The Blue Train route runs between Pretoria and Cape Town and is a 27-hour journey of 994 miles (1,600km), 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. 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 best way to travel is on the most luxurious train in the world - the new Blue Train. The three month long British Royal Family tour of South Africa in 1947 saw the ordering of eight ivory-painted air-conditioned saloons from Britain, three of which were built to Blue Train sleeping 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 that the Blue Train is chosen by such distinguished passengers. Falling asleep with a Karoo moon in the sky and waking up to a fresh pot of coffee as the Blue Train passes Cape vineyards is a feeling that is hard to beat?
The Blue Train suites live up to their reputation for magnificence and splendour. It 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. Luxury suites, butlers attending your every whim and an a la carte South African menu are all part of the service. The Blue Train glides from Cape Town to Pretoria or vice versa in just over two days.
With menus feature a selection of local cuisine, a meal on the blue train is an experience in itself - from Karoo lamb and ostrich fillet to Knysna oysters - accompanied by award-winning cultivars from the Cape Winelands. The royal blue menu cards with their gold cord are a colour representation of the region through which the Blue Train guests are travelling. 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 and after meticulous consultation with top South African wine experts have been selected to compliment each course on the menu.
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. Romance and elegance combined with the needs and desires of a modern world are combined in your private Blue Train suite. During the day, your Blue Train suite is your private luxury lounge. At night, your Blue Train butler will convert your suite into a luxury bedroom. 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. 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 treasure trove of gems and minerals as rich as Africa itself. Blue Train guests receive special branded gifts at the end of the their journey. As a memento guests are given an engraved sherry glass with the Blue Train logo. A lifetimes dream for many is a trip on South Africa's famous Blue Train.
Explorer Travel specialise 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)
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