Sirkeci Station, Istanbul, Turkey - Orient Express waiting room

Sirkeci Station, Istanbul, Turkey - Orient Express waiting room
Originally uploaded by Train Chartering & Private Rail Cars

Travel should not be a painful experience!

Confused about India's Luxury Trains?

There are many Indian luxury trains, but which one goes where, and when?

The Deccan Odyssey, The Golden Chariot, The Indian Maharaja, The Maharajas' Express, The Palace on Wheels, The Royal Rajasthan Palace on Wheels.

Here is a summary for each train,which I hope is useful.

Please bear in mind that the style and delivery of each train varies, and you should still ask for advice before spending thousands of your currency!

Deccan Odyssey

The Deccan Odyssey operates in the state of Maharasthra.


Dates
Go to the Luxury Train Club calendar

Golden Chariot

The luxury train for southern India.


Dates
Go to the Luxury Train Club calendar

Indian Maharaja

A consortium has chartered the Deccan Odyssey for some months, and calls the programme 'The Indian Maharaja'.


Dates
Go to the Luxury Train Club calendar

Maharajas' Express

This train is nearing completion - brand-new, it starts operations in January 2010. Unusually, the Maharajas' Express crosses state borders.



Dates
Go to the Luxury Train Club calendar

Palace on Wheels

The original and best-known train, it is the 'classic'example of an Indian luxury train.


Dates
Go to the Luxury Train Club calendar

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

The 'sister' train to the Palace on Wheels, developed primarily with foreign tourists in mind.


Dates
Go to the Luxury Train Club calendar

Grand Brazil Express

It is not that big - just two carriages - nor an express, but it is all the same a very special little luxury train! Here is an introductory video.

Luxury train - the best way to travel on earth

Luxury train - the best way to travel on earth
Originally uploaded by Train Chartering & Private Rail Cars

The Pullman Orient Express is available for charter or lease. It is not running any scheduled journeys, and so this luxury train is more exclusive than ever!
Note the original Lalique glass.

Time to buy a luxury train - The Imperial Train (Majestic Imperator), Vienna; get in touch for a sale prospectus!

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. spends $26bn on a US railroad company; rail investment is moving and now is the time to jump on board with the purchase of a luxury train.

The Majestic Imperator - Imperial Train - in Vienna is for sale. Contact me for a sale prospectus.

The Indian Maharaja

Celebrity Speakers on the Maharajas' Express (India)

Michael Buerk

The 11-night ‘Royal India’ journey from Delhi to Mumbai, departing the UK on 14th February, 2010 and including 6 nights aboard the Maharajas' Express, will be accompanied by the multi-award winning journalist and broadcaster, Michael Buerk, who will give a series of talks en route.

Michael Buerk has probably won more international awards for television reporting than any other British journalist, most notably for his coverage of the Ethiopian famine for BBC News in 1984/5, which alerted the world to the extent of the tragedy and inspired the Band Aid and Live Aid fundraising efforts of Bob Geldof.

He was named “Television Journalist of the Year” by the Royal Television Society in 1984 and won a second RTS award that year for foreign reporting. He has won the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award for factual broadcasting. He has been awarded the “Golden Nymph” at the Monte Carlo Film and Television Festival, Europe’s premier prize for television journalism, and the United States “National Headliner” and “George Polk” awards, two of the three most important honours there are for broadcasters.

Michael has reported for BBC TV News in various roles since 1973. He also presented BBC Television’s flagship news programme, The Ten O’clock News. He is chairman of the BBC’s discussion programme on moral and ethical issues The Moral Maze (BBC Radio 4).

In addition, he has chaired, presented, reported for, and contributed to countless other television and radio programmes, mostly for the BBC. Michael’s autobiography, The Road Taken, was published by Hutchinson in September 2004.

Sir Mark Tully

The 11-night 'Celestial India' journey from Calcutta to Delhi, 20th March, 2010 and including 7 nights aboard the Maharajas' Express, will be accompanied by distinguished writer and broadcaster, Sir Mark Tully, who will offer his expert insights on Indian history and culture during a series of talks en route.

Sir Mark Tully (born in Calcutta, India in 1935) was the Chief of Bureau, BBC, New Delhi for 22 years. The son of an accountant, he was brought up by a strict European nanny in Calcutta and did not come to Britain until he was ten. He was educated at Marlborough College and at Trinity Hall, Cambridge University, where he read History and Theology. He joined the BBC and quickly became India Correspondent in 1964. Whether it was dodging the bullets on the India-Pakistan border, describing the poverty of Calcutta's street beggars or detailing the horrific aftermath of the Bhopal chemical disaster, he gave a unique insight into the life of the subcontinent.

