~ Signature Series ~
Signature Series Tours are IRT's unique, exclusive rail-based itineraries. All tours feature: professional, full-time IRT tour leader; small, congenial group of fellow IRT travelers; four- and five-star accommodation; baggage handling; most meals; most gratuities; special amenities, events and/or prices for IRT members; and one year's free membership in the Society.
An Austrian Railway Feast
May 7-20
Explore this gorgeous region rich with beauty and fabulous trains with tour leader Werner Schorn of Germany. Werner is familiar with all of the ins and outs of European rail, and is happy to share his knowledge with railfans! Our trip begins in Munich and includes Innsbruck, Salzburg, Graz and Vienna. Each city has efficient tram systems, interesting attractions and museums and-best of all-wonderful rail excursions: the mountain-climbing Zugspitzbahn, steam-powered Achenseebahn and Zillertalbahn, tiny Mariazellerbahn, and regular trains over engineering feats such as the Semmering Pass and six-mile Arlberg Tunnel.
Railing Through the Capitals of Eastern Europe
June 7-20
Why has Eastern Europe become such a popular travel destination? Perhaps it is the intriguing history of its ancient cities, the smiling faces of its humble people or the beauty of its many castles and exquisite architecture. And don't forget about the efficient tram systems, beautiful countryside train rides and numerous transportation museums. All are featured on our first-ever tour to this part of the world. Come find out for yourself why people are flocking here! Experience Budapest, Prague, Bratislava, Krakow and Warsaw. Werner Schorn will lead.
The Royal Scotsman Classic Tour
July 26-30; Optional extension: July 30-Aug. 2
One of the most exciting destinations in the world is Scotland, with its gorgeous coast, rugged hills, open sky, its history and culture-they're all the makings of legend. And what better way to experience this grand land than on The Royal Scotsman? Join IRT owners Owen and Eleanor Hardy on board a Grand Classic Tour. We'll board the train at Edinburgh's Waverley Station to the familiar tune of the bagpipe. Travel across the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge, one of the first cantilever bridges in the world, visit Strathisla Distillery--home of Chivas Regal--and explore Ballindalloch, one of Scotland's most romantic castles. The sheer luxury of the train itself is overwhelming, with its spacious cabins and lovely dining rooms, open-air observation platform and impeccable staff. The food and wine are famous around the world for their tasty perfection. The IRT Society has chartered the entire train, but there is space for just 36 passengers. Cost is $5,045 per person if booked by Dec.15. Add the optional four-day rail extension, and save $900 per person! Another optional extension: Return to the U.S. by crossing the Atlantic on the celebrated Queen Mary II!
Crimean Express by Private Train
May 22-June 4
Our journey begins in fascinating St. Petersburg, and we will traverse Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova and the Crimean Peninsula. Experience historical sites such as Catherine's Summer Palace in Pushkin, visit a Moldovan winery, take an exclusive tour through Yalta's Chekhov house and Botanical Gardens, and overlook the valley where the Charge of the Light Brigade took place. Best of all: we will do this all by rail. The experience of cruising by rail will only be matched with the magical experiences we have planned for our daily excursions. Limited availability, especially in upgraded accommodations. Priced from $5,395 per person.
New Zealand's Rail Wonders
October 7-27
Join veteran IRT tour leader Allan Boyer as our group heads to New Zealand for a magnificent tour of both the North and South Islands by rail. Highlights include visits to the Mainline Steam Trust Locomotive Depot, the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, mainline rail on the world-famous Raurimu Spiral, Gisborne Vintage Steam Train, Wairarapa Rail Line, Ferrymead History Village and Railway, Tranz Alpine route, Shanty Town Steam Railway, Taieri Gorge Railway, Kingston Flyer, overnight cruise on the Doubtful Sound. The 23-day trip is carefully designed to take in the best of this country's fantastic scenery and its most interesting rail routes. See New Zealand's active volcanoes, the Pacific Ocean and the Alps from trains. Trip includes stays in Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Napier and aboard the historic vintage steam ship Earnslaw. And our guide can't be beat! A New Zealand native, Allan loves sharing his country's trains, culture and history with visitors. Please note that this itinerary is different from 2002, designed to attract you to New Zealand again--or for the first time.
