Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan harmoniously blends urban life with nature. Thimphu, the capital, showcases vibrant markets and lively cafes, reflecting a mix of modernity and tradition. The tranquil town of Paro features serene landscapes and a strong sense of community, emphasizing agriculture and craftsmanship. Punakha offers picturesque views where daily life and local culture thrive amid natural beauty. Together, these cities embody Bhutan’s commitment to preserving identity while embracing change.
Season: July
Magical Train Journeys
There is something essentially magical about train travel. From the rhythmic chug of the train engine to the ever-changing views framed at your window, this combination of adventure and comfort in a seamless blend stays unparalleled. With Anecdotes, we bring together the most opulent and most exclusive rail journeys across the globe to present you with an escape in which the experience is as much about the journey as the destination itself.
Let’s look at some of the most unique rail journeys our world has to offer!
The Venice Simplon-Orient Express: Europe’s Timeless Elegance
The Venice Simplon-Orient Express is often regarded as the epitome of luxury rail travel. This legendary train is an inspiration for numerous novels and cinematic works, and onboard, one will take a sentimental journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe. From London to Venice and Paris to Istanbul, this Orient Express journey—already steeped in history, elegance, and romance—awaits.
Each of the well-restored carriages speak for themselves, in providing elements from the 1920s: Art Deco interiors, refined furnishings, and exclusive service. Gourmet meals concocted by top chefs offer the best dining experience on board. Every moment inside this train feels like being whisked through time, enveloped in rich luxury.
Anecdotes Suggested Itineraries:
Paris to Budapest (Round-trip)
Paris to Vienna (Round-trip)
Paris to Venice (Overnight Journey)
Best Time to Travel– April – October
The Rocky Mountaineer: Canada’s Spectacular Scenery
Imagine yourself winding through the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. The Rocky Mountaineer will get you all this and much more. This world-renowned train journey offers unparalleled views of Canada’s most wonderful landscapes from the comfort of a luxurious seat.
The Rocky Mountaineer routes include Vancouver to Banff or Jasper and pass through regions inaccessible by road, offering a front-row viewpoint of the grandeur of nature. Glass-domed coaches provide expansive vistas, while gourmet cuisine, exceptional service, and fascinating storytelling complement your journey. This is an adventure that promises both relaxation and astounding beauty.
Anecdotes Recommended Itineraries:
Essential Rockies by Train
Vancouver to Banff – 6 Days
Best Time to Travel– April to October
As an addition, Anecdotes also recommends combining the Rocky Mountaineer trains with a splendid Cruise through the Alaska landscape. Anecdotes cruise tour, offering a bucket list combination of cruise & rail experience, would include a one-week roundtrip cruise from Vancouver, covering glacial highlights of Alaska, followed by a train journey through the Rockies.
The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train: Asia’s Exotic Elegance
For those in search of a journey that delivers an essential insight into the mystique and allure of Southeast Asia, the Eastern and Oriental Express has no bounds. This luxurious train meanders across Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, effortlessly blending cultures, landscapes, and experiences.
The interior of the train echoes the exotic charm of the region, sporting rich panelling, silk-upholstered furnishings, and intricate decoration. Each cabin is an oasis of comfort, featuring en-suite facilities and panoramic windows. Dining celebrates Asian and international cuisine, skillfully prepared using the freshest ingredients. The journey gives a subliminal view, from pulsating and vibrant cityscapes to rural tranquillity, into the heart of Southeastern Asia.
Anecdotes Recommended Itineraries:
Three Nights Essence of Malaysia
Best time to travel– November-February
The Belmond Andean Explorer: Peru’s Breathtaking Highlands
The Belmond Andean Explorer is amongst South America’s finest luxury sleeper trains and will take you on an extraordinary journey through the Andean highlands of Peru. From the old Inca city of Cusco via breathtaking Lake Titicaca to the elegant, colonial town of Arequipa, the train journey gives a unique perspective to the rich cultural and natural heritage.
