Rail operator to launch Paris-Istanbul route
Golden Eagle Luxury Trains will launch its first Paris-Istanbul route on the Danube Express in May.
The Istanbul to Paris journey will depart May 18 and the return service will depart on May 25.
Off-train excursions for this new voyage include:
- Bulgaria: a unique musical performance inside the Crypt of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Serbia: explore an ancient Yugoslavian train, and enjoy a traditional Serbian feast
- Slovenia: a private visit to Postojna Caves on an underground train
- Austria: an exclusive private concert of classical masterpieces by the Vienna Supreme Orchestra
- France: explore the Champagne region
Two further trips are planned for September.
Wales launches cycle trains
Wales has launched refurbished cycle travel trains on the Heart of Wales line to promote walking and cycling opportunities in parts of the region, including Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Powys and Shropshire.
The first train began operations in February, with the remaining five expected to join the fleet over the next few months.
Seats have been removed from Transport of Wales’ trains to make way for 12 bicycles and e-bikes, with room for tandems. Before, only two bikes could be brought on board.
The cycle carriages feature 108 seats, 42 more than the trains that have previously operated on the line.
UK’s highest railway resumes operations
The UK’s highest railway, the Cairngorm funicular in the Scottish Highlands, has resumed services following four years of extensive track renovations.
According to Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the owner of the train, the two-kilometre funicular railway now has daily services.
The train offers access to the popular ski area via its stop at the Ptarmigan Top Station, where travellers can visit the UK’s highest restaurant, a gin bar, and a viewing terrace that overlooks the Cairngorms National Park.
Lufthansa and Deutsche Bahn expand partnership
Lufthansa Express Rail now includes the Deutsche Bahn City-Ticket, allowing passengers to use local public transport with their Lufthansa boarding passes.
The passes will be valid for travel on buses, trams, underground, and suburban trains to and from Express Rail stations.
Passengers can use local transport in 26 German cities on the day of travel, either to reach or depart the Express Rail station.
The upgrade applies to all Express Rail destinations except Siegburg and Basel.
UK launches touring train exhibition
In honour of 200 years of modern railway transportation in the UK, a special event, Railway 200, in partnership with the National Railway Museum, will offer a 12-month touring train exhibition from June 27.
Network Rail’s three-coach Inspiration train will visit 60 destinations, including mainline train stations, heritage railways and freight rail sites.
The exhibit will showcase a range of historic railway inventions and landmarks, and interactive displays and activities for attendees to test their engineering skills.
While admission to the train will be free, normal charges to enter heritage railways and private sites where the train is located will still apply.
Inspiration will first depart from the Severn Valley Railway in Worcestershire, and then pass through towns and cities including Birmingham, London, Kent, Sussex, Derby, Norfolk, Suffolk, Yorkshire, York and Durham.
