Steam train trips

About a month ago I was walking down the train tracks over in Sabana Sur when I thought I heard a train whistle (horn?). Must have been the previous evenings cerveza confusing my hearing as I’d only seen one train in 6 months. I checked behind me and here was a 6 car train bearing down on me at the incredible speed of maybe 35 kph. I stepped off the tracks with plenty of time spare and watched it pass. There were people (old & young) hanging out the windows waving and smiling. Hmmmmm… I thought it would be fun to ride a train sometime. Where would this train be going, and how could I get a ride? I thought I’d done my homework after moving here. Obviously I’d missed something. Finding new experiences in a new land is exciting.

The next weeks Tico Times had a small article about the train I saw. I visited their web page http://www.ticotraintour.com/ and liked what I saw and fired off an Email. I received an almost instant reply in English and they sent 5 or 6 pictures of the train ride which are not on the website. Two small problems with the web page. Page says the train goes to the East coast but it goes to Caldera (west coast) and two of the Email addresses (both RACSA) do not work . The working address is: americatravel@ice.co.cr Anyway, we along with 4 friends took that train ride yesterday (8th of May) and had a good time. This was a spur of the moment decision. I received a phone call around noon on Saturday (7th of May) from a Tico friend asking if we’d be interested in taking the train the next day if he could get tickets? “Of course”, I said. Less than an hour later I received another call saying everything was set and a taxi would be picking us up at 7:15 am at our front door. It was on time and we were off! I had no idea where the train station was in Alajuela but the taxi driver did and when we were dropped off, another group was waiting on the platform at the (seemingly) deserted train station. It’s difficult to describe but everyone on that platform appeared quite exited for the upcoming train ride. I know I was and my expectations were rewarded nicely.

The company has an office in Alajuela in addition to the one at the Pacific train station in San Jose and they claim tickets must be purchased in advance. One of our party joined us at the last minute and purchased her ticket on the train. Since we all reside in Alajuela we really did not wish to go into San Jose to catch that train at 7:00, we asked for another pick up location. The train stopped and picked us (and 6 others) up at the station in Ciruelas (spelling) here in Alajuela at 7:45.

The Islands of the Bahamas lie 50 miles off the Florida Coast; closer to mainland USA than any other Caribbean destination. The Bahamas are a diverse chain of Islands that can be explored over a lifetime.

Cabo San Lucas is famous for golf, fishing, nightlife and a laid back Mexican atmosphere. Pedregal, located in Cabo San Lucas, is the location of the most beautiful vacation rentals.

London has one of the longest historys of train use in the world, and is home to the first subway the London Underground which started in 1863.

The London Underground has a long history and consequently many changes to its rolling stock and operations.

You can visit the London’s Transport Museum in London to see lots of old trains, and discover the history. There is also a depot which has a large collection of buses.

Barcelona Granada Seville Cordoba Madrid

A grand nine day tour by train of the important parts of Spain with an option to continue onto Lisbon, Portugal.

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1. Barcelona. Fly into Barcelona and make your way into the center to enjoy this historical and delightful city.

Day 2. Barcelona. Spend a full day wondering around Barcelona and take in the sights of the famous La Ramblas, the Gaudi architectural park and, the Olympic stadium.

Day 3. Barcelona-Granada. Time for the first train trip to Granada. Make your way to the station and board the train for Granada, arrive and have a lesiurely afternoon and evening exploring this famous city.

Day 4. Granada. Take time to visit the Alhambra palace and gardens., and spend the rest of the day soaking up the sun and Spanih atmosphere.

Day 5. Granada-Ronda. Time to move onto Ronda. Take the train through some stunning scenery and arrive in time for a relaxing dinner and evening entertainment. Overnight stay.

Day 6. Ronda-Seville. Moving onto Seville take the train in the early morning and travel through the marvellous countryside that adorns this area of Spain. Arrive in Seville and take a leisurely stroll before a late lunch and siestia.

Day 7. Seville. Seville attractions include a visit to the Cathedral and the Reales Alcazares as well as the Santa Cruz Quarter. Afternoon free and another overnight stay in Seville.

Day 8. Seville-Madrid. Rise and shine for an early morning departure to catch the AVE (high velocity train) to Madrid. Plenty of time to enjoy the afternoon in the streets of this heavily Arabic influenced capital city.

Day 9. Madrid. Take a tour of the Old Town. Rest of the day at leisure to explore its museums, etc. Overnight stay in Madrid. Take the train onto Lisbon in Portugal or fly back from Madrid International Airport.

Orient Express to London Paris Venice

Embark on the British Pullman at London's Victoria Station and travel through the Kentish countryside.

If you’re looking for hotels in London then try London hotels website where you can find a cheap hotel in London for your stay before setting off on your Orient Express rail trip.

