The World Great Rail Journeys is a book to treasure, with 50 of the best rail journeys detailed – from trans-continental epics to short trips. Each of the journeys included in the books are selected for different reasons. Some because of the stunning scenery, others for the clever engineering such as long tunnels, massive terminals or steep descents, others for their historic appeal.
There are so many journeys I would like to take by train now I have read this book:
Who wouldn’t want to travel on The Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul, one of the world’s most famous trains, steeped in literature and film!
The Trans-Siberian Railway is the world’s longest railway, connecting Moscow to the Pacific port of Vladivostok, and construction for this extraordinary railway commenced in 1892 from both ends, with the line finally operating in 1905.
There is a shorter rail journey that takes passengers through the stunning Mosel Valley, in the heart of the German Wine Country, and another German rail trip that takes travellers along the Rhine. Then there is the spectacular trip through the Austrian Alps, an overnight journey from London to the West Highlands with the Caledonian Sleeper or a rail journey along the Old Santa Fe Trail in the US.
The Eurostar is featured, as is the Japanese Bullet Train. Our own TranzAlpine trip through the scenic Alps could be the most scenic journey featured in the book and is a welcome addition to The World’s Great Rail Journeys.
The routes cover historical steam journeys and also the most up-to-date rail technology. Each of the routes is described in detail, with maps and beautiful photographs. It has all the information if you’d like to take any of these journeys, or you might choose to just enjoy this stunning hardback from your armchair. Either way, The World’s Great Rail Journey is a book that is an absorbing and compelling read, presented beautifully – it’s definitely a keeper in our household!
Reviewer: Karen McMillan
John Beaufoy Publishing