The original golden age of train travel spanned the 1880s to 1940s. Today, a new era has arrived, marked by exquisitely restored carriages and artfully designed new builds that blend railway heritage with modern amenities. Far from just a mode of transportation, these trains offer on-board spas, fine dining, live music and high-end boutiques. They also take advantage of the rarest luxury of all: the time to slow down, relish in the moment and watch the world unfurl beyond the window.
Each of these bucket-list experiences offers a unique way to explore the globe. Whether you’re drawn to the romance of Europe, the culture of Asia or the dramatic landscapes of South America, be that over a three-day escape or a two-week odyssey, there’s a train to match every traveller’s rhythm and taste.
Vietnam Express and Golden Eagle Silk Road Express: Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai
Spanning 14 days and two opulent trains, the Treasures of the East journey takes the scenic route from Ho Chi Minh City, through Hanoi to Shanghai. For the ultimate in extravagance, book the Han Dynasty Suite aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express. There, travellers will find each detail has been chosen with style and comfort in mind, including Hermès amenities. At mealtime, choose from the Western car, which offers formal silver-service dining, and the Chinese-style car, where traditional local dishes are expertly prepared. Tour highlights also include tea tasting in the Wuyi Mountains, stops at UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary and Halong Bay, as well as a sunset cruise along the Huangpu River aboard a private yacht.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express: Rome to Sicily
See the sights of Rome, Maratea, Taormina and Palermo during a three-day From Rome to Sicily tour on the one-of-a-kind La Dolce Vita Orient Express. Inspired by masters of 20th-century Italian design, the train’s décor balances old-world charm with modern sophistication. In the evenings, sip on an aperitivo before heading to the dining room, where guests will be greeted by live music and a culinary program created by Chef Heinz Beck, whose Florence restaurant La Pergola has the coveted three Michelin star status. During pit stops through the picturesque countryside, venture by jeep to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, or take a class in Lucanian cooking to master traditional dishes such as rustic lagane pasta and Lucanian sausage.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Istanbul to Paris
You cannot be overdressed on the Istanbul to Paris trek on Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, where black tie is de rigueur and Champagne flows freely. Step aboard and be transported to the 1920s with restored dining cars, rich wood-panelled suites and Art Deco detailing that evokes the golden age of rail travel in all its glamour. For the most luxurious experience, book L’Observatoire, a suite that comprises an entire carriage and includes 24-hour cabin steward service, an ensuite marble bathroom and a secret tearoom with its own fireplace. Over the span of six days, roll through Romania and Hungary to stroll the fairytale Peles Castle in Sinaia, which was visited by the very first Orient Express passengers in 1883. The experience is complete with a cruise on the Danube in Budapest before indulging in a feast of local delicacies.
Seven Stars: Kyushu
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Known as Japan’s first luxury sleeper train, the Seven Stars provides ultra-exclusive passage to just 20 applicants per two- to four-day journey. On each trip, guests explore the seven prefectures—and seven major attractions—of Kyushu Island, a place that offers both dramatic landscapes with two million years of geological history and generations of traditional craftsmanship. While on board, stay in one of 10 suites that have been painstakingly decorated with kumiko latticework. Enjoy tea service in the tea room, cocktails in the Blue Moon lounge car and shop handmade crafts in the gallery shop. Seasonal itineraries bring new delights, from hands-on workshops in traditional sweets and mask carving, to private encounters with rare performances like Yokagura, a sacred dance performed after nightfall.
Andean Explorer: Peruvian Highlands
Embark on a two-night excursion through Cusco, Puno and Arequipa on Belmond’s Andean Explorer’s Peruvian Highlands tour, which travels the world’s highest rail route. The trip begins in the capital of the ancient Inca Empire and winds its way to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake on the planet. Cruise on a boat ride to the lake’s islands and beaches before moving on to Lake Lagunillas to witness 8,000-year-old paintings in the Sumbay Caves. On board, the observation car is the perfect place to indulge in a cocktail and watch the landscape pass you by. In the Picaflora spa car, try the acclimatizing massage to soothe altitude sickness. On board are also two dining cars, Llama and Muña, where the delicious food is almost as distracting as the scenery.
Each of these premium rail experiences delivers effortless sophistication for the discerning traveller. Catch a glimpse of the world through the lens of unparalleled comfort and style. All aboard!