The Blue Train - South Africa Tours, Special Interest
The Blue Train
Since its launch, The Blue Train has been synonymous with elegance and luxury. This is not merely a train but combines the luxury of one of the world's leading hotels with the charm of train travel.
Tour Code: BT/R
Depart From: Pretoria
| Ending at: Cape Town
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Duration: 2 Days
Country:
South Africa
Departures: Weekly
(Selected Mondays, Wednesdays)
Type: Special Interests | |
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Tour Description
The Blue Train rivals many a five-star hotel in terms of grace, ambiance, comfort and style. The suites have been superbly designed to offer discerning guests and travellers the best that modern technology and superior craftsmanship can offer.
A sophisticated, opulent atmosphere, gourmet menu and the finest South African wines sourced from boutique vineyards, make dining on The Blue Train a magnificent experience. The Blue Train's own creative team of chefs have created a menu to delight the most discerning palate.
Finally, to ensure the ultimate in hospitality, professionally trained personnel are on call for guests in each suite 24 hours a day. The 380-meter long (416 yards) train has 18 carriages, which accommodates up to 82 passengers and travels at a maximum speed of 110km/h (68mph).
Suites
The Blue Train rivals many a five-star hotel in terms of elegance, grace, comfort and style.
Each Blue Train suite has a fully appointed en-suite, featuring either a bath or a shower. All suites are equipped with telephone, television monitor and individually controlled air-conditioning. A video channel allows guests to access short documentaries about the area through which the train is travelling.
The suites are fitted with water cooled air-conditioning system. Each suite has its own fresh air intake and individual coolant system. The passages are also air-conditioned with the same systems. Both suites and passages have the temperature adjusters and air speed regulators for individual preferred setting.
Heating is done not only from the air conditioning unit but also via under floor heating.
Guests may choose between a de luxe and a luxury accomodation.
De-Luxe Accommodation:
Choice of twin-beds suite with a shower or a double-bed suite with a three-quarter size bath.
Luxury Accomodation:
Choice of twin-beds or double bed, and a full size bath with hand shower. Luxury suites are also equipped with CD players and video machines.
Lounges
Each Blue Train has two lounges: the Main Lounge and the Club lounge. The Club lounge, has a more masculine ambiance and is expected to find favour with those seeking a peaceful place for after-dinner cognacs, coffees or cigars. This area is the only section of the train designated for smokers.
High tea is served each afternoon in the Main Lounge.
Another attraction of the opulent Main Lounge is the giant-size TV monitor revealing the unfolding scenery of the track ahead, courtesy of a camera mounted onto the front of the locomotive.
The ambiance of the lounges is one of warm elegance. Large windows allow for panoramic views of the passing countryside.
Dates
Please see departure dates 2009 and departure dates 2010
Itinerary
The following is the the itinerary for the Cape Town - Pretoria tour. On the Pretoria - Cape Town tour an off-train excursion is taken at Kimberley to the Open Mine Museum.
Day 1
10:00 - 10:30
Register and check-in at The Blue Train Lounge, Cape Town Station. Guests enjoy pre-departure snacks and drinks.
10:30
Boarding starts. Butlers usher guests to their suites. Suite orientation done by butlers.
12:00 – 14:00
First sitting for lunch
14:00 – 16:00
Second sitting for lunch
15:30
High tea is served in the Lounge Car.
16:30
The Blue Train arrives at Matjiesfontein for a 45 minute off-the-train excursion.
On arrival at Matjiesfontein guests can board the tomato-red London double-decker bus for a short trip through the main street. The bus will stop in front of the bar where guests are invited for a glass of sherry. The sherry glass engraved with The Blue Train logo, is a memento for guests to keep. The Victoria buildings and original nineteenth century London lampposts impart to the traveller, the uncanny sense of entering a colonial time warp – an oasis suspended in a different age.
17:15
Guests make their way to The Blue Train.
17:30
The Blue Train departs Matjiesfontein for the Northbound journey to Pretoria.
After an exciting interlude guests are free to refresh themselves and enjoy pre-dinner drinks at any one of our lounges. First sitting for dinner starts at 19:00. Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie or dress in traditional attire and ladies in elegant evening or traditional wear.
19:00
First sitting for dinner
21:00
Second sitting for dinner
Day 2 (next morning)
07:00 - 10:00
Breakfast is served on a first come first serve basis. Breakfast can also be served in-suite at the guests’ request.
13:45
The Blue Train arrives arrives at Pretoria Station. Butlers usher guests to The Blue Train Lounge.
Tour Include
Rates are per suite, inclusive of all meals, high tea, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and off-the train excursions (excluding French Champagne, caviar and external telephone calls).
Maximum two guests per suite.
Arrival times and off-the train excursions cannot be guaranteed.
Special requests for meals (e.g. Kosher and Halaal) to be specified at time of reservation.
Bed preference (double or single) to be specified when making a reservation, as double beds are limited.
Guests are requested to check-in 1 hour prior to departure at The Blue Train lounges in Pretoria and Cape Town.
Tour Exclude
We recommend that you also purchase a "trip cancellation" protection insurance to cover yourself in the unlikely event of a late cancellation or loss.
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