Luxury train trips are offered on many tracks throughout the world. These great rail journeys evoke an elegance and romance of a bygone era. It’s a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the scenery as you chug from one stop to the next. With sumptuous compartments and gourmet meals, some of today’s high-end trains are akin to rolling five-star hotels that offer plenty of comforts and special touches. It’s not so much about the destination as it is the journey aboard. The following are some of the most coveted luxury train trips on the planet.
1. Pride of Africa
Hailed as the most luxurious train anywhere, the Pride of Africa is famous for its old-world charm and bespoke details. Its reconditioned wood-paneled coaches and gourmet dining options are of the highest standard. The train’s royal suites are half a carriage long, featuring Victorian bathtubs and showers as well as a private lounge. Rovos Rail Pride of Africa trips are based in southern Africa and travel between such destinations as Cape Town, Pretoria, Durban and Victoria Falls. For an African travel experience filled with opulence as well as scenic attractions along the way, this train is a stand out.
2. Venice Simplon Orient Express
The celebrated Art Deco icon makes stops at cities like London, Paris, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Venice and Istanbul. Reminiscent of the journey made by the Orient Express of old, this updated train experience boasts all the modern conveniences but is still one of the most decadent and luxuriant trains on the European continent. Vintage cabins, plush fabrics, fine cuisine, impeccable service and onboard entertainment are some of the hallmarks you can expect.
3. Golden Eagle
The luxurious long-distance Golden Eagle traverses the Trans-Siberian Railroad, the longest rail journey in the world. This line connects Moscow and eastern Russia with Mongolia, China, and Russia’s eastern-most provinces. With its opulent décor, you can relax in this palace on wheels while enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Urals as you cross the immense continent. It’s a romantic room with a view that is constantly changing. Traveling through the Russian landscape on one of the Golden Eagle private rail tours is a trip of a lifetime.
4. Belmond Royal Scotsman
Richly varnished woods, polished brass, and opulent fabrics complement your sophisticated travel experience through Scotland or on its trek to London. With its classic Pullman cars, this train is regarded as one of the top luxury train trips in the world. The Highland tour is filled with majestic terrain and pretty heather-flanked lochs, accompanied by world-class cuisine, attentive service and excursion stops along the way. With only 36 guests aboard, all needs are well taken care of. Hang out in the observation car to savor the views.
5. Glacier Express
As one of the most famous railways in the world, the Glacier Express is an enchanting train experience that showcases the pristine Swiss mountain terrain. The train travels from Mt. Zermatt to St. Moritz or Davos. You’ll travel across deep gorges, through 91 tunnels and across 291 bridges that are amazing feats of engineering. Have your camera ready to catch one thrilling Alpine landscape after another. You’ll relish all the appointed details on this glamorous train.
6. Al-Andalus
The cars of the Al-Andalus Express, which traverses throughout Spain, were built in France with a Belle Epoque air. These lavish cars from the Superior Suite to the Saloon Coaches are beautiful. The suites are impeccably comfortable and the gastronomy is definitely world class. Travel from the mountains to the sea with itineraries that include the Camino de Santiago, Andalusia and the Rioja wine region. This sumptuous Spanish conveyance redefines classic luxury for its modern travelers.
7. Deccan Odyssey
Gliding smoothly along the Indian sub-continent, the Deccan Odyssey is a luxurious train that features incredible gourmet food, opulent décor and pampering service. You can witness the dynamic landscapes along the journey while relaxing in your air-conditioned train car. Attentive stewards are there to fulfill your every whim and need. Relax in one of the richly decorated lounge cars or siesta in your sleeping compartment. If you want a splurge of an adventure in India, this bespoke experience on the Maharashtra route is the way to go.
8. Danube Express
Noted for its outstanding service, the Danube Express offers travelers a luxurious experience like stepping back into the Golden Age of rail travel. Air conditioned suites, turn-down service, gourmet cuisine and fine wines are just some of the lavish features that await you when you board this train. It travels through Eastern European locations like Budapest, Venice and Istanbul. Off-train excursions that combine overnight stays in 5-star hotels can be arranged, so you can get out and explore these cities in depth.
9. Blue Train
The world-famous Blue Train travels between Cape Town and Pretoria in South Africa and has been in operation since 1946. Throughout its decades of service, the train has set a high standard for luxury train trips. Suites are adorned with marble tiles and basins. The dining cars feature the train’s legendary cuisine served on polished silver. While riding the rails, you can lean back and soak in the breathtaking African landscape as you roll past at a gentle pace.
10. Royal Canadian Pacific
Journey through the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta and its majestic Rocky Mountain landscapes aboard one of the North America’s most luxurious trains. On the Royal Canadian Pacific, old-world glamor is paired with modern features to give you the optimum travel experience. The restored train cars were each built between 1916 and 1931, and they retain their air of historic grandeur. Exquisite décor, incredible landscapes and lavish comfort await you aboard this legendary train. A great railway journey through the Rockies is definitely one for the bucket list.
