There are many ways to explore Europe: wandering around ancient cities on foot, driving your car along modern autobahns, or crossing countries by train. RBC.Style has chosen five trains and routes to finally see through it.
1. "Orient Express"
The legendary train, sung by Agatha Christie, Graham Green and Sidney Sheldon, is the embodiment of luxury and beauty: literally and figuratively brilliant carriages decorated in Art Deco style, flight attendants (it would be sacrilege to call these women conductors) in branded uniforms, cutlery from silver, plush upholstery.
The Orient Express has three dining cars: Côte d'Azur with stained glass windows by René Lalique, Etoile du Nord and L "Oriental. French chef Christian Bodigel and his team are in charge of the menu. - a new evening dress, the best place for this will be the Bar Car.
Ticket price: from $ 2100
2. "Glacier Express"
Would you like to admire snow-capped mountain peaks, famous alpine meadows, ancient castles and lovely villages? Then get on the Swiss Glacier Express and just look out the window. This train is called the slowest high-speed train in the world - the journey from St. Moritz to Zermatt takes about eight hours. But travelers have enough time to admire the landscapes of Switzerland from the huge panoramic windows.
The Glacier Express passes 91 tunnels, 291 bridges and follows the Oberalp Pass, located at an altitude of 2033 m above sea level.
Ticket price (1st class): $ 267
3. Royal Scotsman
To see all the beauty of Scotland, including mountains and valleys, you need to board the Royal Scotsman. The train has 16 double and four single, decorated with wood inlay, compartments. And each is equipped with everything a civilized person needs, including a shower and a wardrobe.
There is also a dedicated observation carriage with comfy sofas, and the restaurant carriages serve local produce such as salmon or Angus steaks.
Ticket price: from $ 1350
4. "Danube Express"
Another "hotel on wheels", which is the most suitable for exploring the picturesque corners of Eastern Europe. The walls of the cars are lined with wood, the seats are upholstered in fabric, each compartment has amenities, and fresh towels and toiletries are included. You can exchange your impressions and have a glass of something refreshing in the lounge car (with tea, coffee, sodas and homemade wine served as a compliment), or have a hearty meal made from local and seasonal products in the restaurant car.
The train also follows other routes - for example, from Istanbul to Budapest via western Transylvania, and this journey will cost significantly less than a 10-day tour.
Ticket Price: from $ 9406 for a 10-day journey with a three-day stopover in Budapest
5. Flåm Railway
Route: Flåm - Myrdal
If you travel by train a 20-kilometer stretch of the Flåm railway from the high-altitude station of Myrdal to the Flåm valley, you can, in principle, not go anywhere else - at least for a month. Waterfalls, sheer cliffs, rivers, gorges - all this awaits passengers of trains running daily between these two points.
The trains, of course, are not as luxurious as the Danube Express or the Royal Scotsman, but the views from the windows are such that you can easily survive the absence of all the charms of luxury express trains.
Recently, the Danube Express train, which is very reminiscent of the legendary Orient Express, left the station in Budapest for the first time on a long journey. A steam locomotive, elegant carriages, well-trained staff, a historic dining car, a menu of caviar and wine - such a trip is offered by Golden Eagle to the nostalgic of long luxury train journeys across Europe on the Budapest-Tehran route.
15 PHOTOS
1. The locomotive driver drinks coffee before going on a long journey. (Photo: LASZLO BALOGH / REUTERS).
A luxury tour with the fabulous name "Jewels of Persia" or "Treasures of Persia" will cost you a lot. A two-week trip costs between $ 13,595 and $ 37,995 per person. However, there are enough people willing: tickets for the first trip on the Danube Express were sold out in just 10 days.
2. 70 passengers went on the first unforgettable journey from the banks of the Danube to the Bosphorus. The program of the trip, which lasts 14 days, includes numerous excursions on the Budapest-Tehran highway. (Photo: BERNADETT SZABO / REUTERS). 
3. "Danube Express" travels along the route: BUDAPEST - KECCHKEMET - SIGISHOARA - BRASHOV - VELIKO TIRNOVO - KAZANLIK - ISTANBUL - CAPPADOCIA - VANVAN - LAKE VAN - ISLAND AKDAMAR - ZANJAN - ISEHEZEZHEZ. (Photo: BERNADETT SZABO / REUTERS). 
