Just when you thought slow travel had been overtaken by the jet age, a series of luxurious new trains is seducing slow travel lovers like never before. Here’s our take on the world’s most remarkable rail journeys.
There really isn’t anything like train travel. The sense of discovery, the ever-changing landscapes, the old world service – train travel is something that stays with you long after you depart the platform and a host of new train experiences are joining some of the golden oldies to seduce a new generation of rail-bound travellers like never before.
The Rocky Mountaineer is an icon of the Canadian Rockies and one which has spent the past 18 years taking travellers into the depths of some of North America’s most stunning scenery. The all-daylight travel of the two-day itinerary means you don’t miss a single snow-capped mountain peak or mirror-like lake, and the train’s Gold Leaf service, which includes domed cabins and gourmet dining, offers a train
experience like no other. The Rocky Mountaineer follows three routes: Kicking Horse, the track for which was laid out 100 years ago; Yellowhead; and Fraser Discovery, as it journeys from Vancouver to Whistler, Jasper and Calgary.
The recently-launched Belmond Grand Hibernian, the first luxury overnight train to grace Ireland’s rails in a generation, offers an indulgent way to explore the Emerald Isle. With a distinctly contemporary take on Dublin’s iconic Georgian architecture, the train’s 20 sumptuous cabins cater to just 40 guests; each boasts wardrobes, writing desks, private ensuites and picture windows through which train lovers can enjoy the ever-changing vista. On two-, four- and six-night journeys – including the seven-day Grand Tour of Ireland – you’ll have a chance to delve into the true Ireland, from whiskey tastings at the Jameson distiller to learning the art of falconry at Ashford Castle. You’ll also eat well thanks to two elegant dining rooms that serve contemporary Irish cuisine, with ingredients sourced from local producers along the route.
Traversing the Atlantic coast of Spain, a fertile region known as España Verde, the El Transcantabrico offers a showcase of Green Spain and its vibrant hinterland using beautifully preserved railway carriages, some
dating from 1923. All cabins feature high-quality linens, hardwood panelling, picture windows, and
spacious bathrooms; for a real indulgence opt for space and luxury with a Gran Lujo Deluxe suite,
which boasts a private lounge, steam shower and hydro-sauna. Travelling from Galicia to the Bay of Biscay via San Sebastián, the El Transcantabrico opens up one of Spain’s most important centres of gastronomy, with opportunities for guests to visit local restaurants, wineries, and artisanal producers along the way.
Asia’s most beautiful rail journey, the Eastern & Oriental Express runs between Singapore and Bangkok on two-night three-day itineraries that capture the history and beauty of destinations like Ipoh, Penang and Kanchanaburi. Between daily excursions to temples, historic railway stations, and WWII sites, guests can relax in the comfort of their beautifully-appointed colonial-esque ensuite cabins; soak in lush southeast Asian countryside from the open air Observation Car; or sing the night away in the lively bar car, home to a resident pianist and Asian-inspired cocktails.
For a rail journey that’s far from the beaten path, explore Central Asia’s ancient trading legacy aboard The Orient Silk Road Express, which takes a grand loop from the Uzbek capital Tashkent to Bukhara, Kiva and Samarkand over 10 nights. The Russian-owned train is dressed in traditional Uzbek oriental patterns and offers an elegant, timeless way to explore these emerging destinations. Visit Tashkent’s Khast Imam Square, home to the Tillya Sheykh Mosque and Kafal Shashi mausoleum, before delving into the Chimgan Mountains by road, bound for Lake Charvak. The train then whisks travellers south to the Unesco-listed green city of Shakhrisabz and on to the Kyzyl Kum desert, where Bukhara’s old city was a legendary weigh station for caravans hauling spices, furs and silks. There’s time to explore the summer residence of the last Emir, and visit the magnificent Miree- Arab Madrasah before journeying on to the oasis of Khiva, famed for its countless mosques, minarets and madrasas. Be sure to add on private tours in Ashgabat in Turkmenistan and the ancient trading city of Almaty in Kazakhstan.