Inherent in the coach design, the rich colours and traditional patterns of Peru, evoke warm elegance. There is also an observation car with superb panoramic views of dramatic landscapes. Onboard, you will enjoy gourmet dining crafted from locally sourced ingredients, paired with the highest level of service. This is the journey that combines adventure and luxury and gets you up close and personal with breathtaking scenery.
Anecdotes Recommended Itineraries:
Andean Plains and Islands of Discovery
2 nights: Arequipa – Puno – Cusco
Best time to travel-August- December
The Maharajas’ Express: India’s Royal Splendor
Experience the Royal lifestyle, onboard India’s famous Maharajas’ Express. This award-winning journey takes you on the gilded lives of India’s maharajas, with routes covering some of the iconic destinations across the country, from the hustle of Delhi and Mumbai to the serene landscapes across Rajasthan.
The Maharajas’ Express interiors pay homage to royal India: luxurious cabins, exquisite dining cars, and lavish lounges. Every journey is a cultural odyssey, with excursions off the train to some of India’s most famous landmarks, including the Taj Mahal and Jaipur’s Amber Fort. This onboard culinary experience is a feast for the senses, with a menu that showcases the best of Indian and international cuisine. This isn’t a train journey, but a royal adventure.
Anecdotes Recommended Itineraries:
The Indian Splendour (6 Nights/ 7 Days)
Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Mumbau
Best time to travel- October- April
Anecdotes recommends combining the rail journey with a classical tour of North India including Delhi, Varanasi and Rishikesh, or a south India experience, including Kerala and Goa.
The Ghan: Australia’s Epic Expedition
The Ghan stretches right across the Australian continent, from Adelaide to Darwin. On board this iconic train voyage, you’ll travel across some of the contrasting landscapes of Australia—from South Australia’s rolling hills to the red deserts of the Outback and finally, the tropical north.
The Ghan offers luxurious cabins, gourmet dining, and immersive off-train experiences—a fully inclusive package. It is designed to encompass the grandeur of the natural and cultural wonders of Australia, including the breaking journeys in Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge. Its interior comfort is well balanced, with a different outside view running from the window to evoke both relaxation and excitement.
Anecdotes Recommended Itineraries:
The Ghan Expedition between Darwin and Adelaide.
3 nights/ 4 days
Best Time to travel– April – November
In Essence…
At Anecdotes, we believe that journey’s have the potential to create tales of a lifetime! Our selection of rail journeys are crafted to allow one to experience the world in a unique and classical form. From the elegance of Europe to the wild beauty in Africa, mysteriousness in Asia, and majestic landscapes in Australia and South America – these are journey‘s designed to capture your heart and soul.
Join us on one of these unforgettable rail adventures, and let us help you create your Anecdotes through these journeys! Connect with us, to plan your next travel experience!
Captivating Croatia
Discover Croatia and Slovenia’s rich heritage: Dubrovnik’s medieval fortifications from the 16th century, Split’s UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, and Plitvice Lakes National Park’s turquoise lakes. In Slovenia, experience Lake Bled’s charm, Ljubljana’s urban planning, and Škocjan Caves’ underground marvels, alongside Lipica Stud Farm and Predjama Castle’s historical wonders.
Exploring Europe by Cruise
Embark on a captivating journey through Europe, where contrasting landscapes and rich cultural tapestries await. From the somber shores of the Baltic to the radiant blues of the Aegean, and from the ancient fortresses to the towering skylines, immerse yourself in the allure of Europe aboard a cruise.
Cruising Through Alaska’s Untamed Beauty
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Alaska’s pristine wilderness and rugged coastline on an Alaska cruise adventure. Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of towering glaciers, majestic fjords, and abundant wildlife as you navigate some of the most scenic waterways on Earth.
From the comfort of your cruise ship, you’ll witness the dramatic calving of glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park, marvel at the towering peaks of the Inside Passage, and cruise through icy waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pristine forests. Along the way, keep an eye out for whales breaching, eagles soaring overhead, and bears foraging along the shoreline.
