grand Tour: Scotland, England 2014: July 11-18 $13,460/$13,460P. 52-55 and Wales, 8 days 2015: July 10-17 $13,460/$13,460

Europe Venice Simplon- Venice-Prague-Paris or 2014: June 4-8; Oct. 1-5 To Paris: $3,560/$3,560P. 56-57 Orient-Express; London, 5 days To London: $4,080/$4,080 British Pullman 2015: May 20-24; To Paris: $3,670/$3,670 Sept. 30-Oct. 4 To London: $4,200/$4,200 Europe Venice Simplon- Paris-Istanbul Annual Tour, 2014: Aug. 29-Sept. 3 $9,000/$17,320P. 58-63 Orient-Express 6 days 2015: Aug. 28-Sept. 2 $9,270/$17,840

Europe Venice Simplon- Istanbul-Venice Annual Tour, 2014: Sept. 5-10 $9,000/$17,320P. 58-63 Orient-Express 6 days 2015: Sept. 4-9 $9,270/$17,840

Europe Venice Simplon- Romantic Italian Holiday: 2014 NB: July 5, 12, 19; $6,910/$9,215P. 64-67 Orient-Express; Florence-Venice-London (NB), Aug. 9, 16; Sept. 13, 16, 20, 23; Cabin Suite upgrade: $2,150 p.p. British Pullman 6 days Oct. 4, 11, 25, 28; Nov. 1 2015 NB: March 14, 21; $7,190/$7,190 (tentative) April 4, 11, 14, 18; May 2, 9, 12, 23; Cabin Suite upgrade: $2,210 p.p. June 9, 13, 20, 23, 27, 30; July 4, 11; Aug. 8, 15; Sept. 15, 19, 22; Oct. 3, 6, 10, 13, 24, 27, 31 See website for SB departures.

Europe El Transcantábrico Santiago-San Sebastian (EB), 2014 & 2015: Departs most High season: €4,250/ €8,500P. 68-71 Gran Lujo or San Sebastian-Santiago (WB), Saturdays from April to October Low season: €4,250/ €8,500 8 days See website for 2014 pricing. Early booking discounts apply.

Region/Page # Train Tour/Itinerary Dates Pricing per person (Double/Single)

Europe El Transcantábrico Santiago-León (EB) or 2014 & 2015: Departs most High season: €3,150/ €4,703P. 72-73 Clásico León-Santiago (WB), Saturdays from April to October Low season: €2,850/ €4,275 8 days See website for 2014 pricing. Early booking discounts apply.

Europe Al-Andalus Seville roundtrip, 6 days 2014 & 2015: Departs most High season Standard: €3,135/ €4,703P. 74-77 Mondays from mid-March to Low season Standard: €2,850/ €4,275 October High season Superior: €3,740/ €5,610 Low season Standard: €3,400/ €5,100

Europe Danube Express Balkan Odyssey, Venice to 2015: May 4-12 Heritage: $9,795/$15,295P. 78-79 Budapest, 10 days Deluxe: $15,395/$23,995

Europe Danube Express Balkan Explorer, Istanbul- 2015: July 3-14 (WB) Heritage: $10,595/$15,795P. 80-81 Venice (WB), or Venice- 2015: July 11-22 (EB) Deluxe: $16,995/$25,495 Istanbul (EB), 12 days

Europe Danube Express Central European, Budapest to 2015: May 29-June 5 Heritage: $6,795/$10,195P. 80-81 Prague, 8 days Deluxe: $11,895/$16,995

Europe Danube Express The Transylvanian, Istanbul to 2015: June 10-17 (WB) Heritage: $4,995/$7,795P. 80-81 Budapest (WB), or Budapest- 2015: June 29-July 6 (EB) Deluxe: $10,195/$15,295 Istanbul (EB), 8 days

Europe Danube Express Treasures of Eastern Europe, 2015: July 28-August 8 Heritage: $10,595/$15,795P. 80-81 Prague-Budapest, 12 days Deluxe: $16,995/$25,495 Europe Glacier Express; Switzerland’s Classic Routes, 2014 & 2015: Available year round 2014 Pricing, 15-Day Tour: P. 82-83 Bernina Express 8 days or 15 days Recommended to travel CHF 6,600/ CHF 9,962 (4*) Golden Pass May through September CHF 7,810/ CHF 11,950 (5*) See page 82 for 8-day tour pricing.

Europe Flåm Railway Arctic Circle Express: 2014: June 6, 13, 20, 27; High Season: £2,925/£3,510P. 84-85 Stockholm to Oslo, 15 days July 4, 11, 25; Aug. 1, 8 Low Season: £2,845/£3,430 2015: June 5, 12, 19, 26; High Season: £3,045/£3,690 July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Aug. 7 Low Season: £2,945/£3,590 South America Hiram Bingham; Peru’s Machu Picchu & 2014 & 2015: Available year round $7,080/$11,740P. 86-87 Andean Explorer Cusco, 8 days Puno extension: $1,765/$2,150 2015 (tentative): $7,695/$12,760 Puno extension: $1,915/$2,335

North America Canadian (VIA Rail) First-Class Rail across Canada: 2014 & 2015: Departs Sundays Ranges from $5,028 to $8,149 P. 88-89 & Rocky Mountaineer Toronto-Vancouver (WB), and Thursdays, late April Ranges from $5,405 to $9,893 13 days, or Vancouver-Toronto through September (+applicable taxes). Rates vary (EB), 12 days depending on date of departure, direction of travel and service level.

