Rail Plus, Australasia's largest supplier of rail product, has added the 14-day Journey through Central Asia tour to its Great Train Journeys of the World portfolio.
The trip is from Ashgabat in Turkmenistan to Astana in Kazakhstan and presents the cultures of the legendary Silk Road and some seven UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Rail Plus' national sales and marketing manager Greg McCallum expects the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (from $3700 per person), The Royal Scotsman (from $3940 per person) and Rocky Mountaineer (from $719 per person) will again be the best sellers in 2011.
"Generally, the demand for exotic and luxury rail journeys is growing, especially through the discerning baby boomer and group incentive markets," he said.
"While offering access to some really wonderful regions of the world, there is a strong sense of indulgence and bragging rights with these fabulous rail experiences. When we introduced this range a few years ago, we proclaimed that the product was akin to the cruise experience and we believe the market is endorsing that sentiment."
The price is from $4790 per person which includes five nights in upper middle or first class hotels, seven nights on the train in a two-berth sleeper, 36 meals, sightseeing and entrance fees, guided transfers, lunch/dinner with an Uzbek and a Turkmen family as well as in a Madrasah with folklore, wine and vodka tasting.
This tour departs on April 19, 2011.
Stretching from the Caspian Sea to the Tien Shan Mountains, the Central Asian countries of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are richly endowed with history and culture.
For further information on Rail Plus' Great Train Journeys of the World program including luxury trains in Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa, India, New Zealand and Australia, see www.railplus.com.au
