Across Siberia by Private Train: 15-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:First-Class
The Trans-Siberian Express is the big train ride—an epic journey spanning two continents and seven time zones. Spend fourteen days traveling on the world's most famous railway on board the private Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express. Most days are spent touring cities along the route; there are three, relaxing all-train days. Nights are spent on the train in private train compartments with en-suite bathroom (except in top hotels on first and last nights of the tour). Highlights include Mongolia visit, Lake Baikal outdoor train ride and beach picnic, and Siberian wooden architecture. There’s no better way to see the vastness of Siberia—travel Vladivostok to Moscow or reverse. This is one of IRT members’ favorite journeys.
*NEW lower-priced cabin available on 2011 departures. Click here for details of New Heritage Class. Some departures wait list only for New Heritage. Also new: all classic Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express journeys are guaranteed departures. Arrival and departure transfers included, even if you extend your stay. Are you a single? Ask to share, and be guaranteed the per person, double rate. Ask us for details.
Royal Scotsman Grand North Western Tour: 8-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:Luxury
With seven nights aboard, this is an opportunity to savor The Royal Scotsman and Scotland to the full. The Grand North Western tour combines the Classic and Western itineraries for a comprehensive exploration of Scotland. First, travel along the east coast to Keith, then west to the picturesque west coast village of Plockton, before returning to Inverness and then south to Perth. Enjoy the many highlights along the way, including a personal invitation to visit Ballindalloch, with its magnificent house and gardens. Relax and experience the magnificent West Highland scenery and a private view of Mount Stuart, one of Britain's most spectacular Victorian gothic houses. This itinerary also allows plenty of time to relax on board enjoying the train's wonderful meals, service and other amenities.
VSOE Venice-Krakow-Dresden-Paris: 8-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:Luxury
Travel across the Alps aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, from dreamy Venice to the architectural gem of Krakow, where you’ll spend two nights off-train at a hotel of your choosing. Take in Dresden, where you’ll spend an additional two nights off-train and have plenty of time to enjoy the city on your own. End in romantic Paris, with the option of continuing to London. Note: IRT is delighted to make your off-train accommodations, which are not included in the train fare.
Orient-Express Romantic Italian Holiday: 6 days
Region:Europe Train Type:Luxury
Try this for Romance: two nights in Florence at the Villa San Michele, a former monastery turned five-star hotel; two nights in Venice at the Cipriani, iconic waterside pleasure palace overlooking the Grand Canal; two days and a night on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, capped off by afternoon tea on the British Pullman into London. Perfect for honeymoons, anniversary celebrations, or any other occasion demanding over-the-top luxury and romance. Package includes hotels, breakfast daily, railway station/airport/hotel transfers, tours, Florence-Venice high-speed rail transfer, more. Extend your celebration: add London's romantic Milestone Hotel for a two-night stay.
Arctic Circle Express: Sweden & Norway: 15-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:First-Class
Travel on some of the most well-maintained railway systems in Europe while witnessing truly outstanding scenery. Our tour begins in Stockholm, then travels one of the most northerly lines in the world, crossing the Arctic Circle. Then we enjoy an in-depth exploration of southern Norway’s fjords and scenic railways, ending in the cultural capital of Oslo. Tour includes Flam, Bergen and Rauma Railways! This is a budget-oriented tour that requires stamina and the ability to carry your own luggage. Some of the hotels are tourist-class hotels; some train reservations are in second class.
Switzerland's Classic Routes: 15 or 8-day independent Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:First-Class
If you've been waiting to take some of the most scenic train trips in the world, wait no longer! This independent journey includes the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, as well as the Centovalli Railway and Golden Pass line—four of Switzlerand’s most scenic routes possible by train. The Furka Steam adds a historic element, and the mountain railways are impressive engineering feats. You’ll never stop looking out your train window or taking photos! Tour available in 8-day parts for shorter tours.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Paris-Istanbul Annual Journey: 6-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:Luxury
This once-a-year, week-long luxury rail voyage on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express recreates the original Orient Express Paris-Istanbul route. Traveling through seven countries like a period Broadway musical on wheels, there’s palpable excitement at every train stop. 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 VSOE train arrives in Istanbul. This classic luxury train tour is one of Europe's most popular journeys. Book now for 2011!
