Take The Train For A Unique And Unforgettable Luxury Travel Experience

There is something mysterious and romantic about luxury train travel. Perhaps it’s the atmosphere and aesthetic of a time when life was less hurried. In the not-too-distant past, trains offered the finest accommodations and dining. Endless miles of countryside passed along just beyond the clear-paned glass of the windows, and an engaging conversation with a fellow passenger offered unmatched intellectual stimulation. 

Hollywood has always been enchanted with luxury train travel. Some of the most famous movies ever made are set against a backdrop of wood-paneled train cars and uniformed trainmen. These include “Murder on the Orient Express,” “The Darjeeling Limited” and “Strangers on a Train.”

For discerning travelers excited to experience modern luxury train travel, many incredible options await, all across the globe. Are you ready to experience the finest luxury train travel the world has to offer? 

Indulge Yourself By Traveling On A Train

Modern luxury train journeys offer all of the modern amenities that ensure comfort, but the leisurely pace of the train is a nostalgic throwback to a time when travel was truly savored. Simply boarding the train is a whimsical experience that thrills passengers with a sense of anticipation. Every stop offers a taste of local culture, and the ride itself is replete with incredible vistas at every turn. 

Many luxury trains feature meticulously restored parlor cars from the Golden Age of travel when railways offered a chance to experience the thrill of travel like never before. Private accommodations onboard luxury trains ensure a good night’s rest and the privacy one needs to enjoy every minute of their railway adventure. 

Imagine yourself in a sumptuous parlor car, adorned with lush fabrics and rich hardwoods that harken back to the time when fine craftsmen were truly appreciated. In the dining car, your gourmet meal is served on fine china with sparkling cutlery, while you indulge in a stimulating conversation with fellow travelers. 

Everything about your luxury train ride will be first class, including onboard staff who understand how passengers like to be treated. As your train route unfolds before your eyes, you are free to soak in the scenery from your private quarters or one of the lounge cars. 

Where Can I Take A Luxury Train Trip?

Luxury train travel is enjoyed by discerning travelers in diverse places all over the planet. Europe is one of the most popular destinations, but luxury train adventures are also available in Asia, North America, South America, Australia and Africa. 

Some luxury trains travel within one country, and others offer travel through multiple countries. Wherever you choose your luxury train vacation, it’s important to be fully versed in all travel requirements. For this reason, it’s a good idea to work with a luxury world travel agent who knows how to ensure that clients get the most out of their trip.

It’s also a good idea to consider your own interests. If you’re a lover of nature and wildlife, a luxury train ride through South Africa will undoubtedly offer a unique and thrilling experience. If you’re more interested in classical architecture, you will likely enjoy a train ride through Western Europe. Travelers who thrill to more exotic locales will have their thirst for adventure quenched in places like Australia or Asia.

Each luxury railway line has its own offerings, unique to the destination. Even individual trains differ in design and aesthetics, so it’s important to take the time necessary when planning a trip so that you get exactly what you want. Your luxury train trip should provide you with memories that last a lifetime. 

Some of the more popular luxury train routes

Here is a list with brief descriptions of some of the most popular luxury train trips on the planet. While this outline may whet your appetite for your own train adventure, be sure to work with a professional travel company to help you choose the railway that best suits your desires.

The Venice Simplon-Orient Express

This is undeniably the most famous luxury train of all time and the most authentic railway travel offering in the world. Made famous by author Agatha Christie and memorialized in multiple Hollywood movies, the Orient Express offers luxury travelers something truly extraordinary. 

Riding on the Orient Express is like stepping into a time machine to a more romantic age. Luxury train cars are fully restored 1920s vintage stock. When you lay your eyes on the flawless gold and navy blue colors combined with the white roof, you will simply be amazed. 

The Orient Express travels between Istanbul and Paris, destinations that only add to the magic and the mystery of the railway. The legendary route is so popular with travelers, it’s important to work with a professional world luxury travel agency well ahead of your planned vacation. Seating is surprisingly limited due to the exclusive nature of the trip, and future plans for the railroad will make it even more exclusive. 

