Embarking on a luxury train journey is more than just travelling from one destination to another; it’s an immersive experience that harks back to the golden age of rail travel. These opulent voyages offer a unique blend of nostalgia, comfort, and adventure, allowing you to explore some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes while indulging in world-class amenities and service. From the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps to the sun-drenched plains of India, luxury trains provide a window to the world that few other modes of transport can match.
The venice Simplon-Orient-Express: retracing the golden age of rail
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) is perhaps the most iconic of all luxury trains, embodying the glamour and sophistication of early 20th-century travel. This legendary train, operated by Belmond, offers a journey that is as much about the experience on board as it is about the destinations it connects.
Art deco opulence: cabin design and historical preservation
Stepping aboard the VSOE is like entering a time capsule of elegance. The train’s carriages, dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, have been meticulously restored to preserve their original Art Deco splendour. Each cabin is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring polished wood panelling, plush upholstery, and intricate marquetry work. The attention to detail is remarkable, with even the smallest fixtures and fittings chosen to reflect the train’s rich heritage.
The cabins come in various categories, from the classic Twin Cabins to the more spacious Suites. For the ultimate indulgence, the Grand Suites offer an unparalleled level of luxury, complete with private bathrooms and living areas. These suites are a testament to the VSOE’s commitment to blending historical authenticity with modern comfort.
Culinary journey: Michelin-Starred dining aboard the VSOE
Dining on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is an experience in itself. The train boasts three restaurant cars, each with its own unique ambiance. The culinary offerings are overseen by executive chefs who craft menus that celebrate seasonal ingredients and regional specialities along the route. You’ll savour dishes prepared with fresh produce sourced from local markets, paired with an extensive selection of fine wines and champagnes.
One of the highlights of the journey is the formal dinner service, where you’re encouraged to dress in your finest attire, mirroring the sophistication of a bygone era. The four-course dinner is a gastronomic journey, featuring delicacies such as Brittany lobster and salt marsh lamb from Mont Saint-Michel.
Route analysis: london to venice via paris, innsbruck, and verona
The classic VSOE journey takes you from London to Venice, traversing some of Europe’s most picturesque landscapes. The trip begins at London Victoria station, where you board the British Pullman for a luxurious ride to Folkestone. From there, you cross the Channel and board the Continental Wagons-Lits in Calais.
As you journey through France, you’ll witness the changing scenery from the comfort of your cabin or the elegant bar car. The train makes a brief stop in Paris before continuing through the night to Switzerland. Waking up to the stunning views of the Swiss Alps is an unforgettable experience, as the train winds its way through mountain passes and alongside crystal-clear lakes.
The journey continues through Austria, with a stop in Innsbruck, before entering Italy. As you approach Venice, the landscape transforms into the lush plains of the Veneto region. The final leg of the journey takes you across the Venetian Lagoon, where you disembark at Santa Lucia station, ready to explore the magical city of Venice.
Belmond’s bespoke service: Butler-Attended grand suites
For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, the Grand Suites on the VSOE offer an unparalleled level of service and comfort. Each suite is attended by a personal butler who is available 24/7 to cater to your every need. From arranging private dining in your suite to ensuring your champagne glass is never empty, the butler service elevates the journey to new heights of indulgence.
The Grand Suites also offer additional perks such as complimentary caviar on arrival, free-flowing champagne throughout the journey, and private transfers at the beginning and end of your trip. This level of personalised attention ensures that your VSOE experience is truly once-in-a-lifetime.
The royal scotsman: highlands and whisky trails
While the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a journey across Europe, the Royal Scotsman provides an intimate exploration of Scotland’s rugged beauty. This luxury train, also operated by Belmond, takes you on a voyage through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, combining breathtaking scenery with unparalleled comfort and service.
Edwardian elegance: the observation car and bamford spa
The Royal Scotsman is a marvel of Edwardian design, with its mahogany-panelled carriages and plush interiors evoking the grandeur of Scotland’s country houses. The train’s Observation Car is a particular highlight, featuring comfortable armchairs and large picture windows that offer panoramic views of the passing landscapes. It’s the perfect place to relax with a book or enjoy a dram of whisky as you watch the Scottish countryside unfold before you.
A unique feature of the Royal Scotsman is its onboard Bamford Spa, the first of its kind on a luxury train. Here, you can indulge in a range of treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate, using Bamford’s organic products inspired by the Scottish wilderness. After a day of exploring, there’s nothing quite like unwinding with a massage as the train gently rocks you through the Highlands.
Gastronomic scotland: seasonal menus and onboard whisky tastings
The culinary experience on the Royal Scotsman is a celebration of Scottish gastronomy. The chefs create menus that showcase the best of local produce, from Aberdeen Angus beef to hand-dived scallops from the West Coast. Each meal is a carefully curated affair, with dishes paired with fine wines and, of course, a selection of Scotland’s finest whiskies.
One of the highlights of the journey is the onboard whisky tastings. Led by expert sommeliers, these sessions introduce you to the rich and varied world of Scottish whisky. You’ll learn about the different regions and their distinct flavour profiles, and have the opportunity to sample some rare and exceptional drams.