The Royal Scotsman is as intimate a train journey as you can find, catering to just 36 lucky souls. Between daily excursions to castles, distilleries and hamlets, guests can view the passing lochs and towering peaks from the comfort of their private cabin or from the popular Edwardian observation car. Each night, gourmet meals are served in a candle-lit dining room, followed by whisky tastings and story-telling. Alternate formal nights are a chance to dress up and celebrate and with the train stabled at night, guests are guaranteed a good night’s rest. The train offers a range of itineraries to Scotland’s west, north and highlands, including a seven-night Grand Tour.
South America is presently one of the most sought-after destinations by affluent travellers, and the recent launch of the continent’s first luxury sleeper train, the Belmond Andean Explorer, makes it even easier to explore the region’s stunning landscapes in style. Catering to just 68 guests in sumptuous en-suite cabins, the new train will travel along one of the highest rail routes on earth, traversing the Peruvian Andes from Cusco to Lake Titicaca and Arequipa on four one- and two-night journeys. Along the way, travellers will take in breathtaking scenery amidst interiors by Inge Moore of The Gallery HBA that take their inspiration from Peru’s hand-woven textile culture, with touches of alpaca wool and Andean slate. After daily excursions to the Colca Canyon and Unesco-listed Arequipa, spoil your taste buds with seasonal menus created by the chefs at Belmond Hotel Monasterio, served in two elegant dining cars. Read more about Alpha Men Asia’s adventures on the Andean Explorer here.
If you’ve done the luxury-safari thing but haven’t yet sated your passion for Africa, Rovos Rail’s two beautifully rebuilt trains each cater to a maximum of 72 guests and travel far and wide across Southern Africa. Treat yourself to one of the wood-panelled Edwardian-styled Royal Suites, complete with king-size bed, ensuite with Victorian bath and separate shower, and complimentary minibar. An African epic, the 15-day journey between Cape Town and Dar es Salaam traverses South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania, with time along the way for Big Five viewing at the Madikwe Game Reserve, nights at the Victoria Falls Hotel, and hikes through the Great Rift Valley. In between stops, drink in Africa’s ancient vistas from a leather wing-back chair in the train’s lavish lounge, dine on locally sourced produce in the elegant dining car, or sip sundowners in the open-air Observation Car.
In one of the most anticipated developments in Asian luxury rail, Japan’s JR East and JR West rail companies have launched two new luxury trains this year. The Twilight Express Mizukaze, commencing operations in spring, will depart Kyoto, Osaka and Shimonoseki stations to explore unspoiled and rarely visited western Japan, with visits to Matsue, Izumo and Miyajima, and opportunities to take in the natural beauty of the Sea of Japan, Mt. Daisen, and the Seto Inland Sea islands. With Art Deco lines and the amenities of a five-star hotel, the train will cater to just 30 passengers across six sleeper carriages. Each day gourmet meals by acclaimed Japanese chefs Yoshihiro Murata and Hajime Yoneda will showcase the best of washoku (Japanese cuisine) using locally-sourced ingredients.
Australia’s most famous rail journey, The Ghan runs between Adelaide in South Australia and Darwin in the Northern Territories. Originally known as the Afghan Express for the camel caravans that once crossed the Outback, the 2,979km three-day two-night itinerary exposes travellers to a true cross-section of Aussie landscapes, from the lush Barossa Valley to the burnt-orange beauty of the Flinders Ranges and the infinite emptiness of the Outback. The Ghan’s all-inclusive Platinum Service backs up the captivating landscapes with plenty of luxurious touches, including spacious cabins that convert into double bedrooms featuring full-size ensuites, leisurely in-cabin breakfasts, and access to a dedicated lounge and restaurant, where gourmet meals feature unique Outback ingredients and are matched with local wines. Make the most of your journey by adding a private tour with a WWII specialist in Darwin or nights at iconic wilderness lodge, Longitude 131°.