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Istanbul-Venice Annual Journey: 6 days
Region:Europe Train Type:Luxury
The classic Orient-Express journey. Depart from Istanbul and travel through Turkey and Bulgaria. Arrive the next day in Bucharest for a one-night stay, and continue your journey towards Budapest where you stay one night. Rejoin the train the next day and travel into Austria, stopping for a short city tour in Vienna before your overnight journey to Venice, where your journey ends.
Royal Scotsman Classic Tour: 5-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:Luxury
From the bagpipes and intimate musical events, to the grand sweep of the moors and the gorges, the Royal Scotsman Classic 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.
El Transcantábrico: Santiago to San Sebastian: 8-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:Luxury
NEW ITINERARY! Northern Spain's luxurious El Transcantábrico is offering a new itinerary in 2010—Santiago to San Sebastian. Begin in beautiful Santiago de Compostela and slowly travel 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 Sebastian, just a short train ride from France, Barcelona or Madrid.
Special Invitation: Owen & Eleanor Hardy, owners, The Society of International Railway Travelers®, invite you to join them Sept. 18-25 on El Transcantábrico for the trip from Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastian. Call (800) 478-4881 or (502) 454-0277.
VSOE Venice-Prague-London: 5-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:Luxury
Depart from Venice for an overnight on board the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, luxury train par excellence. The next day, this private train travels through Austria into the Czech Republic, arriving in Prague where you will spend two nights at a hotel of your choosing (off-train accommodation not included). Continue your journey through the Czech Republic and into Germany. After departing Paris the following morning travel to the French coast and cross the Channel, before boarding the British Pullman train for your journey to London.
Glacier & Bernina Express: 10-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:First-Class
This fabulous escorted tour takes in the entire length of the Glacier Express as well as the "Bernina Line," which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2010. Stay in the mountain villages of Zermatt and St. Moritz, high in the Swiss Alps. Take in the Matterhorn from the Gornergratbahn!
Royal Scotsman Grand Tour: Scotland, Wales & England: 8-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:Luxury
There can surely be no finer way to see the splendid British countryside than traveling aboard one of the world’s most luxurious trains. The Royal Scotsman, making its first cross-border foray in many years, will be your home for a 7-night exclusive, memorable journey around Scotland, Wales and England—exploring the very best of Great Britain.
Crimean Express by Private Train: 13-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:First-Class
Discover the land of Florence Nightingale and The Charge of the Light Brigade by private train! Watch the fascinating history of the Crimea unfold as you travel through Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova. Board the private Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express in Moscow, and head south touring capital cities Minsk, Lvov and Kishinev before arriving in the beautiful Crimean peninsula on the Black Sea. Spend five days exploring the region, including three nights in the exclusive sea-front Hotel Oreanda on Yalta’s breathtaking coast and two nights in Kiev. Owen Hardy, IRT's CEO & Publisher calls this journey "an incredible mix of culture, climate, history and experiences from amazing gardens to a tour of the Massandra Winery to dinner overlooking the Black Sea. This is one of the best tours we've ever done."
Transylvanian: London to Istanbul aboard the Danube Express: 8-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:First-Class
This incredible, all-inclusive and fully escorted journey includes Eurostar, ICE and the Danube Express. Weave your way across Eastern Europe, through Transylvania, “home” of the legendary Count Dracula, and spend two nights exotic Istanbul.
Trans-Siberian Winter Wonderland: 15-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:First-Class
The Trans-Siberian Express "Winter Wonderland" is a voyage through a shimmering sea of winter white. This epic journey spans two continents and seven time zones. Spend 14 days traveling on the world's most famous railway on board the private, cozy Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express. This unique winter journey includes a trip to frozen Lake Baikal, deepest fresh-water lake in the world, and the opportunity to experience a snowmobile or dog-sled ride across the rock-solid lake. For those who were dazzled by the sunlit snow in "Doctor Zhivago," this will be the answer to your "Winter Dreams."
