Top-notch Globe-Trotting Train Excursions for the Affluent
A resurgence in the popularity of train travel for holidays sees luxury train tours once again taking centre stage. These journeys, exuding timeless elegance and a historic charm, are a perfect escape for those seeking a unique, indulgent getaway. From the classic Orient Express to contemporary reinterpretations, we've compiled an array of the top luxury train tours currently on offer.
Seven Stars Cruise Train, Japan
Embark on an opulent journey through the verdant landscapes and historic sites of Kyushu, Japan aboard the Seven Stars train. This elegant seven-car train, resplendent in burgundy, boasts 14 suites that seamlessly fuse Western and Japanese design for maximum comfort. The deluxe suites, located in the seventh car, offer wall-to-wall windows, providing panoramic views of the passing countryside. Two communal spaces—the lounge car and the dining car, named Jupiter—offer guests ample opportunities for relaxation and interaction.
Enjoy authentic Kyushu cuisine in the dining car, as fresh, seasonal ingredients are expertly prepared to create a unique fusion of culinary traditions.
Website: www.cruisetrain-sevenstars.jp
Venice Simplon Orient-Express, London to Venice
Inspired by the famous Orient Express, the Venice Simplon Orient-Express offers an equally glamorous and indulgent journey from London to Venice. With charming vintage carriages meticulously restored, decorative detailing, and pristine midnight-blue paintwork, the train epitomizes sophisticated elegance. Fine dining, consistent with each stop on the voyage, ensures a mouthwatering journey as fresh, local ingredients are sourced for each meal.
Website: www.belmond.com
Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, Moscow to Vladivostok (Eastbound)
Featuring three cabin categories—Imperial, Gold, and Silver—each stylishly furnished with private en-suites and modern amenities, the Golden Eagle is a masterclass in luxury travel. Over a span of 14 days, guests travel from Moscow to Vladivostok, receiving an immersive cultural experience in Russia. The communal areas are perfect for meeting fellow travellers and unwinding after an extraordinary day exploring the Russian countryside.
Website: www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com
The Blue Train, South Africa
Boasting two鈥攆leet' and De Luxe鈥攄uites, each with indulgent gold and marble bathrooms, luxurious public lounge and dining cars promise a five-star experience in South Africa. A trip aboard The Blue Train spans 31 hours from Pretoria to Capetown.
Website: www.bluetrain.co.za
The Ghan, Australia
A sprawling journey from Adelaide to Darwin lasting three days and two nights, The Ghan offers a contemporary approach to luxury travel. With two cabin categories, Gold and Platinum, guests will find utmost modernity throughout the train, including an all-inclusive dining plan that lets guests indulge in the full array of food and drink options at any time.
Website: journeybeyondrail.com.au
Rovos Rail, Africa
Offering bespoke train journeys traversing southern and eastern Africa, Rovos Rail takes passengers on excursions lasting anywhere from 48 hours to a fortnight. With a commitment to preserving the spirit of bygone eras, Rovos Rail provides an evocative trip back in time, with en-suite cabins and communal cars featuring large picture windows for unparalleled views of the African landscape.
Website: rovos.com
The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
A daytime-only train, The Rocky Mountaineer boasts spacious glass-domed compartments, allowing passengers to fully appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian landscape. Breakfast and gourmet lunch are served on board, making for an unforgettable adventure.
Website: www.rockymountaineer.com
Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scottish Highlands
With luxurious Edwardian decor and varied itineraries, ranging from whisky tours to castle explorations, the Belmond Royal Scotsman provides a refined Scottish experience. The train's onboard spa offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, further enhancing the traveler's experience.
Website: www.belmond.com
Maharajas' Express, India
Having received accolades as the World's Leading Luxury Train, the Maharajas' Express offers a lavish journey through India, with routes ranging from 4 nights to a full week aboard. Whether venturing from Delhi to Jaipur and Agra or from Mumbai to Delhi via Jodhpur, passengers are ensured a remarkable journey through this iconic land.
Website: www.the-maharajas.com
El Transcantabrico Gran Luco, Northern Spain
Throughout its journey from Galicia to the Bay of Biscay, El Transcantabrico offers a comfortable, luxurious experience with panelled cabins featuring en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and generous storage space. Unlike most luxury trains, El Transcantabrico remains stationary overnight, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the vibrant nightlife of the destinations visited.
Website: www.renfe.com
These trains encapsulate grace, luxury, and cultural immersion, making them the epitome of refined travel experiences.
- For those longing to immerse themselves in the rich history and captivating landscapes of northern Spain, El Transcantabrico offers a luxurious train journey from Galicia to the Bay of Biscay, providing a comfortable retreat with well-appointed cabins and en-suite bathrooms.
- Seeking an authentic Kyushu culinary experience amidst verdant landscapes and historic sites, Japan's Seven Stars train journey offers 14 suites that seamlessly blend Western and Japanese design for ultimate comfort, providing panoramic views of the passing countryside via wall-to-wall windows.
