The Elegance and Grace of South Africa’s Blue Train

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 luxurious Blue Train takes travellers across the fascinating landscape that stretches between Pretoria and Cape Town with service 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 origin of the Blue Train dates back to 1923 when the Union Limited and the Union Express linked Johannesburg with the mail ships departing from Cape Town for England. In days gone by 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 new Blue Train is the most luxurious train in the world and the best way to travel. In 1947 the three month long tour by the British Royal Family saw the ordering of eight ivory-painted air-conditioned saloons from Britain, three of which were built to Blue Train sleep 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 that the Blue Train is chosen by such distinguished passengers. 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 Blue Train suites live up to their reputation for magnificence and splendour. The Blue Train combines the luxury of a grand hotel with the romance of travelling by train and takes you to a timeless world of elegant living. The Blue Train is newly refurbished and can easily lay claim to being one of the top 3 luxury trains in the world but a lot of its allure lies in its past. Interiors of elegance, grace, comfort and style have been created by a leading interior architectural design company meaning the Blue Train will rival many a five star hotel. An a la carte South African menu is just part of the Blue Train service which also includes butlers attending your every need and a luxury suite. The Blue Train glides from Cape Town to Pretoria or vice versa in just over two days.

A meal on the blue train is an experience in itself, with the menus featuring a selection of local cuisine – 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 familiar “B” insignia of the Blue Train can be found on its finest bone china, cut crystal and classic silver cutlery. 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 departing from Pretoria and Cape Town are requested to check-in 1 hour before departure at the Blue Train lounges. 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. Your private suite combines the needs and desires of a modern world with the romance and elegance of traditional luxury coach travel in Africa. Your Blue Train suite is a day time luxury lounge. Before you retire, your private suit is converted into a luxury bedroom by your Blue Train butler. The suites on the Blue Train live up to its reputation for magnificence and splendour.

The Blue Train still links Pretoria and Cape Town once or twice a week but nowadays is aimed fairly and squarely at tourists. The Blue Train offers guests an out of the ordinary ride in luxurious comfort and style that they could reminisce over for years. The mystique, the aura of luxury and history attached to one of the world’s most famous trains is part of the attraction for first timers and repeat guests. The boutique on the Blue Train is a rich treasure trove of gems and minerals. Blue Train guests receive special branded gifts at the end of the their journey. The sherry glass engraved with the Blue Train logo is a memento for guests to keep. A trip on South Africa’s famous the Blue Train is the dream of a lifetime for many.

Explorer Travel are specialists 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)