The recent launch of three new trains heralds in a new golden age of rail travel. Here are our picks of the world’s greatest new and established luxury train adventures.
There’s nothing quite like travel by rail – the scenery, the aromas, the sensory interaction that’s lost when you’re gazing down at the earth from 11 kilometres up. While some of the world’s great rail experiences – the likes of the Venice-Simplon Orient-Express for instance – have been preserved for an affluent few, new arrivals on the globe’s rail networks marry state-of-the-art technology with Old World hospitality and those same captivating landscapes that make slow travel so appealing.
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Cruise Train Seven Stars in Kyushu
One of the lesser-known luxury trains, but one with a cult following among luxury travellers, the sumptuous US$34 million Cruise Train Seven Stars in Kyushu offers a distinctly luxurious way to explore the Land of the Rising Sun. Catering to just 30 guests in 14 beautifully appointed suites lined with indigenous wood, the Seven Stars is to Japan what the Orient-Express is to continental Europe, an exclusive icon on rails that showcases the very best in local craftsmanship and gastronomy, as well as the less-visited volcanic landscapes of Kyushu.
Itineraries start in Kyushu’s largest city, Fukuoka, and explore the bucolic countryside in search of volcanic peaks, traditional tea houses, and hot spring onsens. Along the way, you’ll feast on local cuisine in the Jupiter DIning Car – if you’re luxury enough to win the lottery of applicants.
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Belmond Andean Explorer
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, will make 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 travels 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.
Read All About Our Adventures on the Belmond Andean Explorer Here
Twilight Express Mizukaze
One of the most talked-about new arrivals, complementing Japan’s existing – and coveted – Seven Stars in Kyushu rail cruise, is the Twilight Express Mizukaze, which departs 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 caters to just 30 passengers across six sleeper carriages. Each day gourmet meals by acclaimed Japanese chefs Yoshihiro Murata and Hajime Yoneda showcase the best of washoku (Japanese cuisine) using locally-sourced ingredients.
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Rocky Mountaineer
The Rocky Mountaineer is an icon of the Canadian Rockies, and for good reason, combining contemporary service with some of the world’s most beautiful panoramas. The all-daylight travel of the train’s two-day itineraries mean you don’t miss a single snow-capped mountain peak or mirror-like lake, and the Rocky Mountaineer’s Gold Leaf service, which includes glass-domed cabins and gourmet dining, offers a train experience like no other in North America. Choose from three itineraries: the 100-year-old Kicking Horse line; the Yellowhead route; and the Fraser Discovery.
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Belmond Grand Hibernian
Enjoy the majestic landscapes of Ireland aboard the Belmond Grand Hibernian, the first luxury overnight train to grace the Emerald Isle’s rails in a generation. 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 ever-changing vistas during two, four, and six-night journeys.
For the ultimate indulgence, opt for the seven-day Grand Tour of Ireland during which you’ll enjoy whiskey tastings at the Jameson distillery in Dublin, learn falconry at Ashford Castle, and dine on innovative produced laced with locally-sourced ingredients.
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Golden Eagle Danube Express
Best known for its fascinating Central and Eastern European luxury long-distance railway journeys, Golden Eagle Luxury Trains has created new tours onboard the fabulous Golden Eagle Danube Express, including the first foray to Sicily by a luxury train. The recently rebranded Danube Express offers spacious staterooms, elegant dining, and the opportunity to explore corners of Europe rarely ventured to by luxury train.
The new Sicilian Odyssey starts in style with two nights at the iconic five-star Hotel Danieli in Venice before passengers board the beautiful Golden Eagle Danube Express bound for Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet. It’s then on to the foodie capital, Bologna; the enclaved microstate of San Marino, for a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage centre; and the port town of Bari, with its Florentine-style old-town and 12th-century fortress.
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Among the transportation en-route is a passage across to Sicily on one of the very few ‘train ferries’ in the world. Once in Sicily, guests can take a walking tour of the bustling capital, Palermo, and a detour to Corleone to learn about the notorious Mafia families, made famous by Francis Ford Coppola’s movie, The Godfather.
Train Suite Shiki-Shima
Another new sensation on Japan’s rail network, the Train Suite Shiki-Shima operates from Tokyo’s Ueno station and explores 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 offers guests the chance to leave the train and delve into the surrounding countryside on daily excursions.
A maximum of 34 guests stay in 17 lavish staterooms dressed in Japanese cypress and custom furniture. Like its Japanese rail brethren, reservation is upon application.
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The Royal Scotsman
An icon of the Scottish Highlands, 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 during multi-day itineraries, 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. Be sure to leave time to visit the train’s newly launched spa carriage.
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Rovos Rail
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 in its own right, the 15-day journey between Cape Town and Dar es Salaam traverses South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania, with opportunities 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.
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The Orient Silk Road Express
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 travels from the Uzbek capital Tashkent to Bukhara, Kiva and Samarkand over ten nights.
During this Central Asian odyssey, you’ll visit Tashkent’s Khast Imam Square, home to the Tillya Sheykh Mosque and Kafal Shashi mausoleum; delve into the Kyzyl Kum desert; explore Bukhara’s old city, once a weigh station for caravans hauling spices, furs, and silks; marvel at the summer residence of the last Emir; and tour the oasis of Khiva, famed for its countless mosques, minarets, and madrasas.
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The Maharajas’ Express
Regularly named the best train in the world, The Maharajas’ Express is the most regal and refined of India’s many luxury trains. 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, and insightful regional cuisine by acclaimed chef John Stone.
Read About Our Adventures on India’s Stunning Maharajas’ Express
Belmond Venice-Simplon Orient-Express
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 pajamas.
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Eastern & Oriental Express
The greatest rail journey in Southeast Asia, 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.
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The Ghan
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.
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Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express
Probably the most famous train in the world, 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 Trans-Siberian Express 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.
Read About Our Adventures on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express
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