There’s nothing quite like seeing the world via the glamour of a luxurious train, and Wilderness Travel offers some of the most grand opportunities for train travel through Eastern Europe, Italy and Asia through its Cruises by Rail collection.
Much like the company’s Small Cruise Ship Collection, the Golden Eagle and Danube Express passenger trains, which host all five of the excursions, allow guests to unpack just once and enjoy an ever-changing view out their window. The train features state-of-the-art amenities, including remote-controlled heating and air conditioning, en suite bathrooms and gorgeous restaurant cars with meals prepared by the train’s executive chef. The trains’ first-class service also includes a personal cabin attendant available at all times.
Here are 5 of the incredible lavish train trips around the world to add to your 2019 bucket list:
Take the famous journey along the Trans-Siberian Railway, cutting across Russia from east to west aboard the Golden Eagle, exploring the country’s jewels of art, music, architecture and cuisine. Highlights of this classic trip include time to explore Moscow; a private concert of opera singer Feodor Chaliapin’s music in Kazan; traversing the Ural Mountains; an opportunity to put one foot in Asia and one in Europe; a day in Mongolia; visits to Lenin Square, the “Paris of Siberia;” and Baikal, the deepest lake in the world.
Pricing starts at $16,695 per person double occupancy with departure dates May 18, June 2 and 15, July 22 and August 18, 2019.
Retrace the Silk Road, an ancient trading route, from Moscow through the “Stans” -- Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan -- exploring both ancient and modern sites. The trip includes talks on the history of the Silk Road, opportunities to explore World Heritage Sites, a visit to a burning gas crater known to locals as the “Door to Hell,” a cable car ride with views of the Tien Shan Mountains, as well as plentiful palaces, museums and cathedrals.
Pricing starts at $17,795 per person double occupancy with departures April 12 and 24, 2019.
Journey through six countries along the Caspian Sea, including Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan on this 16-day deluxe train ride. Guests will stop at various Silk Road outposts, enjoy a performance of Georgian polyphonic singing, discover prehistoric rock engravings in Azerbaijan and explore a monastery with churches and tombs cut out of rock.
Pricing starts at $21,495 per person double occupancy with one departure Sept. 19, 2019.
Discover the ruins of Pompeii, the romance of Venice and the hidden jewel of Cremona on this train trip that starts at the top of Italy, passes through the toe of “the boot” and ends on the island of Sicily. Take in the sights of Italy’s coast, Mt. Etna and rolling countryside via the train car window with daily jaunts through picturesque towns like Bologna, Rimini and Palermo. The trip is filled with Italy’s classic cuisine from olive oil tastings to the country’s famous Torta Tre Monti, or “Cake of the Three Towers.”
Pricing starts at $12,495 per person double occupancy. Dates for 2019 are not yet available.
Travel through Russia, making your way past the Arctic Circle to the top of the world in Norway in search of the Northern Lights on this elegant excursion by train over New Year’s. Travelers will have opportunities to explore Moscow and Red Square, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vladimir, and Catherine’s Palace and other sites in St. Petersburg. An exquisite New Year’s Eve Gala Caviar Dinner will be served in the elegant restaurant car with champagne, international wines and live entertainment. Along the way, visit the iconic Snow Hotel, taste a reindeer hotdog and book additional winter activities like snow shoeing, riding a husky dog sledge or a snowmobile safari.
Pricing starts at $11,995 per person double occupancy with departure dates December 29, 2018; December 21 and 29, 2019.
For more information or to book one of the trips, visit WildernessTravel.com or call 1-800-368-2794.
