8 epic, luxury rail journeys that are unforgettable – for all the right reasons

Step on board the world’s most luxurious trains and watch the sights and scenery roll by.

There’s something so romantic about travelling by train. I know what you’re thinking (“not in the UK, it isn’t!”) but hear us out. 

Put to one side, if you can, your experiences of travelling on the UK’s rail system. Forget lengthy delays and scrabbling for a seat. 

It’s not commuter trains I'll be talking about – I'll talking about some of the most luxurious tourist trains in the world. 

Trains that are more akin to a five-star hotel – on rails –  where the rhythmic chug of the engine and the sweeping landscapes outside your window transport you to a bygone era of opulence and grandeur.

These rolling palaces are destinations in their own right, offering world-class service, fine dining and plush sleeping quarters. 

And they take their esteemed guests on a journey through some of the world’s most scenic landscapes. From the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the vibrant cities of India, each of these legendary train routes offers a window into the world’s most spectacular destinations.

What’s more, we’re entering a monumental period for lovers of luxury train travel. In 2025 we’ll see the launch of the much anticipated La Dolce Vita Express swishing across Italy. 

Close behind it, Norway is to get its very first luxury train in the guise of the Norient Express, set to pull out of the station in October 2025 and waltz across the country. 

And in 2026, gracing the European rails will be the New Orient Express – surely the grand dame of luxury trains.

So if you’re ready to step on board, come with us as we explore some of the most iconic rail experiences the world has to offer.

The Rocky Mountaineer is North America’s premier luxury train, traversing the stunning landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. 

With its signature glass-domed coaches, this journey offers panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, pristine rivers and lush green forests.

The onboard experience is nothing short of exceptional, with personal hosts providing insightful commentary and butlers serving up sumptuous breakfasts and decadent three-course lunches.  Locally-sourced salmon or succulent Alberta beef are favourites from the menu, washed down with British Columbian wines and craft beers.

If you upgrade from SilverLeaf to the GoldLeaf service you travel in a two-storey carriage. Take your seat upstairs to enjoy the views and, when it’s time to dine, venture downstairs to the dedicated dining car. 

Routes include Vancouver to Banff, a breathtaking passage that rolls through the Fraser Valley, Hell’s Gate and the Spiral Tunnels.

The journey takes two days and one night, with two nights at either end in a five-star hotel and a luxury overnight stay in Kamloops built into this itinerary (the Rocky Mountaineer doesn’t have sleeping compartments so it’s ‘luxury train by day and plush hotel by night’).

Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with views of glacier-fed lakes, dramatic canyons and verdant pine forests. And keep your eyes peeled for bears, eagles and elk frequently spotted from the train.

Step aboard for a thrilling journey into the Inca Empire.

Named after the explorer who rediscovered Machu Picchu, the Belmond Hiram Bingham is a luxurious train that takes passengers on a mystical journey through the Sacred Valley of Peru. 

The train’s vintage carriages, adorned with polished wood, plush seating and gleaming brass fixtures, evoke the golden age of travel. 

This journey lasts one full day, travelling round-trip between Cusco and Machu Picchu, often called the Lost City of the Incas.

Onboard, you’ll head to the vintage cocktail bar for a punchy Pisco sour, before taking your seat at the white-linen clad table for lunch. 

You’ll feast on gourmet Peruvian cuisine, including dishes like ceviche, alpaca tenderloin and quinoa-based delicacies, with fine South American wines paired with each course. 

In the lounge a live band plays traditional Andean music, or head to the open-air observation deck to watch the terraced hillsides, ancient Incan ruins and dense cloud forests roll by.

Departing from Cusco, the train follows the Urubamba River, winding through lush valleys and towering Andean peaks. 

The highlight, of course, is Machu Picchu, where you’ll be given a guided tour and exclusive access to this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Dubbed The Pride of Africa, Rovos Rail is synonymous with elegance and old-world charm. 

Operating vintage-style trains, Rovos Rail glides through the heart of southern Africa with stops at historic sites, game reserves and pivotal viewpoints where you can stop to soak in the views. The journey from Cape Town to Victoria Falls lasts four nights and five days.

The interior design comes with mahogany-panelled suites, period-style furnishings and luxurious bathrooms featuring Victorian claw-foot tubs. 

Meals are served in the dining car, with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients. Expect multi-course meals featuring delicacies such as Karoo lamb, ostrich fillet and South African cheeses, all paired with the country’s finest wines.

The route includes stops in Kimberley, where you can explore the historic diamond mines; Pretoria, a city rich in colonial history and Hwange National Park, home to elephants, lions and rhinos. 

The final destination is Victoria Falls, where you can witness the thunderous cascade and sign up for a sunset river cruise or helicopter tour over the mighty Falls.

Tracing the footsteps of Afghan cameleers, Australia’s legendary Ghan is an epic transcontinental journey that crosses the heart of the Outback from Adelaide to Darwin. 

This train embodies frontier adventure – albeit in unparalleled comfort – taking three nights and four days to complete the journey.

As a Gold and Platinum Service guest, you’ll enjoy private cabins with en-suite bathrooms, polished wood panelling and plush bedding. 

The dining car serves modern Australian cuisine – think barramundi, kangaroo fillet and native bush spices all washed down with some of Australia’s finest wines.

