D E P A R T U R E SPARIS’ PICASSO MUSEUM REOPENS AFTER A 5 YEAR REFURBISHMENT

TOP INSIDER TIPS FROM A LUXURY MADRID HOTEL’S CONCIERGE

TOP 5 EUROPEAN SCENIC TRACKS LESS TRAVELLED

EXPLORING SWITZERLAND BY TRAIN

HABSBURG REDUX: VIENNA TO SARAJEVO

ScandinaviaStunning

Rugged scenery, historic cities and incredible culture; explore the highlights of Scandinavia by rail.

All AboardYour moving view of the world Summer / Autumn 2015

Let romance ride the rails and make your break as unique as you, with a tailor made honeymoon with Railbookers. Indulge on one of the world’s most iconic private train journeys, or simply unwind and take the scenic route to a destination you’ve always dreamed of visiting. Rail travel is comfortable, relaxing and romantic; there’s no better way to travel than with wonderful scenery passing you’re window as you travel through some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.

A luxurious private cabin on the inimitable Eastern & Oriental Express can serve as your passport to the exotic and the sophisticated, where cocktails

and fine dining meet convivial company and spectacular views as you travel from Thailand through Malaysia to Singapore. Snake down the spine of Italy and enjoy the azure seas, rocky coastline and pretty pantone houses of the stunning Cinque Terre. Or enjoy an authentic Andalucian honeymoon complete with tempting tapas, flamenco dancing and historical sightseeing tours. The choices are endless!

Honeymoons by train

rides the railsRomance

R E C O M M E N D E DEastern & Oriental Express

Bangkok to Singapore

FROM $3,000 pp

3 nights

The classic journey from Bangkok to Singapore through

rural Thailand and Malaysia.

H O N E Y M O O N

Venice via the Alps

FROM $1,195p5 nights

Railbookers’ signiature holiday

from London to lagoon-side

Venice via Zurich.

Welcome aboard...

Issue 3 of All Aboard magazine marks my first issue as the new editor, and I’m so excited to share all of the helpful information, inspiring ideas and

experts’ guidance that we have in store for you all!

We have exciting travelogues written by journalists who travelled with us over 2014, including David Aaronovitch’s take on his journey from Vienna to Sarajevo. Switzerland guru Anthony Lambert shares his tips for making the most of your Swiss Pass and Railbookers’ Travel Experience Director, Andy, gives us some advice for making our own journeys by rail!

We’ve also picked out 5 of the best train journeys that are ‘off the beaten track’, and have selected some of our favourite Italian trips to help you get planning your summer holiday of a lifetime for 2015!

Happy reading and, of course, if you have any comments or questions please do get in touch at allaboard@railbookers.com

SarahSarah Kaye Turner

EDITOR

1st stop | P4Palaces & CastlesDiscover Europe’s amazing heritage through its palaces and chateaux.

2nd stop | P5Top Tips for the Railway TravellerInsider tips and tricks for your next journey by rail by a Railbookers director.

4th stop | P8Summer HolidaysItalian sunshine perfect for your 2015 summer break.

3rd stop | P6SwitzerlandAnthony Lambert takes to the rails with a Swiss twist.

5th stop | P10Hospes Madrid Concierge GuideOne of Madrid’s most prestigious hotels gives us the inside track.

6th stop | P11Top 5 Scenic Tracks Less TravelledWhere to go ‘off the beaten track’ for your next rail journey.

7th stop | P12Agatha ChristieTravel Consultant Liz indulges aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express .

Next Issue

11th stop | P22Hapsburg Redux David Aaronovitch travels from Vienna to Sarajevo by train.

8th stop | P13ScandinaviaA Fjord focus on the incredible rail journeys of Norway, Denmark and Sweden.

9th stop | P18Picasso MuseumThe Hôtel Salé reopens it’s Picasso exhibition after a 5 year renovation.

12th stop | P24Canada Coast to Coast Take the journey of a lifetime across the world’s second largest country.

13th stop | P25Ask the ExpertOur Global Travel Centre Manager answers your questions.

14th stop | P26My Favourite Rail JourneySenior Travel Consultant Gareth takes the scenic route in the USA.

10th stop | P20Charleville-Mézières Journalist Melonie Clarke discovers France’s Champagne-Ardenne region.

Your route calls at...

All AboardSummer / Autumn 2015

Design & Artwork by Matthew Murphy

Castles

of Europe&PalacesEurope is a continent with an unparalleled history. Centuries of

royalty and aristocracy have gifted us with a cultural and royal heritage that inevitably has led to some of the most incredible architecture in the world, all within easy reach. A trip to one

of Europe’s palaces or castles allows us to glimpse into the majesty and treasures of the continent!

For a lesson in quintessential French elegance, where else is there to head but the Palace of Versailles? Situated on the outskirts of Paris, making it an easy day trip from the French Capital, the Palace was transformed from hunting lodge to grand chateaux in 1682 when Louis XIV moved from Paris. Visitors can immerse themselves in the history and grandeur of a bygone era as they move from the famous Hall of Mirrors to the King’s Bedchamber to the breathtaking grounds and incredible musical fountain shows.

