Classic Train Journeys

Featured Journeys

Luxury Travel Train Journeys highlights some of the world's best train journeys - snake your way across a country or continent in pampered style, taking in the amazing views along the way.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Steeped in history and brimming with romance, with lovingly restored decor and the chance to visit Europe’s most elegant cities, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a truly remarkable way to travel. On board the train, guests have an attentive personal steward and spacious compartment, while the splendid Art Deco dining cars host fine cuisine and perfect service.

A truly customised service is on offer, from a specific itinerary to the choice of onboard conveniences.

British Pullman

The British Pullman is a classic of train travel; a service that has inspired many others through the years. Along with its sister train, the Northern Belle, the British Pullman provides guests with the best of Britain, not only through marvellous scenery and rich heritage, but with delicious cuisine and traditional service.

Each carriage is a finely crafted masterpiece with its own name and intriguing history. A true luxury train, the Pullman offers a full array of day trips and weekend breaks throughout Britain, perfect for that special occasion, family get-together or corporate event.

The Royal Scotsman

Steeped in history, The Royal Scotsman offers an intimate service - just 36 passengers - of gourmet dining and five star service. The majority of its cars are of 1960s vintage stock, decorated in varnished woods with luxury fabric and fittings.

Meals are multi-course, candlelit affairs, made with the finest local produce, and expertly served. The various journeys offered by Orient-Express make this service perfectly tailored for each individual.

Northern Belle

A reflection of the traditional Belle Trains of the 1930s, the Northern Belle is the first classic train of the new century. Providing supremely stylish short breaks from stations throughout Britain, there is no finer or more luxurious way to rediscover the glorious diversity that Britain has to offer.

A true celebration of British heritage and skills, each carriage is furnished with specially commissioned designs, tailor-made fabrics and beautiful marquetry. Immaculate carriages, fine dining, personalised service, and breathtaking scenery are just some of the delights waiting for you on board the prestigious Northern Belle.

Danube Express

With a host of interesting and exciting European destinations to explore, the Danube Express combines modern luxury with traditional levels of high service to make each journey as enjoyable as possible. The train consists of an electric locomotive followed by 8 cars; 3 deluxe sleeping cars, 2 classic sleeping cars, restaurant car, lounge car and a car for the staff, all of which are designed for comfort.

Despite an informal ambience aboard the train, expect high levels of service, as flexible and personal as the variety of journeys and packages available to guests.

Bergen Railway

The 100-year old Bergen Railway provides its guests with a spectacular adventure along one of Europe’s highest railways. The scenery along the 7-hour trip is marvellous and breathtaking – from winter sports resorts and mountains to areas rich in wilderness and unspoilt landscapes.

This 300 mile day-time trip perfectly captures the natural beauty of Norway, its hills, mountains and fjords. While the onboard service is not the most luxurious, it is the sights outside that are the highlights of this service.

Flam Railway

One of Norway’s most spectacular tourist routes, the Flam Railway provides inspiring prospects along its 20km route. A masterpiece in engineering, the railway winds through tunnels in the mountains as it makes its path on one of the steepest railways in the world.

Having recently undergone refurbishment, with a new fleet of forest-green trains you can enjoy the scenery in comfort. But it is what you can see outside that really counts along this journey.

El Transcantábrico

For over 25 years El Transcantábrico has provided an opportunity to explore the culture of Northern Spain in comfort and style. With room for up to 50 passengers, the recently restored train has 6 sleeper carriages, each with 4 double compartments.

Most meals are taken in carefully selected local restaurants as guests explore each destination. Entertainment is provided each evening in the bar car. The 8-day, 800 mile journey through beautiful Spanish landscape includes onboard breakfast and day coach tours to sites not reachable by train.

Glacier Express

Travelling between the popular Alpine resorts Zermatt and St Moritz, the Glacier Express crawls along its 168 miles path, crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels as it makes its 8 hour pilgrimage. The panoramic prospects on offer are reason enough for the slow speed of the train, while the comfort of its carriages and the service of the staff make this a journey to savour. A relaxed, pleasant approach to rail travel is what makes this a truly enjoyable service.

Bernina Express

The Bernina Express, at one point the highest railway crossing in the Alps, offers spectacular views of glaciers, rivers, valleys and mountains from its spacious cars. The 38 miles journey enjoys varied sites, as it travels at over 7,000 feet at the Bernina Summit and also at just 1,408 at Tirano, Italy.

The remarkable scenery along the route, as well as the historic nature of the train has led to its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. There is no set dining onboard this day-time train, but the chance to explore the Alps in such style is one not to be missed.

Royal Canadian Pacific

An elegant service with traditional furnishings, the Royal Canadian Pacific calls upon 1920s era cars and 1950s locomotives to provide its luxury service amid subtle 21st century nuances. Excellent hospitality compliments the standard of the cuisine and the comfort of the train’s compartments, as guests savour not only the luxury services, but also the beauty of the Canadian landscape.

Known as Canada’s Orient Express, the 32 guests can enjoy a 5 star service as the train winds through the beautiful Rocky Mountains. This intimate service, luxury comfort and excellent views of snow-capped peaks and National Parks make for a truly remarkable experience.

