Are luxury trains tours the next cruises? Ever wished you could take a cruise, but on land instead? You can – it’s called a luxury rail tour and it’s a growing trend — especially because these trains can take you to hard-to-reach locales in five-star style. In fact, this spring, Via Rail in Canada is launching new luxury service for its passengers. In its new prestige sleeper class, there are modern, tech-savvy suites that will blow the rails (pardon the pun) off the tracks. Not only are these suites spacious by train travel standards, they are extremely high-tech. Taking the Canadian on Via Rail is one of the most beautiful scenic train journeys and one that you are not likely to forget. Now, you can do it in even greater style and comfort, making the train experience almost like a cruise but on land. And, I’m pretty sure that, once you discover the beauty of this type of trip, you are going to want more. So here are four more luxury train journeys that will blow your mind.
Belmond Venice-Simplon Orient-Express
Talk about a classic. The Belmond Venice-Simplon Orient-Express is iconic. The train is a work of art and is renowned as one of the most romantic train journeys in the world. Perhaps the golden age of rail travel was in the 1920s, but the experience lives on onboard the Venice-Simplon. From its art-deco interior stylings to its fascinating people onboard, this is a journey that will not soon be forgotten. The train travels between London and Venice; Paris and Venice; Venice and Budapest; Venice to Vienna; Paris to Istanbul and more. Journeys start at $2,600.
The Ghan
Nothing beats going overland in Australia like taking a luxury train, and Great Southern Rail has mastered the art with the Ghan. For the most part, the train travels between Darwin in the Northern Territory to Adelaide in South Australia. The Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide is a four-night, three-day adventure over more than 2,500 kilometers. Stops include Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy. The train journey can also be extended to include Kakadu National Park, the Tiwi Islands and more.
Eastern & Oriental Express
Explore Southeast Asia in classic New Zealand style? Yes, the iconic Eastern & Oriental Express originated in New Zealand, but was refurbished in Southeast Asia to become the luxury train that it is today. Polished teakwood and a colonial style welcome visitors onboard where an attentive staff is there to meet your every need. The train travels a variety of routes, including Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok; the Ancient Kingdom of Lanna; Singapore to Bangkok; a New Year celebration; and Fables of the Peninsula. Journeys are as short as three days and as long as seven.
Royal Scotsman
Experience the Scottish Highlands on the rails. This intimate train of just 36 passengers travels through pine-clad mountain landscapes and serene lochs. Guests enjoy traditional Scottish cuisine and daily excursions as well as an observation car and a welcoming staff. There are several different experiences available, including journeys from London to Edinburg or the Heritage Homes and Gardens Journey. The Grand Tour of Britain is an eight-day, seven-night journey and stops in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Keith, Perth, Scarborough, York, Cambridge, Oxford, Bath, Chester and returns to Edinburgh. The trip is $13,860 per person, double occupancy.