Those seeking to feel part of a real life fairytale, complete with the traditions of knighthoods, castles, old legends and dark forests, need travel no further than Germany. Here, esteemed castles perch venerably on hilltops – the high vantage points of which would have once protected them from the marauding hoards of the day. Neuschwanstein Castle, buried deep in southwest Bavaria but an easy trip from Munich, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole of Europe, famous for its wonderfully romantic facade and the fact that it served as the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Images01 Chateau de Versailles, France02 Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

Whilst fairytales will never cease to enchant, the exotic mystique and Moorish splendour of Granada’s Alhambra Palace has long been a magnet for travellers seeking to admire Andalusia’s favourite architectural melting pot, where Islamic style meets 16th Century Christian intervention and the result is a wonderful “pearl set in emeralds”, where reflecting pools, column arcades and majestic fountains embroider the vast and stunning grounds.

No matter which European city you visit or which countryside you traverse, history is on view for all to see, to visit and to absorb!

RAILBOOKERS RECOMMENDSEuropean Highlights: London Paris

and Versailles4 night holiday by train to Versailles.FROM $745 pp

4 nights

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Destination | Castles and Palaces of Europe

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tipsfortheRailwayTravellerAndy, Railbookers’ Travel Experience Director and an avid train enthusiast, shares some of his top rail travel tips!

Remember, if you’re travelling through France or Italy on a train that doesn’t have reserved seating, you will need to validate your ticket before you get on the train! You’ll find machines to do this at the end of the platforms.

Don’t throw your tickets away until you get back from your trip! Many tickets will cover more than one journey and sometimes more than one day’s travel, so although you might have multiple seat reservations, you’ll need to keep hold of the physical ticket as well for these to be valid.

It might sound simple, but remember that your stop might not be the final destination of the train! For example, trains from Brussels to Bruges will terminate at Knokke or Ostend rather than in Bruges itself. Make sure you always check the train number and calling points to help with this.

Keep in mind the length of daylight as there is no point in travelling on a scenic rail line in the dark. Time the most scenic elements of your journeys with the sunlight to make sure you don’t miss out on anything spectacular.

A couple of personal security tips: if hanging your jacket up, make sure it is in front of you – the same goes for storing bags! Always make sure you have a clear view of your possessions.

Always travel with a bottle of water, or more for a longer journey. A trip to a supermarket is great too, so you can create a feast of a train picnic. Even if there is a scheduled buffet car – my mantra is it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

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Destination | Top Tips for The Railway Traveller

Railbookers 5

Exploring

by trainSWITZERLAND

Anthony Lambert takes to the tracks through the

stunning landscapes of Switzerland, Swiss Pass

in hand!

Imagine a country where the trains are frequent, comfortable and clean, and commuters stare in disbelief at their watches if a train is more than a minute or two late. Where modern buses connect seamlessly with trains and with cablecars, funiculars and ships. Where information systems are a model of good practice, and almost every station has discreet yellow signs

suggesting walking routes. Where all public transport works so well that many of the inhabitants have a pass that gives them unlimited use of almost the whole system, and they don’t even bother to own a car.

The country of course is Switzerland, so the world’s finest public transport system passes through some of the world’s most beautiful mountain landscapes. Even Zürich commuters have scenic journeys to work, and many of the world’s greatest railway journeys are to be found in Switzerland. Some are household names, like the Glacier Express between Zermatt and St Moritz, which is the country’s flagship tourist train, but there are many other fantastic journeys. You can travel over the

3rdstop

Destination | Exploring Switzerland by Train

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by train

highest rail crossing of the Alps in an open carriage on the Bernina Express between Chur and Tirano – kids and photographers love the experience. Combine lunch on a Belle Epoque paddlesteamer with panoramic-carriage views of the Gotthard Pass on the Wilhelm Tell Express; or marvel at the contrast between the Mediterranean atmosphere of Lake Como and the rugged beauty of the Maloja Pass as you allow a PostBus driver to worry about the hairpin bends on the Palm Express route between Lugano and St Moritz. For many first-time visitors, a trip to Europe’s highest railway station at Jungfraujoch is a must. After pausing to admire views from picture windows in

the wall of the

Eiger, passengers alight in a cave-like station

at 3,454 metres and ascend by lifts to breathtaking views down the Aletsch

Glacier. At 23km, this is the longest glacier in the Alps. This is only one of the great journeys in the Bernese Oberland; others take you to Mürren, for exceptional views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, and on to the revolving

panoramic restaurant on the Schilthorn. Step back in time on Lake Brienz, travelling by a steam-powered Belle Epoque paddlesteamer and alighting at a landing stage for a wooden-bodied funicular of 1879 to one of the most romantically situated hotels in Europe, opened in the same year beside the Giessbach Falls. Next day you could travel up Mount Rothorn,

propelled by steam, or visit the

spectacular open-air museum at Ballenberg. In 66 hectares of

attractive countryside, the museum has saved more than 100 vernacular buildings from all over Switzerland, re-erected them in an appropriate setting and installed period furnishings. Every day there are timetabled demonstrations of numerous skills: crochet work, bobbin-lace making, silk ribbon weaving, spinning, breadmaking, cheese, chocolate and cider production, barrel-making, shingle-making, lime burning and many others. The Appenzell in north-east Switzerland is one of the country’s most neglected areas, yet it has enchanting villages, wonderful walking

and biking, as well as the Säntis mountain. For a wealth of

beautiful gardens, walks

across mountain slopes of chestnut trees and for Italian

cuisine, visit the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino and its two magnificent lakes.

Wherever you choose to go, you’ll be astonished by the quality of your experience and the beauty of the landscapes.

Images01 Bernina Express02 Engelberg Village, Switzerland03 Landwasserviadukt

Anthony Lambert is an expert on travel in Switzerland and is an established journalist who has written for The Independent, The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Times amongst other publications.

