From the wilds of Scotland to South Africa’s spectacular game reserves, the only way to travel is in locomotive style this summer
Belmond British Pullman
For a train journey that is seeped in history, the British Pullman is like no other. The vintage carriages are individually named and come with their own unique story – some survived air raid bombing during WWII and even served in Sir Winston Churchill’s funeral train. The oldest carriage, Ibis, dates back to 1925 and some have been used by the Royal family, President de Gaulle and Nikita Krushchev. Relax during a five-course lunch with champagne surrounded by Art Deco marquetry, plush armchairs and tables set with silver and crystal while the train whisks you away to one of their Best of British locations, including Cambridge, Bath and Canterbury. From £210 pp at Belmond
Rovos Rail
Travel through the heart of Africa while relaxing in your own private suite onboard one of Rovos Rail’s award-winning trains. This will be a trip of a lifetime starting in Cape Town and travelling through Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and ending in Dar-es-Salam, Tanzania. Visiting the world’s largest man-made excavation, South Africa’s Madikwe Game Reserve, and descending into the magnificent Rift Valley are among the highlights of the trip. From £15,000 at TRULY Experiences
Belmond Northern Belle
Surround yourself in the opulence of 1930s rail travel with the Northern Belle. The train that champions the Best of British from each carriage being named after a Great British castle or stately home to the menu that takes inspiration from the British countryside and uses locally sourced ingredients. The interiors have been individually designed to the highest standard by muralists and mosaic artists. Journeys range from Chester to Harrogate and more, or you can take all the family in the dedicated family carriage which is kitted out with traditional games, DVD players, goody bags and a certificate of travel for the little ones. From £195 pp at Belmond
Belmond Royal Scotsman
It’s an intimate affair with only 36 guests on board travelling through the heart of the highlands surrounded by pine-clad mountains and mirror-still lochs. As you’d expect, Scottish specialities such as wild salmon and Aberdeen Angus beef make up the menu and for the formal dinners, cocktail dresses and kilns are encouraged. Departing from Edinburgh, you have the choice of touring Great Britain, the Highlands or the iconic sights of western Scotland, including Loch Lomond and Ben Nevis. From £930 pp at Belmond
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Travel through some of the most romantic cities in Europe abroad two of the most luxury locomotives. This four night trip will start off on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express taking you through Venice, Prague and finish in London aboard the Belmond British Pullman. Enjoy breakfast bought to your cabin, brunch with views of the French countryside and and leisurely four-course dinners. From £2860pp at Carrier
Main image: Belmond
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