The Blue Train travels through some of the country's most diverse and spectacular scenery. The Blue Train is unique, in that it is of the world's finest hotels that moves from destination to destination. The train travels at a maximum speed of 110 km per hour. It accommodates from 74 to 82 passengers in complete luxury. In keeping with the classically romantic style of The Dining Car, lunch is an elegantly casual affair while dinner is more formal, requiring a jacket and tie. A traditional high tea is served in the gracious Lounge Car. In the Club Car, you may view a short film on the region through which the train is passing, or anticipate the journey ahead from the locomotive driver's point of view - captured by a front-of-train camera and projected to the passengers on a large screen. Your private suite comprises generous lounge chairs, a writing desk next to a window offering panoramic views, air-conditioning, telephone and television. An on-board laundry service and the courtesy of a professional butler ensure you want for nothing. En suite marble bathrooms, with cotton kimonos and an array of luxury oils and soaps, make bathing an indulgent affair. A 24-hour snack menu is also served in the privacy of your suite.
The Blue Train....
The
Blue Train is internationally known for its very highest standards
of service and accommodation. When you arrive to board the Blue
Train you will be greeted in the elegant and spacious reception
lounge. Here you may sip a complimentary glass of champagne while
your luggage is taken to your carriage in readiness for the
journey - the pampering has begun!
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The most
luxurious train in the world, with routes throughout
Southern Africa
Travels Victoria Falls, Cape Town, the garden
route, based in Pretoria.
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Let
us consider twenty-four hours of travel in luxury - the ambience
is almost that of an Agatha Christie novel but the facilities are
superbly up-to-date. You climb between your crisp white sheets and
are lulled to sleep by the sounds of the train.
In
the morning your butler brings you morning tea which is sipped
whilst the glorious views of Africa go past your window. After a
leisurely toilette you wander along the corridor, panelled in
beautifully figured woods, to the dining car where fresh fruits, a
full breakfast cooked to perfection, or anything in between will
tempt your palate. In the morning, if you are on the Garden Route
for instance, you might take an excursion into historic Knysna and
a short trip on the Outeniqua Choo Choo, the last scheduled steam
train service in South Africa. For lunch you return to the train
and a wonderful meal, beautifully prepared, attentively served and
accompanied by fabulous vistas.
In
the afternoon maybe a visit to an ostrich farm, where you could
decide to be the one that rides the ostrich! Before dinner you
might take a refreshing shower in your en-suite bathroom after
which you will dress for the evening ahead. At night the Blue
Train exchanges informal for sophisticated and something a little
more glamorous would be appropriate. Wander to the club-car,
decorated in the Blue Train's signature blue and gold stunningly
highlighted with patina-ed leather and chenille animal prints. Ask
for your favorite cocktail and dip into the cocktail snacks, but
not too many - dinner is five exquisite courses.
The
dining car has lovely china, crystal and silver and, of course,
the meals are prepared from first-class fresh seasonal produce
accompanied by fine wines. After dinner you might take coffee in
the non-smoking Lounge Car or repair to the Club Car for a post-prandial
cigar and cognac from the Blue Train's carefully chosen selection.
Play chess or backgammon, select a good book from the bookcase or
just chat. Once you return to your room, (and don't forget that
the bar stays open as long as you wish) you may watch a movie, or
just relax in your complimentary robe. Your bed will have been
turned down and some absolutely delicious chocolates await! Sleep
well and dream of another perfect day.
Blue
Train Routes:
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Cape
Town/Pretoria - 1 night
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Cape
Town/Port Elizabeth (Garden Route) - 2 nights
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Pretoria/Mpumalanga
( near Kruger Park) - 1 night
-
Pretoria/Victoria
Falls - 2 nights
-
All
routes are available in both directions
