The Most Romantic Train Journeys
celebration of rail travel's amorous appeal, we've rounded up of the world's most romantic train .
1. The Ghan Adelaide to Darwin Australia
Getting from Adelaide to Darwin takes four days, but when the method of transport is this luxurious, you ll probably find yourself wishing it took significantly longer. The larger cabins have double beds and en suite bathrooms, and passengers can have dinner under the stars during a stop off at the MacDonnell Ranges near Alice Springs where you can spend the evenings watching the dramatic sunsets from the luxurious confines of your cabins. Are we there yet? Hopefully not.
2. White Pass Summit White Pass Summit Excursion Yukon Canada
Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, this narrow gauge railway has been designated an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Snuggle up to your loved in the vintage carriages as the train whooshes past waterfalls and through tunnels, before reaching its final destination: White Pass, 873 metres above sea level.
3. The West Highland Line Glasgow to Fort William Scotland
It doesn t get more romantic than the Scottish highlands, and this breathtaking rail journey takes in all the best bits. Readers of Wanderlust recently voted it the world s best rail journey, and it s not hard to see why. Highlights include the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which appeared in the Harry Potter movies, Dumbarton Castle and the snow capped peaks of the Arrochar Alps.
4. Belmond Hiram Bingham Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Peru
Do the Inca trail the easy way. This train is decorated in the style of 1920s Pullman carriages: the interior comprises vast expanses of polished wood and gleaming brass, and the large bar is the perfect place to enjoy a Pisco Sour with the object of your affections. The observation car is the ideal place to take in the scenery, and the fare includes entry to Machu Picchu and afternoon tea at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.
5. Jungfraubahnen Wilderswil to Schynige Platte Switzerland
This nostalgic journey along a Swiss cog railway is a great way to take in Switzerland s best bits. The seven kilometre route is one which has been traversed for 120 years, and en route to the high altitude Schynige Platte, you ll be treated to unbeatable views of the Eiger, Msnch and Jungfrau. At the top, take a romantic stroll through the crisp mountain air, or hike to the ridge for amazing views over Lake Brienz.
6. The Blue Train Pretoria to Durban South Africa
Don t fancy a flip down bunk bed? Then opt for one of the Blue Train s suites. Lovebirds can snuggle up in double beds, soak in the huge bath tubs, watch a movie in the comfort of a private suite or just take in the view from the panoramic cabin windows. The food is also top notch, with a menu which includes oysters, ostrich and venison, all of which are served on the finest China. The only downside? The thought of returning to your daily commute might just be too much to bear.
7. Golden Eagle Trans Siberian Express from Moscow to Vladivostok Russia
This journey of a lifetime takes you from Moscow to Vladivostok, passing through the Ural mountains, past Lake Baikal (the world s largest freshwater lake) and on to Vladivostok, close to Russia s borders with China and North Korea. The Golden Eagle is a nod to the Golden Age of train travel, with bathrooms filled with fragrant toiletries and plush bathrobes, and suites with under floor heating, living areas and complimentary mini bars.
8. Tranzalpine Christchurch to Greymouth New Zealand
During the journey from Christchurch to Greymouth on the Tranzalpine, GPS activated in seat radio commentary means you can make the most of the journey from the privacy of your private cabin. The scenery s incredibly varied you ll pass the farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, deep gorges carved out by the Waimakariri River and the native beech forests surrounding Greymouth.
9. Glacier Express Zermatt to Davos Switzerland
Known as the train to fall in love on, the Glacier Express seven hour journey through the Alps to Davos crosses 291 bridges and goes through 91 tunnels, which means there s plenty of opportunity for a quick kiss in the Alpine darkness. With the Oberalp Pass, the Landwasser Viaduct and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Abula being just some of the highlights, you re unlikely to tire of the scenery, either.
10. Conway Scenic Railroad New Hampshire US
The roundtrip journey from North Conway to Crawford station and back again takes five hours, during which time you ll pass through steep ravines, past babbling brooks and thundering rivers. We recommend signing up for the first class package, which includes a three course meal in the quaintly named dining carriage, Hattie Evans. Train spotters will be interested to know that the dome car (pictured), so called because of its domed observation roof, dates back to 1955.
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