Traveling by train has long been connected to romance, adventure, and the affluent past. However, it also serves as a doorway to an unrivaled world of luxury for a select few. These luxurious train trips revolutionize travel, giving experiences that are just as much about the destination as the journey itself. Forget crammed compartments and stale coffee.
Western Europe’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: An Everlasting Legacy
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a work of art on wheels, transporting passengers back to the heyday of travel. Every element of this opulent, Michelin-starred restaurant, world-class service, and glistening carriages with marquetry panels and velvet seats is intended to take you back in time to a time when luxury was unmatched. Travel across Europe’s most beautiful regions, from the Tuscan hills to the snow-capped Alps, while indulging in exquisite meals cooked by renowned chefs and relaxing in sumptuous settings.
Maharajas’ Express (India): An Excursion Into Regal Magnificence
Take a trip fit for a king or queen on the Maharajas’ Express, India’s version of the Orient Express. This luxurious train, which is fashioned after the private carriages of Indian maharajas, whisks you through Rajasthan’s colorful mosaic, highlighting the state’s rich cultural legacy and stunning scenery. Savor local specialties served on silver platters, unwind in roomy cabins with handcrafted teak furnishings and silk upholstery, and treat yourself to Ayurvedic spa treatments. There is even a Maharaja Club on the train, where visitors may relax with an array of premium wines and spirits in a private lounge.
Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan: A Blend of Modern and Tradition
Travel to Kyushu and stay at the Seven Stars to experience the best of Japanese hospitality. The finest in Japanese craftsmanship and design are on display in this opulent train, which skillfully combines old world charm with cutting edge technology. Every element of the hotel, including its tatami-matted cabins and private onsen spas, is intended to provide an immersive cultural experience, evoking the exterior of a bullet train. Enjoy multi-course kaiseki dinners made with seasonal ingredients as you travel through Kyushu’s picturesque towns and volcanic landscapes. Don’t miss the opportunity to take in the stunning views of Mount Aso, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes.
A Safari on Rails: South Africa’s Blue Train
Travel the vast South African plains in luxurious style on the Blue Train. This famous train, which is well-known for its shining blue carriages and first-rate service, transports you through a variety of environments, including the breathtaking Kruger National Park and the Stellenbosch winelands. Savor gourmet meals made with fresh, local ingredients, go on game drives in search of Africa’s Big Five, and relax in roomy cabins with private balconies and ensuite bathrooms.
Beyond the Opulence: An International Connection
These opulent train rides are about more than simply grandeur; they’re also about meaningfully interacting with the outside world. You develop a greater understanding of the splendor and diversity of our world as you travel across various environments and cultural traditions. As you make friends with like-minded travelers from all around the world, you create enduring memories.
Thus, if you’re looking for an experience that’s a little bit different, think about taking one of these well-known train trips. Get ready to enjoy luxurious surroundings, be mesmerized by stunning landscape, and have your cultural background broadened.
Here are some additional remarkable luxurious train trips in addition to the ones previously mentioned:
- Explore historic Inca monuments and bustling local markets as you travel across the magnificent Andes Mountains on the Belmond Andean Explorer (Peru).
- Hiram Bingham (Peru): Take this opulent train with exquisite dining cars and observation decks to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.
- The Ghan (Australia): Experience the untamed splendor of the Australian environment as you travel from Adelaide to Darwin over the enormous Outback.