Excursions: glen ord distillery and rothiemurchus estate
The Royal Scotsman’s itineraries include a variety of off-train excursions that allow you to immerse yourself in Scottish culture and history. A visit to Glen Ord Distillery offers insight into the whisky-making process, from malting to maturation. You’ll tour the facilities, learn about the art of distillation, and enjoy a tasting of their single malt whiskies.
Another memorable excursion is to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Here, you can try your hand at traditional Highland activities such as clay pigeon shooting or fly fishing. The estate’s ancient Caledonian pine forest provides a stunning backdrop for guided walks, where you might spot native wildlife like red deer or golden eagles.
The maharajas’ express: regal sojourns across india
Venturing beyond Europe, the Maharajas’ Express offers a luxury rail experience that showcases the rich cultural tapestry of India. This modern train, inspired by the opulent carriages of India’s maharajas, takes you on a journey through the country’s most iconic destinations, from bustling cities to tranquil countryside.
Suite categories: deluxe, junior, and presidential accommodations
The Maharajas’ Express offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. The Deluxe Cabins provide comfortable living spaces with en-suite bathrooms and large panoramic windows. Junior Suites offer additional space and amenities, while the lavish Presidential Suite spans an entire carriage, featuring two bedrooms, a living area, and a private butler service.
All cabins are equipped with modern conveniences such as LCD TVs, DVD players, and Wi-Fi, ensuring that you can enjoy contemporary comforts while experiencing the romance of rail travel. The interiors are decorated with intricate Indian motifs and luxurious fabrics, creating an ambiance that reflects the country’s regal heritage.
Thematic journeys: the indian panorama vs. the indian splendour
The Maharajas’ Express offers several itineraries, each designed to showcase different aspects of India’s diverse landscape and culture. Two of the most popular routes are The Indian Panorama and The Indian Splendour.
The Indian Panorama is a seven-night journey that takes you through the heart of North India, including stops in Delhi, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Gwalior, Orchha, Khajuraho, and Varanasi. This itinerary offers a comprehensive overview of India’s historical and cultural highlights, from the majestic Taj Mahal to the spiritual ghats of Varanasi.
The Indian Splendour, on the other hand, is a seven-night journey that focuses on the royal heritage of Rajasthan. Starting in Delhi, it takes you through Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Mumbai. This route allows you to explore the grand palaces and forts of Rajasthan’s princely states, as well as experience the vibrant culture of modern Mumbai.
Cultural immersion: taj mahal at sunrise and rajasthani folk performances
One of the highlights of travelling on the Maharajas’ Express is the opportunity to experience India’s most iconic sights in unparalleled luxury and comfort. A standout moment is the visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise. As the first rays of light hit the marble dome, you’ll witness the monument’s ethereal beauty in relative solitude, before the crowds arrive.
Throughout the journey, you’ll be treated to various cultural performances that showcase India’s rich artistic traditions. In Rajasthan, you might enjoy a vibrant Rajasthani folk dance performance, complete with colourful costumes and mesmerising rhythms. These experiences provide a deeper understanding of India’s diverse cultural landscape and add an extra layer of authenticity to your luxury rail journey.
The golden eagle Trans-Siberian express: moscow to vladivostok
For those seeking an epic rail adventure, the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express offers an unparalleled journey across the vast expanse of Russia. This luxury train traverses the world’s longest railway line, covering over 6,000 miles from Moscow to Vladivostok, and offers a unique perspective on Russia’s diverse landscapes and cultures.
On-board facilities: bar lounge car and russian language classes
The Golden Eagle is equipped with all the amenities you’d expect from a luxury hotel, adapted for rail travel. The Bar Lounge Car is the social hub of the train, where you can relax with fellow travellers, enjoy live piano performances, and sample a selection of Russian vodkas. It’s also where many of the train’s activities take place, including informative lectures on Russian history and culture.
One unique feature of the Golden Eagle is its onboard Russian language classes. These informal sessions give you the opportunity to learn basic Russian phrases and gain insight into the Cyrillic alphabet. It’s a fun and practical way to enhance your experience as you travel through Russia’s varied regions.
Stopover analysis: lake baikal, Ulan-Ude, and mongolian steppes
The Trans-Siberian journey includes several fascinating stopovers that allow you to explore some of Russia’s most iconic destinations. A highlight is the visit to Lake Baikal, the world’s oldest and deepest freshwater lake. Here, you can take a boat trip on the crystal-clear waters, visit a traditional Siberian village, or even brave a dip in the lake’s chilly waters.
Another notable stop is Ulan-Ude, the capital of the Republic of Buryatia. This city offers a unique blend of Russian and Mongolian cultures, and you’ll have the opportunity to visit a Buddhist datsan (monastery) and learn about the indigenous Buryat people. As the train crosses into Mongolia, you’ll witness the dramatic change in landscape as the forests give way to the vast Mongolian steppes.
Winter vs. summer itineraries: seasonal route variations
The Golden Eagle offers both summer and winter itineraries, each providing a distinct experience of the Trans-Siberian route. The summer journey allows for longer daylight hours, perfect for taking in the ever-changing scenery from the comfort of your cabin or the panoramic windows of the restaurant cars.