Tosamaidan
Tosamaidan – the king of meadows in Kashmir lies towards the west of Srinagar. It is the base to explore many amazing lakes, meadow upon meadows, mountain passes and peaks, gushing rivers and landscapes which are full of flora and fauna. The lush green pastures covered by pine and cedar forests added with varieties of wildflowers make this entire area a trekkers’ Mecca.
Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
If you are looking to trail a tiger or track an elephant, India has the most exciting wildlife parks where you can do so. Its diverse landscape invites you to take a look into its rich wildlife that varies in every region, ensuring a different experience each time. So, put on your ranger’s hat and board this thrilling safari that will bring you a step closer to the country’s exotic wild.
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
The Ranthambore National Park is one of the last sanctuaries where the Royal Bengal Tiger roams free. Spread over 392 sq kms and located just 130 kms away from Jaipur, the deciduous forests of Ranthambore make for great wildlife viewing and though besides the tiger, one can spot other game like sambar, chital and panthers, it is primarily the tiger that one comes here for. Early morning and late afternoon safaris will take you to possible spots where a tiger and some of its cubs may cross your path.
So come to Ranthambore and nine times out of ten you are bound to catch sight of the majestic tiger in all its natural glory. It’s a sight like no other – unique and exciting!
Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Sheltered in the Vindhyas of Madhya Pradesh, the Bandhavgarh National Park was the original home of the precious white tigers where they were first sighted in Rewa. The lush greens of this wild paradise are spread across 437 sq. Kms of land. So there’s a lot the wildlife enthusiasts can look forward to. Nilgai, Chinkara and Wild boars are amongst those easily sighted. Spotting a fox could be tricky. The park boasts of a healthy population of tigers which translates into extremely favourable chances of a sighting. Meet all of them and the others at the woods of Bandhavgarh, where pristine nature embraces the wild.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Spot the rhino’s head on the map of India and you’ll know where Kaziranga is. Habitat of the one horned rhinoceros, paradise for wild elephants and water buffalos, a prominent tiger reserve and a world heritage site in the state of Assam, the Kaziranga National Park is a haven for the wild. Ride through its meadows and marshes for a tete-a-tete with the Hog deer, sloth bears, capped langoors and some of the largest pythons in the world. Or stick close to its rivers and you’ll probably see the Gangetic Dolphins in full swing. For more, come to Kaziranga and discover some exotic surprises on its wild vistas.
Sunderbans, West Bengal
Enshrined in the swamped mangroves at the tip of Bengal is the kingdom of Royal Bengal tigers known as Sunderbans National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sunderbans are spread over a massive land mass of 4264 sq Kms, disappearing towards the south into the sea. The swamps help you locate the striped beasts seen resting in the estuarine mangroves, escaping the scorching heat. And since you’re there, you may also get to see snakes, crocodiles and fishing cats, all looking forward to preying on tiny marine species. Sunderbans treasure numerous rarities of flora and fauna making it the finest destination for an unmatched wild adventure. So get here and be a part of this unique experience.
Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat
The last preserve of the Asiatic Lion, Gir Wildlife Sanctuary sits at the brink of peninsular Gujarat in the southwestern belt of dry deciduous forests. One of India’s prime wildlife attractions, Gir is a flourishing hub for the big cats, which includes lions as well as leopards. In fact, Gir has the largest number of leopards in the country. The sanctuary’s waters are known to be infested with numerous muggers or marsh crocodiles catering to the reptilian interests of spectators. However, it’s the majestic prides scattered sparsely throughout the sanctuary’s territory that leave visitors awe struck upon an encounter and place Gir in a special category of wildlife conservation centers.
Cultural Bhutan
JourneyMart presents a series of exclusive experiences in Bhutan!
Join us to explore the soaring peak of the Himalayas “A travel experience like no other”.
Ladakh Diaries
Ladakh, once a Buddhist kingdom has Barren mountains, fiercely marked rocky outcrops, charming Gompas and colourful flags are few of the sites that elucidate the natural artistry and grace of Ladakh. The strong and balanced historic community of Ladakh has enough to offer.
