10 Luxury Train Journeys Around the World

 

These days, traveling by train has gotten a bad rap. With incessant delays and tightly-packed quarters, average train travel feels like a glorified bus. But there was once a time when traveling by rail meant traveling in style, and there are still many opportunities to comfortably ride around the globe in the opulence of yesteryear. Kick your feet up on the ottoman, sip a cocktail, and savor the journey on one of these scenic luxury train trips. 

Immortalized in literature, cinema, and everything in between since it set off in 1883, this gorgeous vessel is known as the world’s most luxurious train, for good reason. The gilded glass panels, refined leather seats, and plush beds are a traveler’s dream. Whether you’re going from Brussels to Venice, or Paris to Prague, take in breathtaking scenery on an unforgettable ride.

Spacious and luxurious, every inch of this train’s interior, from the wood grain floors to the porcelain plates, was handcrafted by Japanese artisans to add a spark of elegance to an already beautiful journey, and the superior service leaves little to be desired. The four-day, three-night trips travel around the island of Kyushu, stopping at the region’s best shrines, porcelain studios, and hot springs, for a scenic look at an authentic side of Japan.

Take in The Rockies Mountains from picture frame windows and glass dome ceilings, leaving no sight unseen as you traverse picturesque mountain landscapes. Sample craft Canadian beer, wine, and snacks while delighting in the staff’s friendly service and animated storytelling, personal touches to a legendary trip. 

All aboard this relaxed journey throughout Southeast Asia, an elegant coach for a timeless adventure. Whether traveling through futuristic Singapore or the effervescent Bangkok, guests can enjoy a jazz club ambience with plush furnishings and delicious food, while admiring the beauty of the East.

Romance, adventure, and comfort await on this scenic journey through the heart of the Australian continent. The diverse landscapes are only elevated by fabulous dining and world class service, which this storied train has in spades. 

The fourteen luxurious cabins on this iconic train are certainly something to be mentioned, but it’s the grand dining area that really takes the cake. The food is spectacular, and the gilded decor and spotless interior makes for one of the most romantic spaces in India.

This storied rail expedition offers guests a chance to savor an exceptional five-course lunch, and charming countryside views between Kent and London, from seating that is straight out of the golden age of travel. The already iconic train now features a 1950’s carriage designed by Wes Anderson, with two gorgeous private coupés, hand-furnished by Anderson himself, for an experience that can only be described as magical.

Africa’s premier luxury railway holds no punches, with a spacious observation deck, plush furnishings and all the wine you can handle. The cozy, nostalgic train cars are the perfect place to relax, or even see exotic wildlife on your way to adventurous South Africa.

Why trek the famed Camino de Santiago when you can observe it in style? Relish in the beauty of the Cantabrian coast while enjoying rich Spanish wines, curled up in the privacy of a luxurious suite. It’s the stops that really make this a trip to remember, whether you’re checking out The Guggenheim Museum, or prehistoric caves found off the beaten path.

An elegant reminder of a different age, this classic voyage is a truly indulgent experience. The railways snake through the Scottish highlands, while guests enjoy exceptional dining and service. The train even has a dedicated spa carriage, where the specialists are supposedly trained to synchronize their massage technique with the motion of the train, the pinnacle of train-trip luxury.