Glide through eight mesmerizing high-end rail trips scattered across the globe
Buckle up, travel aficionados! Here are eight unforgettable luxury train trips that will leave you breathless and reminiscing long after the final stop.
1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express | Europe
Step back in time with the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a beautiful relic from the '20s with Art Deco interiors and a journey through Europe's most iconic cities.
- Route: Travel from Paris to Istanbul or Vienna to Budapest, or pick one of many fascinating itineraries.
- Lodging: Choose from Historic Twins, Suites, or Grand Suites - a delightful mix of vintage design and modern luxury.
- Dining: Savor fine dining at Étoile du Nord, L'Oriental, or Côte d'Azur restaurants, with impeccable service included.
- Cost: Starts at around $3,800 per person (for a one-night journey).
- What's special: Perfect for timeless elegance, history-steeped cities, and black-tie glamour. A formal dress code is welcomed - think dashing tuxedos and elegant cocktail attire.
2. Rocky Mountaineer | North America
Boasting stunning views of the Canadian Rockies, the Rocky Mountaineer offers a North American favorite for those who love nature.
- Route: Choose between Vancouver to Banff or Jasper.
- Lodging: The unique GoldLeaf service offers glass-domed coaches, premium hotels, and open-air decks for impressive views. If you'd prefer SilverLeaf, enjoy single-level domes, comfortable recliners, and standard hotels.
- Dining: Sit down for gourmet meals in private dining cars, or have hot entrees served at your seat in the SilverLeaf service.
- Cost: From approximately $2,600 per person.
- What's special: Spectacular mountain vistas, leisurely pace, and remarkable service make this a must-see train trip.
3. Rovos Rail Pride of Africa | Africa
Widely known as "the most luxurious train in the world," the Pride of Africa seamlessly combines old-world charm with modern comfort as it traverses Southern Africa's most impressive landscapes.
- Route: Opt for 3 to 13-night journeys from Cape Town, Windhoek, or Victoria Falls.
- Accommodations: Pullman Gold, Deluxe, and Royal Suites boast en-suite baths, big windows, and Wi-Fi.
- Dining: Indulge in multi-course meals, South African wines, and authentic ambiance in Victorian dining cars.
- Additional features: Relax in the lounge car, observe from the open-air balconies, and take advantage of 24-hour service.
- Cost: Ranges from $2,500 to $12,000+, depending on the length of the journey.
- What's special: This train trip promises the ultimate blend of safari adventure and opulent train luxury.
4. Maharajas' Express | Asia
The Maharajas' Express brings the extravagance of India's royal past to the modern day, with beautiful touches like red-carpet welcomes and personal butlers.
- Route: Discover several distinct itineraries across Northern and Central India, including Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
- Fun fact: The Presidential Suite covers an entire train car, offering two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large seating area with a personal butler.
- Accommodations: Choose from Deluxe Cabins to Presidential Suites, complete with Wi-Fi, TVs, and en-suite bathrooms.
- Dining: Dine on gourmet Indian and continental cuisine in Rang Mahal or Mayur Mahal dining cars.
- Additional features: Enjoy a bar, lounge, curated excursions, and 24/7 service throughout your journey.
- Cost: Starts at around $4,900 (Deluxe Cabin) and goes up to $24,000+ (Presidential Suite).
- What's special: Experience unparalleled luxury coupled with immersive cultural wonders throughout India.
5. Belmond Andean Explorer | South America
South America's first luxury sleeper train, the Belmond Andean Explorer, takes passengers on an unforgettable ride through Peru's landscapes, ruins, and villages.
- Route: Journey from Cusco to Arequipa via Puno and Lake Titicaca.
- Accommodations: Suites, twin beds, and bunks offer en-suite bathrooms and round-the-clock service.
- Dining: Tantalize your taste buds with dishes prepared by renowned Peruvian chef Diego Muñoz.
- Additional features: Enjoy the lounge car, full spa, and open-air viewing deck.
- Cost: Runs around $6,200-$8,700 per person for two to three nights.
- What's special: This luxury train experience offers a once-in-a-lifetime ride through Peru's diverse landscapes and cultures.
6. Eastern & Oriental Express | Asia
From bustling city skylines to lush rainforests, the Eastern & Oriental Express delivers Southeast Asia in supreme style.
- Route: Choose between two main journeys, either the Essence of Malaysia or Wild Malaysia itineraries.
- Accommodations: Sleep comfortably in Pullman, State, or Presidential Cabins, each featuring A/C and en-suites.
- Dining: Enjoy three elegant dining cars, with breakfast, tea, and evening meals served in-room.
- Additional features: Take advantage of the piano bar, open-air observation deck, and 24/7 service.
- Cost: Prices start at approximately $3,150 per person.
- What's special: This opulent train offers a tropical getaway with exceptional service and old-school glamor.
7. Royal Canadian Pacific | North America
The Royal Canadian Pacific feels like a trip back in time, except with modern comforts and plush beds.
- Route: Experience three or four night journeys from Calgary or Vancouver.
- Accommodations: Snag a twin or double cabin in restored 20th-century carriages.
- Dining: Enjoy gourmet meals served in the Craigellachie dining car, as well as drinks and snacks available all day.
- Additional features: Lounge cars, full bar service, and daily off-train excursions help make this an unforgettable experience.
- Cost: Starts at around $6,100 per person.
- What's special: This intimate train trip offers stunning views, quiet luxury, and an exclusive feeling.
8. Golden Eagle Danube Express | Europe
The Golden Eagle Danube Express offers a luxurious way to explore Eastern and Central Europe, traveling through iconic cities with exceptional service.
- Route: Choose from 7 to 12-day itineraries across countries like Budapest, Vienna, Sarajevo, and Prague.
- Accommodations: Deluxe and Superior Deluxe Cabins offer en-suites, Wi-Fi, and L'Occitane amenities.
- Dining: Experience fine dining in two restored dining cars that feature fresh, locally sourced dishes.
- Additional features: The elegant lounge car, piano bar, and 24/7 service are just a few of the many perks.
- Cost: Costs between $19,000 and $25,000 per person for a 12-day journey.
- What's special: This luxury train offers a unique and immersive way to discover Eastern and Central Europe in sumptuous style.
Whether you're chasing a dream or crossing something off your bucket list, these incredible train journeys have you covered. Don't forget to pack your camera, an elegant travel outfit, and our travel insurance - because even first-class adventures deserve first-class protection.
Protect my trip
- Before embarking on your luxury train journey, make sure to cover your trip with comprehensive home-and-garden insurance to safeguard your belongings at home while you're away.
- Planning to drive to the train station? Protect your precious vehicle during your travels with car insurance.
- Agetting excited about your upcoming vacation? Ensure a hassle-free experience by purchasing travel insurance to cover any unexpected hiccups or emergencies.
- Once you've booked your stay at either the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express or one of the other luxury trains mentioned, consider indulging in premium hotel insurance for additional peace of mind.
- To complete your luxurious lifestyle, consider subscribing to a specialized lifestyle insurance provider that can cover Fine Art, Valuables, and other luxury items.
- After your unforgettable luxury train adventure, treat your home to some much-deserved pampering with revenue from your exotic travel experiences. Some home-and-garden insurance policies may even provide coverage for valuable art, jewelry, and antiques.