Hop on a luxury train and enjoy a slow-paced trip with the family this summer

Planning a different vacation for your family this season? Think leisurely rail trips. Richly furnished interiors, excellent dining options, luxury accommodations and performances to keep you entertained. And if that isn't sufficient, a constantly changing view from your room's window, as you pass snow-capped mountains or cross bridges will make your luxury train journey an experience of a lifetime. Simply enough, luxury trains are like hotels on wheels.
In addition, they also take you trans-country or transcontinent to showcase the beauty of varying landscapes and introduce you to the local culture. Luxe train travel is about comfort and elan and the tracks we follow in this issue of ET-Travel bring the best of destination rail road experiences to you.

Track through Russia with the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express and witness the Orient's unique charm and culture while aboard the Eastern and Oriental Express that passes through Singapore and Thailand. There is a lot to choose from...

Rovos Rail

Region: Africa Journey through the lush forests, spot wildlife and sip on some delicious wine as you travel in Rovos rail Rail. This luxury train travels on various routes throughout Southern Africa, from South Africa to Namibia and Tanzania. The trains consist of restored Rhodesia Railways (NRZ) coaches with two lounges, two restaurant cars, private sleeping compartments, each with private ensuite facilities. There are two delightful itineraries to entertain the most discerning player with optional excursions.

The Golf Safari (also the most popular one) begins in Pretoria and travels west to Sun City in the hills of the Pilanesberg National Park for a day at this renowned facility including a game drive. In the foothills of the imposing Drakensberg Mountains, 18 holes await at the Champagne Sports Resort with a guided tour of the battlefields.

Then it's on to Zululand for game viewing at Hluhluwe before heading to Swaziland. Tee off at Royal Swazi or enjoy a game drive at Mkhaya and a visit to Ngwenya Glass and Guava Gallery. Golfers then play the challenging Leopard Creek course while non-golfers enjoy a game drive in the worldfamous Kruger Park, after which this memorable journey ends in Pretoria.

Wow! Factor: Shanghai Maglev Train travels at a speed of 431 kms/hr. While there, make it a point to hop on board and experience this engineering masterpiece in action.