Sir Mark left the BBC in 1997 and now, still based in Delhi, he works as a freelance writer and broadcaster. His books include No Full Stops in India, Heart of India, India in Slow Motion and India's Unending Journey. He was made an Officer of The Order of the British Empire in 1985 and was awarded the Padma Shree in 1992, a rare distinction for a non-Indian. He was knighted in the 2002 New Year Honours.

The Maharajas' Express

“ The next train will be the Maharajas’ Express…”

Announcing the arrival of Maharajas’ Express – luxury travel like no other,

that will cross state borders and break boundaries in Indian Tourism

Way before the motor car, Maharajahs loved trains. They installed their own royal thrones in opulent coaches, embellished them with ivory and gold, and commissioned detailed models for their own personal use - one of which chugged along the centre of the royal banqueting table on silver rails, carrying an essential consignment of liqueurs and cigars for guests to enjoy.

The Maharajas’ Express, due to arrive in January 2010, will be heralded as a major new departure in luxury trains and will be a landmark event in Indian tourism. So 21^st Century, the new train will put other luxury trains into the sidings for sheer comfort, state-of-the-art facilities and personal space.

The train will feature 20 Deluxe Cabins, 18 Junior Suites, 4 main suites and the one-carriage Grand Presidential Suite. Every cabin will have large panoramic windows, individual temperature controls, satellite surveillance, air cushioned suspension and other hi-tech facilities, including large LCD TV’s, DVD players and new generation, environmentally friendly washrooms. The Standard Deluxe Cabin is the world’s most spacious rail cabin in its category – 9’5” x 7’9” with a bathroom measuring 7’9” x 4’9”. There is a choice of twin or double beds. Junior Suites are 13’6” x 7’9”, Suites are 21’8” x 7’9”. Travellers get together in the lavishly appointed bar carriage, the Observation carriage with its own bar, games table and club armchairs, as well as two fine-dining restaurants, each seating 42 people.

Beyond the advanced technology and fit-for-royalty spec, the Maharajas’ Express will have a very significant impact on tourism, opening up spectacular parts of India that are very difficult for a luxury traveller to experience by plane, by car or by current train services. As the first Pan-India luxury train, it will cut across state borders to offer four very different and exciting itineraries that take travellers into the heart of another world.

The Maharajas’ Express will be operated by Royale Indian Rail Tours Ltd, a newly formed company created by Cox and Kings India Ltd and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd, a Public Sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways.

Itineraries

The itineraries are not just about a journey – they encompass seeing some of the most beautiful parts of India whilst having unique experiences along the way. Lunch at the private residence of an erstwhile feudal family in Jambughoda and at the Maharaja of Bikaner’s private hunting lodge, a visit to Dera Amer – for an Exhibition Elephant Polo match, a boat trip on the holy Ganges to see the sunrise in Varanasi – this is just a sample of the type of distinctive experience en route that the train will offer.

Princely India (Mumbai – Delhi)

The 8 night, 7-day Princely India journey travels through the heart of ‘royal’ India from Mumbai through to Vadodara, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park, the Taj Mahal in Agra and on to Delhi.

Classical India (Delhi – Kolkata)

This is a very different six-night experience, offering a journey into the heart of local India. Itself a groundbreaking journey that passes through places that are previously incredibly difficult to access without flying to and from Delhi to visit each place. This journey starts in Delhi, and travels through Agra, Gwalior, Khajuraho, Bandhavgarh, Varanasi, Gaya and Kolkata.

Both itineraries can be taken in reverse. Included in the cost are a range of fantastic trips and events; visits to the main sites en route and all activities, including elephant polo and champagne breakfasts.

Prices start at $800 per person per day based on two sharing a Deluxe Cabin. A Junior Suite is $900, a main Suite is $1400 and the Presidential Suite is $2500. This includes accommodation, all meals and soft drinks, house brands of wine, beer and spirits, all sightseeing, with entrance fees, guides and all entertainment.

How to holiday like a banker -Times Online

How to holiday like a banker -Times Online

Shared via AddThis

Tour US National Parks in the Northern Sky Private Rail Car

A private rail car is probably the ultimate in luxurious travel on land.