RAILBOOKERS RECOMMENDS

Essential Switzerland: Lakes & Mountains

Travel on the Golden Pass, Jungfrau,

Glacier Express and Bernina Express.

FROM $2,490 pp

6 nights

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Destination | Exploring Switzerland by Train

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HolidaysS u m m e r

Where will your summer take you? There’s nowhere better than the Bel Paese of Italy! Why not lose your cares in the Italian Riviera, soak up the sun from the sandy beaches

of Capri or take a boat out along the banks of Lake Maggiore. Italy in the summer is the perfect place to lose yourself in ‘la dolce vita’. Think of deep cerulean seas, warm summer nights spent in outdoor ristorantes, ice cold gelato and the sun beaming down on world-famous historical monuments that will transport you to a different era. It’s simple – travel to Italy this summer, and get there by rail!

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Destination | Summer Holidays

Verona and Venice | 4 nights from $1,180 pp

Sample some of the best of Italy’s celebrated history, architecture and cuisine! Discover the romantic and dramatic home of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in fair Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where ancient Roman architecture meets a budding cosmopolitan culture. Then, take the train to the winding backstreets and azure lagoon of the canal-side sanctuary of Venice.

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Destination | Summer Holidays

Switzerland to Lake Como | 6 nights from $1,275 pp

Combine breathtaking mountainous scenery with a relaxing break to sparkling Lake Como on this holiday from Switzerland to Italy. Wander through Zurich’s historical old town before boarding the train journey of a lifetime along the Gotthard Pass to stunning Lake Como, ringed with mountains. Look out for George Clooney!

Switzerland to the Cinque Terre & Italian Riviera | 6 nights from $1,415 pp

Catch the train over the stunning Swiss Alps from Zurich to the pretty pantone houses, the rugged cliff top villages and the dazzling azure seas of the Italian Riviera! Amble along the Levanto seafront, visit the beautiful Mediterranean port of Portofino , watch the world go by from the hillside castle in Riomaggiore or indulge in authentic cuisine at a harbour side restaurant!

Essential Italy | 6 nights from $1,030 pp

Visit three of Italy’s essential gems! Spend your summer relaxing next to Venice’s glistening lagoons, sipping on an Aperol-spritz in a tiny café hidden along a cobbled backstreet and looking out over the perfect slants and domes of the Venetian rooftops from the top of the bell tower of St. Mark. Move on to Florence for breathtaking artwork, street performers by the Uffizi and lazy strolls around the stunning Boboli Gardens. Take the train to Rome and discover the timeless wonders and fascinating past of the ‘Eternal City’ - all in 6 days!

Rome, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast | 6 nights from $1,650 pp

Spend your summer soaking up the history, culture and cuisine of the Italian capital, and the sunshine, sea and sand of the Amalfi Coast! Wonder at the marvels of Ancient Rome and the wonderful art and architecture of Vatican City before catching the train to the relaxing city of Sorrento, gateway to the Amalfi Coast. You’ll also be treated to a historical day trip to Pompeii and Herculaneum and a night in Naples – the birthplace of pizza!

Railbookers 9

Images01 Entrance to Hospes Madrid02 Deluxe room03 Suite04 Lobby05 Cibeles Square, Madrid

Q: What attractions would you recommend during a holiday to Madrid?

A: We’d recommend visiting Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, as well as the Palacio Real and Almudena Cathedral. If you are in town on Sunday, don’t miss a trip to the “El Rasto” flea market, and the Cibeles & Neptune fountains are wonderful (especially on football nights as they are Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid football teams’ celebration points!)

Q: Where is the best place to find authentic Spanish tapas in Madrid?

A: Head to La Latina – the whole area is crowded with great tapas bars! Plaza Mayor is also well known for its options.

Q: How about getting around? Is there a special ticket for public transport that you’d recommend?

A: We would always say it is a good option to take a touristic pass from one of the metro machines in the stations. You can also go to any kiosk for one of these. They have one day, two day and weekly passes available.

Q: What annual events in Madrid should not be missed?

A: The city really comes to life during Semana Santa (holy week during Easter) where there are processions on the streets. There is also a great atmosphere around the time of the Madrid Marathon (which falls on April 26th 2015) and the amazing Christmas lights in the city centre in December are not to be missed!

Q: Are there any hidden gems in the city you can tell us about?

A: A spot we always recommend is the Templo de Debod. It is an ancient Egyptian temple that was a gift to our king Juan Carlos and it is not very well known. It is the best place to take the most brilliant pictures of Madrid!

We’ve had a chat with the concierge team at the luxury Hospes Hotel in Madrid, and asked them to share their tips on how to make the most of the city! Here’s what they recommend…

Information supplied by the Head Concierge at the Hospes Hotel in Madrid.

Insider ’s guide

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Destination | Hospes Hotel in Madrid

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Already travelled on the Glacier Express, along the West Highland Line and through the Rhine Valley? Here are 5 hidden gems to experience!

Top5Tracks Less Travelled

European Scenic

3 Nice to Digne-les-Bains, France

This private, 1 metre gauge railway line captures 3 hours of pure, photogenic bliss! Glide through mountain valleys and over beautiful viaducts from the French Riviera through Provence.

2Belgrade to Bar, Serbia to Montenegro

The venerable mountains, rolling hills, deep canyons, towering viaducts, countless tunnels and breathtaking riverside vistas make this underrated Eastern European journey a must-do for the adventurous traveller!