Rocky Mountaineer

A flexible train service with over 70 vacation packages, the Rocky Mountaineer is a great way to explore British Columbia, Alberta and the Canadian Rockies. Designed so you won’t miss a single glimpse of the country’s beautiful landscape, the Rocky Mountaineer’s two-day tour takes place only during daylight hours, with first-class accommodation provided for the overnight stay as you journey along the historic route.

Andean Explorer (PeruRail)

Amid the spectacular Andean mountains, gentle Andean Plains and Huatanay River, the Andean Explorer travels between Lake Titicaca (Puno) and Cuzco, Peru’s top tourist destinations. The high-altitude 10-hour trip is set onboard newly decorated coaches in the style of the famous Pullman carriages of the 1920s. This luxurious decor is complimented by the breathtaking, ever-changing views from the open-air observation car, while the dining car is a relaxing setting to enjoy a 3-course lunch.

Hiram Bingham (PeruRail)

This luxury train runs between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Named after the explorer who discovered the remains of the Inca citadel in 1911, the area is one of fascinating history and marvellous beauty, while the train itself provides a comprehensive and personal service. Every detail of your trip is taken care of, as you feast on Peruvian specialties for brunch and enjoy great photo opportunities of Cusco and the Sacred Valley from the observation car.

After exploring the ruins at Machu Picchu, you can enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and a 4-course gastronomic dinner with live entertainment, and then unwind in comfort after a wonderful day of exploration.

Eastern & Oriental Express

Exquisite beauty is not only found throughout the wonderful destinations of the Eastern & Oriental Express, but also in the ornate and finely crafted decor of the train itself. The age of the luxury travel train is brought to life for the 132 passengers, while personal service ensures that expectations are constantly exceeded. Comfortable compartments are transformed by stewards into luxury accommodation, while fine cuisine is always on the menu.

Although the train originally ran just between Singapore and Bangkok, new itineraries include Bangkok-Vientiane, Laos and itineraries including Chiang Mai. A great way to explore the Far East in elegance and luxury.

Palace On Wheels

Consisting of 14 deluxe saloons equipped with the finest amenities, the Palace On Wheels provides an excellent adventure through the era of the Maharajas from New Delhi to Agra. The 14 coaches are named after former Rajput states and are designed in honour of the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past, and with a highly personalised service, you can enjoy the journey in true luxury.

The seven day itinerary is one of variety as you are transported through ancient ruins, colourful landscapes and beautiful palaces.

Indian Maharaja

Explore the wonderful heritage of India on a week-long journey amid the relaxing and luxurious surroundings of the Indian Maharaja (Deccan Odyssey). Fitted with many modern conveniences, the train’s 21 coaches travel across many exotic destinations covering the vast expanse of Maharashtra.

Known for its fine, varied cuisine and personalised service, the Indian Maharaja (Deccan Odyssey) provides a comfortable journey for its guests in either its twin or double compartments, its lounge, conference car and even its spa car.

Indian Pacific (Great Southern Rail)

Travelling between Sydney, Adelaide and Perth, the Indian Pacific is one of the world’s longest railways, taking 3 days to travel its 2,704 miles, 300 of which are along the longest straight track in the world, the Nullarbor Plain. The unique landscapes of the Australian Outback are breathtaking, while there is also fascinating wildlife along the route.

The Gold Service is a great choice for a great adventure in style. With all compartments kitted with modern conveniences, and with a beautiful restaurant car serving fine cuisine, this is a great way to see two oceans, and the best scenery Australia has to offer.

The Ghan (Great Southern Rail)

Having recently extended its route to include travel to Darwin, the Ghan has risen steadily in popularity over the years and is now an Australian favourite. This particular service from Adelaide to Darwin has been swamped with travellers as it makes its 48-hour, 1,852 miles journey.

The Ghan recently added a Platinum service to its packages, with carriages almost twice the size of the Gold Service, and designed with a distinctly Australian character. By day, each compartment is a lounge area with large panoramic windows.

The Sunlander (Queensland Rail)

The Sunlander, voted one of the top 25 rail journeys in the world, provides an overnight rail experience between Brisbane and Cairns, which allows travellers to join at Hervey Bay and Gladstone and detrain at the Whitsundays and Townsville.

Queenslander Class is the all-inclusive section of The Sunlander offering private twin sleeping cabins with a host of special touches, Lounge Car with entertainment and commentary and a Dining Car serving multi-course meals featuring the freshest local produce complemented by fine Australian wines.

The Sunlander is a memorable 32 hour journey that gives panoramic views of diverse landscapes and compliments a unique Queensland holiday experience.

Blue Train

In just under 1000 miles and 27 hours this luxury train makes its course between Pretoria and Cape Town, sweeping across beautiful South African landscapes. The service’s two trains, for either 74 or 58 guests, are complete with every convenience to make the journey as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. From the exquisite furnishings and electrical appliances to the showers/baths in each compartment, the Blue Train lives up to its luxurious billing.

Freshly prepared cuisine and an intimate, personalised service make the experience enjoyable, while the beautiful setting of the sub-continent will be truly memorable.

Pride of Africa (Rovos Rail)

Fine wood panelling and period decor transport guests in 1920s style onboard the Pride of Africa. The train carries 72 passengers in 36 carefully decorated suites, all of which are fitted with modern conveniences, and caters for its guests in two 42-seater dining cars.

The route between Cape Town and Pretoria is packed with changing scenery, from barren plains to lush grasslands, culminating in the wondrous sight of Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head.