Rovos Rail The Ultimate Luxury Trek, Cape Town-Dar es Salaam

15-day Escorted Tour

If you do just one high-end rail trip in your life, make it Rovos Rail's Ultimate Luxury Trek, Cape Town-Dar es Salaam.

Rovos Rail runs one of the world's ultimate luxury rail trips between Cape Town and Dar es Salaam several times annually. The experience is unforgettable.

This 15-day private rail tour aboard Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa stretches across South Africa and Botswana, touches Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls, and crosses Zambia to Tanzania.

From Kimberley’s diamonds to a deluxe South Africa game lodge, from the very British Victoria Falls Hotel to Africa’s Great Rift Valley, every day is unique.

One highlight: a two-night stay at the five-star Tau Game Lodge with many game drives.

Combine with the Blue Train, another South African luxury train, for a unique view of the African subcontinent’s diverse, spectacular scenery.

Latest News: IRT's Angela Walker and Rachel Hardy just returned from South Africa, where they were inspecting Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa, among other luxury travel partners. Click here for part one of their report on the train, here for part two.

Inside Track: We dined with Rovos Rail's Alicia Taljaard recently. Her favorite trip? It's not what you might think. Click here.

 

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Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express

15-day Escorted Tour
The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express is THE big train ride—an epic 15-day journey spanning two continents and seven time zones. Travel across the world's most famous railway on board the private Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express. You'll spend most days touring cities along the route as well as enjoy three, relaxing all-day train rides. You'll spend your nights on the train in private train compartments (except on the first and last nights of the tour, when you'll be in top hotels). Highlights include viewing the early-morning mist rising over Lake Baikal, as you ride outside on the engine, followed by a picnic lunch on a secluded beach. There’s no better way to see the vastness of Siberia. One of IRT members’ favorite journeys, it's a trip that will change your life. Five Imperial Suites will continue to be available on all Golden Eagle departures. These new compartments are the most spacious – 120 square feet – offered on the train and feature a fixed king-sized bed, a dedicated dressing table and lounge area, and more. For more details about the Imperial Suites, click here.

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The Silk Road: Beijing to Moscow by Private Train

21-day Escorted Tour
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The Silk Road rail adventure is one of the most exotic, storied, and best-loved by Society of IRT members, taking travelers to places few Westerners have ventured. It's no wonder IRT co-owners Owen & Eleanor Hardy chose this epic adventure to celebrate IRT's 30th anniversary in 2013! This two-train tour follows in the footsteps of Marco Polo along one of the world’s oldest and most historic trade routes. The luxurious Golden Eagle and the first-class Shangri-La Express trains will transport you back in time through five countries. This great caravan road linked the kings of Europe with the luxuries of Asia—most significantly, its silks and spices. It is preserved to a remarkable degree. Tour the Gobi Desert on camel, and see the Terracotta Warriors of Xian. Marvel at the architecture and artistry on display in the mosques and buildings of Central Asia's most important medieval cities. Wander through local markets offering Uzbek textiles and ceramics. Explore the history-rich cities of Beijing and Moscow. And do it all from the comfort of your "hotel-on-wheels!" This is truly a "trip of a lifetime." Short on time? 13-day "Taste of the Silk Road" also available from Almaty-Moscow only. Please click here for details, pricing, and dates.

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Balkan Explorer on the Danube Express: Venice to Istanbul

11-Day Escorted Tour

Discover the fascinating history, vibrant culture, and medieval relics of this enchanting region as we venture through the lush landscapes of the Balkan states and their neighboring countries on the Balkan Explorer journey aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Meandering through verdant landscapes and along turquoise coastlines, this exclusive rail cruise delivers a captivating exploration of the Balkan nations.  Travel through an incredible nine countries in just 11 days, with the Golden Eagle Danube Express as your comfortable hotel-on-wheels.

Add the 'Castles of Transylvania' tour, a 7-day Istanbul-Budapest extension to your Balkan Explorer journey! Click here for more information.

