Skift Take

This junket-generated story is nonetheless exciting with its promise of a long, lazy vacation with old-school luxe -- at new-school prices, of course.

Source: The Daily Telegraph

Cunard’s Queen Victoria and the Eastern & Oriental Express combine for an unforgettable holiday to the Far East and Middle East.

Travelling on board the Eastern & Oriental Express from Bangkok to Singapore is one of the world’s great train journeys. Combine this with a

12-day voyage aboard Cunard’s magnificent ocean liner Queen Victoria and the result is a glamorous holiday that truly recalls the golden age of travel.

Imagine Cruising is offering a superb package, departing Heathrow on March 19, 2013.

Arriving in Bangkok, you will spend a night in a five-star hotel before boarding this elegant train and spending four days winding your way past Thailand’s rice fields, lush forests, soaring mountains and extraordinary temples.

The journey takes you to the River Kwai, where you will be taken on a boat trip that passes under the famous bridge.

Crossing to Penang in Malaysia, you will enjoy a tour of the colonial city of Georgetown with its elaborate mosques, bazaars and colourful houses.

As your adventure unfolds on board the opulent Eastern & Oriental Express – sister train to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – you’ll enjoy gourmet dining, cocktails in the open-air observation car, orchids in your cabin and the services of a steward who delivers breakfast to your cabin each morning.

Lunch and dinner are served in the two Restaurant Cars, each lavishly decorated with rosewood and elm panelling.

Arriving in Singapore, you will be transferred to a five-star hotel for four nights, giving you plenty of time to explore this vibrant city.

Stroll through the Tiger Balm Gardens with statues of characters from Chinese legend, haggle your way around Bugis Street market and sample traditional fare in Chinatown.

More elegance follows on board Queen Victoria, with all the regal splendour and heritage you would imagine from a luxurious Cunard ocean liner.

Life is an opulent whirl of world-class food and entertainment, themed balls in the Queens Room with its cantilevered balconies, lavish productions in the Royal Court theatre and afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters.

Your first port of call is Kuala Lumpur, a fascinating mix of ancient temples and modern skyscrapers.

Next, Colombo introduces you to the delights of Sri Lanka and arriving in Mumbai in India, a tour may take you to Dhobi Ghat, the huge open-air laundry.

Queen Victoria then heads for the Middle East.

Muscat is a combination of stunning deserts, mountains and modern metropolis, while in Dubai – where you will spend two nights – you could take a tour over the sweeping desert sand dunes in a 4×4 vehicle.

The Jordanian town of Aqaba is next; the gateway to the ancient “rose-red” city of Petra, hidden in the desert mountains for more than 2,000 years.

Next, at Sharm El Sheikh, you can explore the corals and fish of the Red Sea on a snorkelling trip or by glass-bottomed boat.

Sokhna is your next stop before passing through the Suez Canal to Port Said, from where you can take a tour to Cairo and visit the Pyramids of Giza and The Sphinx.

More ancient wonders await in Rome with its enchanting fountains, glorious piazzas and imposing Colosseum.

Your final port of call before arriving in Southampton is Lisbon, a city famous for its discoverers and seafaring past.

On this incredible journey you’ll discover ancient wonders and modern marvels. And you will travel in ultimate style.

Offers

Ultimate Asia Experience, 22 nights, including 12 nights on board

Queen Victoria, train journey on the Eastern & Oriental Express and hotel stays in Bangkok and Singapore, from £3,899pp including flights, March 19, 2013.

To book or for further information, contact Imagine Cruising on 0800 840 5827or visit www.imaginecruising.co.uk 

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Tags: cunard, junkets, orient express

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