South African Spectacular featuring Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa

17-day Escorted Tour
We are thrilled to announce an exclusive IRT-hosted tour, South African Spectacular, featuring Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa!  This 17-day journey will take in the best of South Africa -- beginning in bustling Johannesburg with three nights at the fabulous Saxon Hotel and Spa. Then board Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa for the journey south to Cape Town, making stops along the way for three game drives, an ostrich farm visit, Spionkop history and battlefields tour, optional golf outings and the breathtaking Garden Route scenery of mountains and sea.  End with four nights at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel in scenic Cape Town, where you will experience fine dining, enjoy a winery visit, and tour Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula.
Optional pre-tour extension on the Blue Train and post-tour Winelands extension in Franschoek.

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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 this one.

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 The 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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Russia on the Trans-Siberian Express: Vladivostok-Moscow

15-day Escorted Tour
The 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. Three 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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Grand Tour of Great Britain

8-day Escorted Tour
The Grand Tour of Great Britain features bountiful Scottish dinners, outstanding service, and fascinating history -- all while on one of the world's most luxurious trains: Belmond Royal Scotsman. There's no finer way to see the splendid British countryside. The Belmond Royal Scotsman, making a rare cross-border foray, will be your home for a 7-night exclusive, memorable journey around Scotland, Wales and England—exploring the very best of Great Britain. IRT Exclusive: Click here to see our video of Society President Eleanor Hardy's trip on the Belmond Royal Scotsman.

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Scotch Malt Whisky Trail Tour

5-day Escorted Tour
As the world’s foremost malt whisky club, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society — specialists in single cask, single malt whiskies — is the perfect partner for this special Scotch Malt Whisky Trail Tour on the Belmond Royal Scotsman. Guests will enjoy the company of a Society Whisky Ambassador on board throughout the journey, along with the Society’s exclusive and rare malts for sampling and discussion. IRT Exclusive: Click here to see our video of Society President Eleanor Hardy's trip on the Belmond Royal Scotsman.

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Istanbul-Paris Annual Journey

6 days
Travel through six countries on this epic six-day journey from Istanbul to Paris on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Enjoy luxury-class food, wine, service, off-train tours and romantic, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express atmosphere. After departing Istanbul, travel through Turkey and Bulgaria, arriving next day 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 Venice Simplon-Orient-Express 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 Gare de L'est Station, where your tour ends. Special Report: Click here for travel notes from the Society's celebratory 20th anniversary Paris-Istanbul VSOE trip, written by Owen Hardy, Society founder, for the Gentleman's Gazette.

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Paris-Istanbul Annual Journey

6-day Escorted Tour
This once-a-year, week-long luxury rail voyage from Paris to istanbul on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express 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. 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. 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. Special Report: Click here for travel notes from the Society's celebratory 20th anniversary Paris-Istanbul Venice Simplon-Orient-Express trip, written by Owen Hardy, Society founder, for the Gentleman's Gazette.

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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 train 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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Belmond Grand Hibernian: Grand Tour of Ireland - Southbound

7-Day Escorted Tour
Ancient legends, inspiring natural beauty and vibrant cities—see the highlights of "the Emerald Isle" with a complete journey through both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Tours from Dublin on the Belmond Grand Hibernian are sure to stay with you for a lifetime. Let yourself be captivated by Ireland's charms as you journey in peerless luxury. Anticipate your journey on the Belmond Grand Hibernian to be accentuated by magical encounters, world-class cuisine and exceptional service. Click here to read IRT Owner & CEO Owen Hardy's blog review of the Belmond Grand Hibernian after taking the Grand Tour with an IRT group charter. Click here for more information about the Belmond Grand Hibernian itself.

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Belmond Grand Hibernian: Grand Tour of Ireland - Northbound

8-Day Escorted Tour
Ancient legends, inspiring natural beauty and vibrant cities—see the highlights of "the Emerald Isle" with a complete journey through both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Tours from Dublin on the Belmond Grand Hibernian are sure to stay with you for a lifetime. Let yourself be captivated by Ireland's charms as you journey in peerless luxury. Anticipate your journey on the Belmond Grand Hibernian to be accentuated by magical encounters, world-class cuisine and exceptional service. Click here to read IRT Owner & CEO Owen Hardy's blog review of the Belmond Grand Hibernian after taking the Grand Tour with an IRT group charter. Click here for more information about the Belmond Grand Hibernian itself.

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Rovos Rail's S. African Collage From the Mountains to the Sea

10-day Escorted Tour
Latest News: Be sure to check out our VERY special African Collage tour hosted by IRT’s Angela Walker - the South African Spectacular. Itinerary details can be found here. Tour dates are October 27-November 12, 2019. Contact us for further details! 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 many Rovos Rail staff rank number one: a panoramic 2,100-mile, 10-day South African sojourn departing three times annually, with optional activities for golfers. 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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Grand Tour of Scotland

8-day Escorted Tour
The Grand Tour of Scotland -- new for 2020 -- takes guests on an in-depth exploration of the country's history and culture, all by private luxury train. The Belmond Royal Scotsman will be your home for this 8-day, 7-night journey. IRT travelers love the intimate group size -- maximum capacity is 40 guests - the delightful meals served in the beautifully-laid dining car, and the open-air platform at the end of the train. IRT Exclusive: Click here to see our video of Society President Eleanor Hardy's trip on the Belmond Royal Scotsman.

