The Best Train Journeys in the World by Franco Tanel is a lush travel guide highlighting the unique experience of train travel accompanied with full color itineraries and logistics for those readers who are inspired to plan their next journey. The book is organized by geographic location and offers the most historic and stunning train trips for each area of the world. Author and photographer Tanel showcases 40 train adventures over 6 continents. The trips represented are a variety of lengths, accommodations and terrain for those on a budget or those planning a once in a lifetime experience.
For each journey, Tanel provides historic information as to how each route was established and its historic significance. Also included are little known facts about the train, route and economics that made the routes needed and enjoyable today. Practical tips include maps of each route, the best scenery along the way, websites for reservations and more information, unique elements of the train and journey and the nuts and bolts of pricing and options.
Some highlighted trains and routes include :
Rocky Mountaineer (Canada) – With a choice of four different itineraries, passengers travel for a total of 2-3 days per route in the Canadian Rockies on the Rocky Mountaineer. At the end of each day, passengers spend the night in luxury hotels along the way so the beauty of the terrain is not missed overnight. The most popular route cuts through Banff National Park and Lake Louise on the way to Vancouver, where the journey completes.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (Colorado) – The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad route was opened in 1882 to haul silver and gold ore and makes the 45 mile trek between Durango and Silverton (Colorado) roundtrip in 9 hours. Never traveling faster than 18 miles per hour, the steam train tracks are at a high altitude and built along sheer cliffs above the river in which a slower pace is needed.
Madaraka Express (Kenya) – Making the trek between Nairobi and Mombasa, the Madaraka Express in Kenya completes the journey in approximately 5 hours. Much of the scenic railway, which was developed in 2017, is built on viaducts above cities in order to allow the natural landscape to remain below. Along the way travelers pass through both the Nairobi National Park followed by the famous Tsavo National Park so all the stunning wildlife can be seen from the train’s oversized picture windows.
The Jacobite (Scotland) – As part of the journey was made famous in the Harry Potter movies, The Jacobite steam train is a tourist service that begins in Glasgow passes through Fort William and finishes up in Mallaig and returns in 4-6 hours depending on the time of day. Much of the terrain can only be viewed on this train line, especially the long stretches between the small stations of Rannoch Moor and Corrour, making The Jacobite the best way to take in the breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands.
The Orient Express (Italy and France) – Reimagined from its heyday in the 1920s, this new rendition of The Orient Express travels from Paris and makes it way to Venice over the course of two days. The original Orient Express began in 1883 and continued running (with some breaks during wartime) until May of 1977. The original route stretched from Paris to Istanbul. The new Orient Express train has all the majesty of the 1920s – glass panels, intricate woodcarvings and rich fabrics. Passengers have the option of three dining cars per meal and travelers follow a strict dress code while being served by international chefs. The Orient Express is a luxurious step back in time!
If you are a adventurous armchair traveler or are planning the trip of a lifetime, The Best Train Journeys in the World will open up a world of train traveling possibilities!