Journey aboard eight opulent train trips circumnavigating the globe, promising an experience to remember.
In the realm of exclusive travel, luxury train journeys have re-emerged as a popular choice for discerning travellers seeking a unique blend of comfort, culture, and adventure. Renowned for their elegant trains and exceptional service, Belmond leads the way in offering some of the most iconic rail experiences across the globe.
**1. Belmond Britannia Sleeping Car (England and Wales)**
Recently inaugurated in July 2025, the Belmond Britannia Sleeping Car is England’s first luxury sleeper train, providing three-day journeys through Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales. Passengers can expect opulent eight-carriage accommodations and immersive experiences celebrating the contemporary heritage of England and Wales. The package includes excursions, gourmet meals, wine and alcoholic beverages, starting from around £11,000 ($15,118) for a double cabin over three nights.
**2. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe)**
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express rekindles the romance of rail travel across iconic European cities, notably between Paris and Venice. Famous for its vintage 1920s and 1930s carriages, the train offers exquisite dining on crisp white tablecloths, crystal glassware, and elegant compartments steeped in luxury and glamour.
**3. Belmond British Pullman (UK)**
Operating day trips like the "Great British Sunday Lunch," this train provides intimate and luxurious travel through the British countryside. Guests enjoy four-course meals with wine and champagne in an elegant vintage setting, with trips starting at around £535 per passenger.
**4. The Royal Scotsman (Scotland)**
This train journey takes travelers from Edinburgh through the Scottish Highlands and beyond, combining spectacular landscapes with refined onboard comfort. It emphasizes both leisure and luxury, featuring stylish cabins, gourmet dining, and authentic Scottish experiences.
Other notable luxury train experiences include the Eastern & Oriental Express in Asia and various premier luxury train rides in the USA, known for their iconic routes and lavish onboard amenities.
**Rovos Rail Pride of Africa (Africa)**
For a luxurious, immersive way to explore southern Africa's epic landscapes, Rovos Rail Pride of Africa is a must. With prices starting from approximately $6,100 per person, this luxury train offers 3-13 night journeys, including stops at Cape Town, Windhoek, and Victoria Falls. Accommodations range from Deluxe and Superior Deluxe Cabins to Suites, all equipped with en-suites, Wi-Fi, and L'Occitane amenities.
**The Rocky Mountaineer (North America)**
Known for its glass-domed coaches and scenic routes through the Canadian Rockies, the Rocky Mountaineer offers two levels of accommodation: GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf. GoldLeaf accommodation includes bi-level dome cars, elevated hotel stays, open-air decks, and private dining cars. Amenities include lounge cars, full bar service, and daily off-train excursions. Prices start from approximately $2,600 per person.
**The Maharajas' Express (Asia)**
Modeled after royal travel, the Maharajas' Express offers a truly intimate experience, complete with red carpet welcomes and a private butler. Amenities include a Dior Spa, piano bar, open-air observation deck, and luxury lounge. Prices for a journey start from approximately $6,200-$8,700 per person for 2-3 nights.
**The Rocky Mountaineer (Peru)**
For quiet luxury, postcard views, and a truly intimate experience, the Rocky Mountaineer's Peruvian route is unforgettable. The train offers three- to four-night journeys from Calgary or Vancouver, with stops at Cusco, Arequipa via Puno and Lake Titicaca. Dining features fresh, locally sourced menus, and accommodations range from twin and double cabins in restored 20th-century carriages.
In summary, luxury train vacations provide travellers with a unique opportunity to explore the world in style, enjoying top-tier cuisine, richly decorated vintage carriages, personalized service, and excursions to culturally rich destinations. Whether you choose the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the Rovos Rail Pride of Africa, the Rocky Mountaineer, or any of the other prestigious journeys offered by Belmond, you are guaranteed a once-in-a-lifetime, timeless travel experience.
- For a lavish travel experience that celebrates the contemporary heritage of England and Wales, one can opt for the Belmond Britannia Sleeping Car, a luxury sleeper train launched in 2025, offering three-day journeys that include excursions, gourmet meals, wine, and Alcoholic beverages, starting from around £11,000 ($15,118) for a double cabin.
- Recreating the romance of rail travel, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express takes passengers through iconic European cities like Paris and Venice, renowned for its vintage 1920s and 1930s carriages, exquisite dining, and elegant compartments steeped in luxury and glamour.
- As a more accessible luxury train travel option in the UK, the Belmond British Pullman offers day trips like the "Great British Sunday Lunch," providing an intimate and luxurious experience through the British countryside, featuring four-course meals, wine, and champagne in an elegant vintage setting, with trips starting at around £535 per passenger.
