MAKE TRACKS
Get on-board for a train journey.
Bucketlist Must
Ever wondered what luxury train travel is like? We sought two perspectives from two very different passengers on Canada’s prestigious Rocky Mountaineer:
the
guest
the
House of Travel’s JASON TODD spent three days travelling from Vancouver to Banff. Here he details the on-board experience.
chef
By JOHN CROUCH, House of Travel Product
Because you also expect good food, Rocky Mountaineer Chef JEAN PIERRE GUERIN shares his culinary insight.
All aboard. The atmosphere at the Rocky
Bringing the flavours of Canada onboard. We think showcasing Canada’s culi-
Mountaineer Station is cheery and friendly; you can tell everyone’s excited for an adventure. There’s a fantastic pianist playing while staff hand out welcome drinks. Boarding begins at 7.15am, bagpipes play and passengers are directed to their carriages.
nary merits is as important to the journey as the scenery. From Alberta short ribs to white tuna plucked from British Columbia water, food is fresh and local. Where does it go? This legendary train journey starts in Beijing, China, travels through Mongolia and finishes in Moscow, Russia.
Dining between classes. In SilverLeaf
These aren’t just any old seats. You don’t sleep on-board the train but in hotels. However, in GoldLeaf Service, you have reclining seats, with lazyboy-style foot rests, plenty of space and heated seat options.
Trans Mongolian train journey.
GoldLeaf Service glass-domed windows allow for encircling views: up, down and around.
Superior train views. The GoldLeaf Service domes are elevated and provide spectacular views. We were lucky to have a stunning sunny day to watch Vancouver turn into a scenic trail following the river bends.
Service there’s a choice of two items, served via a rolling table at your seat. The chef — and incredibly there’s only one — prepares individual dishes for every diner. GoldLeaf Service guests use the dining car and order from a daily-changing menu.
Journey highlights. One of my favourite
Satisfying every palette. Every dietary condition is accommodated. Due to demand, we’ve made the menu gluten free. Not that carb-lovers won’t be satisfied, we make hot rolls and fresh scones every day.
locations was the outdoor viewing platform. It’s mostly sheltered but perfect for scenic photos. We disembarked for sightseeing: There are plenty of packages that include incredible excusions in the Rocky Mountains.
Creating a fool proof menu. We always review the season’s winning dishes and guest feedback. Then we look at what’s seasonally available. Of course, being French, I insist on good wine at every mealtime. ■
T R A I N J OU R N E YS
|
How long does it take? Between 2-4 weeks, depending how often you get off the train and stop in the cities enroute. What are the highlights? Walking on the Great Wall of China, staying in a traditional Mongolian ger (tent) in a national park, swimming in Lake Baikal’s crystal-clear waters and exploring the Kremlin in Moscow are just a few of the unique experiences you can have. Is the train luxury or low-key? There are public trains (3 star), which both locals and tourists use. Alternatively, there are private trains (5 star) which are solely for tourists.
A F E W O F O U R FAV O U R I T E S
Where do you sleep onboard? On the train, you have a choice of 2-berth or 4-berth compartments.
Superb Switzerland.
Bok choice.
Aussie Express.
When one thinks of Switzerland, the imagination conjures images of snow-capped mountains, gorges, valleys, and glaciers. Over 7.5 hours and 290km the Glacier Express showcases it all.
The Blue Train is one of the most comfortable ways to travel across South Africa. Passing views include Table Mountain, rolling vineyards and jubilant children waving from the trackside.
If you’re intrigued about Australia’s great middle, jump aboard The Ghan and venture into the very heart of long “forgotten” lands, freckled with roaming camels and Indigenous cultures.
1 6 I N S P I R E | HOUS E O F TRAV E L
TH E B E ST H O LIDAYS ARE CREATED TOGETHER .
What do you do on the train?
Visit your local House of Travel store, call us on 0800 713 715 or visit www.houseoftravel.co.nz and get on track for an adventure.
Sit back, relax and watch the incredible landscapes unfold – mountains, deserts, forests, grasslands and lakes.
HOU S E O F T RAVEL |
I NS P I RE
17