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Belmond Grand Hibernian: Legends and Loughs

Five-Day Escorted Tour
Experience the ultimate in Irish holidays and uncover the hidden gems of the Emerald Isle aboard the luxurious Belmond Grand Hibernian. Begin in Dublin and first travel south to Cork. Then, wind your way up the west coast and visit Killarney, Galway and Westport. Highlights include behind the scenes tour of Jameson’s Whiskey distillery, “kissing” the Blarney Stone, the spectacular lakes of Killarney, breath-taking scenery of Connemara National Park, sporting activities at Ashford Castle, and traditional Irish music and lunch in Galway. Let yourself be taken by the spirit of adventure. Visit thrilling destinations as the train crosses through postcard-perfect scenery. Dine on lovingly prepared cuisine, enriched by the finest regional ingredients, while traditional local entertainment aboard brings each memorable day to a close. Click here to read IRT Owner & CEO Owen Hardy’s blog review of the Belmond Grand Hibernian after taking the Grand Tour with an IRT group charter.

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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.

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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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Scotland's Classic Splendours

5-day Escorted Tour

Belmond Royal Scotsman Scotland's Classic Splendours Tour is one of the best in the world. From the bagpipes and intimate musical events, to the grand sweep of the moors and the gorges, the Belmond Royal Scotsman's Classic Splendours Tour is a journey straight to the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Life on the train is relaxed and indulgent, with the freshest, finest local produce served in the dining cars. From Edinburgh, the train follows the east coast up to Keith, then journeys to the picturesque west coast village of Plockton, thence to Inverness and south to Perth.

Two highlights: a private tour and tasting at Glen Ord Distillery and a personal tour of Ballindalloch, with its magnificent castle and gardens. Other activities include clay pigeon shooting or guided walking along Caledonian pine forest trails.  Life on the train is relaxed and indulgent, with the freshest, finest local produce served in the dining cars and nights in the all en-suite sleeping cars spent at quiet sidings.  This is one of IRT's favorite train experiences -- and once aboard, you will see why.  Combine it with the Western Scenic Wonders Tour, and you have one of IRT President Eleanor Hardy's favorite journeys of all time.

IRT Exclusive: Click here to see our video of Society President Eleanor Hardy's trip on the Belmond Royal Scotsman.

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Heritage Homes & Gardens - Spring

5-day Escorted Tour
Join respected British gardening writer Sue Chivers and photographer Patsy Floyd on a memorable rail journey around some of Scotland’s finest country homes and gardens. Enjoy personal tours given by members of the family, as well as welcome drinks in their homes and walks through their beautiful gardens. With the Belmond Royal Scotsman luxury train as your rolling, five-star hotel, visit Brechin Castle Gardens, Foulis Castle of Clan Munro, Attadale, Rothiemurchus Estate, Pitmuies Garden, among other stops. Journey length: 720 miles. IRT Exclusive: Click here to see our video of Society President Eleanor Hardy's trip on the Belmond Royal Scotsman.

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Heritage Homes & Gardens - Autumn

5-day Escorted Tour

Belmond Royal Scotsman's Heritage Homes & Gardens - Autumn Tour is a discovery of outstanding autumnal gardens as you venture on a scenic rail journey into the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and Southwest Scotland. 

Life on the train is relaxed and indulgent, with the freshest, finest local produce served in the dining cars.

New to the Belmond Royal Scotsman in 2017: full-service spa car. Inquire when you book your journey!

IRT Exclusive: Click here to see our video of Society President Eleanor Hardy's trip on the Belmond Royal Scotsman.

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El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo: Santiago-San Sebastián Luxury Train

8-day Escorted Tour
Northern Spain's luxurious El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, a gem of a train, travels slowly between Santiago and San Sebastián, along northern "Green Spain," stopping for exceptional meals to explore local cuisine. Fresh ingredients and fine wines enhance the dining experiences—a highlight of this tour. End in San Sebastián, a day-train ride from France, Barcelona or Madrid. The new train has all Deluxe Suites and takes only 28 persons. And let us book your hotels pre- and post-train.  We offer a great value on hotel bookings with our Virtuoso partner hotels: the offer includes exclusive and valuable complimentary amenities which add a value of hundreds of dollars to your booking. Latest News: Click here

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Bangkok-Singapore by Luxury Eastern & Oriental Express Train

4-day Escorted Tour
Linking Bangkok and Singapore, the Eastern & Oriental Express provides a satisfying introduction to four great cultures, as revealed by the glittering Thai temples of Bangkok and Singapore's exciting mix of Chinese, Indian, and Malay architecture and cuisine. The mid-journey sightseeing choices include the famed bridge over the River Kwai, a cycle tour to a village, or a culinary tour to a market and an ancient noodle factory. Each are fascinating and well-received already this season. New in 2018: A much smaller group of guests on board -- 82 maximum, a significant drop from the earlier max of 132. All guests enjoy the above-mentioned amazing touring choices as well as complimentary house wines and well drinks. (Specialty wines, cocktails, and spirits are billable.) Guests in Presidential Suites enjoy a host of new amenities, including complimentary and exclusive in-cabin wi-fi and complimentary private limousine transfers to/from train stations in Bangkok & Singapore. Presidential Suites also include: - A bottle of champagne and fruit basket in cabin on arrival - Complimentary mini bar - stocked with a selection of spirits, local beer, soft drinks and chocolate - Complimentary on board pressing service - Wireless speaker in cabin This journey is also available in reverse, from Singapore to Bangkok.

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