El Transcantábrico: Northern Spain Luxury Train: 8-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:Luxury
Spain’s El Transcantábrico narrow-gauge luxury train pokes along 400 miles of incredible scenery across the northern coast at 40 mph, skirting coastline, meandering among mountains, following rivers and running along deep canyons. The routine includes onboard buffet breakfast and day touring by motorcoach to incredible restaurants and sites not reachable by train. All nights are spent on the train, stationary at quiet sidings.
Slovenia, Croatia and the Adriatic: 13-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:First-Class
A voyage of discovery into this magical region beyond the shores of Italy. Our grand tour includes the heritage Bohinj Railway, serene Lake Bled, the pretty Slovenian capital Ljubljana, leafy historic Zagreb, the seaside city of Split and wonderful Dubrovnik.
Venice to London (or Paris): 2 days
Region:Europe Train Type:Luxury
Take a step back in time on this overnight trip from Venice to Paris (or on to London) aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Luxuriate in the train's ambience, gourmet meals and superior service while taking in the beautiful scenery of the Italian Dolomites and the Swiss Alps. Disembark in Paris. Or, we highly recommend you extend the experience as you continue your journey to London on another of our World's Top 25 Trains,The British Pullman. On the other end, extend your journey from Venice to Rome.
Royal Scotsman Western Tour: 4-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:Luxury
The Royal Scotsman luxury train’s Western Tour runs on Scotland’s West Highland Line, one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. The deluxe, private train passes glens, lochs and mountains, steeped in the lore of giants such as Rob Roy McGregor and Bonnie Prince Charlie. The all-inclusive fare features off-train visits to such treasures as Mount Stuart House, Britain's most spectacular Victorian Gothic house. Pair this itinerary with the Royal Scotsman’s Classic Tour for a full week of luxurious touring through Scotland.
London (or Paris) to Venice: 2 days
Region:Europe Train Type:Luxury
Take a step back in time on this overnight trip from London (or Paris) to Venice on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Depart London mid-morning (or Paris just before dinner) for your luxurious overnight journey to Venice, where you arrive late afternoon the next day. Luxuriate in the train's ambience, gourmet meals and superior service while taking in Europe's beautiful and historic scenery.
Royal Scotsman Grand West Highland Tour: 6-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:Luxury
It's always hard to say farewell to the Scottish Highlands. That's why we've made it possible for you to join us for a much longer journey. Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the West Highland Line and an exclusive view of Mount Stuart, a spectacular Victorian Gothic house. Then after some free time in Edinburgh experience the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands as you head north, enjoying a leisurely journey up the east coast through Aberdeen to Keith. Try your hand at some outdoor activities on the Rothiemurchus Highland estate and enjoy a visit to Scone Castle.
Country Homes & Gardens-Luxury Train Travel in Scotland: 5-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:Luxury
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 Royal Scotsman luxury train as your rolling, five-star hotel, visit Edzell Castle and Gardens, Foulis Castle of Clan Munro, Attadale, Logie House, Rothiemurchus Estate, Pitmuies Garden, among other stops. There are only two departures of this exquisite itinerary.
Royal Scotsman Highland Tour: 3-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:Luxury
There is simply no better way to experience the drama and wild beauty of the Scotland than aboard the Royal Scotsman luxury train. This short introduction to the Scottish Highlands is ideal for those who like outdoor activity--at Rothiemurchus Estate for example, there will be the opportunity to try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, venturing out with the Estate's rangers on a Highland safari or just enjoying a Highland walk.
Great Britain by Steam: 10-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:Steam/Railfan
If you've long been dreaming of an extensive steam tour in the British Isles, now is your chance to make it a reality. Steaming across the British Isles, the birthplace of railways, will be an incredible journey from Penzance to Kyle of Lochalsh. It includes two of the most stunning rail lines in the UK and much more.
Russia's Arctic Circle by Private Train: 16-day Escorted Tour
Region:Europe Train Type:First-Class
Travel by private train to the Land of the Midnight Sun—all the way from Moscow to the Arctic Circle. Join us on this 16-day railway journey on our “hotel on wheels.” Cross the Arctic Circle and see the remote Russian cities of Murmansk, Nigel and Archangel during "White Nights."