The Venice Simplon-Orient Express is perfect for single travelers, couples in love, families, groups, and even those who are looking for a luxury travel experience to hold a special event. Enjoy an anniversary or an unforgettable wedding adventure. The sky’s the limit.

Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa 

A large number of luxury train enthusiasts consider this to be their favorite railway. It is likely because of the spacious accommodations, called Royal Suites, that boast a bathtub/shower and a separate private lounge where you can enjoy your ride in opulent style. Fun fact: There is only one railway on the planet with larger suites than the Rovos Rail.

Train cars are also meticulously maintained to reflect their original 1920s elegant and luxurious style. Period decor, natural wood paneling and impressive furnishings provide an authentic aesthetic that complements the exotic African setting. And you will undoubtedly enjoy the view because the luxury train has a tremendous number of windows. 

Dining on the Rovos Rail is culinary perfection. Fine foods served by the most dedicated industry professionals find their perfect accompaniment with fine South African wines and a wide assortment of beverages. Traditional foods, like wild game, are often part of the menu and these delicacies are served on the finest china. Guests are expected to dress for the occasion, which only adds to the luxurious ambiance. All of this happens within Victorian-era dining cars that will take your breath away. 

Luxury travelers absolutely love the open-air portion of the train, which is located in the rear. There is also an observation car with a bar and a separate lounge with comfortable sofas and armchairs. 

One thing that really makes the Rovos Rail stand out is that it’s just plain fun. Just because you enjoy luxury train travel doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a blast. 

The Belmond Royal Scotsman 

While this train doesn’t carry many passengers, it’s one of the more popular luxury railways in the world. If you’re looking for a more intimate, luxury setting for your train adventure, the Belmond Royal Scotsman will likely fit the bill. And just because the train only holds a maximum of 40 passengers, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice any of the opulence. Guests will enjoy five-star gourmet dining, exceptional accommodations and unrivaled personal service.

Your cabin will be equipped with its own bathroom, and you can even control your own in-room temperature. You can open a window, turn on the ceiling fan and get as comfortable as you like before using the cabin’s service call button to order up something special. If rest is important to you, take note that the train stops at night so you can sleep easily in peace and quiet. 

Luxury train enthusiasts rave about the dining experience onboard The Belmond Royal Scotsman, which is a masterpiece in its own right. Multi-course meals feature fresh local produce combined with the finest meats and seafoods. The food presentations will literally blow you away when you see for yourself local Scottish ingredients prepared as you’ve never seen before. 

Toward the train’s end is one of the railway’s most unique carriages. The Observation Car was built as a kitchen car during the 1960s and converted into its current configuration in the late ‘80s. The bar serves more than 60 varieties of whiskey, so you can sip on scotch while you soak in the splendid Scottish scenery. As night falls, enjoy local musical talent or listen to a Scottish storyteller weave traditional folk tales. 

There is even a spa car for luxury train travelers who truly want to indulge. The spa car offers massages, manicures and other popular offerings you would expect from any fine resort. 

All Aboard!

As you can see, there is a lot to consider before booking your own luxury train trip. As a discerning traveler, it makes sense to plan your trip with help from an experienced agent well versed in the luxury train industry. 

If you’re traveling overseas to board your train, your Cerulean agent will help you arrange all airfare and connections to ensure seamless itineraries and safety from departure to arrival. Our quality agents also have firsthand experience with many railroads or have received firsthand accounts from other clients. 

If you’re having trouble choosing a luxury travel service, take some time to read customer testimonials and reviews. Travelers who enjoy incredible vacations are almost always eager to share their experiences.

 

We know you care how you spend your time. When traveling the world with Cerulean, your itinerary is specifically designed around you and your loved ones’ travel needs. Our exclusive connections and partnerships around the world get you VIP perks and upgrades to ensure that the actual experience exceeds what you imagined it to be. 

Discover places you never knew existed and experiences you never imagined possible. Schedule a call with one of our award-winning luxury travel advisors today, and we can guarantee that you will get three new experiences or place ideas that you haven’t thought of before.