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. South Africa’s Blue Train is a luxurious service that takes travellers across the fascinating landscape that stretches between Pretoria and Cape Town that includes great food and spacious accommodation. Operating since 1939, the Blue Train 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. 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. 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 the South African Prime Minister, Field Marshal Jan Smuts. It is little wonder these distinguished passengers chose the Blue Train. What can beat that feeling of going to sleep with a Karoo moon in the sky outside, and waking up to a pot of fresh coffee, surrounded by 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. The Blue train takes you to a timeless world of elegant living, combining the romance of travel by rail with the luxury of a grand hotel. 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. Taking just over two days, the Blue Train glides from Cape Town to Pretoria or vice versa.

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. An extra Blue Train touch are the menu cards which are royal blue with a gold cord; a colour representation of the region through which the guests are travelling. 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.

Blue Train 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. 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 Blue Train suites live up to their reputation for magnificence and splendour.

Today the Blue Train is aimed at tourists but it still links Pretoria and Cape Town once or twice a week. Blue Train guests are offered an out of the ordinary journey in luxurious comfort and style that they could reminisice 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. Special branded gifts are given to Blue Train guests at the end of their journey. Guests are given a sherry glass engraved with the Blue Train logo to keep as a memento. A lifetimes dream for many is a trip on the famous Blue Train of South Africa.

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)

Thinking about a holiday?