Blue Train, South Africa

Sleek, elegant and ultra-comfortable, South Africa's Blue Train cossets passengers in all the luxury and service of a 5-star hotel and makes the perfect addition to any luxury South Africa holiday.

Synonymous with the ultimate in luxury rail travel, The Blue Train has carried kings, presidents and discerning guests through the breathtaking beauty of the South African countryside since 1946. The luxurious suites are elegantly furnished, their en suite bathrooms tiled in marble and finished with gold fittings. Beds are custom-made and pulled each evening from a space in the suite wall by a dedicated butler while guests dine on the likes of fresh Karoo lamb, ostrich fillet and Knysna oysters, accompanied of course by a fine selection of South African wines. The afternoon tea is also excellent, and there are few better ways to relax after dinner than with a cognac in the bar car.

Operating regular services between Pretoria and Cape Town (two nights on board), its southbound route stops at the historic town of Kimberley, famous for its massive diamond mine, the Big Hole, while its northbound route visits the colonial town of Matjiesfontein.

It's worth noting that, while the dress code for breakfast is casual, lunch is smart casual while men are required to wear a jacket and tie for dinner.