Train journeys offer some of the most enjoyable ways to slow down, live in the moment, and have a vacation without rushing to the destinations we travel to. Trains are the most delicious, most “moment-long” and dreamy transportation vehicle of the journey between two destinations. Today’s über- luxury interpretation of trains takes this imaginative journey from one painting to another at the slowest pace of luxury, presenting incredible routes in palaces on rails, with the ultimate in on-the-go comfort.
With a understanding of service that goes parallel to your travel and gastronomic gusto, the stops on the route combine exploration with uninterrupted comfort. The world is at your feet with train journeys that make a difference with their decorations, tastes and service quality!
The World’s Most Pleasant Luxury Train Journeys Where You Can Stop Time and Enjoy the Moment:
Train Suite Shiki, Japan
Train Suite Shiki is actually much more than a train… Train Suite Shiki, where traditional Japanese aesthetics meet with a futuristic spirit, takes its guests on a magical journey to East Japan, while creating an unforgettable gastro-historical experience that will linger on your palate. The most important feature of the Train Suite that makes it special is undoubtedly the train suite concept it has branded. With its 17 incredible suites with cypress-treated tubs, fireplaces and loft floor, it maintains its top spot as the most popular luxury train in Tokyo, with its Harry Potter style platform specially built for him and the service it provides. 110kph train from Tokyo to Kanto, Tohoku and Hokkaido; A dream-like train journey awaits you with comfortable suite rooms, special tastes prepared under the leadership of Michelin-starred chef Nakamura, private butler service where you can get service 24 hours a day, and piano recitals.
Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail takes you on a breathtaking journey to the Atlantic coast of West Africa, starting in the Highveld plateaus of South Africa and spreading a route of 3,400 kilometers to nine days in the most comfortable way of slowness. Rovos Rail brings different experiences together with luxury services. It promises an uninterrupted and breathtaking journey in the unrealistically beautiful African geography, from a safari in the desert and a dinner among the reds, to the 19th century nostalgia of the Kimberley mines, one of the largest diamond mines ever, to the 500 million-year-old Kalahari Desert with an ancient aura.
Venice Simplon Orient Express
How about going on a fascinating journey with Orient Express, the world’s most famous and legendary train journey? Historical texture, aesthetics and elegance will be with you at every moment of the Orient Express, which has returned to the old Golden Age since it started to be operated by Belmond. In this trend, where the definition of luxury and elegance reaches the highest level, the elegantly decorated wagons and special compartments will introduce you to the romance of the old times. Of course, the scenery is not the only thing that will fascinate you on the train that reaches London through the Italian Dolomite Mountains and the Swiss Alps! The employees who serve you with their white gloves and ties, the tastes like oysters and foie gras that you will eat while enjoying the view, and the piano concert that you will listen to before going to bed are the real heroes of this tale.
The Maharajas’ Express, India
The Maharajas, which promises a dreamlike journey experience of four or eight nights; It travels like a flying carpet towards fascinating destinations like Jaipur, Varanasi and Goa! Apart from being the best-known luxury train in India, The Majarajas, which dazzles with its classic Indian decoration and style, makes its guests feel as if they are in a spell, while offering wide-time intervals for you to experience the most striking experiences at the points they stop by. The most striking feature of this journey is that it offers a full Indian Royal experience, surpassing luxury travel with its suites and first-class service!
The Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru
Belmond, South America’s first and still the best luxury-train line, blends extraordinary comfort with visual feast and palate-crushing gastronomic delights. From Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, along the high Andean plains, this trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you can see the region’s most interesting sights, including Lake Titicaca and Colca Canyon. This luxury train experience that takes you to the heart of the Inca will leave unforgettable traces.
Glacier Express
Glacier Express, which connects the two most fascinating mountain centers of Switzerland, Zermatt and St. Mortiz, has the title of “The slowest express in the world”. The most relaxing way to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps, the train journey starts from Zermatt, via Brig, Andermatt, Oberalppass, Chur and Albula to St. reaches Moritz. During the journey, you pass through 91 tunnels and 291 bridges. Switzerland’s breathtaking glacier in your panoramic car, including the 2045-metre high Oberalp crossing, You can enjoy mountain and river views.
Flam Railway
Short but stunning! Flam Railway manages to impress you with its route of a few hours. The train journey, which takes about 1 hour, passes through Norway’s most popular sights and is known as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Flam Railway, one of the steepest railways in Europe, starts from the small village of Flåm in Sogefjord. Passing through waterfalls and towering hills, it brings you together with the magnificent nature of Norway.
Transcantabric Gran Lujo, Spain
The best of northern Spain is waiting to be discovered with Transcantábrico Gran Lujo! The journey takes 8 days and 7 nights between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela (or vice versa), visiting such wonderful places as Santander, Oviedo, Gijón and Bilbao. The journey to explore the north of Spain in a luxury hotel on rails with maximum comfort among stunning landscapes is certainly a joy. You can travel to the middle ages by walking around the town of Santillana del Mar, and admire the modernity of Bilbao at the Guggenheim Museum. The train offers its guests a wonderful travel experience with its suites rivaling five-star hotels and its delicious food.
The Presidential Train, Portugal
King of Portugal in 1890. Produced as a royal train for Luis, all the luxury and incredible history of the train past is taking its place in the luxury travel world after a restoration that cost 1 million dollars and took two years. The Michelin-starred chef of this Portuguese beauty, who stands out with her gastronomic theme, also cooks food herself, accompanying her on a weekly vineyard tour. The train itself is like a time capsule: While experiencing a journey through history spatially, the culinary arts that they turn into works of art along a dream-like route are also presented with palate-breaking delicacies.
Sunset Limited
America’s oldest train, Sunset Limited, takes you south of New Orleans on a 2-day journey to Los Angeles. In addition to the panoramic views, another detail that makes this train journey interesting is that you will be able to see many different segments of the American society here. Farmers, musicians, and the Amish, known as the conservative Christian sect, use this train frequently. You will watch the Louisiana Bay, New Mexico cacti and Arizona’s crimson sunset.
Trans-Siberian Express
How about going on a fascinating journey with the Trans-Siberian Express? Trans-Siberian Express, one of the most magnificent train journeys in the world; It starts from Moscow and continues over the Ural Mountains and the magnificent Russian steppes, from the edge of the world’s largest freshwater lake, to Vladivostok. This special line, which crosses Russia from one end to the other until its destination in Vladivostok, takes 8 days in total. Your greatest companion on this pleasant journey will be its unique atmosphere, adorned with luxurious details, that will be with you at every moment.
TranzAlpine, New Zealand
Traveling between Christchurch and Greymouth cities of New Zealand, TranzAlpine allows you to witness the magnificent views of New Zealand and promises you a dream travel experience in the serene beauty of Southern Alps / Ka Tiritiri o te Moana. Cross the island in about four hours, one of three main train lines connecting the country, and get ready to free your eyes to embrace the abundant natural beauty.
The Ghan, Australia
How about a journey where you can follow the footsteps of explorers who discovered Australia? Thanks to its continent-specific geography, climate and ecosystem, Australia’s countryside, one of the most extraordinary lands on the planet, offers a sight to behold. Traveling with the Ghan Train is one of the most calm, luxurious and enjoyable ways to experience this unique landscape. Departing from Darwin, the train travels north of Adelaide over the red lands of the continent for a total of 3,128 km.