Just the Ticket: Six Scenic Train Journeys for Easter Weekend
28 January, 2020
While
train travel is kind on the carbon footprint, it also reminds
us of the joys of a slow-paced escape. Ahead of the Easter weekend,
Sebastian Schoellgen, founder of Eighty
Four Rooms, a meticulously curated portfolio of the world’s
most unique and exclusive boutique hotels and houses, has picked
out the routes to make your spring getaway as much about the
journey as the destination. Expect village-hopping in the
Italian Riviera, two-day
European odysseys and round-trips through Napa Valley’s
wineries. Full steam ahead.
Train Journeys for a Spring Getaway
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Route
Duration: Two days. Leaves London Victoria
Sundays 10am and reaches Venice Monday 6.25pm.
Best time to travel: April
Good to know: Dress smart; dining aboard these
historic, art-deco carriages is a glamorous affair – the
three-course bellini brunch is a particular favourite among
passengers.
GoldenPass MOB Belle Epoque
Route:
Montreux to
Gstaad, Switzerland
Duration: 1 1/4 hours
Best time to travel: March,
for the ultimate Alpine wonderland.
Good to know: Stop in picturesque Rougemont for
the best raclette and fondue at Cerf, a traditional Swiss
Restaurant.
N/A
Glacier Express
Route:
St Moritz to
Zermatt, Switzerland
Duration: Eight hours
Best time to travel: April for snow-capped
mountains.
Good to know: The Glacier Express is often
referred to as “the slowest express train in the world”. Book the
Excellence Class to enjoy window seats, a bar area, personal travel
guidance and multi-course lunch.
Cinque Terre Express
Route: Levanto to La Spezia, Italy
Duration: 45 minutes
Best time to travel: April; the Riviera is
lovely in spring, when tourists are few and temperatures are
mild.
Good to know: Combine your journey with a day
trip to Portofino, less than two hours’ drive from Levanto.
N/A
West Highland Line
Route: Glasgow
to Mallaig via Fort William, Scotland
Duration: Three hours 50 minutes
Best time to travel: April
Good to know: The line is considered the
world’s most scenic, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Lomond
and the Trossachs National Park.
Napa Valley Wine Train
Route: Downtown Napa to St Helena (and back),
Calfornia, US
Duration: Three hours
Best time to travel: March
Good to know: This 36-mile round-trip gives
passengers the inside track on some of the most celebrated
winemaking families in Napa.