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A Caspian Odyssey Along the Ancient Silk Road

16-day Escorted Tour
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Begin the captivating Caspian Odyssey journey in Yerevan, Armenia, where the skyline is dominated by snow-capped Mount Ararat towering in the distance. Then, board the luxurious all-ensuite Golden Eagle train and begin your adventure through the South Caucasus region. Visit the Georgian cities of Tbilisi, Telavi, and Gori, all steeped in history both modern and ancient. Then make your way to Baku, Azerbaijan on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. After an adventurous crossing on the Caspian Sea, you'll join the ancient Silk Road trading route and visit Ashgabat, the gleaming capital of Turkmenistan. Then, visit Uzbekistan, with tours of Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent, before arriving at your final destination of Almaty, Kazakhstan. This once-a-year tour takes you to places few western travelers have ever seen - and on one of the most luxurious trains in the world, the stunning Golden Eagle. There's no better way to see these historic and otherworldly places! Click here to read about IRT Vice President of Operations Angela Walker's Caspian Odyssey. Note: The Golden Eagle train includes five Imperial Suites on all departures. These new compartments are the most spacious – 120 square feet – and feature a fixed king-sized bed, a dressing table and lounge area, and more. For details about this and other upgrades, click here.

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Rovos Rail's South African Collage From the Mountains to the Sea

10-day Escorted Tour
The Rovos Rail African Collage is a panoramic, 2,100-mile, 10-day South African luxury train sojourn along the Western Cape's famous Garden Route. Among the optional extensions to be offered: a trip on Rovos Rail's "rival" luxury rail service, the fabulous and very modern Blue Train. The tour departs just three times annually, with optional golf excursions offered throughout the tour. Travel from Pretoria eastwards to Malelane, south through Swaziland to Durban, and southwest through Port Elizabeth, Oudtshoorn and George to Cape Town. Enjoy game drives in Kruger Park, Hluhluwe Game Reserve and Addo Elephant Park; spend an evening in Durban and visit an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn. From Knysna the train travels along the Indian Ocean on the scenic Garden Route before ending in Cape Town. Note: Golfers have the option of playing six challenging courses, including Ernie Els' Oubaai Golf Club. More News: Ms. Walker and Rachel Hardy returned from South Africa earlier in 2018, where they inspected Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa, among other luxury travel partners. Click here for part one of their report on the train, here for part two. Inside Track: We dined with Rovos Rail's Alicia Taljaard recently. Her favorite trip? It's not what you might think. Click here.

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Balkan Odyssey on the Danube Express: Budapest-Venice

10-Day Escorted Tour
Explore Eastern Europe's Balkans on the Golden Eagle Danube Express' Balkan Odyssey luxury rail journey. This is a region synonymous with history and legend, stunning architecture and colorful people, yet also with war and tragedy. In one glorious sweep, you’ll travel from Budapest, where you'll spend two nights at the famed Four Seasons Gresham Palace, then through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Slovenia, and on into Venice’s Santa Lucia Station.  And you’ll do so in comfort, aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express. The Danube Express' Balkan Odyssey passes through some of Europe’s most poignant and destructive periods of conflict, complemented by a fascinating insight into the future of modern Europe. The city of Budapest, a remarkable blend of medieval and Baroque style, is our starting point for this remarkable journey. Before boarding our exclusive train, we will take time to discover the absorbing history of the once divided cities of Buda and Pest and explore some of its modern day customs. Settle in to your private compartments aboard the elegant Golden Eagle Danube Express as your rail voyage meanders through stunningly beautiful countryside and awe-inspiring mountain ranges on an exploration of the mythical Transylvania region. We then route westwards though the intriguing countries of the former Yugoslavia.  At the end of this remarkable journey, we reach the stunning maritime city of Venice, a unique mix of Gothic and Renaissance palaces perched on the edge of the Italian coast.

