Castles of Transylvania by Private Train

Castles of Transylvania by Private Train
MIR Corporation / December 9, 2019

Take a short and sweet week-long rail journey that begins in historic Istanbul, heads north through beautiful Bulgaria and Romania’s Transylvania region, and rolls on to sophisticated Budapest.  Explore alluring capital cities, walk the halls of palaces and royal castles from a range of eras and empires, and watch the unfamiliar world of the Carpathian Mountains and the Hungarian Plain stream past your own cozy private cabin.Special Offer:Save on the cost of the single supplement on the 2020 departure of this rail journey by private train. Must be booked by January 31, 2020 (more info). Read More

Jewels of the Silk Road by Private Train

Jewels of the Silk Road by Private Train
MIR Corporation / November 19, 2019

Discover the legendary history, artistic and cultural traditions, and archaeological sites of the Silk Road on this epic rail journey by private train, experiencing three fabled ‘Stans of Central Asia and five UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way.  This is one of three shorter versions of the Republics of the Silk Road by Private Train tour, a 17-day journey from Moscow to Almaty, April 5-21, 2020.  Please call for details on our 10-day, 12-day, and 14-day tour options.  Read More

Essential Moscow

Essential Moscow
MIR Corporation / September 23, 2019

Moscow is the political, historical, and emotional heart of Russia — a booming metropolis where centuries-old landmarks stand shoulder-to-shoulder with 21st-century high-rises. This comprehensive tour delves deep into the long and fascinating history of the Russian capital, surveying glittering cathedrals and ancient fortresses, as well as incredible art galleries and modern monuments. Read More

Eastern Turkey & Georgia: Crossroads of Ancient Civilizations

Eastern Turkey & Georgia: Crossroads of Ancient Civilizations
MIR Corporation / September 25, 2019

The rugged sunburnt Anatolian Plateau of Eastern Turkey and the steep-sided green valleys of Georgia are brilliantly paired on this unusual backroad exploration. Begin in iconic Istanbul, where both continents and cultures collide, and follow traces of the old Silk Road through arid valleys and rocky hills rich with the traces of early civilizations. Then explore the beautiful little country of Georgia, where guests are welcomed at tables laden with some of the finest food and wine on earth. Read More

Republics of the Silk Road by Private Train

Republics of the Silk Road by Private Train
MIR Corporation / September 18, 2019

Discover the incredible history and diversity of the Silk Road on this epic rail journey by private train, experiencing the fabled five ‘Stans of Central Asia and six UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way. Explore legendary oasis cities, ancient archaeological sites, and intriguing modern monuments, and witness the artistic and cultural traditions that have sustained this multifaceted region for centuries. Read More

Albania: Beyond the Guidebook

Albania: Beyond the Guidebook
MIR Corporation / September 13, 2019

Experience the abundant natural beauty and hospitality of Albania, a burgeoning Balkan nation ready to step into the spotlight after decades of isolation and obscurity. Discover the country’s communist history, marvel at forgotten remnants of Greco-Roman and Ottoman architecture, admire spectacular vistas in the Albanian Alps, and step into the lives of villagers who still hold tight to ancient traditions. Read More

Essential Slovenia

Essential Slovenia
MIR Corporation / September 23, 2019

Take a close-up look at a jewel of a country, lovely Slovenia. Slovenia has it all – coast, mountains, lakes, castles – and all within an hour or so of each other. On this in-depth exploration, range from the political and cultural capital, Ljubljana, through the countryside from the Julian Alps to the Adriatic Coast, admiring tidy villages and towns, grand mountain vistas, and aquamarine rivers and lakes. Visit a stud farm of the original Lipizzaner horse, attend a wine-tasting in the “Tuscany of Slovenia,” explore a cave system and a cave castle, and dine in an award-winning restaurant. Read More

The Pamir Highway: From the Tien Shan to the High Pamirs

The Pamir Highway: From the Tien Shan to the High Pamirs
MIR Corporation / August 20, 2019

Join an adventurous journey through two of the most remote and rarely explored countries in Central Asia – Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Experience the proud traditions and hospitality of Kyrgyz nomads in the highlands, enjoy visits with local Tajiks in their timeless mountain villages, and take in majestic and hauntingly beautiful landscapes along one of the world’s most scenic drives, the Pamir Highway. Read More

Central European Classics by Private Train

Central European Classics by Private Train
MIR Corporation / July 26, 2019

Enjoy the pleasures of Old World rail travel, as you glide in style from Budapest, Hungary, where layer upon layer of civilizations have flowered and faded, and on to sophisticated Prague, the “Hundred-Spired City.” On the way, watch green and friendly Slovakia unspool outside your window, and stop in the capital, Bratislava, to admire imposing Bratislava Castle. Visit beautiful Krakow, whose medieval Market Square is Europe’s largest. End in historic Prague for a two-night stay in a five star hotel. Encounter four UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the rails as you roll from one fascinating city to the next.Read More

Kaliningrad & The Baltics

Kaliningrad & The Baltics
MIR Corporation / January 4, 2019

This overland journey roves the countryside and urban centers of four distinct nations:  the three independent Baltic countries – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – and Kaliningrad, an exclave of Russia.  Together they form a mosaic of countries ruled over in early years by the traders of the Hanseatic League, and later occupied by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II. Read More