There is a well-deserved romance around train journeys, never failing to charm with their old-world elegance. Train journeys often take one to the uncharted expanses, where everyday roads might not lead to. Further enhancing their appeal, these journeys can be one of the most rewarding experiences, especially when travelling aboard a luxury train that comes in the form of extravagant opulence on wheels. From personal valets to magnificent suites, gourmet services, spas and gyms and even more, one can have it all onboard these trains.
Europe: Orient-Express
By far the most famous train in the world, the Orient Express, which was also the first luxury train, is nothing short of a legend on wheels. It has been featured as prominently as a star in over a dozen well-known films, most notably in the numerous adaptations of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express.
The train which began in 1883 is now set to undergo an overhaul that will especially please those nostalgic about the good old days as it will wear the same look as it did in the 1920s.
According to the website of the company, from 2025, travellers can relive the legend aboard the 17 original cars, called Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express, that date back to over a century. The redesign, which blends nostalgia with contemporary luxury standards, has been executed by French architect Maxime d'Angeac.
These cabins feature ensuite bathroom and shower, small sitting area and fixed double or twin beds. Grand Suite guests also get free-flowing champagne in their cabins. Commencing the journey from Paris to Istanbul, it heads south through Lausanne, Simplon, Milan, Venice, Belgrade and Sofia before arriving in Istanbul. The European Grand Tours evoke nostalgia, reinstating legendary journeys of the golden age of travel and providing slow, meaningful travel experiences.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November - December 2023-Ausgabe von India Outbound.
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La Mamounia is an oasis for travellers
In order to cement its foothold in the Indian market, Moroccan luxury resort La Mamounia, located in the picturesque town of Marrakech, recently organised a visit to Mumbai and Delhi, engaging with top-tier travel industry partners from India. General Manager Pierre Jochem tells India Outbound that the resort, which recently completed 100 years, is targetting the Indian visitors seeking to explore Morrocan art, culture and heritage, besides its captivating beauty.
Africa has come a long way as travel destination for Indians
The perception of Africa as a tourism destination has come a long way in India as travellers from India have gone beyond safaris to discover other elements that make travel to Africa attractive. The change is not just amongst Indian tourists, but destinations have also learnt more about their Indian clients and are taking steps to customise their offer to the Indian visitors, writes Alpa Jani, Founder, Ace Connect, a tourism marketing company.
ASCENIC RAIL TRIP ACROSS BALKANS
A rail journey through the Western Balkans, from Serbia's vibrant capital Belgrade to the culturally rich Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a more tranquil, scenic way to explore the region's breathtaking mountains, lakes and historical towns at a leisurely pace.
Shahnaz Husain's cool tips for skincare during travel
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Plovdiv: Timeless jewel in Bulgarian crown
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Navigating Natural Wonders of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
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Explore the Jewel of Southern Spain, Seville
Home to one of the largest historic centres of Europe and three world heritage sites, the stunning city of Seville, located by the picturesque Guadalquivir River in southern Spain, offers tourists an experience rich in history, culture, art, gastronomy and much more.
UPI IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A GAME CHANGER FOR INDIAN TRAVELLERS
Having revolutionised digital transactions in India, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is now expanding globally. After tepid beginnings in the immediate neighbourhood, UPI is gaining acceptance in many countries making a win-win for Indian tourists and businesses overseas that are increasingly eager to tap the burgeoning Indian outbound travel market.
Debuting at COP29, can tourism lead march towards curbing carbon emissions?
Tourism will make its debut in global climate change negotiations in the next round of discussions, COP29, that opens in Baku later this month. So far, the discussions have spectacularly failed to produce any notable outcome, besides platitudes and numerous missed commitments. The global tourism industry has a golden opportunity to lead the way and show the world the true path to curbing carbon emissions. But the sector's own record in this aspect is hardly blemishless.
Bintan Island: SEESE
A haven of nature, with thriving flora and fauna, the Indonesian island of Bintan, that is barely an hour away from Singapore by ferry and comes with easy visa regimes, is an ideal extension for any Indian visitor to Singapore, looking to add a touch of wilderness to the experience.
