Vacation ideas

The Blue Train route runs between Pretoria and Cape Town and is a 27-hour journey of 994 miles (1,600km), through some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery offered by the African sub-continent. The Blue Train takes travellers across fascinating landscape that stretches between Pretoria and Cape Town in luxury that includes great food and spacious accommodation. The Blue Train has been operating since 1939 and derives its name from its blue locomotives, railroad cars, and leather seats. The Blue Train owes its origin to the Union Limited and the Union Express, which, from 1923, linked Johannesburg with the mail ships departing from Cape Town for England. In days gone by when your Union Castle liner docked at Cape Town, you might have taken the Blue Train to Johannesburg, South Africa's economic powerhouse figuratively and literally built on gold. The new Blue Train is the most luxurious train in the world and the best way to travel. In 1947 the three month long tour by the British Royal Family saw the ordering of eight ivory-painted air-conditioned saloons from Britain, three of which were built to Blue Train sleep car standards, while the remaining five were special saloons for use by the Royal Family and Field Marshal Jan Smuts, the South African Prime Minister. It is little wonder these distinguished passengers chose the Blue Train. Falling asleep with a Karoo moon in the sky and waking up to a fresh pot of coffee as the Blue Train passes Cape vineyards is a feeling that is hard to beat?

The Blue Train suites live up to their reputation for magnificence and splendour. It takes you to a timeless world of elegant living, combining the romance of travel by rail with the luxury of a grand hotel. Much of the allure of the Blue Train lies in its past and it can easily lay claim to being one of the top 3 luxury trains in the world. With interiors created by a leading interior architectural design company, the Blue Train will rival many a five-star hotel in terms of elegance, grace, comfort and style. Luxury suites, butlers attending your every whim and an a la carte South African menu are all part of the service. Taking just over two days, the Blue Train glides from Pretoria to Cape Town or vice versa.

With menus feature a selection of local cuisine, a meal on the blue train is an experience in itself - from Karoo lamb and ostrich fillet to Knysna oysters - accompanied by award-winning cultivars from the Cape Winelands. An extra Blue Train touch are the menu cards which are royal blue with a gold cord; a colour representation of the region through which the guests are travelling. The Blue Train is equipped with the finest bone china in white, cut-crystal and classic silver cutlery engraved with the familiar “B” insignia. Dining in a sophisticated, opulent atmosphere on the Blue train with a gourment menu and fine South African wines is a magnificent experience. It is a showcase for South African wines which have been selected to compliment each course on the menu after meticulous consultation with top South African wine experts.

Guests are requested to check-in 1 hour prior to departure at the Blue Train lounges in Pretoria and Cape Town. As a passenger on the Blue Train, you have the Blue Train management team at your service to ensure you have a memorable experience on the journey. The needs and desires of a modern world are combined with the romance and elegance of tradition luxury coach travel in Africa. During the day, your Blue Train suite is your private luxury lounge. Your Blue Train butler will convert your private suite into a luxury bedroom at night. The Blue Train suites live up to their reputation for magnificence and splendour.

Today the Blue Train is aimed at tourists but it still links Pretoria and Cape Town once or twice a week. The Blue Train offers guests an out of the ordinary ride in luxurious comfort and style that they could reminisce over for years. The mystique, the aura of luxury and history attached to one of the world’s most famous trains is part of the attraction for first timers and repeat guests. The boutique on the Blue Train is a treasure trove of gems and minerals as rich as Africa itself. Special branded gifts are given at the end of the journey to Blue Train guests. The sherry glass engraved with the Blue Train logo is a memento for guests to keep. A trip on South Africa’s famous the Blue Train is the dream of a lifetime for many.

Explorer Travel are specialists in tailor made travel to South Africa. You can call Explorer Travel on 0208 816 8789 or visit their website (http://www.big5.explorertravel.co.uk/BlueTrainCapeTown.htm)