There is something romantic about train travel. It’s a change of pace from the daily grind, a way to slow down and allow yourself to experience the journey as well as anticipate the destination. Trains offer you a different perspective on the world, holding you captive to the changing landscapes as they pass by your cabin window. And, with lavish accommodations and gourmet meals, the once-in-a-lifetime views are only rivalled by the on-board experience of today’s luxury trains.
While there are faster ways to travel, a train ride is about more than getting from point A to point B – it’s about all that happens in between. From the Australian outback to the Scottish Highlands, watch the world roll by on one of these 10 bucket-list train trips around the globe.
Maharajas’ Express, India
A world class luxury train, the Maharajas’ Express offers five scenic train journeys departing from Mumbai or Delhi with stops to explore the sights and sounds of India from exquisite palaces to breathtaking landscapes. The interior of the train is inspired by the personal carriages of the Indian Maharajas. The opulent, nostalgic elegance of the guest carriages, dining car, lounge and safari bar is further complemented with sleek modern amenities to give you the best of the two worlds.
Venice Simplon Orient Express, Europe
With glamorous restored vintage cars from the 1920s, the Venice Simplon Orient Express has history. Today, the train criss-crosses Europe with itineraries that include Venice, Krakow, Dresden and Prague. With upscale dining in three gorgeous restaurant cars, opulent vintage décor and, of course, the ever-changing European panorama rolling by outside, it’s a step back in time to the golden age of train travel that will leave you in awe throughout the trip.
California Zephyr, United States
While it may not offer the same level of luxury as some of the other trains on the list, the California Zephyr provides an unmatched way to see the western United States. Running between Chicago and San Francisco, this two-night journey packs in an impressive array of incredible views. From the Midwestern plains of Nebraska to the soaring heights of the Rockies and Sierra Nevada Mountains, the scenery will keep you entranced throughout the journey. However, if you decide to get some shut eye, the California Zephyr offers Superliner Sleeping Cars. You can also take in the sights from the glass-walled Observation Car or enjoy a drink with fellow passengers in the lounge. More than 37,000 kilometres of America will roll by in the blink of an eye, and you will hardly want the journey to be over when you reach your destination.
The Ghan, Australia
From Adelaide to Darwin, The Ghan is a visually gratifying way to see Australia’s stunning and varied landscapes. With a Platinum or Gold Class cabin, your all-inclusive experience covers all meals and drinks on board throughout your journey. And with locally produced gourmet flavours prepared by top chefs, you will enjoy many an evening at the Queen Adelaide Restaurant with the added option of a nightcap in the lounge car. Each journey offers the opportunity for off-board excursions in the Australian outback, including stargazing in the remote town of Manguri and a relaxing cruise on the Katherine River.
Royal Scotsman, United Kingdom
The Royal Scotsman departs from Edinburgh, Scotland, with a variety of itineraries throughout Scotland, England and Wales. With a traditional elegance, luxury accommodations and the perfect vantage point to take in the Highlands, the Royal Scotsman is a relaxing way to tour the countryside. The observation car is the ideal place to sink into a comfy armchair or duck out onto the open-air veranda to view the countryside, villages and castles rolling past. Live entertainment adds to the ambiance, as do gourmet dinners of locally produced regional specialties served in a mahogany-panelled dining car.
Hiram Bingham, Peru
While Machu Picchu is a popular destination for hikers the Belmond Hiram Bingham may have you reconsidering the trek. The day-long train ride through Peru is a luxury experience from start to finish. With four carriages, an observation car with bar and two dining cars, the Hiram Bingham allows you to enjoy the magical scenery of the Urumbamba River Valley from the comfort of the train. With aperitifs at the station, on board entertainment and gourmet meals accompanied by Peruvian wine, a rail trip to Machu Picchu adds a refined twist to your journey into the Incan world.
Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia
Enjoy luxury accommodations, fine dining and spectacular views aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express. Take in the countryside and enjoy a cocktail or some live entertainment from the teakwood observation car at the rear of the train or relax in the saloon car with a book – if you can tear your eyes away from the views long enough to read. Choose from multiple itineraries, including a six-night trip that begins in Singapore and passes through Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands, Penang and Huay Yan. Shorter two and three-night trips are also available between Singapore and Bangkok, taking travellers from the bustle of the city through rural landscapes, ancient temples and villages.
TranzAlpine, New Zealand
Travel between Christchurch and Greymouth, through the pastoral Canterbury Plains, over majestic vistas along the Waimakariri River and take in the alpine backdrop of the Southern Alps. With non-reflective windows and comfortable saloon seating, the half-day trip on the TranzAlpine will be one that you won’t soon forget. Make the journey in the winter to miss the crowds and enjoy the snowy landscape from the centrally heated cabins. You can also enjoy light fare and a selection of New Zealand wine and beer in the café carriage. Once in Greymouth, take in the region’s glaciers and famed Punakaiki pancake rocks. Scenic Escape packages are available if you’d like to extend your trip overnight.
Pride of Africa, South Africa
With restored carriages finished in polished teak, the Pride of Africa is a luxury travel experience that harks back to 1920s-style glamour. On any one of the various routes through South Africa, guests benefit from lavish accommodations. There are three types of cabins available, including Royal Suites that span half a train car and include an en suite bathroom with Victorian tub and a private lounge. Dress to impress in Victorian Era dining cars while you nosh on traditional delicacies made from locally produced ingredients. You can also sip the finest South African wines in the lounge car, which boasts an open air “patio.” Despite the decadence, you won’t want to let the on-board amenities distract from the views of South African bush, wildlife reserves, the Kalahari Desert and Victoria Falls.
Royal Canadian Pacific, Canada
While Royal Canadian Pacific offers a number of itineraries, the Canadian Rockies rail tour is one of the most popular. Traversing spectacular terrain with gorgeous mountain views, this week-long trip starts and ends in Calgary. On board, enjoy gastronomical delicacies served in the upscale Craigellachie dining car. You can also enjoy off-train excursions from golf to fly-fishing to cultural tours, but the highlight of the trip will certainly be the views of unspoiled wilderness as you travel the mountain foothills and unspoiled valleys.
Main Image: Roderick Eime, Ghan Train Australia via Flickr CC BY 2.0