India: By Steam to the Hill Stations
Nov. 14-30; Optional Extension: Nov. 30-Dec. 7
India: By Steam to the Hill Stations Nov. 14-30; Optional Extension: Nov. 30-Dec. 8 Our distinctive railfan journey begins in Calcutta, where experienced guide Peter Jordan shows you the India he loves, by rail! After our chartered streetcar tour in Calcutta, we take the overnight Darjeeling Mail from Calcutta to New Jalpaiguri. From there we enjoy several steam train excursions on the 2-foot-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway with its 5% grades plus visits to its loco shops and museum. One of the highlights will be as we traverse the famed Batasia Loop, offering spectacular views of snowy Kanchenjunga-third highest mountain peak in the world. This tour offers photographers endless opportunities for great pictures, as road vehicles will accompany the train. Other highlights: riding the Shimla Mountain Railway in the Himalayan Foothills, enjoying a Shimla steam charter, watching the sun set over the Taj Mahal, shopping at lively bazaars and cruising the River Hooghly. Tour starts at $3,950 per person. Optional extension: Take the luxury train Palace on Wheels for an eight-day tour from Delhi.
American Orient Express' Transcontinental Rail Journey
May 11-20
The American Orient Express Transcontinental Rail Journey will take you from the east coast to west, rolling through various American landscapes-from the lowlands of South Carolina to Louisiana's bayou country, the valley of the Rio Grande and the sunset mesas of the Southwest. Along the way, take in some of the country's most famous landmarks: the cobblestone streets of Charleston, S.C., New Orleans' French Quarter, the Alamo, Rio Grande and Grand Canyon National Park. This trip will be hosted by rail author/photographer Karl Zimmermann. The train offers the perfect surroundings for watching the scenery unfold, with spacious private cabins, wonderful meals and comfortable lounge areas. Rates from $3,990. Book by Feb. 10 to save $300 per person!
American Orient Express' Rockies and Sierras Tour
October 16-22
The American Orient Express explores a brand-new departure featuring rare mileage and incredible scenery. Take a rare ride through the famed Moffat Tunnel in Colorado. Visit Arches, Canyonlands and Yosemite National Parks as you travel through the Rockies from San Francisco to Denver. Taking in this beautiful part of the country is best done by rail, and the staff of the country's most prestigious private train awaits. Enjoy gourmet dining, views from the dome car and lectures given by IRT tour host Karl Zimmermann. Rates from $3,290. Book by April 15 to save $500 per person!
Royal Canadian Pacific
September 11-16
Deluxe private train out of Calgary, which offers luxury service, meals and accommodations while taking passengers along the scenic Canadian Pacific lines in the Rockies.
~ Explorer Series ~
IRT's Explorer Series offers a variety of tours-from the adventurous to the luxurious for the more independent traveler. These rail-based tours feature: train manager; baggage handling; most gratuities; many meals; and one year's free membership in the Society. Many offer several dates and classes of service to fit your schedule and budget.
Arctic Steam Express
June 11-26
Head to the Arctic next summer--by steam! The private, steam-hauled Trans-Siberian Express will take adventurous passengers from St. Petersburg to Moscow before heading north to the Arctic Circle, where the daylight is unending this time of year. Cross over the Urals and into Asia, stopping for a visit to the port city of Salekhard. Tour Archangel, a pleasant town on the White Sea, and Kizhi Island on Lake Ladoga. Tour starts at $5,395 per person. Limited availability, especially in upgraded accommodations.
Great Britain
Various dates available
Travel in Orient Express luxury aboard the Northern Belle and enjoy sumptuous food freshly prepared by expert chefs while taking in the lush landscapes of England, Scotland and Wales. Discover the "Great Little Trains of Wales" with tour guide Geoff Cooke, as he shares his home country and passion for trains on small, specialized group tours.
Trans-Siberian Express
Aug. 19-Sept. 1; limited availability on other dates
Spanning two continents, traveling 6,000 miles across Russia is the privately owned Trans-Siberian Express. Make this 14-day legendary journey in comfort from Moscow to Vladivostok with off-train touring in interesting Siberian towns along the way. Priced from $5,395 per person. Limited deluxe accommodations with full en-suite bathroom. Stay tuned for 2006: We will be offering this tour as one of our "Signature Series" with fellow IRT members and tour leader.
Spain
Various dates available
Choose between the Al Andalus Express, a 12-car deluxe hotel on wheels offering a six-day journey out of Seville, or the El Transcantabrico, a meter-gauge train which travels across the beautifully green northern coast of the country.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Various dates available, March-November
This world-famous train remains an unparalleled means of exploring the European countryside. Service and dining are among the best in the world. Itineraries include London, Paris, Venice, Rome, Istanbul, more!
China Orient Express: Beijing to Hong Kong
Oct. 23-Nov. 2
Travel Beijing to Hong Kong, on the comfortable, private China Orient Express. Sightseeing highlights include the Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Terracotta Warriors in the ancient capital of Xian, Chengdu-home of the Giant Pandas-and a two-night Yangtze cruise through the Three Gorges, the stunning scenery of Guilin and Guangzhou. The China Orient Express is a comfortable, well-appointed train, ideal for our adventure through China-offering the best amenities available in rail travel in China. Price: $4,675 per person.
