Out & About January 2017

ROMANCING THE RAILWAYS Holiday train journeys conjure up images of Agatha Christie-style scenarios and fine dining as you gaze out at the landscapes flashing by. If you’re looking for a big new adventure, Sarah Parker, from Bailey

Robinson, Hungerford, has some suggestions that will take you to the far corners of the globe

There is something undeniably romantic about the great railway journeys of the world. In the golden age of travel, the journey was considered as important as the destination and no detail was overlooked in the pursuit of comfort and style. Time slowed as passengers simply enjoyed the passing scenery while cocooned in a world of refinement; elegant dining, sophisticated interiors and impeccable service. Today, luxury train travel offers passengers not just an unrivalled opportunity to access some of the world’s most remote regions, but also an opportunity to marvel at breathtaking landscapes and dynamic scenery while relaxing in splendid opulence. The Orient-Express, now owned and operated by Belmond, arrived in Peru nearly two decades ago.

The Belmond Hiram Bingham Pullman service, named after the explorer who discovered the ancient Inca citadel, operates from Cusco to Machu Picchu, a magical railway journey which takes just over three hours. Decorated in the style of a 1920s Pullman carriage, each is furnished with polished wood and brass, with large comfortable armchairs.Tables are set with gleaming crystal and polished cutlery where you can enjoy brunch en route to Machu Picchu, and a gastronomic dinner on the return to Cusco. As of May 2017, the new Belmond Andean Explorer will operate between the UNESCO World Heritage site of Arequipa, past the reflective beauty of Lake Titicaca, and Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. This luxury sleeper service will be one of the highest altitude train journeys on Earth, traversing over the high plains of the Andes

for two full days and one very comfortable night. Let the views from observation car captivate your attention, and unwind in the dining cars amid interiors inspired by the texture and tone of Peru’s hand woven fabrics and Alpaca wool. Enjoy the Andean air with a Pisco Sour on the open deck of the observation car as the train travels through magnificent scenery. Climb aboard the Eastern and Oriental Express and discover South East Asia. Explore Bangkok and Singapore with the classic four-day three-night itinerary inspired by Shanghai Express , the 1932 film starring Marlene Dietrich. Watch the world go by your window on this 2,000 kilometre journey through rural landscapes and ancient villages, past gleaming pagodas, tea plantations, temples and historic monuments, and wonder in the remarkable contrast to the vibrant cities that

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