The Silk Road by Private Train

 

The Silk Road by Private Train

 

 

MOSCOW - VOLGOGRAD - KARA KUM - KHIVA - ASHGABAT - MERV - BUKHARA - SAMARKAND - TASHKENT - ALMATY - URUMCHI - TURPAN - DUNHUANG - JIAYUGUAN - XIAN - BEIJING

 

Crossing both Russia and China as well as some of the remotest former Soviet Republics - Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. This epic 21 day, 11,000 kms journey by private train travels through an ever-changing landscape and takes in some of the most magnificent, yet little visited, sights and oasis cities from the ancient world.   
 

 2011 Silk Road Tour Dates 

September 20 - October 10 (Moscow - Beijing)

 

2011 Silk Road Sector Tour Dates 

September 20 - October 2 (Moscow - Almaty)

October 2 - October 10 (Urumchi - Beijing)

Silk Road Tour Inclusions

Services of an Experienced Tour Manager

 Five-Star Hotel Accommodation in Moscow (2 nights) and Beijing (3 nights)

 On Board Private Train Accommodation (15 nights)

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily

Generous Allowance of Drinks with Lunch & Dinner at all times

Full Off-Train Excursion Programme

24 Hour Cabin Service

Complimentary Tea, Coffee & Bottled Water

Tour Doctor

All Gratuities

 

CONTACT THE LUXURY TRAIN CLUB for further details

Dream machine - Bella Vista - now booking for October 2010

Private Rail Car - Bella Vista, dome sleeper / lounge, originally uploaded by Train Chartering & Private Rail Cars.

The Bella Vista, with dome, rear viewing platform, bedrooms, lounge and kitchen, is running on a private charter between Oakland (San Francisco) via Los Angeles to San Diego along the scenic US West Coast, October 2010.

Just 3 bedrooms available, for hire to individuals or a corporate client.

Contact Private Rail Cars

Cool and retro - Private rail car used for movie launch

Train Chartering - Private rail car Overland Trail used for The City of Ember, originally uploaded by Train Chartering & Private Rail Cars.

This private rail car, the Overland Trail, was supplied by Private Rail Cars www.privaterailcars.net for the launch of The City of Ember by Fox Pictures.

Cool - retro: Private rail car used for movie launch on the US WestCoast

Train Chartering - Private rail car Overland Trail used for The City of Ember, originally uploaded by Train Chartering & Private Rail Cars.

This private rail car, the Overland Trail, was supplied by Private Rail Cars for the launch of The City of Ember by Fox Pictures.

Train Chartering's Flickr photostream hits 200,000 views

Pullman Orient Express - Train Bleu, originally uploaded by Train Chartering & Private Rail Cars.

Trips on the Caritas Private Rail Car

High Iron 2010 Rare Mileage Trip Planner Updated March 19, 2010 Below are firm trips, assuming sufficient patronage!

KENTUCKY DERBY SPECIAL LOUISVILLE, KY APRIL 28-MAY 2, 2010 APRIL 28, WEDNESDAY DEPART: CHICAGO UNION STATION AMTRAK TRAIN 850 5:45 PM ARRIVE: INDIANAPOLIS 11:50 PM APRIL 29, THURSDAY DEPART: INDIANAPOLIS KENTUCKY DERBY SPECIAL 1:00 AM ARRIVE: LOUISVILLE UNION STATION 8:30 AM SIGHTSEEING—BUS AVAIABLE APRIL 30, FRIDAYDEPART: BUS TO CHURCHILL DOWNS FOR THE OAKS RACE 10:00 AM ARRIVE: BUS BACK TO TRAIN AFTER OAKS RACE 6:00 PM MAY 1, SATURDAYDEPART: BUS TO CHURCHILL DOWNS FOR THE KENTUCKY DERBY 10:00AM ARRIVE: BUS BACK TO TRAIN AFTER KENTUCKY DERBY RACE 6:30 PM DEPART: LOUISVILLE UNION STATION DERBY SPECIAL 10:00 PM MAY 2, SUNDAYARRIVE: INDIANAPOLIS DERBY SPECIAL 5:00 AM DEPART: INDIANAPOLIS AMTRAK TRAIN 851 6:30 AM ARRIVE: CHICAGO UNION STATION 10:35 AM The cost of $2,500/person does not include Derby tickets or meals off the train in Louisville, but does include all en route meals and an open bar on board. Equipment: Caritas.

