The Society of International Railway Travelers

06/02/2025

IRT owners Owen & Eleanor Hardy just visited Rome, where they were some of the first to travel on La Dolce Vita Orient Express — Italy’s first luxury train — and they were blown away by the dining, the expert staff, the scenery, and the train itself. Email us to book — and see link in bio to read more about their experience. 🚂 🇮🇹 ☀️

04/11/2025

🔔 ICYMI: Our latest IRT Extra is out! 🔔

Dreaming of your next adventure? Don’t miss your chance to board Rovos Rail’s ultimate journey from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam! 🇿🇦 This popular 17-day rail adventure features 13 nights through the African wilds 🐆 on one of the world’s top luxury trains.

Trust us — if this trip is on your bucket list, you must plan ahead and book early! 🧳

Want early access to exciting announcements like this? 👀Sign up for our IRT Extra❗️Our exclusive email gives you the opportunity to receive the latest updates and news on the World’s Top 25 Trains. 🚂

Subscribe today using the link in our bio, or contact us for more information.

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!