1 Munich to Innsbruck, Germany to Austria

Avoid the high speed intercity train that skirts around the Alps and take the slower, regional rail over the top and through the mountain resort of Garmisch Partenkirchen for unparalleled Alpine vistas.

5 Messina to Catania, Sicily

Get an eyeful of the spectacular Ionian coast on your next summer holiday! Witness the joy of your train being loaded onto a ferry and delight in the mesmerising views of the rugged coastline and the azure sea from your seat.

4 Porto to Pocinho, Portugal

Pass through pretty towns, around imposing cliffs and hug the curves of the river along the Linha do Duoro (Duoro line), known to insiders as Portugal’s most beautiful train journey.

6thstop

Destination | Top 5 European Scenic Tracks Less Travelled

Railbookers 11

The Venice Simplon-Orient-ExpressAgathaby an Christ ie Fan

I have a confession .I am a massive Agatha Christie fan. Always have been, always will be. It is an affliction that has me scouring many second-hand book shops to find that perfect edition, or even trying to work out which of my friends would be the first to get the chop if, by chance, we enjoyed a weekend garden party in a Country Manor House. To me Agatha Christie symbolises everything from a lost time and place that I didn’t really get to experience growing up in Australia- jaunts to the South of France, high tea in the gardens, gorgeous fash-ion, eccentric characters and luxurious trains rattling through romantic landscapes.

When you think about the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, you’re aware of the luxury, the beauty, the elegance and the history, but what no one tells you about is the commu-nity that is born. Walking down the carriage, it was quite normal to stop and chat to a complete stranger, because everyone realises that you are sharing something pretty special. The only way a murder could happen on this train is if everyone knew each other previously and organised the whole thing because one passenger was a bit of a shady character (oops spoilers!). No shady characters on my Orient Express, just a wide se-lection of genuinely interesting and lovely people.

We shared our table at dinner with the most delightful couple from North Carolina. Florence

and Bob were celebrating a birthday and were enthusiastic for all the good things- life, love, travel, history, food and fun. Of course, I had to socialise in the Bar Car after dinner! The tinkling of the piano, the gorgeous dresses, the sharp tuxedos and the flowing conversation all fused to make an excellent evening, worthy of Poirot.

There is nothing quite like watching gorgeous scenery float past while you read or listen to music or write a letter (yes a letter not an email) or whatever you like on the Orient Express. It is very relaxing.

As we slid into Victoria Station the next day, it was like slip-ping back into reality. Sigh. Can’t I have lobster for lunch and a man waiting outside my bedroom with food and cham-pagne every day? Couldn’t I just join Poirot and Miss Mar-

ple with their lives rich in intrigue and elegance? I think I will start dressing for dinner from now on, just because I can. In order to end this appropriately, I think I need to quote the great woman herself:“Trains are wonderful…. To travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and churches and rivers, in fact, to see life.”

Elizabeth Ross-Ward, Travel Consultant at Railbookers.

Trains are wonderful…. To travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and churches and rivers, in fact, to see life

RAILBOOKERS RECOMMENDS

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Venice

1 night deluxe holiday by rail.FROM $3,180 pp

1 night

7thstop

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S C A N D I N A V I ASpectacular

Scandinavia: a land of breathtaking fjords, sparkling winter wonderlands, Vikings, ABBA, historical cities, incredible midnight suns and awe-inspiring Northern lights! Nestled in the Northern reaches of Europe, Sweden, Norway

and Denmark are melting pots of beauty, culture, heritage and excitement just waiting to be discovered. Of course, there’s no doubt that the impressive rail network is another reason to add the region to your bucket list, with many people seeing the wonderful scenic journeys as the reasons for their visits, rather than just as a way to get from A to B. The highlights of rail travel in Scandinavia are plenty, but here at Railbookers we have a few favourites to share.

Norway in a NutshellThere’s no better way to discover the amazing Fjords of Norway than the famous tour that guides you through the breathtaking countryside past a wash of colour that will dazzle at any time of year. Highlights include:

The Flam Railway You’ll no doubt have already heard about the Flam Railway. It’s widely considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, with verdant panoramas of the magnificent Norwegian scenery. Over 80% of the journey climbs up on a gradient of 5.5%, making it one of the steepest journeys in the world as well. From the Sognefjord in Flam, you’ll ascend 863 metres to the top of Myrdal Mountain, zipping between fjord and peak, passing gushing waterfalls, mountain farms and deep ravines. Pass through tunnels and wonder in awe at the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of Norway’s longest fjord. It only takes an hour, so you will need to keep your eyes firmly fixed on the window to make the most it! It wasn’t named ‘best train journey in the world’ by Lonely Planet in 2014 for nothing!

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Destination | Scandinavia

Railbookers 13

Destination | Scandinavia

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Destination | Scandinavia

Railbookers 15

The NorthernLights

The Bergen RailwayAlong the same route, there’s another winner of the ‘World’s most beautiful train journeys’ award, the Bergen Railway. It runs to and from Oslo and offers unbeatable views of the Norwegian fjords. All part of the ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ experience, the train travels over northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau, treating those who ride it to spectacular and varied landscapes. Clamber up to an altitude of 1222 meters at Finse and watch the blue ice of the Hardangerjøkulen glacier glittering for all to see. Continue on with ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ and take a cruise out at Gudvangen to get incredible views of Norway’s deepest and longest fjord – Sognefjord - in its entirety, sailing past mountain farms, seals sunbathing on rocks and chocolate box villages along the flawless landscapes. ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ really is a joy to behold. You can do the whole trip in a day if you are pressed for time and would also like to squeeze in some of the bigger Scandinavian cities whilst on your trip, but stays en route are actively encouraged to make the most of this once in a lifetime experience!

