Do you have train buffs in your family? If so, they'll be interested in the annual selection of "The World's Top 25 Trains" as determined by The Society of Internatioal Railway Travelers, an organization of travelers who love the comfort and romance of great trains.

Basing the winning list on its members' own experiences, "The trains met stringent standards for service, accommodation, scenery, itinerary, off-train experiences and passenger enjoyment," said Eleanor Hardy, Society President. "Trains cannot pay to be included in this book: we choose them."

Some on the list represent over-the-top luxury, such as the all-first-class "Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express," Rovos Rail's "Pride of Africa" and India's "Deccan Odyssey." Others offer the most stylish and comfortable way to see less-developed regions, such the world's newest private train, the "Danube Express," which offers week-long, rail-based "cruises" through Central Europe.

Per-person prices for these mostly private-train tours range from $2,895 for a week to $26,500 for a 16-day excursion.

Following, in geographical order, are the winning trains and principal countries or areas of operation:

North America
1) Canadian (Canada)
2) Royal Canadian Pacific (Canada)
3) Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)

South America
4) Andean Explorer (Peru)
5) Hiram Bingham (Peru)

Africa
5) Blue Train (South Africa)
7) Pride of Africa (Rovos Rail) (South Africa)

Asia/Indian Subcontinent
8) Palace on Wheels (India)
9) Eastern & Oriental Express (SE Asia)
10) Shangri-La Express (China/Tibet)
11) Toy Train (India)
12) Deccan Odyssey (India)

Europe
13) Danube Express (Central Europe, Turkey)
14) El Transcantabrico (Spain)
15) Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express (Russia)
16) Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe)
17) Glacier Express (Switzerland)
18) Royal Scotsman (Scotland)
19) British Pullman (Britain)
20) Flam Railway (Norway)
21) Bernina Express (Switzerland)
22) Bergen Railway (Norway)

"Down Under"
23) Ghan (Australia)
24) Indian Pacific (Australia)
25) Sunlander (Australia)