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Gone are the days when travelling by train was simply a means to an end, an unpleasant chore to get through before the real holiday starts. With breathtaking scenery forming an impressive backdrop, take a tour of these amazing rail journeys..

The Blue Train from Cape Town to Pretoria
A 27-hour trip through the heart of South Africa means you'll get to see a good proportion of this amazing country of contrasts, with off-train excursions to historic towns ensuring you get a well-rounded experience. Add to this the fact that the train you'll be riding in is a veritable five-star hotel on wheels and you'll understand why so many love this route. Forget stuffy couchettes with the toilet at the other end of the train - on the Blue Train, every suite has its own bathroom. Delicious meals, created by top chefs on board, means you will be tasting a little of the cuisine of the country you're visiting, with ostrich fillet and impala a menu staple and wine from the finest South African vineyards galore. Prices start at R7860 which is roughly £600 per person sharing a deluxe suite.

Be there: Flights to Cape Town | The Blue Train web site