Copenhagen to Gothenburg As far as intercity travel goes, you couldn’t ask for a much more scenic route. The trip travels from Hans Christian Andersen’s Copenhagen –a fairytale city where the ancient and the modern coexist harmoniously – to Gothenburg, Sweden’s second city and a harbour-side hub showcasing a laidback atmosphere, pretty canals and historical monuments in abundance. The double-track railway line over the Øresund Bridge is both functional and fascinating, traversing the Øresund strait and providing tantalising views of the North Sea on either side. To whiz across it really does feel

as though you’re flying over the sea and is a wonderful experience. The marvellous feat of engineering is

doubtlessly a pull for those exploring Scandinavia, as are the pretty Danish and Swedish villages you travel through en route.

Arctic Circle Train As you head north through Scandinavia, the glimpses of blanket white snows increase. Head to Kiruna for the chance to experience the midnight sun, polar nights and the cascading trails of the Northern Lights. Sleep on a bed made from ‘snice’ (that’s a snow and ice mixture) in the nearby Jukkasjärvi ICE hotel. The scenery from your window will change from tranquil tundra to majestic mountains, and you can head as far as Narvik, through lakes and forests en route to the wonderful Norwegian coast.

Sleep on a bed made from ‘snice’ (that’s a snow and ice mixture) in the nearby Jukkasjärvi ICE hotel

Images01 Trolltunga, Troll’s tongue rock above lake Ringedalsvatnet, Norway02 Centrefold: Reine village, Norway03 Northern lights at Ersfjordbotn, Tromsø, Norway04 Geiranger Fjord, Norway05 Replica Norway Viking boat06 Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Kiruna, north of Sweden07 Flam, Railroad Track, Train near Sognefjord, Norway08 Little Mermaid, Copenhagen

RAILBOOKERS RECOMMENDSNorway in a NutshellTake in mountains, gorges and fjords on this

spectacular holiday to Oslo, Flam and Bergen.FROM $1,280 pp

4 nights

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Destination | Scandinavia

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6 April 2015 – 28 September 2015 | Weekly Departures | Prices from $2,609 pp

Stay 2 nights in Delhi, before travelling on to Agra and Jaipur for 2 nights each and then travelling back for an additional night in Delhi. Based on two people sharing. Railbookers standard terms and conditions apply.

Save up to $250 per couple on a fabulous Indian Tour!Mystical, spiritual, chaotic... India overflows with contradictions and rich traditions. This tour takes in the contrasting Old & New of Delhi, the iconic Taj Mahal, which you will stay near for 2 nights, and Jaipur to experience an elephant ride and a jeep tour around the magnificent Amber Fort, all from the comfort of your stunning Oberoi Hotels.

To speak to an experienced consultant please call or visit our website.

1300 938 534 Prices correct at time of publication. Prices are subject to availability, based on two people sharing a twin / double room. Discount cannot be combined with any other offer. Terms and conditions apply. See www.railbookers.com.au

www.railbookers.com.au

I N D I AMystical

Holidays inspired by you

On October 25th 2014 the Hôtel Salé, a beautiful mansion in the heart of Paris’ historic Marais district, flung open its doors once

again. Behind the ornate exterior are housed a plethora of studies, sculptures and masterpieces by the great cubist artist Pablo Picasso.

On its reopening, the French president, François Hollande, described the museum as one of the “most beautiful” and “most moving” museums in the world. The 52 million euro investment has nearly tripled the museum’s exhibition space, which now spans 5 floors and is home to 5,000 works of art – both originals by Picasso himself and works from the artist’s personal collection, including famous paintings by Cezanne, Renoir and Matisse. Fans of the artist have been flocking from across the globe to marvel at some of the most famous of Picasso’s works, but also at the huge variety of art on display. The collages, assemblages, pottery and sculpture of the museum is thrust into prominence with Museum Director Laurent Lebon calling the variety of work “endlessly provocative”. Iberian and African art is also on display,

giving an exciting insight into the ideas that so strongly influenced Picasso’s, and giving a whole and rounded insight into Picasso that immerses the visitor in their experience.

The renovation was a long time coming. What was meant to take two years eventually took five, so of course you wouldn’t be blamed for expecting something tremendous and different. Now, as you wander the rooms of the Hôtel Salé, you get more of a sense of Picasso as an entity, as an inspiration and as an artist. As you move from floor to floor, Picasso will evolve before you, a lack of explanatory text next to each work forces you to engage directly with each work, and draw your own meaning from it. Of course, there is never a bad time to go to Paris. But a visit to the long awaited, highly anticipated museum is a fantastic excuse to head under the channel, whether it’s for the first time or the fiftieth!

Paris’ wonderful Picasso Museum reopens after an astonishing 5 year renovation project!

Images01 Hôtel Salé Picasso Exterior02 Hôtel Salé Picasso Exterior

RAILBOOKERS RECOMMENDS

London to Paris with the Eurostar

3 nights city break by Eu star to the

French capital. FROM $425 pp

3 nights

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Destination | Picasso Museum

PicassoMuseum

Railbookers18

Rocky Mountaineer

offers over 45 holiday packages

and five unique rail routes, rich in history and natural wonders,

through the Pacific Northwest and Alberta. This world-renowned, luxurious

train travels by daylight through the wild beauty of Canada’s West and is considered by many as the only way to experience the majestic Canadian Rockies.