In 2026 the Ghan will up the premium stakes with the introduction of its new and exclusive Aurora and Australis Suites – anyone for another glass of Bollinger? 

The journey includes stops at Alice Springs, where you can explore the Red Centre, and Katherine, where you’ll take a cruise through the stunning Nitmiluk Gorge. The ever-changing scenery includes sweeping desert plains, rugged mountain ranges and remote cattle stations, offering a truly immersive Outback experience.

For those seeking the royal treatment, the Maharajas’ Express offers a regal journey through India’s most enchanting cities. 

Everything about this journey is lavish. For a start the train itself is royally distinctive, clothed in bright red, dotted with golden crowns. 

The onboard butlers are dressed in silks with brightly-coloured turbans and the interior decor is inspired by India’s royal heritage, with rich tapestries, intricate woodwork and gold-accented furnishings. 

You’ve got a choice of cabins, from deluxe cabins to two-bedroomed presidential suites. 
And in the opulent dining car, you’ll be served gourmet Indian cuisine, complete with crystal glassware and fine china.

Journeys last between four and seven nights, depending on the chosen itinerary.

Particularly popular is The Heritage of India route from Mumbai to Delhi. 

This epic journey lasts seven days and six nights. Stops en route include the glistening Lake City of Udaipur; the imposing Jodhpur fort and the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, bathed in its unique rosy glow. At Ranthambore National Park you might glimpse a tiger and in Agra you’ll get the unforgettable opportunity to see the sun rise over the spellbinding Taj Mahal.  

Along the way you’ll have the chance to dine in Rajasthan’s grand palaces and even have a go at the local sport: elephant polo.

This train is a true palace on wheels.

A Norwegian take on the famous Orient Express is revving up for launch in late 2025 or early 2026. 

Rolling across almost 600 miles of Norway’s legendary landscapes, this luxurious, electric-powered train will pull out of the station in beautiful Bergen on the west coast. It will cross the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, the largest national park in Norway, to reach Oslo, from where it will forge north to end in Trondheim. 

Throughout the six-day journey, you’ll be rewarded with glorious views of Norway’s fjords, mountains, lakes and glaciers.

When it comes to the interior design, the lips of the operators are largely sealed. However, we do know it’ll have a real Scandi feel, decked out in natural woods and materials. 

We also know this sleeper train will have an observatory carriage, offering uninterrupted, panoramic views of the rolling scenery. It’ll also boast a gym and spa (yes, really). 

The VIP service also promises to be fully inclusive, including gourmet Norwegian cuisine in the dining compartment. 

But what makes it even more special is that capacity is limited to just 60 lucky passengers.

Set to launch in 2025, the La Dolce Vita Express promises to bring the romance of luxury rail travel to Italy, offering passengers a journey through the heart of the country’s most beautiful and culturally rich regions.

The train’s decor is a celebration of Italian style and craftsmanship, inspired by the glamour of the 1960s. Interiors feature sleek mid-century furnishings, rich fabrics and intricate mosaics, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Each suite offers panoramic windows, en-suite bathrooms and butler service.

Onboard, the dining experience will be a highlight – this is Italy after all! The emphasis will be on regional specialities, accompanied by local wines and breathtaking scenery. 

The route takes passengers through Italy’s most iconic regions, including Lazio (Rome), Veneto (Venice), Liguria (Portofino), Tuscany (Florence) and Sicily. Stops include vineyard tours in Chianti, guided walks through Florence’s Renaissance masterpieces and exclusive access to ancient Roman ruins.

You’ll have to wait until late 2026 to board the New Orient Express, currently being redesigned by renowned French architect Maxime d’Angeac. 

It’s billed as a stunning revival of the original Orient Express, bringing back the grandeur and mystique of one of the world’s most legendary trains. 

The train’s design pays homage to the original 1920s Orient Express which was immortalised by crime writer Agatha Christie. Expect marble bathrooms, Art Deco-inspired chandeliers and sumptuous furnishings. 

As for the service, you can expect personal butlers, world-class chefs and exclusive entertainment experiences. 

While specific routes are yet to be fully unveiled, the train is expected to travel across Europe, revisiting classic stops from the original Orient Express, including Paris, Venice and Istanbul. 

Without a doubt, this is one of the most anticipated luxury train journeys of the decade.

These aren't just train journeys – they're masterpieces of travel that demand expert planning and insider knowledge to get right. 

After all, when you're investing in a bucket-list experience like the Maharajas' Express or the legendary Orient Express, every detail matters.

That's where I come in. I don't just book your ticket – I craft your entire rail journey experience. I'll:

• Secure the best cabins and optimal viewing positions
• Arrange seamless transfers and luxury hotel stays
• Coordinate exclusive excursions 
• Handle all the complex logistics and timing
• Ensure you get the best value for your investment
• Add those special touches that transform a great journey into an unforgettable one

Plus, with our global partnerships and industry relationships, we often have access to perks and privileges you won't find anywhere else.

And did I mention that you won’t have to pay any more to us my services?

Whether you dream of watching the Canadian Rockies roll by from a glass-domed carriage or sipping champagne as you glide through the Italian countryside, let me handle every detail of your rail journey of a lifetime.

Ready to step aboard? Contact me today to start planning your luxury rail adventure.