Travel In Style
Train travel has a sort of romance and intrigue that even the most expensive airplane cabin can never replicate. If you're the sort of person who values the journey over the destination, then you'll likely get more out of a multi-day train journey than a red-eye flight. And, if you're the sort of person who has money to burn (or maybe just wants to dream), then a luxury train journey is the way to go.
1. Venice-Simplon Orient Express
Live out your Poirot fantasy on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express (hopefully without a body count). The VSOE maintains its Art Deco grandeur with updated amenities that make you feel as though you've stepped back in time.The Paris to Venice route is most popular, though you can do the full Paris to Istanbul.
Kabelleger / David Gubler (http://www.bahnbilder.ch) on Wikimedia
2. Eastern & Oriental Express
Traveling from Malaysia to Singapore, the Eastern & Oriental Express is a glittering jewel in the world of train travel. The cherry-wood interiors are stunning; evening dress is required for dinner; dancers in musicians entertain passengers before winding down for bed. Just how good is this train? Most of the staff have been happily working on it since its' grand opening in 1993.
3. Royal Scotsman
The rugged Scottish Highlands never look so nice as when you're curled up with a cozy tartan and a glass of Scotch. The Edwardian-style cabins of the Royal Scotsman have a maximum of 36 passengers for a comfortable and exclusive experience. In addition to the usual luxury amenities, the Royal Scotsman has two things that set it apart: an exhilarating open-air observation car, and an onboard Dior spa.
4. Seven Stars In Kyushu
Japan is known for its high-speed trains, but they're also a rising star in the luxury train world. Seven Stars in Kyushu offers round trips around Japan's most southerly island complete with multi-day tours and excursions. This train is so prestigious (and can only carry 20 passengers at a time) that prospective travelers enter a lottery to travel.
5. Blue Train
Running between Pretoria and Cape Town, the Blue Train is not only South Africa's most famous luxury train, it's also the oldest, running since 1923! The Blue Train combines safari in the north with sophistication in the south. In case you need more convincing, almost every cabin comes complete with an en-suite tub.
Shine 2010 auf flickr.com on Wikimedia
6. Ghan
A century ago, the final leg of the Ghan's route from Darwin to Adelaide was done by camel; today, it's done in style. Cutting through the heart of the Australian Outback, the Ghan offers excellent meal service—what better time to enjoy grilled kangaroo—and exciting off-train experiences. Enjoy the beauty of the outback without the dust or the risk of a flat tire.
Roderick Eime from Australia on Wikimedia
7. Danube Express
Golden Eagle likens their trains to "hotels on wheels", so we'll be seeing a bunch of them on this list. The accomodations are among the most comfortable and Europe, and the food is world-class, but what really impresses us about the Danube Express is the amount of journeys on offer. You can explore the castles of Transylvania, explore the Balkan, or go on a Sicilian Odyssey. If you're planning a winter trip, you can even book their Christmas markets of Central Europe trip!
8. Al Andalus
Just how expensive is Spain's Al Andalus train? Well, it used to ferry the British royal family across Europe. Today, you don't have to be a blue blood to travel in style from Granada to Seville. Al Andalus has been restored to its original glory from the Golden Age of Rail Travel and, unlike many other trains on this list, it can accomodate young travelers with a state-of-the-art playroom!
9. La Dolce Vita
Billed as a love better to Italy, La Dolce Vita emphasizes slow, scenic travel to make the most of your journey. Rooted in the 1960s, the interior features funky curved ceiling effects, lush velvet, and funky mosaics. This is one of the newest trains on the list; while they're still ironing out some creases, they're off to a fantastic start.
10. Rocky Mountaineer
Now for something a little different. Canada's premier luxury train company takes travelers through the westernmost provinces (and a bit of America, depending on the route) by daytime only. Rather than bedding down in sleeper cars, guests disembark the train, staying overnight at a series of luxury hotels. The Rocky Mountaineer only operates between April and October, so make sure to keep that in mind.
11. Andean Explorer
South America's first luxury sleeper train starts in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and ends on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Traveling through the second highest mountain range in the world, you'll see soaring plateaus and smoking volcanoes from the comfort of your cabin. Because this train goes high up in the mountains (14,200 feet at its peak), oxygen tanks and nurses are available to treat altitude sickness.
12. Maharajas' Express
Traveling throughout Northwest and Central India, the Maharajas' Express certainly lives up to its name. This train was built to be the most luxurious in the world and it shows, from the dedicated butlers and opulent furnishings, to a state-of-the-art water filtration system. There's also a two-bedroom Presidential Suite that takes up a whole car, if you really want to emulate the Maharajas of old.
Aswin Krishna Poyil on Wikimedia
13. Golden Eagle Silk Road Express
Don't confuse this train with another Golden Eagle route down below; the Silk Road Express is the newest and fanciest locomotive the brand has to offer. It also runs the longest routes on this list with the shortest ones running 12 days. Travel to the Roof of the World from Beijing to Lhasa, or do the 22-day Grand Silk Road journey from Beijing to Tahskent.
14. Golden Chariot
Tracing a path through Southern India, all journeys on the Golden Chariot are round trips to Bengaluru. From the moment you lay eye on the elegant purple and gold carriages, you know you're in for a treat with lavish interiors, historical excursions, and mouth-watering meals. The Golden Chariot is also the only (we think) train on this list to offer an exercise room in addition to a spa.
Luxury Train Club on Wikimedia
15. Royal Canadian Pacific
Few trains are as committed to a historical excursion as the Royal Canadian Pacific. Not only did this train earn its royaln designation, but all of the carriages were built between 1916 and 1931 with Circassian walnut paneling, imported bird's eye maple, and lush tassels abound. You can also request a private charter if you have the money for it.
16. Twilight Express
The rich green carriages of the Twilight Express blend right into the forests of western Japan. Inside, cars are decorated with geometric black-and-gold designs that evoke the Art Deco era complemented by the latest in modern technology. Only 34 passengers are allowed on each trip, so the waiting list is long.
17. Golden Eagle
Traversing the other half of the Silk Road, the original Golden Eagle travels through Central Asia, following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan. This train is a must-do for history buffs, as Golden Eagle prioritizes excursions about the oft-overlooked regions long and fascinating history. Plus, the teacups are rimmed with real gold and a concert pianist keeps the tunes going all night long.
18. Pride Of Africa
The Pride of Africa offers an array of journeys as diverse as its continent; from 2-night safaris in Druban to epic journeys from the tip of South Africa up to Tanzania. Ths train features interiors painstakingly restored to their original splendour with teak and tassle abound. These journeys are meant to be social; electronics are prohibited in public areas, so we hope you're ready to make friends!
19. Hiram Bingham
Named after the man who rediscovered Machu Picchu, this train is the fanciest way to travel to the ancient site. Peru has some of the most diverse scenery in the world, and this brisk 3.5-hour long journey encapsulates the best of it. A round trip includes a traditional welcome show in the morning and a four-course dinner in the evening.
20. GoldenPass Express
Maybe cute isn't the right word to describe a luxury train, but if any train deserves it, it's the GoldenPass Express. This electric train zips between Montreux and Interlaken in around 3 hours, but every minute of the journey is worth it. Not only is the scenery some of the most gorgeous in Central Europe, but the train has its own "wine collar" coaches.