China Orient Express: Hong Kong to Beijing
Nov. 1-11
This trip from Hong Kong to Beijing, on the comfortable, private China Orient Express, features the enchanting city of Guilin, situated on the Li River in some of the finest scenery in the world. We will cruise on the river among the strange karst rock formations, as well as visit the 600,000-year-old Reed Flute Cave on the outskirts. A highlight of the trip will be the transit over one of the world's most spectacular railway lines. Completed in the 1970s, the line to Chengdu tortuously passes over many precariously perched bridges over deep ravines before plunging into yet another tunnel. Cities include Xian, Hohot, the vibrant capital of Inner Mongolia, Kangzhuang, where we will spend the morning on the Great Wall of China. Price: $4,675 per person.
Eastern & Oriental Express
Various dates available
Travel from the elegance of Singapore to the vibrant city of Bangkok via Kuala Lumpur on the Eastern & Oriental Express-passing through jungle terrain, ancient temples, winding rivers and rice paddies. A subtle balance of Eastern culture and cuisine and Western comforts.
American Orient Express
Various dates available
The country's premier private luxury train offers many itineraries including: National Parks, Antebellum South, Autumn in New England, Pacific Coast Explorer, Trans-Canada, Copper Canyon, more! Our members get a $25 per person on-board credit. Book 180 days in advance and save $500 per person! Repeat AOE travelers get additional $300 off.
Canadian Rockies Steam Express
July 12-18
Travel Vancouver to Calgary on a private train headed by steam. Canadian Pacific's Empress #2816 will pull California Zephyr dome cars and former BC Rail day cars. Travel by day, overnight in hotels and lodges, and enjoy great off-train activities. Dome upgrade very limited.
Cross-Canada Rail Journey
Many dates available throughout the year
While touring on VIA Rail's legendary Canadian, you're part of a grand tradition of rail travel. See why people from around the world choose to travel this beautiful country by train. Enjoy a rail journey from the exciting city of Toronto, into Ontario's rugged north and around Lake Superior. Cross the peaceful prairies into Alberta, home of two pristine National Parks in the majestic Rocky Mountains. Discover the charming towns of Jasper and Banff and visit stunning Lake Louise, and then continue across B.C.'s varied landscapes to Vancouver, nestled between soaring mountains and sparkling ocean. Travel in either direction.
Churchill Northern Adventure: Polar Bears & Northern Lights
Oct. 20-27, Nov. 3-10
Come along for an adventure in Manitoba's northern sub-arctic region-where the polar bears play by day and the Northern Lights dance across the sky at night! During clear nights, the skies above Churchill offer the highest intensity of the multicolored aurora borealis activity in the Northern Hemisphere. Churchill is known as the world's polar bear capital. Visit with the polar bears and other wildlife aboard a Tundra Buggy. Hop aboard VIA Rail's Hudson Bay and join us for an adventurous holiday in Manitoba's North!
Rocky Mountaineer
Many dates available, April-Oct; Dec.
All daylight trips in the Canadian Rockies, between Vancouver, Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise and Calgary. Upgrade for dome car views and gourmet meals.
Sierra Madre Express Copper Canyon Adventure
Various dates available
Experience one of North America's most adventurous trains: the Sierra Madre Express. Favorite memories of this tour include: waking up at the Posada Mirador Hotel, seeing the Copper Canyon in utter silence from your private balcony at dawn; relaxing on the train's open-air observation deck; enjoying meals in the dome diner; and hiking down into the canyon. Priced from $3,295 per person. Special New Year's departure available.
South Africa
Looking for sheer luxury and fantastic scenery? South Africa offers the Blue Train and Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa. These two trains are among the most luxurious in the world: deluxe service, fine meals and spacious accommodations! Both offer many itineraries, and can both be done on a customized itinerary. Call now to get on the list for our fabulous Signature Series Rovos Tour in June, 2006.
Worldwide Cruises
We are delighted to book you on any cruise offered by our preferred cruise partners:
American West Steamboat
Holland America
Princess
Sea Cloud
Please call for information
Clipper
INTRAV
Seabourn
Several European barges
~ Fully Independent Tours ~
If you prefer to travel on your own unique itinerary on dates that work for you, let us put together a customized itinerary for you! We'll plan your entire trip of seven days of more, from airfare and train reservations to transfers and four- or five-star hotels. Leave the details to us!
E-mail your request for a free sample copy of
The International Railway Traveler®
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-478-4881; Outside the U.S.: (502) 454-0277
www.irtsociety.com
Send us e-mail with comments or questions