The entire train ride takes place during daylight hours to ensure guests enjoy every minute of the breathtaking scenery, which is guaranteed to inspire even the most discerning of travellers. Breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies are complemented with

spectacular sights such as

Hell’s Gate, the Spiral Tunnels and Mount Robson,

the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. On all of Rocky

Mountaineer’s rail routes, travellers experience exceptional guest service, for

which the company is renowned.

Since its inception in 1990, the company has grown to become the largest privately owned passenger rail service in North America and has welcomed more than one and a half million guests from around the world. Rocky Mountaineer has received numerous international awards and accolades for service excellence. In 2013, the company was honoured with its eighth World Travel Award as, “World’s Leading Travel Experience By Train” and has

been recognised by National Geographic as one of the “World’s Greatest Trips.”

GoldLeaf Service

SilverLeaf Service

?

The Ardennes offers plenty in the way of holiday entertainment,

but puppet fans will be in their element, says Melonie Clarke

Tickets,Money,Passports,Puppets!

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Destination | Charleville-Mézières

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Melonie Clarke is a journalist and blogger from the United Kingdom. She currently writes for ‘The Lady’, amongst other publications.

The world famous puppet festival held in Charleville- Mézières first came to being in 1948, when Jacques Félix founded Les Petits Comédiens de Chiffons (Little Rag

Actors) as a way to boost local morale following the Second World War. The town now hosts the World Puppet Theatre Festival, founded by Félix in 1961 who remained heavily involved until his death in 2006.

The 10-day biennial festival attracts amateur and professional puppeteers from all over the world, with shows performed at 50 different venues. The 50,000 local inhabitants are joined by around 150,000 visitors – all there to enjoy street theatre, puppet stalls and exhibitions.An all-year-round, puppet-themed attraction is The Great Puppeteer’s Clock. Built into the facade of the Institut International de la Marionnette, the mechanical clock performs part of the local legend, the Four Sons of Aymon, on the hour.

There are six tourist routes around the Ardennes region, each offering something special. The Fortifications Route is perfect for history lovers as it guides you through the region’s magnificent castles. The route of the Meuse and Semoy

legends, lets you explore the locations behind the many myths and legends. The Rimbaud-Verlaine route is a poetic pilgrimage to the landscapes associated with literary figures. The Forest, Lake and Abbey route will show you the monastic world of the Ardennes, whereas the fortified churches

of Thiérache will enable you to see the area’s rich architectural heritage. To venture into the heart of rural Ardennes, head for the Porcien Route. All routes are clearly marked by different colours on tourist maps and on the region’s roads.

Moving on from Charleville, Sedan (20 minutes away) has plenty to offer. The region has quite a reputation when it comes

to making beer. The Château Fort brewery makes their beer onsite, and you can enjoy a meal in the restaurant which houses the beer-making equipment; so it would be rude not to try one of their beers with your lunch or dinner! In addition, Au Roy de la Bière is the oldest bar in the small town. Opened in 1943, regulars received their own plaque which is secured to whichever part of the bar they frequent most.

Images01 A Musée de la Marionnette Charleville-Mézières 02 Institut International de la Marionnette, Charleville-Mézières 03 The Ardennes04 World puppet theatre festival performance (Image copyright Patrick Argirakis)

The World Puppet Theatre Festival runs from 18 to 27 September 2015: www.festival-marionnette.com

There are six tourist routes around the Ardennes region, each offering something special

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Destination | Charleville-Mézières

Railbookers 21

HabsburgRedux

T he Ringstrasse in Vienna is a broad boulevard built as a showcase for the grandeur and glory of the Habsburg Empire. As you pass the redbrick palace of the Hansen Kempinski, via the Bourse, the Town Hall, the Parliament

Building, the Hofburg, the magnificence of the house of Hapsburg that ruled here for four centuries lives on a hundred years after its demise.

My first tram stop was the vast baroque grandeur of the Kunsthistorisches Museum. From high above the tables in the tearoom, bas-relief Habsburg emperors looked down on me as I sipped my mélange and readied myself for a struggle with the art. Museum and gallery admittance in Vienna is not cheap, but one result can be a surprising dearth of tourists and I had the room with the six miraculous Brueghels nearly to myself.

The doomed Franz Ferdinand inhabited the Belvedere Palace, a white building set in landscaped grounds on a rise overlooking central Vienna. Inside, I viewed some of the best works of Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and — a highlight for me, the grey-green portraits by Richard Gerstl. These artists lived and worked in a Vienna containing Freud and the writers Stefan Zweig, Joseph Roth and Arthur Schnitzler – as well as Emperor Franz Josef I (emperor for 68 years) and his gloomy nephew, Franz Ferdinand.

The sanguinary nature of the Archduke’s end is on display half a mile south of the Belvedere. There, in the enormous redbrick castle of the Military Museum is the car in which the doomed duo were sitting that morning in Sarajevo, and the blood-spattered tunic of the Archduke.

David Aaronovitch takes to the tracks on a journey of discovery

from Vienna to Sarajevo.

