Friday, January 27, 2012

Journeying The Continent In Comfort With Luxury Train Travel

By Bertulda Zerna


One of the most romantic things a person used to be able to do was engaging in luxury train travel. They could sit in great comfort while being indulged with fine food and beautiful surroundings. They knew they were traveling as they watched the land pass before their eyes and the names of town and villages were pasted on the signs of stations they pulled into. This was not always possible with the trains back in those days. Then the likes of George Pullman changed things and left an everlasting legacy for others to cherish.

Then in Europe a rail company created the first major luxury train for people. The Orient Express was developed to move people across the continent. A rider could find themselves surrounding by beautiful paintings, furnishings, and rooms. Those they wished more out of their journeys had finally found it. Many people think that this is a time that has passed us by, but there are companies like Rovos in South Africa, that still provide this experience to the discerning traveler.

Rovos is headquartered in Pretoria, South Africa. They regularly take people to places like Tanzania, Victoria Falls, and Cape Town. The train embarks from from the Capital Park Station for what many think is a ride of a lifetime.

Rovos is the type of company that likes to locate old train cars to use. They will take these cars they find and completely reconstruct and refurbish them into their original use. Sometimes they will convert them into new uses while respecting the history they have been reintroducing to the public.

The lounge areas have leather chairs and cushioned sofas. One can open a window and breathe in the fresh air while taking in the sounds and smells of the South African countryside. This is especially thrilling when the cars are connected to a steam engine to give the full flavor of olden days.

There are places that are perfect for viewing the passing scenery. They installed large glass windows that open up the ability see versus the small cramped windows one normally finds on a passenger train. There is even an outdoor balcony to take in the scents and sounds of the environment.

Resting in a suite can be especially appealing. If one chooses they can sleep on a double bed. They can even bath in an old Victorian tub with legs.

Luxury train travel is still possible in certain places. They offer a step back in time when the pace was slower and one could appreciate their surroundings. All one needs do is book a trip and hop on board.




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