4. A pleasant surprise awaits the passengers of the Danube Express in Istanbul, they will spend the night at the famous five-star Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah, in which Agatha Christie wrote one of the most famous detectives in the world, Murder on the Orient Express. (Photo: LASZLO BALOGH / REUTERS). 
5. In Istanbul, travelers will visit the famous Grand Bazaar - the world's largest covered market with 58 streets and more than 4000 shops, the history of which dates back to the XIV century. (Photo: LASZLO BALOGH / REUTERS). 
6. Travel by this train is very similar to the famous "Orient Express", which began to run from Paris to Istanbul in 1883. (Photo: LASZLO BALOGH / REUTERS). 
7. A real coal-fired steam locomotive. (Photo: LASZLO BALOGH / REUTERS). 
8. Within two weeks, the passengers of the "Danube Express" will travel about 7000 kilometers, and as the organizers promise, it will be an unforgettable trip. (Photo: BERNADETT SZABO / REUTERS). 
9. The train has a total of 13 carriages, four of which are historical. They were bought from the Hungarian Post by a British businessman - Howard Trinder - and restored. (Photo: BERNADETT SZABO / REUTERS). 
10. Restoration of four historic carriages cost the British businessman $ 4 million. (Photo: LASZLO BALOGH / REUTERS). 
11. One of the four historic carriages is the dining car you see in the photo. (Photo: BERNADETT SZABO / REUTERS). 
12. As Tim Littler, founder of Golden Eagle, told Reuters, Treasures of Persia was created in response to the needs of those looking to travel to Iran while enjoying excellent travel, comfort and safety. (Photo: BERNADETT SZABO / REUTERS). 15. The organizers of the Treasures of Persia tour, after the end of the first trip, said that this was not the last such trip. On the official website of the company "Golden Eagle" you can book a tour only for March next year. (Photo: BERNADETT SZABO / REUTERS). Number in the package, with a price tag.
Locomotives of the world # 1. Danube Express, the sticker on the magazine's packaging says it's Special issue, and its price is 149 rubles. The first number is cheaper, then more expensive.
The circulation is indicated as 58,000 copies.
True, this series, apparently, comes out in a limited mode - just the first 5 issues, a sale of the test version. They say that in some kiosks all 5 numbers are on sale right away, the rest (except for the first one) cost 299 rubles. In our kiosk, where I bought the number, only the first number was available.
The locomotive model is packed in a blister with a dense back pad, on the front side of the backing - a postcard, Parliament Building in Hungary. The insert is dense, much stronger than a regular postcard.
On the packaging of the locomotive model on the back side - the following inscriptions:
Model in packaging. Locomotives of the world # 1. Danube Express.
Danube Express NOHAB М61
Supplement to the magazine "Locomotives of the world"
Manufacturer Hong Kong
Country of origin China / Made in China
Shelf-life Unlimited
Batch number: UNLW001 / 1
Production date / production date: 10.10 2014
Age limits: Collection for adults
Materials composition: ABS, PS, Iron Alloy.
It is an integral part of the Locomotives of the World magazine. Not sold separately from this magazine.
Importer in the Russian Federation: OOO De Agostini.
Distributor in the Russian Federation: Burda Distribution Services LLC.
A small model, fixed on a stand (on which rails are imitated in relief), on the lower part of the stand - detailed information about this locomotive.
Locomotives of the world # 1. Danube Express. Danube express NOHAB М61.
At the bottom of the stand is the name and description of the locomotive.
Metal model, with good detail, beautiful edition. One of the advertisements in another magazine, DeAgostini, says that this is a special issue for the Day of the Railwayman.
So, see the detailed photos of the model.
The model in the photo is in hand - it is very small.
Danube Express NOHAB М61 Locomotives of the world next to a doll in a Kabardian costume (its height is about 20 cm).
Photo from one side ...
And on the other hand.
Hotel on wheels - a combination of modernity and retro style
The Danube Express is a luxury train that can take you on a real journey through time and get to know the rich history of the cities of Central and Eastern Europe. The concept of a hotel on wheels was coined by Howard Trinder, a train enthusiast who specializes in rail travel.
