Take a Vacation on a Luxurious Train
All around us are people, of all classes, of all nationalities, of all ages. For three days these people, these strangers to one another, are brought together ~ Agatha Christie
Even if you are not an Agatha Christie fan, there is something mysteriously enchanting about exploring South East Asia in a leisurely and luxurious manner, while enjoying the pleasures of traveling by rail. The Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train will provide you that and more.
A quarter of a mile long, the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train takes you on a wonderful journey through the delightful destinations in South East Asia.
If you want a memorable vacation where you get to meet memorable people from different nationalities, the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train will provide you with a long-lasting experience. This is the perfect solution for a group of friends or family, looking for time away to reconnect and share experiences. There is also something uniquely romantic about a train ride in which you can retreat to the luxury of your cabin any time and shut out the world. As such, the Luxury train is a romantic escape for couples. The five-star cuisines are well known and you could enjoy a romantic dinner for two.
Beginning from this year, 2011, the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train is introducing a series of rail expeditions called The Chronicles, touching several unique destinations. Pick from six different packages depending on what you want to see or how many days you have to escape.
The Legends of the Peninsula is a six-night and seven-day tour of South East Asia covering such exotic destinations as the City of Bangkok to the historic Georgetown in island of Penang known for its excellent cuisine and is also a United Nations World Heritage city. Stop at the Trang beach and take part in a wide array of water sports. This could be your chance to finally learn how to snorkel.
Another package is the Tales of Laos which is a journey through the hidden beauty of Vientiane, discovering paths and scenes that have been hidden from the world for so long. A three nights and four days tour, it is the perfect get away for those with tight schedules.
Some Things to Note:
- Before embarking on any trip on the Eastern & Oriental Express, check to make sure that you have a minimum of six months remaining validity on your international passport.
- The Eastern & Oriental Express leaves from Bangkok so if you are outside South East Asia, you would need to acquire a visa.
- Transit-visas through the different countries cannot be obtained on board the train so that would have to be taken care of before you even leave your country. Be sure to specify on the application that you are travelling by rail.
SPECIAL OFFERS
This piece first appeared in City Times on January 8 2011.Book any of the 6 night Chronicles of South-East Asia journeys and get two complimentary one night stays in fabulous 5 star hotels, one before and one after your journey. This applies to any journey booked in 2011.
Kasbah Tamadot: Find the Unbeaten Path
“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru
The choice of where to spend your next vacation is not as weighty as how to bring about World Peace, but it can also weigh quite heavily on your mind. Most especially as a lot of the popular holiday destinations are just that; popular and are usually over hyped and run with tourists.
If you are after some quality time with your partner, or are searching for the ideal location for a wedding anniversary getaway, you might want to look to Africa. Only, this is not Africa as it is touted by your average run-of-the-mill vacation planning service. This is a part of Africa that is easily overlooked as a holiday destination, yet possesses the most endearing traits that combine to make Africa a prime choice for your romantic getaway. This is Morocco, North Africa.
High in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco you will find the former Berber Palace of Kasbah Tamadot. This is one of Sir Richard Branson’s exclusive private retreats, which is a part of the Virgin Limited Edition brand. Kasbah Tamadot is a magical walled hideaway that is approximately 45 minutes drive from Marrakech Airport.
Pamper yourself in the Master Suite which is a miniature version of the Kasbah Tamadot itself. With a Deluxe Room and a Deluxe suite complete with a private swimming pool and a huge roof terrace, the Master Suite is the ideal place for a romantic escape. However, if you have a large party and want to keep it cozy, there’s more than enough room in the Master Suite – three that are connected in fact.
Or you could go exotic with any one of the Luxury Berber Tented Suites which offer an unrestricted view of the valley and the magical Atlas Mountains. They offer the seclusion and like their names, weave a romantic spell on all who inhabit them.
What you get with the Berber Tent is the height of luxury: king-size beds, large decadent bathtubs and private pools. What is more, elegant outdoor dining can be arranged so you can enjoy tasty Moroccan delicacies while watching the sunset.
Kasbah Tamadot will be a new and charming experience…it is that road that goes off the beaten path. A treasure you are sure to remember long after the last item in your suitcase has been unpacked.
If you have not yet booked that vacation, try someplace new. Visit Kasbah Tamadot and discover Morocco.
This article was first published in City Times on Jan 1, 2011
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