THE BLUE TRAIN- South Africa
Dine, laze, gaze, sip, be spoiled, be pampered, relax, repeat. If this sounds like something you can handle, then a luxury rail journey is just the thing for you. There's something that is just so splendidly chic about train travel, especially when the train involved happens to be one of the most luxurious in the world. There is perhaps no finer example of opulent traveling five-star (plus) accommodations than the world-famous Blue Train, which travels across the magically scenic landscape of South Africa.

Guests aboard the train are spoiled from the time of arrival in the exclusive departure lounges in either Pretoria or Cape Town, where they're met with a libation and introduction to their personal butler who will be looking after them for the duration of their stay aboard.

Each of the lavish suites are beautifully decorated with rich mahogany wood, luxe linen atop supremely comfortable beds, TVs with movie channels and even a GPS channel so you know exactly where you are at any time of the day. Best of all, each suite has it's own gorgeous bathroom- no queuing in the corridor to brush your teeth at night. The train travels at a comfortable speed, allowing for hours of tremendous, ever-changing vistas as you traverse from one end of the country to another, stopping briefly along the way for an excursion. After that, it’s back on board for traditional high tea followed by a lavish, elegant dinner experience.

Feeling hungry? Not to worry, the train is equipped with a team of traveling chefs that produce gourmet meals morning, noon and night...and beyond. The staff is tremendously hospitable and truly makes you feel like royalty. Best of all, the overnight journey easily fits in to almost any South Africa itinerary. It truly is an experience of a lifetime, not to be missed whilst in this wondrous land.

SPECIAL OFFERS- Travel before 31 Mar 2012 and one person travels at 50% off, double occupancy. Or, opt for 2 FREE hotel nights in either Cape Town or Pretoria any time in 2012 at your choice of Westin Cape Town, 131 Herbert Baker in Pretoria, or Sheraton Pretoria. Contact info@theexplorateurportfolio.com for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

GOLDENPASS LINE- Switzerland by rail
Emerald green grass dotted with yellow flowers, the strangely mystical bluish hues reflecting off of snowcapped peaks - this is how Switzerland is meant to be enjoyed and traveling by rail gives you a front row seat to the pure and completely natural. When next you're traveling through this charming land, we recommend GoldenPass Line, the best way to travel between Montreux to Lucerne, a railway system with routes so picturesque you'd think they were part of the original mountain passes themselves. Imagine, beginning the journey at the Riviera soaking up Mediterranean ambiance, rolling through tunnels, alpine forests, bubbling streams, quaint chalets, and fashionable mountain ski towns, in the comfort of a climate-controlled cocoon of comfort.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Book a passage on either the Golden Pass Panoramic or Golden Pass Classic train routes and save CHF 5 per person for travel through 31 Dec 2010. For more information or to book, please visit http://www.goldenpass.ch/montreuxzweisimmen/the_explorateur , or call +41 840 245 245 and be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!