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Trans-Siberian Winter Wonderland by Steam

22-day Escorted Tour
25 years after operating the first-ever private Trans-SIberian rail journey, join Golden Eagle for the 22-day Trans-Siberian Winter Wonderland by Steam. This is a spectacular, entirely steam-hauled voyage through a shimmering sea of winter white on the most iconic railway in the world. This epic trip spans two continents and seven time zones. Enjoy several fascinating stops rich in culture and history, including Yekaterinburg, the spot where the Bolsheviks executed Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. Visit the birthplace of Lenin at Ulyanovsk and take in the architecture in Irkutsk, the 'Paris of Siberia.' Visit Kazan's Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Ulan Ude, where you will visit the Old Believers. Tour Ulaan Baatar, capital of Mongolia. Spend one night at a traditional alpine hotel on the shores of Lake Baikal, deepest freshwater lake in the world, and wake up to breathtaking views across the Sharyzhalgay river gorge. Watch ice fishing, or experience a snowmobile or dog-sled ride across the rock-solid lake. For those dazzled by the sunlit snow in "Doctor Zhivago," Trans-Siberian Winter Wonderland by Steam is the answer to your "Winter Dreams." Two nights are included in the tour at our fabulous Virtuoso partner property, Four Seasons Hotel Moscow. (And if you've never been to Moscow before, we highly recommend adding a day or two to explore the city more fully.)

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Paris to Istanbul Annual Journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

6-day Escorted Tour
The Paris to Istanbul journey (or vice versa) is THE most glamorous way to celebrate a milestone anniversary or birthday. This once-a-year, week-long luxury rail voyage from Paris to Istanbul or from Istanbul to Paris on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) is a true 'trip of a lifetime'. Travel through seven countries in elegant style. Food, wine, service, off-train tours, atmosphere: everything is over-the-top — especially if you book one of the new Grand Suites. (For more info on the Grand Suites, read Rachel Hardy's blog post and see her magnificent photos. ) There is palpable excitement at every stop as the VSOE luxury train travels through France, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. The world's most authentic luxury train, the VSOE is the real deal, complete with coal-heated sleeping cars and windows that open. Enjoy gourmet meals in one of the train's three sumptuous diners, or a late-night drink in the classy bar car. Paris to Istanbul: Board in Paris for your journey through France, Switzerland and Austria towards Budapest. Overnight at a five-star Budapest hotel, then continue through Hungary and into Romania. Enjoy the next day and night in Bucharest at yet another grand hotel. The next day, stop in Bulgaria before enjoying your last night and day on board as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train arrives in Istanbul. Istanbul to Paris: Board in Istanbul and travel through Turkey and Bulgaria before arriving in Bucharest for a one-night stay in a 5-star hotel. Continue your journey into Budapest, where you overnight, again in a grand hotel. The next day, drink in the scenery as the train makes its way to Balaton Lake in Hungary, winding through vineyards and forests. Then, re-board the train for an elegant farewell dinner, before your overnight journey through Germany and into France. Enjoy a delicious farewell lunch on board before the train arrives into Paris.  

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Lobito to Victoria Falls: Copper Trail

Join Rovos Rail on this brand-new for 2022 15-day Lobito to Victoria Falls: Copper Trail epic trek from the Atlantic Ocean to the African heartland. Journey through Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Zimbabwe.  The journey begins in Lobito and ends at the majestic Victoria Falls.

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Dar es Salaam to Lobito: Trail of Two Oceans

15-day Escorted Tour
Join Rovos Rail's brand-new Dar es Salaam to Lobito journey, Trail of Two Oceans, and travel through countries few Western travelers have seen: Tanzania, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), & Angola. Begin in the capital of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, visit the famous Selous Reserve, stay two nights in the remote South Luangwa National Park (Zambia), and enjoy a city tour of Lubumbashi, DRC. Next, join the Benguela line in Angola, with walking tours in Luau, Luena, Kuito and Hambo before arriving in Lobito. Learn about Angola's fascinating history, both recent and ancient. Note: This journey is also available in reverse. Rovos Rail's Brenda Vos wrote the following glowing report from the inaugural departure of the Dar es Salaam to Lobito journey: "The trip was a great success in both directions with minimal adjustments to the running schedule. The receptions at Lubumbashi and Kolwezi were a surprise while the officialdom and huge crowds meeting the train in Angola was unbelievable. Governors, ministers, tribal leaders, mayors, railwaymen, clergy and many other dignitaries all dressed up in their finest were on hand to meet the train at all major stations, accompanied by numerous musical groups and tribal dancers. The tourism department and railways went way beyond the call of duty to ensure a safe and successful journey, while the journalists and TV crews had a field day giving our visit huge publicity. Our thanks to everyone who met us along the way with such enthusiasm and support – you added a memorable and touching element to the journey that we could not have anticipated or hoped for."