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Destination | Vienna

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A few days later I took the train for Austria’s second city and Franz Ferdinand’s birthplace, the Styrian city of Graz. This journey, aboard the cleanest train I have ever sat on, took us on what is known as the Semmering railway through spectacular alpine scenery. Graz is a quiet and sedate city and well worth a couple of days. Once you get there, a tram journey takes you from the city centre for a 15-minute ride to Schloss Eggenberg, another baroque palace, set among lovely, wooded gardens and peacocks. There’s a decent small archaeology museum but best of all is the Alte Galerie, with a splendid display of medieval religious art and two more glorious Brueghels. From Graz I boarded the pleasant evening train to the Croatian capital of Zagreb, where I overnighted close to the station (as passengers on the Orient-Express used to) at the glorious 1920s Esplanade Hotel, half expecting to see Hercule Poirot in the lobby. Early the next morning I embarked on the altogether less glamorous 10-hour rail journey across Bosnia to Sarajevo. This train is old and has no food or drink on board and yet I would not have travelled any other way. The rivers were high with rain and dramatic, the landscape troubled. The characters on the train were interesting. The next day – a Wednesday — the sun shone, and I joined thousands of Sarajevans in promenading around their battered but fascinating city. Within 400 metres I drank coffee on a terrace beside the cemetery of the Ferhadija Mosque, discovered the square in front of the Sacred Heart Cathedral to be full of Catholic

bishops and their flock, and walked past a group of 30 elderly men watching as two others played chess with giant chessmen in the sunshine. The city in this mood is charming. On Obala Kulina Bana, the road running along the river, is the spot where Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie, more or less unprotected, were shot and killed by the young assassin Gavrilo Princip. A small museum on the corner shows photographs of that day a century ago. Princip’s gun and trousers are here and a slightly moth-eaten pair of mannequins are dressed up as the Archduke and his wife. As I watched, a girl in a hijab, part of a school party, sat on the dais next to Franz Ferdinand, and used her mobile phone to inspect her Facebook.At my journey’s end, I flew out from Sarajevo’s very decent airport, from where most of the flights seem to go to Istanbul in Turkey. History is full of ironies.

Images01 Belvedere Palace, Vienna (close up)02 Belvedere Palace, Vienna 03 Alps in National park Hohe Tauern, Salzburg, Austria04 View of Heldenplatz and Museums05 Hofburg Palace06 The Wurstelprater amusement park or “Prater”

David Aaronovitch is a British journalist, broadcaster, and author. He is a regular columnist for The Times, amongst other publications.

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Destination | Vienna

Railbookers 23

CanadaCoast

toCoast

Canada delights and excites the traveller as there is so much to do and see. Like those that travelled to the Wild West, the Canadian

Pioneers found a vast country to traverse, full of wildlife unseen on our shores, protective natives and fresh terrains. Here the seasons could be so extreme that in those days many would not make the journey from coast to coast. Those who completed their trip, or settled along the way, however, found a new way of life surrounded by nature and dazzling beauty. Life may have been hard but there were great rewards to be had in this new land. To see lasting evidence of this now, just look at the cities of Vancouver or Calgary, or the French influences in the Quebec Region.

From the glaciers to the cities and from the mountains and sea, cultures clashed, wars were fought and in their wake a diverse culture grew. Canada offers something for everyone from the city lover to those that revel in the great outdoors. There are the Great Lakes and the Rockies, forests teaming with wildlife, vast prairies

and historical city centres full of modern day hustle and bustle, boutiques and bars, museums and markets.As you traverse this country experience the changes from province to province. British Columbia with its mountains, Alberta with its open spaces, Canada’s interior across Saskatchewan and Manitoba with the Canadian Shield. From there, look towards Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia which formed the original territories of Canada in 1867.

Take the ultimate Canadian adventure by rail, traversing the world’s second largest country from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast. Spend 4 nights onboard the Canadian in a Sleeper Plus compartment with all meals included and 11 nights in hotel accommodation.

Images01 CN Tower, Toronto02 The idyllic Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, Canadian Rockies

RAILBOOKERS RECOMMENDS

Canada Coast to Coast by Train

Travel from Vancouver to Quebec with stops

in Jasper, Montreal and Toronto.

FROM $4,359 pp

15 nights

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Destination | Canada Coast to Coast

Railbookers24

?Matthew

Foy

Expertthe

Ask

Your holiday questions answered by our Global Travel Centre Manager

Q: I have trouble walking, is it possible to organise assistance at train stations? Dylan Roberts, Melbourne

A: It’s possible to book assistance at most major stations. You can do so at St. Pancras, who will radio ahead to your destination and make sure that you have assistance when you get off the Eurostar. It is also possible in most countries in Europe – France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy, for example, all have the facility to book assistance in advance so just let us know your requirements and we’ll do our best to help!

Q: What is the difference between point-to-point tickets and rail passes in Europe? Gill Thornberry, Sydney

A: There are quite a few major differences between single tickets and rail passes – and in fact it often turns out that passes aren’t as good value as they seem! Rail passes don’t include reservations, which all high speed trains require, so you’ll find yourself having to pay supplements. Passes also don’t cover couchette or cabin reservations on sleeper trains, the Eurostar from London to Paris or any trains within the UK. Railbookers get discounted point to point tickets that include all the applicable reservations. Plus, we can often book through fares covering more than one journey and making you further savings!

Q: What does ‘tailor made’ really mean? How flexible are your itineraries? Martha Jones, Bairnsdale

A: With the exception of private trains, which run on specific dates, our holidays can be completely tailor made to suit you. You can choose when, where and for how long you want to go. You can decide what class you’d like to travel in, what kind of hotels you’d like to stay in and how much help you’d like in terms of transfers, sightseeing tours and other extras. If the train goes there, we can get you there!

