asia adventure travel

The allure of untold centuries unfolds for the those fortunate enough to experience the ancient Silk Road by rail. A year-round roster of special interest packages -- emphasizing history, culture, arts and nature -- lets passengers select the itinerary that suits them best. The sleek, air-conditioned train is newly constructed. Its clean and modern facilites are complemented by a range of services and amenities... from dry cleaning service to fine regional Chinese cuisines to satellite TV. Be sure to click on "Traveller Guide" for an impressive movie archive of tour highlights.

This timeless journey combines serene beaches, magnificent forts and palaces, and rare monuments to reveal the majesty and diversity of Maharashtrian land and culture. Highlights include the Goan Coast, the Osho Ashram in Pune and the monument caves at Ajanta and Ellora, which have been designated by UNESCO to be World Heritage sites. Trains operate September to April.
The Train: Modeled after the Palace on Wheels to emulate a 5-star hotel; facilities include two restaurants, bar car, conference car and spa car offering sauna, gym, massage and beauty parlour. Itinerary: 7-night round-trip journey originates in Mumbai. Guest quarters: Deluxe saloon cars feature twin-bedded chambers. A complimentary bottle of wine is provided. Dining: An exotic, seasonal array of dishes from Indian, Continental, Maharashtrian, Goa and Chinese cuisines is served in two lavish dining cars. Reception: Lounge has plasma TV and full bar service; conference car adapted for dancing in the evening. Selected features: 24-hour room service, private coaches, charters, handicap access (special suite), online booking.

The world's oldest (1855) working steam engine -- according to Guinness -- guides visitors on an exotic 2-day adventure. Itinerary highlights include palatial accomodations, native cultural program and cuisine, and an authentic tiger safari.

From India's mesmerizing "Pink City" of Jaipur, to the tigers at Sawai Madhopur, to Agra and the breathtaking Taj Mahal, the antique splendor of Rajasthan enchants those few fortunate enough to book passage aboard the opulent Palace on Wheels. Described as "One of the world's ten great rail journeys," the eight-day excursion complements first-class onboard amenities and hospitality with local touristic and culinary attractions.

Guests of the Royal Orient enjoy the "luxuries and amenities of a five-star hotel" as mystery and romance of Gujarat and Rajasthan unfolds. Eight-day itinerary includes the fortress at Chittaurgarh... Udaipur: Venice of the East... the temples at Modhera, Patan, Somnath and Palitana... Sasan Gir: the lions' last natural habitat outside Africa... the Samudra Beach Resort at Ahmedpur-Mandvi... the former Portuguese colony of Diu... and the rose-hued sandstone architecture of Jaipur, "India's pink city."

Departs Shibuya Station on Tokyo's Yamanote Ring Line for popular tourist destinations like Hakone and Enoshima, southeast of the city. Also: one- and two-day tours of Japan's 12th century capital of Kamakura or Hakone -- including Mt. Fuji.

This romantic and gracious journey through southeast Asia commences in Bangkok, crosses the famed Bridge on the River Kwai and continues on to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. A second line extends from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Both routes may be booked in either direction.