TRAVEL SPECIAL... Spectacular train views to watch out for

Spectacular train views to watch out for

When you go vacationing with your family, aim for fun bonding moments during a popular train ride

TRANS SIBERIAN EXPRESS

Region: Moscow To Vladivostok (via Lake Baikal and Ulaanbaatar)

Popularity often leads to demand and thus many visitors choose to begin their Trans-Siberian adventure in Moscow. Russia’s capital city is the start point of all three lines — the Trans-Mongolian, Trans-Manchurian and Trans-Siberian to Vladivostok.

The classic rail trip with a side excursion along the Trans-Mongolian to Ulaanbaatar begins as you take the first train that takes you to historical Ekaterinburg in the Ural mountains. Later on, it chugs on to Ulaanbaatar where passengers can also spend time in the Mongolian grasslands. You can re-enter Russia to visit the Irkutsk and prominent Lake Baikal. Have a picnic at the lakeshore and then take the final train leg to the far east port city of Vladivostok.

KIWIRAIL VIEWS

THE TRANZALPINE TRAIN JOURNEY

Region: Southern Alps

One of New Zealand’s most beloved tourism experiences, the iconic TranzAlpine train journey celebrated 30 years of operation in this month of November 2017. It is one of New Zealand’s three great rail journeys operated by KiwiRail. One can experience South Island’s striking natural landscape by taking a train from Christchurch to Greymouth, which travels east – west across the South Island from coast to coast taking in some of the most spectacular scenery that New Zealand offers. Starting in Christchurch, the train travels across the Canterbury Plains alongside braided rivers, and through dramatic river valleys and gorges. As the train heads for higher ground, the route passes through high country sheep stations, past beech forests, lakes and the Southern Alps. Covering 223km (140miles) one-way, the trip takes just under five hours passing through 16 tunnels.

AMIDST VINEYARDS

NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN

Region: Napa Valley

If you are a wine enthusiast or are keen to explore the vineyards of Napa Valley, then we suggest you read this carefully. The Napa Valley Wine Train’s route runs through one of the top wine growing regions in the world. The combination of Mediterranean climate, geography, and geology of the Valley are conducive to growing quality wine grapes. The Napa Valley is located in Northern California, about 50 miles northeast of San Francisco. This trip will take you on a thirty-six mile round trip journey from Napa to St Helena and back. At a leisurely pace, this ride lasts three hours, through beautiful wine country and past famous and historic wineries.

ETTR 23NOV17