Recently announced plans to cut �6.5 billion in UK railway subsidies may hit Britain�s sleeper services where it hurts but are unlikely to affect the romantic love affair that millions of travellers continue to enjoy with sleeper train journeys throughout the world, according to escorted train journeys specialist Great Rail Journeys (T: 01904 521940 or www.greatrail.com).

Ian Macbeth, Director of Great Rail Journeys says, �People may be able to fly to Inverness for just �30 or �40, but nothing quite beats the romance of an overnight train journey, arriving refreshed in the morning. Sleeper train journeys in Europe still thrive, one of the finest being from Paris to Barcelona or Madrid, where an excellent restaurant car enables you to have a delicious and leisurely dinner before retiring. Sleepers also allow you to cover considerable distances, and save on your hotel bills. The same is true of the classic train journeys we offer in many countries worldwide, where the journey is as important as the destination.�

The many other journeys offered by the specialist tour operator that involve sleepers include: � The steam hauled Royal Hungarian Express, which boasts sleeping cars from the former Hungarian Government�s Private Train as well as historic dining cars and locomotives. Travel alongside the beautiful Lake Balaton in Hungary and sleep in a plump double bed in the romantic Presidential Suite. (Featured in the 15-day �Imperial Explorer� tour, which costs from �2,290pp sharing with a supplement of �395pp for the Presidential suite).

� The Trans Siberian Express - the longest train journey from Brest in Belarus to Vladivostock, the end of the line in Russia. The train journey of a lifetime, passengers can expect a gastronomic journey of discovery through the areas' diverse cuisine ranging from daily home-baked bread to freshly squeezed orange juice, as well as local delicacies such as caviar and champagne, often taking advantage of products from colourful markets en route. (The full 19-night tour costs from �4,500 and the shortened version of 11-nights from �2,790).

� Experience the unashamed luxury of the Blue Train as it travels from Cape Town to Pretoria. Accommodation is in luxurious air-conditioned twin bedded sleepers with shower and WC, converting to seats by day. There is a comfortable lounge and club car with a well stocked complimentary bar, and a sightseeing tour of Matjiesfontein and all meals and drinks are included. (Part of the �Highlights of South Africa� tour, which costs from �3,350pp sharing).

� Travel on the Canadian, restored to its 1950s style, across the Prairies and into the foothills of the Rockies, and enjoy the train�s award winning service. Each sleeper consists of comfortable armchairs by day, and cosy upper and lower berths by night, with all meals being traditionally served in the dining car. Passengers have use of the Park Car at the rear of the train, with a high level Observation Dome and lounge looking back along the tracks. (This 17-day scenic journey costs from �3,190pp sharing.)

For further information on any of the Great Rail Journeys Tel 01904 521940 or visit their website at www.greatrail.com

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PRESS ENQUIRIES: Julia Spence or Angela Lewis Julia Spence Public Relations Tel: 01491 824524 mobile: 07802 443113 Email: julia.spence@ukonline.co.uk

Or Ian Macbeth or Howard Trinder Great Rail Jouneys Tel: 01904 521900