The Society of International Railway Travelers

03/21/2025

This past fall, Senior Advisor Rachel Hardy and her husband, Nate, boarded the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for one of the famous journeys from Istanbul to Paris.

Enjoy these wonderful photos that capture a glimpse of the luxurious VSOE.

Stay tuned for a special blog post written by Rachel about their time on this unforgettable trip!

03/18/2025

Last, but certainly not least, we’re featuring Rachel Hardy’s inclusion on the ⭐️ Conde Nast Top Travel Specialists list for 2025! ⭐️

As a luxury travel expert, Rachel has a passion for creating unforgettable experiences 😍 Her deep travel knowledge and desire for unique adventures leaves a lasting impression for our guests.

Whether it’s a private helicopter tour 🚁 over Norway’s breathtaking fjords or a VIP stay in a Grand Suite on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express 🚂 Rachel ensures every journey is truly magical. 💫

For seamless, personalized, and extraordinary travel, Rachel and the IRT team are ready to make your dream a reality!

03/17/2025

Next up, we’re highlighting Angela Walker - our VP of Operations and luxury travel expert also recognized on Conde Nast’s Top Travel Specialists list for 2025! ✨

Specializing in luxury trains 🚂 is what Angela believes sets IRT apart from the rest. And she should know: Angela has personally traveled on 17 of the World’s Top 25 Trains‼️

She cherishes building long-term relationships 🤝🏻 with clients and partners, which allow for those unique and unforgettable moments during your trip. Whether you’re traveling by yourself or with a group, Angela’s passion will ensure your trip is special from start to finish. 😌

03/13/2025

They’ve done it again!

We’re beyond thrilled to announce that IRT has once again been included on the 🌟 Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist list for 2025! 🌟

Agency President Eleanor Hardy and Senior Advisors Angela Walker and Rachel Hardy have again been named to this exclusive network of travel experts. 🧳

Over the next three days, we’ll highlight what makes each one of them stand out from the rest. ❤️

First up: Eleanor Hardy — with over 40 years of experience and firsthand knowledge of the World’s Top 25 Trains 🚂 it’s no wonder she’s been recognized as a top travel specialist by Condé Nast Traveler six times‼️Her personalized approach and deep commitment to her clients is what sets her apart.

An IRT Traveler summed it up perfectly, “I hear your voice, and my shoulders go down. I can relax.” 😌

Our travelers know they can count on Eleanor and her team for the perfect luxury adventure.

03/10/2025

🌟New for 2026: Australis & Aurora Suites on The Ghan and Indian Pacific!🌟

Experience ultimate luxury with two new suites on our favorite trains in Australia.

✨Australis: three times the size of a Platinum cabin, featuring a double sink, large queen bed, spacious sitting area, expansive wardrobe, and stunning ensuite with Jurlique toiletries.

✨Aurora: two times the size of a Platinum cabin, with a queen bed, sitting area, wardrobe, and elegant ensuite.

Both suites include exclusive off-train experiences, personalized bars, private transfers, Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année, and more!

Contact us today to book now for travel in 2026! With only a limited number of suites on the train, these are sure to go fast!

02/13/2025

We are thrilled to announce that Eleanor Hardy, president of The Society of International Railway Travelers, was named today on the 2025 Travel + Leisure A-List—for the fourth year in a row. 🌟

She remains the only A-Lister specializing in luxury rail travel 🚂, a testament to her expertise and passion for extraordinary train journeys.

“I’m so thrilled because this calls attention to my favorite mode of travel — fabulous train travel — as well as the work of our amazing team at The Society of International Railway Travelers and that of our partners on great trains around the world,” said Mrs. Hardy. “Thanks to our wonderful clients as well – who make our world go around!” 🌍

Here’s to another incredible year of exploring the world by rail!

Interested in experiencing an adventure of your own? Email us at [email protected] to learn more, or visit our website linked in the bio. 🧳

01/05/2025

11/21/2024

Angela’s Castles of Transylvania tour began with the exploration two of Istanbul’s most historic sights – Hagia Sophia and the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), followed by the colorful and aromatic Spice Bazaar. 🌶️🫚

Swipe to the end to see a sweet, furry local that caught Angela’s attention! 🐈

From the Bazaar, it was a short walk to Sirkeci train station to board the waiting Golden Eagle Danube Express 🚂 for the fabulous rail adventure through Bulgaria, Romania & Hungary. Stay tuned!