HIGH IRON TRAVEL SOUTHERN EXPLORERS TRIP MAY 26-31, 2010 The 14th High Iron Explorers’ trip schedule is now firm. The Alabama & Gulf Railroad requires 3 days to cover their line, so the dates have changed slightly. The trip is actually Meridian, MS and back to Meridian with Amtrak connections there to bring in and take out the equipment. Se the positioning move details below for additional information on connections from and to Chicago and New Orleans MAY 26, WEDNESDAY 11AM Equipment arrives on Amtrak #20 from New Orleans. KCS picks us up and takes us to Columbus, MS. Interchange with Alabama & Gulf RR.(AGR) Park overnight. (99 miles) MAY 27, THURSDAY 8AM. Lv. on AGR special. Travel to Fountain, AL (ex-Frisco) where we park overnight. (166 miles) MAY 28, FRIDAY 8AM Continue to Pensacola. Lay over in Pensacola. (102 miles) MAY 29, SATURDAY 8AM Lv. Pensacola for Linden, AL to interchange with Meridian & Bigbee RR (M&BRR). (168 miles) MAY 30, SUNDAY 8AM Lv. Linden for Montgomery on M&BRR, run engines around train and head west to Meridian. This is ex-Louisville & Nashville and Western RR of Alabama. (263 miles). Lay over in Meridian. MAY 31, MONDAY Equipment goes to New Orleans on Amtrak #19 at 3:11PM. Arr. New Orleans 7:38PM. Fares: Meridian to Meridian: $5,750 per person, double occupancy. Roomette supplement: $250. All en route meals included. Equipment: Caritas (open platform obs. car) Big dome Cimarron River (roomettes and bedrooms) Another sleeper, TBD

CHICAGO-PETOSKEY, MI VIA CINCINNATI JUNE 15-26 This trip operates on several short lines and regional railroads in reaching Petoskey. JUNE 15, TUESDAY Depart: CHICAGO UNION STATION AMTRAK #50 5:45PM JUNE 16, WEDNESDAY Arrive: CINCINNATI (Park at Boat House lead) 3:17AM JUNE 17, THURSDAY Cincinnati to Washington Court House (ex-B&O); thence ex-Detroit, Toledo & Ironton to Lima where we park overnight. JUNE 18, FRIDAY Continue north on ex-DT&I to Diann, thence on ex-Ann Arbor to Owasso where we park overnight. JUNE 19, SATURDAY Continue on AA to Cadillac where we get on the ex-PRR (Grand Rapids & Indiana) to Petoskey. JUNE 20-22.  Layover in Petoskey. Trip to Mackinac Island. JUNE 23, WEDNESDAY Depart Petoskey for Owosso. JUNE 24, THURSDAY Owosso to Lima JUNE 25, FRIDAY Lima to Cincinnati. JUNE 26, SATURDAY Depart: CINCINNATI on Amtrak #51 for Chicago. 1;10AM Arrive: CHICAGO UNION STATION 10:35AM Equipment: Caritas and Cimarron River. Fares: $3,450 double occupancy; roomette surcharge $350.

Simon Pielow
Trainvangelist for Quality Rail Travel
The Best Way to Travel on Earth

A private train charter or rail car - the best way to travel on Earth

Even those who do not declare a passion for rail travel often accept that there is something organic about trains.

Something that attracts and holds the attention as a locomotive powers past, hauling sleek modern or quainter heritage carriages.  A train on the move stirs wanderlust in all but the staunchest stay-at-homes.

This fascination would turn to envy if the watchers knew that some of these trains may be on private charter.

I will in the coming days write about various charter trains that we have run or train charters around the world.

Simon Pielow

Trainvangelist for Quality Rail Travel

Charter Trains - The Best Way to Travel on Earth

Route Maps of the Maharajas' Express (India)

Route Maps of the Maharajas' Express (India), originally uploaded by Train Chartering & Private Rail Cars.

Just 16 days to the first journey - the maiden voyage - of the Maharajas' Express, the newest luxury train in the world.

Private rail cars on the Trans Siberian Express

The Luxury Train Club has news about the current availability on the Golden Eagle Trans Siberian Express.  It looks like there will be private rail cars available.....

Simon Pielow
Trainvangelist for Quality Rail Travel
The Best Way to Travel on Earth

Private Rail Cars lists on Luxury Train Club

Private Rail Cars is now featured on the Luxury Train Club website.

Train Chartering’s Luxury Train Club is now offering the hire or charter of Private Rail Cars in various countries around the world, on 4 continents.

I believe private rail car hire is largely unknown outside the rail industry. A simple truth in few words: a private rail car is the best way to travel on Earth.

  

This new entry in the Luxury Train Club covers the following key areas:

-       What is private car hire?

-       What types of private rail car are there?

-       Where are the rail cars available for private hire?

-       Who generally hires private rail cars?

-       Why hire a private rail car?

-        Who can supply a rail car or carriage for private use?

The Luxury Train Club is the concierge service for luxury train travel.  The Club offers comprehensive guest and project management services for all private charter trains and private carriages. Our project directors are great communicators, both to clients and suppliers.  They liaise with station staff and train crew.  The Luxury Train Club also organises private waiting facilities at or near stations as well as other tailored catering, theming, and entertainment options, according to specific client requirements. 

Simon Pielow
Trainvangelist for Quality Rail Travel
The Best Way to Travel on Earth

Great value fares on chartered US rail car trip

Tidewater Traveler


Saturday, April 17, 2010 and Sunday, April 18, 2010
 
The Dover Harbor - Washington DC to Williamsburg or Newport News

Experience luxurious rail travel aboard the classic 1930’s Pullman lounge/sleeper Dover Harbor-- travel to the Tidewater region of Virginia to Williamsburg, the Colonial Capital, or to the maritime city of Newport News.