Combine a private rail car with visits to nature's showpieces in the USA - US National Parks - and the result is a truly memorable journey

Here is an example itinerary:

Essex MT – East Glacier National Park – West Glacier National Park

Seattle – Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Emeryville CA – Golden Gate National Parks

Salt Lake City – Yellowstone National Park

Denver – Rocky Mountain National Park

Itinerary

Day 1

Kalispell, MT Arrive at Glacier International Airport

Transfer to the hotel such as Izaac Walton Inn, Essex

Day 2 East Glacier National Park

Day 3 West Glacier National Park

Essex Depart 07:41PM Northern Sky arrives on the Empire Builder

Dinner or snacks

Day 4

Seattle Arrive 10:20AM

Guided tailored visit or free time, Seattle TBC

Klondike Gold Rush, Seattle Unit, National Historical Park

Pike Place Fish Market

Suggestion – Seafood Dinner

Overnight on board, Northern Sky stabled

Day 5

Seattle Depart 09:45AM Northern Sky on the Coast Starlight

Day 6

Emeryville Arrive 08:10AM

Guided tailored visit or free time, San Francisco TBC

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Golden Gate National Parks

Overnight on board, Northern Sky stabled

Day 7

Emeryville Depart 08:05AM Northern Sky on the California Zephyr

Day 8

Salt Lake City Arrive 04:15AM

Early start for Yellowstone Park National Park, overnight at Park

Day 9

Salt Lake City Late return to the stabled Northern Sky, overnight on board

Day 10

Salt Lake City Depart 04:15AM Northern Sky on the California Zephyr

Denver Arrive 08:00PM Overnight on board, Northern Sky stabled

Day 11

Rocky Mountain National Park

Overnight on board*, Northern Sky stabled

Day 12

Rocky Mountain National Park

Overnight on board*, Northern Sky stabled, or leave Denver

* or overnight in hotel

Frankly - an extraordinary journey!

The Golden Triangle on the Royal Rajasthan

The 3 Nights/ 4 Days Royal Rajasthan on Wheels - The Golden Triangle Tour

Exclusive Departure Dates
31st Jan 2010
4th Feb 2010
14th March 2010
18th March 2010

Category Prices
Super Deluxe Saloon (Suite) US$ 1600 (Per Suite, Per Night)
Deluxe Saloon (Twin Sharing) US$ 590 (Per Person, Per Night)
Deluxe Saloon (single) US$ 825 (Per Person, Per Night)

The Tariff includes :
Tariff is inclusive of travel/ catering/ conducted sightseeing/ entrance fee at monuments/ parks/ palaces/ cultural programs/ rickshaw ride at Bharatpur.
The Tariff does not include:
Drinks, tips, laundry, telephone calls, video camera fees, Business Car Facilities, Spa Car Facilities, liquor and other items of personal nature.

The SIlk Road - a truly exotic rail journey

The Silk Road by Private Train

MOSCOW - VOLGOGRAD - KARA KUM - KHIVA - ASHGABAT - MERV - BUKHARA - SAMARKAND - TASHKENT - ALMATY - URUMCHI - TURPAN - DUNHUANG - JIAYUGUAN - XIAN - BEIJING

2009 Silk Road Tour Dates
October 14 - November 3 (Moscow - Beijing)

2009 Silk Road Sector Tour Dates
October 14 - 26 (Moscow - Almaty)
October 26 - November 3 (Urumchi - Beijing)

Silk Road Tour Inclusions
Services of an Experienced Tour Manager; All 5-Star Hotel Accommodation; On Board Train Accommodation (Golden Eagle & Shangri-La Express); Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily; Generous Allowance of Drinks with Lunch & Dinner; Full Off-Train Excursion Programme; 24 Hour Cabin Service; Complimentary Tea, Coffee & Bottled Water; Tour Doctor; All Gratuities.

For more information call the GW Sales team on 0044 (0)161 928 9410
or visit the tour section on the GW website Silk Road

Travel in First Class comfort direct to Wembley Stadium

June 25, 2009
Train Chartering’s Private Charter Trains to Wembley Stadium
Train Chartering announces private charter train services from most British stations direct to Wembley Stadium.

Train Chartering arranges train charters on behalf of corporate, club, association or individual clients between most stations in England, Scotland and Wales.

