Mastercard6 Don’t-Miss Rail Excursions
6 Don’t-Miss Rail Excursions
By Lora Shinn
As the countryside glides by in swatches of greens, blues and browns, you chug along between sophisticated cities. Your deluxe seat reclines and offers plenty of room for relaxation, but the dining car down a few doors awaits—with cloth-topped tables, and china and silver to boot. No need to worry about missed turns, only when to go for breakfast.
If this sounds like a classic train trip from days long past, it’s time to get reacquainted with contemporary rail travel. Try one of these elite experiences in the U.S. or abroad.
Gleaming oak-paneled train cabins restored to glory and indulgent services are hallmarks of this Paris-to-Istanbul route, famously traveled by rail since 1883. This six-day, five-night journey starts off with an afternoon tea after departing Paris, which only seems appropriate. In Budapest and Bucharest, enjoy guided city tours and a castle visit, then cross the Danube through pastoral countryside. On the last day, the train glides into Turkey’s plains and on into ancient Istanbul. One annual departure.
Clocking in at just seven hours, this is a rollercoaster of a slow ride via hundreds of narrow-gauge bridges and tunnels, gorges and passes. Sit in panoramic cars, Prosecco in hand, and appreciate the precise Swiss engineering as you climb Oberalp Pass at nearly 7,000 feet. “Traveling by train allows for eyes to be engaged on the view and await the next turn and corner, which is fun when with kids,“ says Claudia Laroye, a Vancouver, B.C.-based mother and travel blogger, regarding her time aboard the Glacier Express. Year-round departures.
The Scottish, Welsh and Lake District countryside whir past on this circular route that takes a leisurely eight days and seven nights. Stops include a Scottish distillery, a Welsh castle and Roman baths, and the ride features on-board cocktails and elegant meal service. At night, settle into your dark-hued, en-suite cabin kitted out with vintage-style touches, sure to give a good night’s rest. One annual departure.
This 46-hour Seattle-Chicago trip offers spectacular views. Upon awaking after the first night aboard, riders are greeted by Montana’s majestic Glacier National Park along with the morning sun. Then the Empire Builder glides into Big Sky Country and North Dakota’s plains.
Tip: Splurge for a Superliner Bedroom Suite, which bunks four passengers in fresh beds with turn-down service and includes all meals. "I enjoyed actually seeing the country, which you don’t get flying, and basking in wide spaces,” says Seattle resident Clara Berg, who has taken the route twice. Departs daily.
Classic First Passage to the West
This four-day, three-night excursion takes riders through impossibly dramatic scenery as it travels from Vancouver, B.C., to Banff, Calgary: the picturesque Fraser Canyon, Thompson River’s rush, and the Canadian Rockies’ glaciers and peaks. Premium GoldLeaf Service pampers riders in a bi-level, glass-domed coach and gourmet hot meals. Departs June-October only.
Pullman Rail Journeys’ first-class trips trundle along the iconic tracks between Chicago and New Orleans on a two-day, one-night (19 ½-hour) journey. Classic train cars contain expansive picture windows, historic interiors and premium white bed linens, along with modern amenities like Wi-Fi. On-board live entertainment, meals and spirits are part of the all-inclusive package. Departs once weekly.
Experience the Old World glamour of traveling by train, where the journey is the destination. Take #OneMoreDay of vacation and book your next adventure with MasterCard.