The Trans-Siberian is a must for any intrepid traveller’s bucket list, but you don’t have to do it without creature comforts. The luxurious Golden Eagle features 12 ensuite sleeper cars in three categories; live like a Tsar in one of the train’s Imperial Suites, home to a double bed, complimentary minibar,
large picture windows and 24-hour butler service. Sip Dom Pérignon as you depart Moscow’s Kazansky Station bound for Vladivostok, 9,288km to the east, on a 15-day itinerary that winds its way through Kazan and Novosibirsk; along the banks of Baikal, the world’s largest freshwater lake; and across the Siberian steppes, a landscape best enjoyed from the Golden Eagle’s two regal restaurant cars, where authentic Russian cuisine is complemented by international wines and, of course, plenty of locally-sourced vodka. Be sure to add on pre- and post-tours to beautiful St Petersburg, Russia’s cultural capital, or escape to the heart of the Gobi desert for an unforgettable glamping encounter.
Read about our adventures on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express here.
Regularly awarded best train in the world, The Maharajas’ Express is the most regal and refined of India’s many luxury train journeys. With insightful itineraries between Delhi and Mumbai and roundtrip from Delhi through Rajasthan, the 19-car train captures the beauty and colour of India, with daily guided excursions and behind-the-scenes encounters at timeless temples, ancient forts, and sumptuous palaces. The seven-day Panorama Journey is a captivating week-long epic through some of Northern India’s most beautiful landscapes and most historic trading and religious cities and includes a private dinner hosted in the confines of the Gwalior Palace, an evening cruise on the Ganges, and opportunities to buy gems from local artisans. Return to a royal welcome, complete with white-gloved service, insightful regional cuisine by acclaimed chef John Stone, 24-hour butler service, and breathtaking vistas from the lavishly-appointed dining and lounge cars. Delve deeper into Rajasthan’s heritage with private guided tours and stays at some of the region’s acclaimed palace hotels after your train epic.
You can read more about Alpha Men Asia’s adventures on The Maharajas’ Express here.
Another new launch on Japan’s railway line, the Train Suite Shiki-Shima will operate from Tokyo’s Ueno station and will explore the northeastern region of Tohoku and into Hokkaido. With an itinerary that includes the Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Tochigi Prefecture and the Shirakami- Sanchi mountains, the Shiki- Shima will offer guests the chance to leave the train and delve into the surrounding countryside on daily excursions. A maximum of 34 guests will stay in 17 lavish staterooms dressed in Japanese cypress and custom furniture.
Of course, you can’t talk about high-end rail journeys in Japan without mentioning the sumptuous US$34 million Seven Stars in Kyushu. A self-styled “cruise train”, Seven Stars offers a distinctly luxurious if still a rather speedy approach to exploring the island of Kyushu. Catering to just 30 guests in 14 beautifully-appointed suites lined with indigenous wood, the Seven Stars is the original Japanese Orient Express, showcasing the very best in local craftsmanship and gastronomy, as well as the less-visited volcanic landscapes of the nation’s third largest island. With departures from Fukuoka, spend your days in search of rice terraces, natural hot-spring ryokans, ornamental tea houses and volcanic peaks, or soak in the beauty of the island landscapes from the intimacy of the Blue Moon lounge or the Jupiter Dining Car, home to delicate Kyushu cuisine. Like other JR Rail trains, reservation is upon application.
A modern incarnation of Europe’s Grand Dame on rails, Belmond’s Venice-Simplon Orient-Express continues the luxury train tradition to perfection, travelling on two-day one-night itineraries between Rome and Calais (with an extension to London on the British Pullman and seasonal routes all the way to Istanbul and Scandinavia). Made up of reconditioned carriages that once hosted the German surrender at the end of WWI and later the French surrender to the Nazis, today’s Venice-Simplon Orient-Express boasts lavish Pullman-style cabins that feature large picture windows and walnut panelling. After an intimate in-cabin Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea, and sumptuous fine dining in the restaurant car, return to a luxurious turndown service by your dedicated cabin steward that includes signature VSOE pyjamas.
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