The winter itinerary, while more challenging, offers its own unique charms. The Siberian landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, with frozen lakes and snow-covered forests creating a magical atmosphere. Winter-specific activities are also included, such as dog sledding or troika rides (traditional Russian three-horse sleds). The winter journey also coincides with special festivities like Russian Christmas, adding an extra layer of cultural immersion to your trip.
The rovos rail pride of africa: cape town to dar es salaam
Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa offers a luxury rail experience that traverses some of the most spectacular landscapes in Southern and Eastern Africa. This journey from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam is a 15-day odyssey that takes you through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania, offering a unique perspective on the continent’s diverse geography and wildlife.
Victorian and edwardian rolling stock: restoration techniques
One of the most remarkable aspects of Rovos Rail is its fleet of meticulously restored Victorian and Edwardian-era carriages. The company has gone to great lengths to preserve the authenticity of these historic vehicles while updating them with modern amenities. The restoration process involves skilled craftsmen who use traditional techniques to refurbish everything from the wood panelling to the intricate brass fittings.
The result is a train that truly captures the essence of a bygone era. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the carriages, from the period-appropriate fabrics used in the upholstery to the carefully preserved original features like etched glass panels and antique light fittings.
Wildlife encounters: kruger national park and selous game reserve
One of the highlights of the Cape Town to Dar es Salaam journey is the opportunity for incredible wildlife encounters. The train makes a stop near Kruger National Park in South Africa, where you can embark on game drives to spot the “Big Five” – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo – along with a host of other African wildlife.
Later in the journey, you’ll visit the vast Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania, one of Africa’s largest protected areas. Here, you might spot hippos wallowing in the Rufiji River, or witness herds of elephants roaming across the savannah. These wildlife experiences provide a perfect complement to the luxury of the train journey, allowing you to immerse yourself in Africa’s natural wonders.
Luxury suites: royal, deluxe, and pullman cabin comparisons
Rovos Rail offers three levels of accommodation to suit different preferences and budgets. The Pullman Cabins, while the most compact, are comfortably appointed with a sofa that converts to a bed at night, an en-suite bathroom, and a writing desk. The Deluxe Cabins offer more space, with a lounge area that converts to twin or double beds, and a larger en-suite bathroom with a shower.
For the ultimate in luxury, the Royal Suites occupy half a carriage each and feature a private lounge area, full-sized bathtub, and separate shower. All cabins are air-conditioned and feature subtle modern amenities like hidden minibars and safes, carefully integrated to maintain the historical ambiance.
The andean explorer: peru
‘s First Luxury Sleeper Train
Launched in May 2017, the Andean Explorer is Peru’s first luxury sleeper train, offering a unique way to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. This Belmond-operated train provides an unparalleled journey through one of the highest rail routes in the world, combining stunning natural beauty with world-class comfort and service.
High-altitude engineering: traversing the peruvian andes
The Andean Explorer is a marvel of modern engineering, designed to navigate the challenging terrain of the Peruvian Andes. The train’s route takes passengers from Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca, and on to Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This journey reaches altitudes of up to 4,800 meters (15,748 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest rail routes in the world.
To ensure passenger comfort at such high altitudes, the train is equipped with oxygen systems and specially designed air conditioning that maintains optimal pressure and oxygen levels throughout the journey. The locomotive itself is a powerful machine, capable of pulling the train up steep inclines and around tight mountain bends, all while providing a smooth and comfortable ride for passengers.
Andean-inspired interiors: local textiles and alpaca wool designs
The interior design of the Andean Explorer reflects the rich cultural heritage of Peru, blending contemporary luxury with traditional Andean motifs. The train’s decor showcases the finest local materials and craftsmanship, creating an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and authentically Peruvian.
Each of the train’s cabins features handwoven fabrics made from locally sourced alpaca wool, known for its softness and warmth. The color palette draws inspiration from the natural hues of the Andean landscape, with earthy tones complemented by vibrant accents reminiscent of traditional Peruvian textiles.
The public spaces, including the observation car and dining cars, are adorned with intricate designs that pay homage to Incan geometry and symbolism. Large picture windows throughout the train offer panoramic views of the passing scenery, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the majesty of the Andes.
Excursion highlights: lake titicaca and colca canyon
The Andean Explorer’s journey includes several off-train excursions that allow passengers to explore some of Peru’s most iconic destinations. A highlight of the trip is the visit to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Here, passengers can visit the fascinating floating islands of the Uros people, made entirely of totora reeds, and learn about their unique way of life.
Another remarkable excursion takes passengers to the Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons and home to the majestic Andean condor. Visitors can witness these impressive birds soaring on thermal currents and enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon’s rugged landscape.
Throughout these excursions, expert guides provide insights into the region’s geology, wildlife, and cultural significance, enriching the journey with a deeper understanding of Peru’s natural and historical treasures. The Andean Explorer offers a perfect balance of luxury rail travel and immersive cultural experiences, making it a truly unforgettable way to explore the wonders of Peru.