Train travel can be unique and luxurious; it also can be memorable as one of the journeys that travel far beyond arriving at the destination. It has become a place of comfort and elegance from which breathtaking views can be impossible to forget. They have history and fine dining fused with remarkable scenic surroundings to match. From Europe to Africa, luxury trains will tell you incredible stories. With every contour, they have their own charm and style. In terms of the ages, whether it is the vintage soft lines of the Orient Express or the amazing Rockies in Canada, these trains speak travel. Sit down for a moment and enjoy the ride.
Here are five of the most luxurious train journeys around the world:
- Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
The Venice Simplon-Orient Express truly represents luxury from a fancy kingdom. It allows a guest to journey back into the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s. Its restored vintage carriages seem to take up their original splendor from the golden era of train rides. It passes through iconic European cities, such as London, Paris, Venice, and Istanbul. White-gloved stewards welcome guests with glasses of champagne. The cabins are arranged in Art Deco design, soft fabrics, and polished wood.
Dining aboard this train is a totally out-of-the-world experience. Renowned chefs prepare dishes that depend on the freshest ingredients: seasonal produce served with some of the world’s finest specialties like Italian truffles or French lobster.
Once dinner concludes, the bar car provides cocktails, accompanied by soft piano music. Breakfast is delivered to private cabins in the morning while breathtaking scenery unfolds outside.
→ Ticket Price ranges from £2,920 to £4,700. (USD 3672 to 5910)
- The Rocky Mountaineer Gold Leaf Service, Canada
The luxurious Rocky Mountaineer offers the guests an unforgettable journey across Western Canada. GoldLeaf Service promises a regal experience. The train offers glass-domed cabins for a full view of the stunning Rockies, lakes, and forests.
The journey follows the North Thompson River and traverses the Rockies. Passengers may see some wildlife, such as bears, elk, or even eagles. There’s also an outdoor viewing platform for nature lovers.
On the train, guests enjoy chilling with some wine from huge, comfortable seats. Gourmet meals made using fresh ingredients are served in a dining car. Each night, the train stops, and guests sleep in luxury hotels. In the morning, they continue their adventure.
→ Ticket price ranges from CAD 820 to CAD 3894. (USD 569 to 2700)
- The Royal Scotsman, UK
The Royal Scotsman is the train that takes the prize in terms of luxurious experience in the UK. It rides solely through the Scottish Highlands with only 36 passengers. The journey goes through the mountains, lochs, castles, and some open fields.
Cabins with Edwardian designs and tartan coverlets will embrace guests. They will dine on mahogany in the dining car, serving fine plates. It has a bar stocked with over 50 different varieties of whisky. Guests can even indulge in luxuries at the spa car, which provides massages and facials.
The observation car has an open-air veranda. It is the perfect place to enjoy scenery or stargaze at night. Often, guests come together to share stories and relax here.
→ Ticket Price ranges from £4700 to £18750 (USD 5910.49 to 23579.06)
- The Blue Train, South Africa
The Blue Train offers a memorable 27-hour enjoyable journey across South Africa. It connects Cape Town to Pretoria, showing stunning landscapes along the way.
The suites on this train are exceptional. They have marble bathrooms, gold accents, and full-sized bathtubs. Each suite also comes with a personal butler.
Guests can unwind with drinks and cigars in the cozy Club Car. Dinner is a delightful fine dining experience, lovingly prepared by our talented chefs. As passengers enjoy their meals, soothing melodies from live string quartets fill the air. The Blue Train has had the honor of hosting many illustrious guests, including the renowned Nelson Mandela and the respected Margaret Thatcher.
→ Ticket price ranges from R41,380 to R67,245. (USD 2,209 to3,590)
- The Presidential Train, Portugal
The Presidential Train in Portugal combines history and luxury. It once carried royalty and presidents. Today, it takes travelers through the beautiful Douro Valley.
The journey begins at São Bento station in Porto. The train passes by vineyards and the Douro River. Guests relax in velvet seats and enjoy world-class food.
Michelin chefs prepare a long list of courses made from locally sourced ingredients. Such sumptuous dishes are each served with a complement of fine wines from the region. The beautiful scenery outside wonderfully amplifies the experience.
→Ticket Price: €750 (USD 781)
Luxury train journeys offer more than just travel—they offer unforgettable experiences. Hop on and let the trip of a lifetime begin.
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Writer
Fardeen Bin Abdullah
Intern,
Content Writing Department
YSSE.