We are now able to announce that hired trains with up to 500 passengers can go direct from these stations to football and other events at Wembley Stadium Station, less than 100 metres from the Stadium’s south side. This is ideal for VIP First Class trains with Pullman dining or for comfortable family-centred charters.

Wembley Stadium is not only for sports and concerts; it is also a major conference centre. Train Chartering’s trains carry enough delegates for dining in The Venue and Arc, a banquet or conference in The Wembley Suite or The Atrium, or a product launch (max. 300 guests) in one of The Pitchview Rooms.

Train Chartering has comprehensive guest and project management services which it applies to all train charters. Our project directors are great communicators, both to clients and suppliers. They liaise with station staff and train crew. Train Chartering also organises meet and greet facilities at stations as well as catering, branding, onboard meeting & entertainment options.

Train Chartering’s Simon Pielow believes that quality rail travel is vital to get the most from Wembley for larger groups, “A private train is the best way to travel on earth, perfect for getting to the ‘Venue of Legends’, Wembley Stadium.”

Train Chartering is the pioneer of a coordinated approach to sourcing, theming and crewing special trains and carriages for a variety of corporate and leisure applications. This full service approach is enhanced by comprehensive guest management, including ground handling & transfer services.
ENDS
Train Chartering, +44–0–1249 890 176 http://www.trainchartering.com

Notes for editors

1. Press briefing notes from 01249-890 176 or email
2. Photos from www.flickr.com/photos/14589121@N00/sets/72157620309873751
3. Train Chartering http://www.trainchartering.com supplies private charter trains and carriages from any station to any station, to a tailored timetable, for groups over 10 up to 120 in private trains and carriages, up to 750 in private trains and more than 3,000 per day.
4. Private trains and carriages are unusual venues for meetings, seminars, blue sky thinking and are perfect for incentive travel, delegate / exhibitor travel for conferences and exhibitions, hospitality and event travel.
5. Train Chartering provides full guest and project management, which includes transfers from anywhere to the station, meet ‘n greet and guiding through the station to the train, onboard catering, entertainment, branding and theming as well as specialised carriages for meetings and presentations.
6. Information about Wembley Stadium and its venues can be found here – http://www.wembleystadium.com


Wembley Stadium Station

Paris to Istanbul on the Orient Express - once-a-year event

Reservations for the 2010 Paris-Istanbul journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are now open. The 2009 trip is sold out.

The price is £4705 one-way, per person and include all table d'hôte meals and accommodation on board based on two people sharing.
Supplements: Single Cabin £2330 (same as 2009)

Itinerary (from the VSOE website)
Friday - Board the gleaming blue and gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Paris Gare de l’ Est, mid afternoon. After being greeted by your steward, settle into your private compartment and relax with afternoon tea. Later enjoy a delicious dinner on board and overnight on the train.

Saturday - Relax and enjoy the scenery as the VSOE travels into Hungary. Continental breakfast is served in your compartment and lunch will be taken in one of the opulent dining cars. Afternoon tea is served later in the journey. On arrival in Budapest transfer to a 5-star hotel. Dinner and overnight in Budapest.

Sunday - After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a guided tour of the city Budapest, with lunch included. The city is divided by the mighty Danube river into ‘Buda’ and ‘Pest’. Rejoin the train late afternoon. Perhaps enjoy an aperitif in the Bar Car before dinner as the train travels into Romania. Overnight on board.

Monday - After breakfast, the train arrives at the mountain town of Sinaia. Disembark for a visit to beautiful Peles Castle, which was also visited by the very first Orient-Express passengers in 1883. Rejoin the train to complete the short journey to Bucharest. On arrival transfer to the Athenée Palace Hilton Hotel where a late lunch is served. In the afternoon there will be a short city sightseeing tour. Dinner and overnight in Bucharest.

Tuesday - This morning, rejoin the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express as the train travels south across the Danube and into Bulgaria. During the afternoon, a stop is made to enjoy this pretty, rural country. Lunch and dinner are served on board the train, as your journey continues. This final night is spent on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Wednesday - Early this morning the train enters Turkey and crosses the Thracian Plain. After breakfast and lunch on board, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express arrives in Istanbul, at the end of a fascinating and unique journey across seven countries and cultures.

Please Note: The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express route is subject to change without prior warning due to last minute railway engineering works or similar.

Timetable will be supplied with travel documents.

Visit http://www.orient-express.com/web/vsoe/journeys/4_121933.jsp to book, or we will do it for you!