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The world's most magnificent train journeys
Travel to Victoria Springs, the Scottish Highlands or Japan's Kyushu island in a luxury hotel on wheels
If you want to feast your eyes on spectacular views from the comfort of an elegant wood-panelled carriage, a scenic train journey might be just what you need.
From Victoria Falls to Alice Springs, sit back and relax as you experience the world's wonders by rail.
Rovos Rail Pride of Africa
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Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
South Africa-based Rovos has a range of luxury routes across Africa, including a three-night adventure to Victoria Falls, a golf safari and a trek from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam.
Train speeds are restricted to 60km per hour (37mph), so passengers can open the windows for air and film the landscape.
The style is traditional, with teak-panelled suites, Victorian-style dining and a superb wine list highlighting South African wines. In the spirit of a bygone era of travel, there are no radios or TVs, and internet use is confined to travellers' suites.
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Belmond Royal Scotsman
Is there a better way to enjoy Scotland's magnificent scenery than on the Royal Scotsman? Offering a range of journeys, the Royal Scotsman is perfect for travellers who want to enjoy the splendours of Scotland's scenery.
Belmond rail journeys include a Classic Tour that goes to the heart of the Scottish Highlands, a Classic Whisky Journey and a ride along the West Highland line, one of the world's most scenic train routes.
The Royal Scotsman promises world-class dining, together with Scottish specialities, and the decor is traditional and elegant. Why not settle down in the observation car and enjoy the glens and castles as they glide by?
The Seven Stars luxury sleeper service across Kyushu is a favourite with travellers, so be sure to book early. Demand for the service since it made its first run in 2013 has been so overwhelming that places are now sold on a lottery system.
The island of Kyushu, on Japan's southern tip, offers gorgeous scenery and a wealth of hot springs that are nurtured by the area's volcanoes. There are two itineraries – one around Fukuoka, the other a four-day journey that loops across the island.
Carriages are beautifully furnished in a fusion of western and Japanese design. As well as couches and rotating chairs for passengers, the lounge features a large bay window for enjoying the scenery. Attention to detail in the design and furnishing of each guest room is unsurpassed.
The Ghan will take you on a luxurious journey to the heart of the antipodean bush. It takes 48 hours – and three nights – to travel the nearly 2,000 miles across Australia from Adelaide to Darwin, in a journey that takes the traveller into the heart of the continent.
The train stops at Alice Springs, where you can take a tour by helicopter. Then return to your spacious cabin – a private lounge with deluxe seating, a table and two ottomans.
The all-inclusive fare includes gourmet meals, prepared and served in the traditionally styled Queen Adelaide restaurant car. Chefs work with local suppliers to source the best regional ingredients. Complement your meal with fine Australian wines.
Canada's Rockies are spectacular so why not enjoy them in a "five-star hotel on rails"? Some regard the luxurious RCP – with its salons, observations areas and top-class dining – as unmatched anywhere in the world,
Tours include the Royal Canadian Rockies Experiences, recognised by the National Geographic as a "Tour of a Lifetime". This allows the traveller to enjoy some of the world's most spectacular terrain.
Meals are served in the elegant Craigellachie dining car and are complemented by an excellent wine list. The luxurious private staterooms offer the luxury of what the RCP calls a "five-star hotel on rails".