In 2008, the Danube Express made its maiden voyage, initiating luxury travel in Central Europe. This train harmoniously combines modern conveniences with the charm and romance of bygone eras. It consists of elegant sleeping cars and an excellent restaurant with a cozy bar, and a scenic route has been planned by tourism experts.
The most famous route of the Danube Express runs through Transylvania - from Istanbul to Budapest and back. On this journey, passengers, in luxury en suite apartments, cross Central Europe, passing four countries: Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary. Leaving Istanbul, the train follows the rural areas of Bulgaria, then through the Carpathians, with stops in the cities of Brasov and Sighisoara (the latter is considered the birthplace of Vlad Tepes, the prototype of Count Dracula). After crossing the Great Hungarian Plain, the tour ends in Budapest.
Leaflets about the series, a general booklet, as is usually the case with the first issue, is not here; just a magazine and a model.
There is no information about the next releases.
Trains! Many of us have traveled by train at least once in our lives, the safest transport in the world... But everyone treats trains differently. Some consider trains to be nothing more than a means of getting from point A to point B. For others, trains are a romantic and intriguing way to spend their holidays. Why? Because, there are a lot of interesting and spectacular railway routes, traveling along which, you can not only get to your destination, but also see incredibly beautiful places and cities. Below we will tell you about the most interesting and impressive routes and trains that run all over the world.
Glacier Express route in Switzerland is considered to be one of the most beautiful and picturesque in the world. The Glacier Express connects two ski resorts in the Swiss Alps - Zermatt and St. Moritz(express route Zermatt - Brig - Andermatt - Chur - Davos / St. Moritz). Pictures outside the window during an 8-hour journey (along 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels and Oberalp pass at an altitude of 2033 meters above sea level) constantly replace each other: alpine meadows, mountain forests, ancient villages, snow-capped peaks, glaciers and lakes. And all this is accompanied by interesting commentary in several languages.
Harzer Schmalspurbahnen train, Germany
Express route Garzer Schmalshpurbanen in the Harz mountains central Germany connects cities Wernigerode - Quedlinburg - Nordhausen... The length of the route is 140 km (87 miles) and the express route leads through the beautiful forests of the Harz. The route is known as the most heavily used narrow gauge train line in Germany... It is also worth noting that only steam locomotives are still used on the route, which makes the route an attraction for many travelers. The bulk of the trains are steam locomotives of the 1940-50s, but there are also models of the early 20th century, as well as old diesel cars. In short, the trains in the Harz mountains will impress lovers of old locomotives. There was a desire to see with my own eyes the beauty of central Germany and the Harz mountains, to get to the famous Brocken mountains(place of Walpurgis Night), more information can be obtained on the website www.ig-hsb.de
Distance from London to the French capital Paris can be easily overcome in just 2 hours 15 minutes if you use the services of the company Eurostar... Maximum express train speed reaches 300 km / h and that's only because Eurostar uses the same tracks as local trains. There is no faster way to get from the UK to France, other than air travel. According to experts, 30-40% of air passengers were transferred to the train during the first year of Eurostar's operation. Undoubtedly success and popularity high speed Eurostar trains deserved by many factors - constant improvement of the quality of services by the company Eurostar(www.eurostar.com), speed, convenient location of train stations in the city center and ease of registration and customs clearance.