North America Rocky Mountaineer Canadian Rockies Western 2014 & 2015 EB: Departs Ranges from $2,804 to $5,364P. 90-91 Explorer, Vancouver-Calgary Mondays & Thursdays Ranges from $3,314 to $6,272 (EB) or Calgary-Vancouver 2014 & 2015 WB: Departs (+applicable taxes). (WB), 8 days Tuesdays & Saturdays, See page 91 for full 2015 chart. Mid-April through September

North America Amtrak’s Empire Glacier Park Discovery Escorted, 2014: See website for dates/pricing $3,399/$4,749P. 92-93 Builder Chicago-Seattle, 9 days 2015: 15 departures, June-Sept. Upgrade to bedroom: $450/$1,150 Australia Indian Pacific/The Ghan Australia Rail Extravaganza, 2014 & 2015: Departs most $9,685/$16,657 AUDP. 94-95 17 days Wednesdays year round Upgrades available – see website.

One to Watch Seven Stars Hakata roundtrip, 4 days Departure dates not available Suite: ¥430,000 P. 98-99 at press time. Please call. Deluxe Suite A: ¥600,000 Deluxe Suite B: ¥700,000

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2o14/2o15 appeNdix 2o14/2o15 appeNdix



Japan’s Exclusive Seven StarsThe TRaIn: Seven Stars • TRaIn TYPe: Luxury


the traiN

We’ve yet to ride this train (you’ll see why below.). We hope to try it soon. We include it here

because of its stunning design and unique itinerary. The Japanese cruise train Seven Stars in Kyushu is the world’s only luxury rail service that holds lotteries to decide who gets to go. Then the privileged few have the opportunity of paying as much as $7,000 per person for a four-day, three-night trip. The train has been a smash hit in Japan. It debuted in October, 2013, and immediately sold out to Japanese travelers for the next eight months. Bookings were opened to non-Japanese guests in January, 2014. According to press reports, the Seven Stars takes luxury to a new level. “Apparently the train’s designer, Eiji Mitooka, drove his team mad by insisting on such details as irregular-sized windows to make each carriage different,” said Bee Rowlatt, writing in the Telegraph following a pre-inaugural press trip for European journalists. “Mr. Mitooka’s face was among the crowds on the platform as the Seven Stars pulled out of the station, with the wistful look of someone sending their child off to university.” The train normally carries 28 passengers. Fourteen guest

rooms (12 suites and 2 exclusive deluxe suites), a dining car, and a lounge with bar are all fitted with exquisite woods, fabrics and beautifully decorated with magnificent ceramics from Kyushu. Guests dine on locally sourced cuisine freshly prepared on board. Off-train excursions include visits to Mount

Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan, located in Aso Kuju National Park. Another is to Yufuin, a town famous for its natural hot spring spas. The itinerary we offer here is the longer of the two (the other is two days, one night). IRT has developed a two-week Japan tour that incorporates the Seven Stars train trip. Please call if this intrigues to get on the list.

the itiNeraryDeparture dates not available at press time. Day 1: Hakata-Yufuin Seven Stars departs Hakata Station mid-morning and travels to Yufuin Station, where passengers enjoy a welcome ceremony. Free time to walk around this popular tourist town or enjoy tea time on the train. Dinner served on board.

Day 2: Miyazaki- HayatoEnjoy fresh vegetables from Miyazaki for breakfast while watching the changing tropical views of the sea and sky unfold before your eyes. From Hayato station, board the Seven Stars bus and head for your chosen accommodations, while enjoying views of Mount Kirishima. Tonight you will stay at your chosen ryokan, sample the local cuisine and have the opportunity to bathe in a soothing hot spring. Overnight in traditional Japanese ryokan.

Day 3: Hayato- KagoshimaAfter breakfast at your ryokan, take a relaxing stroll at the beautiful “Tenku no mori” private resort. Here passengers have the opportunity to plant a memorial tree, and enjoy a specially prepared lunch. In the afternoon the train heads for Kagoshima-Chuō station. Disembark and admire the “Sengan-en” Japanese garden residence, once the home of the Shimazu clan, who ruled the Satsuma domain (present day Kagoshima). Alternatively, passengers can experience Satsuma ware painting at the Chin Jukan kiln, then experience a tea ceremony at an exclusive teahouse.

Day 4: Aso-HakataBreakfast of fresh vegetables will be served in a special room at Aso station, with scenic views of Kumamoto and Aso. The train then heads for Oita, and lunch is

a selection of local cuisine of the Oita region. To end the journey, a farewell event will be held on the train before arriving at the final destination, Hakata station.

the highlights• Enjoy Kyushu’s dazzling sunlight, towering mountains and glittering sea through the train’s immense picture windows• Delight in the dining car chef’s array of seasonal delicacies, and further explore Kyushu’s cuisine off-train at included restaurant visits• Spend a night off-train in a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) situated next to a natural hot spring• Optional visit to traditional Japanese gardens• Optional visit to painters of Satsuma ware, along with exclusive tea ceremony

ONE TOWATCH!

2014 priCiNgSuite: ¥430,000 Deluxe Suite B: ¥600,000Deluxe Suite A: ¥700,000

All photos courtesy of Kyushu Railway

2424 Frankfort Avenue, Suite 2Louisville, Kentucky 40206

502.897.1725Fax: 502.897.1729

800.478.4881www.irtsociety.com

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