After crossing the Channel board the blue and gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for your overnight journey throughout France and into Switzerland. Enjoy your day on board as the train travels through the towering Swiss Mountains and Austrian Alps before an early evening arrival in the magnificent city of Venice.

Highlights: 

Day 1 – As you board the gleaming carriages of the British Pullman train at London Victoria station, your steward will show you to your reserved seat. Sit back and enjoy a three-course lunch with wine and a glass of champagne as you travel throughout the Kentish countryside. After crossing the channel board the blue and gold carriages of the Continental Wagons-Lits.

Day 2 – You awake to the magnificent scenery of the Swiss Alps as breakfast is served in your compartment at a time to suit you. Spend the morning in the Bar Car chatting to fellow guests over coffee. While away the afternoon with a visit to the on board Boutique to purchase souvenirs, or relax in your compartment and admire passing scenery as the train travels through the Italian Dolomites. Later, afternoon tea is served in your compartment as you travel through the Brenner Pass.

2 days, 1 night More information >>

An exciting overland journey travelling by First Class rail through France, Spain and the wonderful rural landscapes of Morocco to the Imperial cities.

Day 1 Friday - London to Madrid
Depart London Waterloo at about 1330 by Eurostar for Paris (find a London hotel), with lunch served on board. After crossing Paris by coach, join the Francisco de Goya hotel train for the overnight journey to Madrid.

Day 2 - Madrid
On arrival in Madrid (Spanish hotels), we transfer to the Nacional Hotel (4 star) for a two-night stay. Today's sightseeing includes the Plaza Mayor, the Prado Museum and the magnificent Royal Palace.

Day 3 - Free day in Madrid
Take time to explore Spain's capital with a stroll through the medieval quarter or perhaps enjoy the excellent shopping in Gran Vía and the Salamanca district.

Day 4 - By train to Ronda
We take the train south from Madrid to the wonderfully unspoilt town of Ronda, set in the heart of Andalucía. Your afternoon is free to stroll through this beautiful town and soak up the wonderful atmosphere.

Day 5 - Ronda
This morning's sightseeing tour includes a visit to the Plaza de Toros, the oldest bullring in Spain, as well as the Mondragon Palace, Iglesia Santa Maria la Mayor, and the Puente Nuevo, the bridge over Ronda's famous gorge. 

Day 6 - To Morocco
Our journey continues southwards to Algeciras, where we board the ferry and cross the Straits of Gibraltar. On arrival in Tangiers we have lunch at a restaurant overlooking the beach, before transferring to our hotel for one night, the El Minzah (5 star), situated close to the Medina. 

Day 7 - Tangiers to Rabat
This morning we continue our sightseeing tour of Tangiers, with a visit to Hercules' Caves on the Atlantic Coast. We later board the train for Rabat, arriving early evening after a scenic journey past primitive settlements set amongst rich farmlands.

Day 8 - Rabat and Casablanca
Our morning tour of Rabat includes a visit to the old medina, the Royal Palace of Hassan II and the Kasbah des Oudaïa. We continue to Casablanca, passing the immense Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco.

Day 9 - The Marrakech Express
We depart Rabat in the morning by train and travel inland towards the Atlas mountains and the red rose oasis of Marrakech.  Sightseeing this afternoon includes the magical Jamaa El Fna Square, an ancient meeting point for entertainers, dancers, acrobats, soothsayers, snake charmers and traders.

Day 10 - Exploring Marrakech
Today we discover this captivating city's ramparts, minarets, tranquil gardens and the souks of the medina. Our evening is spent sampling Moroccan cuisine and enjoying a folklore show.

Day 11 - The Atlas Mountains
We learn about the Berber people during a fascinating excursion into the Atlas Mountains which includes a visit to a typical Berber home and the local market where you have the opportunity to buy Berber handcrafts.

 
Day 12 - North to Fez
Today we travel through remote regions, major cities and rural landscapes before climbing into the middle Atlas Mountains to Fez. Situated about the old medina of Fez, the hotel boasts views which have changed little since biblical times.

Day 13 - Sightseeing in Fez
A sightseeing tour of the old guilds, fortifications, souks and spice market reveals an intriguing city where life continues much as it did in medieval times. 

Day 14 - To Roman Volubilis and Meknes
A full day excursion takes us to Volubilis, Morocco's most impressive Roman ruins with fine examples of temples, mosaics and baths, before moving on to the Imperial city of Meknes.

Day 15 Friday - Fez to London
We transfer to the airport in Fez for our return flight to London Heathrow (London hotels), arriving mid-afternoon.

Return by rail option

As an alternative to the flight home from Fez, you may prefer to return from Morocco by rail, enjoying a two-night stay in beautiful Seville along the way.

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