An early morning departure from Washington Union Station or Alexandria
Enjoy breakfast served at table, as Amtrak’s Regional train #67 goes south over the trestles spanning scenic tributaries of the Potomac River and through the historic cities of Fredericksburg and Richmond.
Relax in comfortable Pullman armchairs while white-jacketed attendants serve beverages, libations, and snacks.

Shortly before mid-day, Dover Harbor will arrive at Williamsburg.
EITHER disembark at Williamsburg:
Stroll along the 18th century streets in Colonial Williamsburg.
Enjoy the beauty of the spring flowers in the restored gardens or tour the historic sites (admission fee) during a five hour visit (the historic district is approximately a six block walk from Amtrak’s Boundary Street Station);
OR continue to Newport News:
Visit attractions such as the world famous Mariner’s Museum, a short taxi ride from the Newport News Amtrak station (admission fee).

Dover Harbor will depart from Newport News in late afternoon with Amtrak’s Regional train #66, stopping at Williamsburg on the way.
Dinner will be served while en route home to Alexandria and Washington.

ROUND TRIP FARES:
Washington to Williamsburg/Newport News $209 Child (ages 2-15) $159

Contact Us!

Simon Pielow
Trainvangelist for Quality Rail Travel
The Best Way to Travel on Earth

Private Rail Car luxury travel - no flying

Private Rail Car Metis - interior lounge, originally uploaded by Train Chartering & Private Rail Cars.

Head for the sun, luxury travel, no-fly - journey from New York to the US West Coast in a private rail car....

Private rail cars / carriages in Australia

Private Carriages can be attached to the Ghan, the Overland and Indian Pacific Trains

The Chairman’s Carriage

 

Accommodates up to 8 guests

2 double bedrooms sharing 2-way bathroom

2 twin cabins with adjacent bathroom facilities

Lounge with CD player, DVD and video entertainment

Dining room for private dining as required, with a dedicated chef (extra cost)

Fully equipped kitchen

Guests dine in the Ghan’s Gold Restaurant at no extra cost

Private charters arranged from Adelaide, Alice Springs or Darwin

The Prince of Wales’s Carriage

        

The Prince of Wales Carriage was built in 1919 for a royal visit by Edward, Prince of Wales. The carriage was recently refurbished but has many original features, including high ceilings of Wunderlich-pressed metal and cathedral glass doors.

Accommodates up to 10 guests

4 twin cabins

2 large single cabins which, combined, form the Mountbatten Suite

Lounge featuring ornate wood carvings

Full-size main bathroom

Guests dine in the Ghan’s Gold Restaurant at no extra cost

Private charters can be arranged between Adelaide and Darwin

The Governor’s Lounge

The Governor's Lounge is the sister carriage to the Prince of Wales Carriage. This timber carriage was constructed in 1917 for the official opening of the Trans Australian Railway.

Spacious lounge areas with comfortable arm chairs and a piano

Large picture windows

2 televisions

2 mini-bar fridges and tea & coffee making facilities

Private charters can be arranged from Adelaide or Darwin

The Sir John Forrest Carriage

The Sir John Forrest Carriage is named after the explorer made famous for the first crossing of Western Australia by land in 1870. Follow in his footsteps across the Nullarbor Plain, travelling in the comfort of this modern carriage.

Accommodates up to 6 guests

1 double bedroom with ensuite bathroom

2 twin cabins with ensuite facilities

Additional bathroom

Kitchenette/ bar and lounge area

Leather lounges and large picture windows

Big screen television, video/ DVD, powerpoint screening facilities

Meeting area with boardroom table (seats twelve)

Guests dine in the Ghan’s Gold Restaurant at no extra cost

Private charters can be arranged between Adelaide and Darwin

Common types of private rail cars in the USA

Although private rail cars are available in Austria, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Russia and in the UK - at least - the USA has the largest number available for private hire.

These are the main types of US private rail car hire. 

Business Car

Business cars were originally designed to be used by railroad employees.  They generally have between two and four bedrooms with one or more bathrooms, as well as separate crew cabins, a dining area for between six and ten passengers, a lounge and an open rear platform.  The illustrated rail car is the Tioga Pass.

Coach

The coach is a regular seated passenger rail car or carriage as seen on any scheduled railway, with toilets / washrooms at one end or both ends.  In the US, when used as a private rail car, the seats often have foot-rests and can be reclined. Some seats face each other, with a table between them.

Lounge

Lounge cars have armchair or other scattered seating, tables and, frequently, a bar.  The illustration shows the Northern View, which additionally has a dining area and a dome lounge.

Sleeper

In most cases, sleeper cars consist of cabins or sleeper rooms; sometimes they have open sections.  Occasionally, one or more cabins have been converted to provide catering facilities, a lounge or showers.  The plan is of the Evelyn Henry.

Sleeper / Lounge

Sleeper / lounge cars normally have five or six double bedrooms or cabins, a small buffet area, occasionally with a kitchenette, and a lounge. 

The illustration is of the J. Pinckney Henderson.

Before I start....

A great video that introduces private rail cars very neatly.....