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Caucasian Explorer

15 Day Escorted Tour
Join this brand new Caucasian Explorer departure on the Golden Eagle. The journey travels to the North Caucasus and Black Sea coast. Highlights include a tour of Moscow's Kremlin & Lenin's tomb, a ride on the famous Gagarin Children's Railway in Rostov-on-Don, the Radishchev Museum in Saratov, a boat trip on the Volga River in Saratov, the Akhmad Kadyrov Mosque in Chechnya, a ride on the steep branch line from Mineralnye-Vodi to Kislovodsk, the restored 1930s narrow-gauge railroad through Guamsky Canyon, journey on the "Russian Riviera" line to Sochi, and, best of all, 12 nights aboard the luxurious Golden Eagle train. Almost everything is included in this tour -- gratuities, meals, sightseeing per itinerary, transfers, and a generous drinks allowance.

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Madras Mail: Mumbai to Hyderabad by Luxury Deccan Odyssey Train

15-day Escorted Tour

Carefully designed to take in the best of Southern India, the Madras Mail covers everything from India’s most important cities to spectacular World Heritage Sites and stunning coastlines -- all from the comfort of the luxurious Deccan Odyssey. The gateways of Mumbai (Bombay) and Chennai (Madras) are key ports of call, as they open the door to a more tropical India: slower, tranquil, and even more exotic.

When you're not on the Deccan Odyssey, spend nights at some of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in India: Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, Taj Fisherman's Cove Resort and Spa Chennai, and Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad.

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Grand Alpine Express: Budapest to Venice on the Danube Express

11-day Escorted Tour

The Grand Alpine Express is a scenic feast for the eyes. From the classic capital cities of Budapest and Vienna, venture deep into the Austrian Tyrol before heading across the valleys of the Swiss Alps and onward through the Italian Lake District as you visit Como and Garda before heading into the lesser-known but equally beautiful country of Slovenia and its crown jewel, Lake Bled. Traverse some of the most scenic railway lines in the world as the Golden Eagle Danube Express weaves its way through tunnels, across viaducts, and over mountain passes. Journey's end will be in the stunning maritime city of Venice, an outstanding mixture of Gothic and Renaissance palaces perched on the edge of the Italian coast. A perfect end to a memorable journey of alpine discovery.

 

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White Nights by Steam

Join us on White Nights by Steam for an incredible rail journey during the celebratory White Nights season, as we cross deep into the Arctic Circle aboard the luxurious Golden Eagle. Incomparable cities, remote communities, serene forests and stories recounting a turbulent history await you on this adventure of a lifetime. What better way is there to experience the land of the midnight sun than by private train? This is a spectacular, entirely steam-hauled voyage through a shimmering sea of winter white on the most iconic railway in the world.

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Republics of the Silk Road: Moscow to Almaty

17-day Escorted Tour
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A new itinerary for 2020, the Republics of the Silk Road is a fascinating rail journey on the Golden Eagle luxury train that travels through the Five Stans: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Solo travelers take note: there is no single supplement for Silver or Gold Class on the 2020 departure of Republics of the Silk Road. This is unlikely to be offered again. Pricing for solo travelers is going up by at least $15,000 dollars for 2021. If you are a solo traveler and have wanted to take a private train journey through Central Asia, there has never been a better time to do it. Click here for Lonely Planet's short video explaining why they have named the Central Asian Silk Road the top region to visit in 2020.

