Blue Train Luxury in South Africa

The Blue Train route runs between Pretoria and Cape Town and is a 27-hour journey of 1,600 kilometres (994 miles), 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. 50 years ago, 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 best way to travel is on the most luxurious train in the world - the new Blue Train. The three month long British Royal Family tour of South Africa in 1947 saw the ordering of eight ivory-painted air-conditioned saloons from Britain, three of which were built to Blue Train sleeping 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. Fall asleep with a Karoo moon in the sky then wake up to fresh coffee, surrounded by the Cape vineyards as the Blue Train makes her stately way into the mother city?

The suites on the Blue Train live up to its reputation for magnificence and splendour. It takes you to a timeless world of elegant living, combining the luxury of a grand hotel with the romance of travel by rail. 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. The Blue Train rivals many five star hotels in terms of elegance, grace, comfort and style with interiors created by a leading interior design company. Luxury suites, butlers attending your every whim and an a la carte South African menu are all part of the service. The Blue Train glides from Cape Town to Pretoria or vice versa in just over two days.

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. Menu cards are royal blue with a gold cord; a colour representation of the region through which guests are travelling is included for that extra blue train touch. 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 suites on the Blue Train live up to its reputation for magnificence and splendour.

Todays Blue Train is aimed fairly and squarely at tourists, but it still links Cape Town with Johannesburg, or rather Pretoria, the safer administrative capital, once or twice a week. The out of the ordinary ride in luxurious comfort and style is something Blue Train guests can reminisce over for years. Part of the attraction of one of the world's most famous trains for both first timers and repeat guests is the mystique, aura of luxury and history that is attached to the Blue Train. The boutique on the Blue Train is a treasure trove of gems and minerals as rich as Africa itself. Special branded gifts are given to Blue Train guests at the end of their journey. As a memento guests are given an engraved sherry glass with the Blue Train logo. A lifetimes dream for many is a trip on South Africa's famous Blue Train.

Explorer Travel specialise 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)

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