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As We See Things
, Historic Transportation
by Philip Powell on October 3, 2008

It's no secret to regular viewers of Classical Drives that I appreciate all forms of vintage transport, and that includes railroads. I'm especially enthusiastic about the luxury trains that roam the rails in various countries of which this one, The Danube Express, is the latest. It is billed as the "first five-star hotel on wheels to be launched in central Europe for almost 30 years." Cars on the Danube Express are genuine classics that have been restored and upgraded with hand-built wood-paneled sleeping compartments featuring en suite baths. The London Times reports that there's also a VIP compartment with velvet and copper accents that was formerly the private quarters of Hungary's last Communist president. That one will cost you an addional $5000 for the journey between Budapest and Berlin. Other destinations to be added soon are Prague, Vienna, and Istanbul.
It's one of my ambitions to travel on one of these luxury classics but considering that the tickets are very expensive such a journey won't be happening any time soon. Meanwhile I frequently browse through the pages of my favorite coffee table book, "Great railway Journeys of the World." Among the luxury train rides featured are South Africa's Blue Train, from Cape Town to Pretoria; India's Palace on Wheels from Delhi to Jodhpur; Singapore's magnificent Eastern and Oriental Express to Bankok via Malaysia and Thailand; Canada's Canadian linking Toronto and Vancouver; and, of course, the legendary Venice-Simplon Orient Express traveling from London, across the channel by ferry, and on to Venice and other exotic destinations.
[Thanks to Luxist.com for this lead]
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Trackback: http://publish.creative-weblogging.com/publish/mt-tb.pl/135360
Mr Wong
Vote for The Danube Express, Restored Classic Train, Makes Maiden Voyage:
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Rating: 8.00 out of 3 vote(s) cast.
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Response from:
Jeff Paulett
(10/03/08 12:39pm)
The Danube Express is new this year and looks a fabulous train. Having dealt with Orient-Express bookings for some years now, we're looking forward to working with Danube Express. http://www.luxury-trains.co.uk
Response from:
Eleanor Hardy
(10/21/08 2:40pm)
My company has been evaluating train trips all over the world for 25 years, and we have rated the Danube Express in our World's Top 25 Trains. Our company was the first to test out this train last year -- and the first on which to place a group. I just returned from our trip on it. I do want to report we were absolutely delighted. This is not the Orient Express -- nor is it trying to be. But is does have great ensuite accommodations for those who want to pay the top dollar and much lower prices for those who don't care the toilet and shower are down the hall. Everybody gets the same friendly, nice Hungarian service, food anad wine. Sincerely, Eleanor Hardy, President, The Society of International Railway Travelers
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