Q: There are so many scenic trains in Switzerland! What do you recommend? George Clarke-Mandeville, Wollongong

A: There’s no doubt about it –Switzerland is beautiful, and one of our most popular destinations at any time of year! Many of the normal, commuter journeys are full of beautiful scenery – but you can’t beat a trip aboard the Glacier or Bernina Express. Both have similar breathtaking scenery and panoramic carriages but they run different routes, so it depends where you want to go. The Glacier Express is a wonderful journey across Switzerland, or the Bernina Express is certainly the most beautiful way to reach Italy. On a clear day, you can’t beat a trip up the tracks to the peak of the Jungfrau Mountain to the top of Europe, and the highest train station on the continent!

Send your questions for Matthew to allaboard@railbookers.com

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Destination | Ask the Expert

Railbookers 25

Rail Journey

Myfavourite

It’s easy to overlook the good old USA when thinking about scenic train journeys. Before you even look at a map and remember how huge and diverse the

country actually is, it’s hard not to adhere to the mantra that America moves by car and air and that’s it. But it is by train that you can best enjoy the amazing scenery which makes up this great landmass.

The California Zephyr train has run from Chicago to San Francisco since 1949, and passes through 8 different states and takes roughly 60 hours in total. It’s amazing how quickly the time passes by whilst you are sat relaxing as you pass through the historical Midwest, over the great Missouri river, through the open fields of Nebraska then up into the mountains of Denver. From there the ooohs and ahhhs ring out throughout the train as it

makes its way over the Rockies and follows the beautiful Colorado river. The route of the rail line traces an area of the river which has no roads, and is only accessible by rail or kayak, with the walls of the Gore Canyon reaching over 1000 feet on each side. The journey is interspersed with small stops in towns such as Glenwood Springs where Doc Holliday spent the final months of his life, and De Beque where wild horses (some of which can often be seen from the train) were rounded up and sold in the days of the Wild West. All this and the journey is only just half way.

The next day we pass the Truckee River and the mineral rich landscape which sparked the rush west in the late 19th Century. At the peak of the Sierra Nevada mountains the views of Donner Lake are beautiful, and in the distance I could see huge clouds of smoke from the Californian forest fires scorching the earth. The train meanders down into California, to San Francisco, a city whose warm and laid back persona puts it high on the list of places to visit in the world.

Unlike many other long journeys in the world, the California Zephyr is hard to beat in terms of diverse scenery and relaxed comfort. It might not be the Orient Express onboard, but the cabins are large enough, the burgers are good and the views are truly spectacular.

The journey is interspersed with small stops in towns such as Glenwood Springs where Doc Holliday spent the final months of his life

Gareth Jones, Senior Travel Consultant at Railbookers.

Cali fornia zephyr

GarethJones

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Destination | California Zephyr

Railbookers26

zephyr

1300 938 534

Maharajas’ Express

To speak to an experienced consultant please call:

India...... a country with history as old as time. A country where diverse dynasties have ruled through centuries, leaving their mark on the landscape, language and culture of the nation.

Experience a different India at every stop as you travel past royal palaces, incredible forts and untamed wildlife.

A journey on the Maharajas’ Express is a journey that memories are made of!

Inclusive of all transfers, sightseeing tours and excursions as per the itinerary, accommodation in single / double / twin bedded cabins with en suite bath-rooms on board the Maharajas’ Express; all meals, soft beverages, house brands of Indian wines, beer and spirits; porterage at stations and butler service on train; amateur still camera fee, all current taxes and entrance fees; onboard services of a tour director and medical personnel and an opportunity to meet Indian Royalty! Prices are subject to change, and route to amendment. Itineraries, destinations, venues and scheduled departures are subject to change without prior notice. Prices are per person and based on 2 people sharing. Supplements may apply for special dates such as Christmas and New Year.

Maharajas’ Express Gems of India | 3 nights from $4,999 ppJan 2015 – Mar 2015 | Oct 2015 – Mar 2016

Journey through India’s famous Golden Triangle on the luxury rail journey of a lifetime! Watch the sun rise behind the Taj Mahal in Agra, visit the UNESCO listed Agra Fort, spot tigers at Ranthambore National Park and tour the marvellous marble and red sandstone Amber Fort!

Maharajas’ Express Indian Panorama | 7 nights from $7,699 ppJan 2015 – Apr 2015 | Oct 2015 – Apr 2016

Spend 7 nights aboard the opulent Maharajas’ Express, enjoying the incredible sights and sounds of India with gourmet meals and sightseeing tours all included. Travel through Jaipur, Agra, Varanais and Lucknow, taking in an elephant polo match and embarking on a jungle safari en route!

For more information please visitwww.railbookers.com.au or call 1300 938 534

to speak with one of our experienced consultants

Issue

Best of Europe’s Festivals by Train

Around the World by Rail

New Destinations: Croatia

...Plus lots more!

In All Aboard Issue 4...

Our Recent Awards

British Travel Awards 2014 - Bronze AwardRailbookers are thrilled to have won an award in the British Travel Awards for the third year running. 2014 saw us win the bronze award for ‘Best Medium Holiday Company by Train’.

Feefo Highly Commended Merchant 2014Feefo is an independent merchant review system that collates independent reviews of customers’ experiences. Railbookers are very proud to have received a 100% positive overall rating from our customers in 2014!

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