11/12/2024

Exciting news! We’re thrilled to announce Belmond’s first-ever luxury sleeper train in England and Wales: the Britannic Explorer. 🇬🇧🚂

The company behind iconic trains like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Royal Scotsman has added this British gem to its fabulous collection.💎

Departing from London Victoria Station, the 3-night scenic itineraries will feature UK destinations difficult to reach by car, including Cornwall, Wales, and the Lake District.

If three nights isn’t enough, you’re in luck. On select departures, you can combine two itineraries for a 6-night adventure!

Journeys begin July 2025. Visit our website (link in bio) for full details. Contact us today to book: [email protected]

11/08/2024

It’s been quite an exciting Fall for the team here at IRT!

We now get to follow along with Angela Walker and her husband, Shawn, as they board the Golden Eagle Danube Express for the unforgettable Castles of Transylvania tour. 🏰

Embark through four European countries, where vibrant cultures, ancient castles, and breathtaking views await. With four luxurious nights aboard the train, and stays at the stunning Four Seasons Sultanahmet in Istanbul and Four Seasons Gresham Palace in Budapest. 🌟 Don’t miss a moment of wonder—both on and off the rails!

10/21/2024

Rovos Rail’s 16-Day Cape Town to Dar es Salaam is one of our most popular journeys for many reasons. ⭐️

“Big five” game drives 🐘 are a highlight of this amazing adventure, and IRT Traveler, Rick M., shared these beautiful images with us after traveling with Rovos Rail last month.

He was thrilled to tell us that they “came back to the lodge happy as clams” after their guide was determined to find a cheetah to check off their final box of witnessing the “big five”. 🐆

Every day on this tour is unforgettable and unique, and we thank Rick for sharing this wonderful experience with us.

10/11/2024

As you journey on the Al-Andalus, you are reminded every day of the beauty of the Spanish countryside. ☀️

The region of Andalusia unfolds with rolling plains of olive groves, sunflower fields, and vineyards, which give the area a rich agricultural identity.

Arriving into Seville on the final day of this tour gives you one last glimpse of the breathtaking views. 🇪🇸❤️

10/10/2024

The journey on Al-Andalus is enriched with some of Spain’s most elegant cuisine and exquisite wines.

On Day 5 of this journey, the train travels into the beautiful Jerez train station, as seen in the first image. A visit to a sherry winery showcases a canopy of grape vines covering the street in the heart of sherry country.

With two overnights in Jerez, our journey is soon coming to end with a tour in Cadiz, followed by our final stop in Seville.

09/30/2024

Following a delicious breakfast on board, take in the beauty of Córdoba’s streets as Owen and Eleanor make their way to the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba.

Also known as the Mezquita, the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba stands as a symbol of Córdoba’s diverse cultural history and is one of the most remarkable monuments in the world.

With just a few more stops along the way to Seville, there is still so much to see on this picturesque journey.

09/19/2024

The UNESCO World Heritage cities 🌎 of Úbeda and Baeza are the next stops along the way on this magnificent journey through Southern Spain on Al-Andalus. 🇪🇸

Renowned for its remarkable Renaissance architecture 🏛️ and vibrant history these are perfect destinations for history buffs and dreamers alike! 📖

09/18/2024

Every day on the Al-Andalus journey is enriched with tours of some of Spain’s most beautiful sights. 🇪🇸

A visit to the Alhambra was a perfect way to begin this luxurious trip. 😍 Nestled in the hills of Granda, this stunning palace was built by the Nasrid sovereigns of the Kingdom of Granada and is one of Spain’s most popular monuments.

With its lush gardens ⛲️, panoramic views 🌄, and intricate design 🖌️, the Alhambra will leave you speechless.

09/11/2024

We hope you enjoyed the glimpse into Rachel’s journey from Istanbul to Paris on the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient Express.

Now let’s travel 1,000 miles south and visit Malaga, Spain, where our agency’s founders Owen & Eleanor Hardy are beginning their adventure on the Al-Andalus luxury train of Southern Spain.

Stay tuned for the beautiful sights they see along the way from Malaga to Seville.

08/31/2024

Fine dining is at the heart of the VSOE experience. Chef Jean Imbert’s team churns out culinary masterpiece after masterpiece in two tiny galleys onboard.