Train Trips Around the World
All Aboard! Adventures Aboard Historic and Picturesque Steam Trains
Mar 27, 2007
A century ago, travelers had the choice of train travel, stagecoach or horseback. Today, for most of us, it is jet plane or nothing.
Too bad, because some of the most scenic and relaxing travel is being pulled by an old-fashioned steam locomotive. And we're not talking about half-day sightseeing trips available in many towns.
Trains Unlimited Tours operates a dozen annual steam train excursions and tours around the world, and many offer participants the chance to ride on top of one of the cars. You can make believe, either, you are an old-fashioned train robber, an adventure movie star, or just hang on with one hand while you snap photos or take video with the other.
Here's a selection of 2007 tours:
China is replacing the steam trains on its main and branch lines with diesel and electric locomotives, so the only steam trains left are the mining lines. This tour includes visiting mining railroads with more than 100 steam engines in operation.
In May, Poland celebrates 100 years of Polish railroad steam. This itinerary, which starts in Berlin -- where the new train station is one of the world's largest -- takes in dozens of smoke-belching locomotives.
The White Pass near Scagway, Alaska, is one of the world's most scenic -- and precipitous -- train rides through a lush forest. It hugs cliffs and chugs over trestles.
The train route between Quito and Guayaquil, Ecuador is a rugged route through the Andes. There are steep grades, tunnels and hairpin switchbacks including the famous Devil's Nose Switchbacks. Participants on this tour get the opporutnity to ride up front on the pilot, even try their hand at firing or working the throttle.
It's not all train travel all the time. There are sightseeing stops.