Mention of the legendary train "Orient Express", shrouded in mystery and intrigue, can be found in many mystical novels and films. The most famous is perhaps the work of an English writer Agatha Christie "Murder on the Orient Express" in which the detective Hercule Poirot investigates the murder of a passenger; based on the novel by the writer, a Hollywood film was also filmed with Albert Finney as Poirot. Even the very combination of the words "oriental express", many of us intuitively associate with the luxury of the old days, romance and adventure. And for a reason. Romance, adventure and pleasure are the main ingredients of a private luxury passenger train journey. by Orient-Express Hotels through the most attractive cities in the world - Paris and Istanbul. To date Orient-Express route also passes through the UK, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and there are several routes covering cities such as Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Turkey. Those wishing to go on an unforgettable journey in genuine antique carriages (each of which can tell its own story about the world of intrigue, wealth and glamor) will find comprehensive information on the Orient-Express website (www.orient-express.com)
Admirers books about Harry Potter will definitely remember the giant viaduct along which, throwing out clouds of smoke, walked train to Hogwarts(the shooting of the film "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" took place there). Giant viaduct(the largest bridge of the 19th century) is located in the Glenfinnan Valley, on the road from Fort William to Mallag adobe acrobat xi mac. This route is one of the most famous in the British Isles. Only a few times a week (6-7) a small old-fashioned steam train Jacobite Steam Train, tickets for which it is better to book in advance. The locomotive goes slowly, outside the window every now and then the most picturesque lakes, fantastic beauty of the mountains open up. (www.steamtrain.info)
Perhaps, the longest railway in the world(the length of the highway is 9288 km) without exaggeration can be called Trans-Siberian Railway(historical name "Great Siberian Way"). On the territory of the highway, there are 87 cities with a population of 300,000 to 15 million people (approximately 1 city per 107 kilometers of steel track). The most important railway in Russia has several directions, but they all connect the capital of the country is Moscow with the eastern region - the city of Vladivostok... As the Minister of Railways Count S. Witte once wrote in a memorandum to Tsar Alexander III, "Just as you cannot be a real Muslim without visiting Mecca, you cannot be called a true Russian without a trip from the capital to the Far East ..." Do you want to be considered a true Russian ? Then order tickets at www.rzd.ru
More than 7 km of path of the famous mountain Swiss Railway Jungfrau built more than 100 years ago (9 km long) pass through a tunnel cut in the mountains. The mountain train journey begins at Kleine-Scheiddeg(ski station located at the foot of Iger mountains at the pass between the valleys of Grindelwald and Lautenbrunner). After an hour and a half, the final station - Jungfrau pass(the highest station in Europe - 3 454 m above sea level). The train stops twice at the closed station, passengers have the opportunity to visit the ice palace and the observation deck, which offers an amazing view of the Alps. Trip to the Jungfrau- pleasure is not cheap, but worth it. The railway was originally built as a tourist attraction for a wealthy public. More information on prices can be found on the official website of the company (www.jungfraubahn.ch).
Flam Railroad, built over 60 years ago, is still the most an unusual railway route in the world and is considered one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Norway. The road leads from the fjord to the mountains at a height of 865 meters above sea level, lifting passengers 1 meter, every 18 meters. On a 20 km stretch of road, the train slowly slides down steep slopes and also slowly climbs up. Raging waterfalls, river valleys, rocks, a winding tunnel inside the mountain, steep mountain spurs - all this makes the trip unforgettable. And that's not all! Train travel allows travelers to see the longest and deepest fjord of Norway Sognefjord as well as Norwegian Flam, Mirdal, Bergen... (www.flaamsbana.no)
The London edition of The Times calls the express for a reason "A five-star hotel on wheels"... The ambiance of the hotel train is close to luxury "Orient Express": the classic train carriages have been modernized, equipped with bedrooms and bathrooms, in the restaurant cars passengers are offered European cuisine, performed by one of the best Hungarian chefs. The train moves only at night, during the day, passengers are given the opportunity to get acquainted with the sights of the cities along the route of the express. Danube Express routes varied: travelers are offered both three-day (from Budapest to Brussels via Austria, Czech Republic and Germany) and four-day (from Istanbul to Budapest via Bulgaria and Romania) sightseeing tours, as well as a grandiose, almost two-week trip across Europe. (www.danube-express.com)
Express Stendhal named after the famous French writer of the 19th century, runs daily on the route Paris - Milan - Turin - Venice... The train leaves Paris at night, and in the morning the express passengers wake up in Venice. Sleeping during the trip and enjoying the beautiful scenery outside the window is perhaps the best way to get to the amazing country of Italy.
Take advantage of the offer Italian railway TGV Artesia and it will not be difficult to book a train ticket online, even if you are in Russia. You just need to go to the website of the united European railways (www.tgv-europe.com) in the Artesia section, choose the suitable dates, accommodation, quantity and cost, print tickets and go on an unforgettable journey.