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Namibia Safari by Luxury Train aboard Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa

9-day Escorted Tour
The nine-day Namibia Safari is an unforgettable 1,500 mile (3,400 km) trek through one of the earth's most interesting and alien landscapes, all aboard Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa luxury train. Departing from Pretoria, the first stop is Kimberley, center of one of the world’s famous diamond rushes, where there is an opportunity to savor the 1870s atmosphere of the mine village. The train traverses the stark vistas of the Northern Cape to the Fish River Canyon – second in size to the Grand Canyon – and Garas Park with its Quiver Tree Forest and the Giant’s Playground. Continue across the untamed beauty of the Kalahari Desert to Namibia’s capital for a tour; Windhoek is a lively, cosmopolitan city with a strong German flavor. Next, take a short flight to Sossusvlei, a stunning pan in the Namib Desert, for an overnight stay, followed by a night in the game-rich Etosha National Park. On the last morning, the train travels the Namib to the perfectly preserved 19th-century German Hansa town of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay – an unforgettable end to a remarkable journey. Imagine a country so vast and sparsely populated that it's possible to find places devoid of everything: plants, animals, people, rocks: just endless miles of wind-swept sand. Namibia is much more. Namib-Naukluft, Africa's largest game park, is home to Sossusvlei’s brilliant red dunes. Etosha National Park is one of Africa's largest, both in terms of its size and in its plethora of different kinds of animals. And there's no finer way to explore this desert land than by luxury train. As the former German Southwest Africa, Namibia retains much of its colonial heritage—it’s also well-known for its great lager beers. Latest News: IRT’s Angela Walker and Rachel Hardy just returned from South Africa, where they were inspecting Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa, among other luxury travel partners. Click here for part one of their report on the train, here for part two. Inside Track: We dined with Rovos Rail's Alicia Taljaard recently. Her favorite trip? It's not what you might think. Click here.

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New Year's in Vienna aboard the Danube Express

9-day Escorted Tour
Celebrate New Year in Vienna in style aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express with a special festive departure across Central Europe.  You'll be at the center of the festivities in beautiful Vienna. Our New Year's departure offers a sociable atmosphere combined with sumptuous gala dinners, music, opera, dancing, fireworks and exclusive regional celebrations that you will forever remember. From Budapest, venture through winter-wonderland landscapes. Chug across Central Europe, and glide through valleys beneath Austria's towering Alps. Along the way, encounter beautiful capital cities and hidden gems. Our New Year’s voyage by private train delivers a stylish combination of musical celebration, rich history and architectural treasures. The all-inclusive itinerary and the comfortable luxury of the Danube Express will whisk you from location to location in a manner not possible by any other means of travel. Why go? Because you simply must. Read IRT Founder Owen Hardy's account here.

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Belmond Grand Hibernian: Gardens and Gallops of Unseen Ireland

5-Day Escorted Tour

Join us aboard Belmond Grand Hibernian for a thrilling journey that takes you into magnificent private homes and estates to meet gardening gurus, siblings of a whiskey dynasty and a legendary horse trainer. This richly packed, four-night adventure will see you coursing through the Emerald Isle and alighting to enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes tours with owners and experts alike.

Leading the tour are Patsy Floyd and Heather Osborne. Green-fingered photographer Patsy, who lived and worked in Ireland for the first 28 years of her life, has led many garden tours for Belmond Royal Scotsman and, when time allows, also enjoys her own wonderful garden in Wiltshire. Heather has lived most of her life in Ireland and is an enthusiastic gardener. She is also an accomplished horsewoman and has even won a race in Leopardstown.

Armed with a wealth of insider knowledge and enthusiasm, the two are the ideal traveling companions for your spectacular journey on the Belmond Grand Hibernian!

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Darjeeling Mail: Mumbai to Kolkata by Luxury Deccan Odyssey Train

15-day Escorted Tour

Darjeeling Mail on the Deccan Odyssey luxury train is one of the best ways to travel through India. Experience the breathtaking views of the Himalayas from the hill plantations, explore the vibrant bazaars of Delhi, watch the sunrise on the sacred Ganges at Varanasi, and visit the amazing sights of Agra, including, of course, the incomparable Taj Mahal. A trip to India will change the way you view the world forever.

Embark on a stunning journey by private train across Northern India, coast to coast, from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal. From the warm-heartedness of the people to the scenery and wonderful sights and sounds, a private rail journey through India is a memorable experience.

 

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