Five Iconic Luxury Train Journeys to Inspire Your Wanderlust

There’s something truly magical about travelling by train. Perhaps it’s the gentle sway of the carriage, the hypnotic click-clack of the wheels, or the way the scenery unfurls like a living painting outside the window. For me, the thought of stepping aboard a gleaming vintage carriage instantly whisks me back to an oldy-worldy era—when travel wasn’t just about reaching a destination, but about savouring the journey itself.

And when you add luxury into the mix—gourmet dining, plush cabins, and itineraries curated for the curious soul—it becomes nothing short of spellbinding. These are the journeys where time slows, and every mile feels like a chapter in a well-loved novel.

If, like me, you’ve always dreamed of curling up with a book in a velvet armchair while the countryside rolls by—or of sipping champagne as mountains rise dramatically in the distance—these five iconic luxury rail experiences might just tempt you to pack your bags.

The Exquisite Elegance of Belmond Belmond trains are the embodiment of romance and adventure, with a healthy dash of indulgence. Take the Andean Explorer in Peru: a sleek, white-and-blue beauty gliding through the rugged Peruvian Andes. Here, you can drift between the historic streets of Cusco, the shimmering waters of Lake Titicaca, and the dramatic city of Arequipa—all while travelling the highest rail route in the world. And it’s not just about what’s outside the window. Onboard, the experience is an elegant dance between fine dining and cosy moments—think candlelit dinners followed by nights under the stars in the observation car. Closer to home, the newly launched Britannic Explorer (which made its grand debut this July) is pure British charm on rails. It’s all rolling green hills, Welsh valleys, and seaside towns that could have been plucked straight from a postcard.

Rocky Mountaineer’s Majestic Canadian Adventures If Canada’s Rocky Mountains are the crown, the Rocky Mountaineer is the jewel that lets you explore it in style. These daylight-only journeys ensure you don’t miss a single glacier, waterfall, or soaring peak. The famed First Passage to the West takes you from Vancouver to Banff, winding past historical rail routes and the jaw-dropping Spiral Tunnels. Or, for a truly wild stretch, the Journey Through the Clouds sweeps you to Jasper, with Mount Robson standing proud along the way. In the GoldLeaf Service, meals are a masterclass in Canadian cuisine, served in a glass-domed carriage that makes you feel as if you’re dining inside the landscape itself.

Golden Eagle’s European Sophistication The Golden Eagle Danube Express is a moving luxury hotel with an itinerary that reads like a European fairy tale. Picture waking up in Budapest, lunching in Vienna, and dining in Krakow. For something with a hint of mystery, the Castles of Transylvania journey takes you from Istanbul to Budapest, winding through the legends and landscapes of Romania. It’s history, architecture, and a dash of Gothic romance—all without ever having to unpack your suitcase more than once.

Northern Belle’s Timeless British Luxury If ever there were a train that could sweep me straight into the pages of an Agatha Christie novel, it’s the Northern Belle. Once part of the iconic Orient Express, it’s a vision of 1930s elegance—think brass fixtures, fine china, and exquisitely restored vintage carriages. It’s not just the destinations—Bath, Edinburgh, Sandringham—that make it special. It’s the little moments: a flute of champagne as the countryside blurs by, a silver teapot pouring steaming Earl Grey, the gentle hum of conversation among fellow travellers who also love the romance of the rails.

Rovos Rail’s African Grandeur And then, there’s Africa. The Rovos Rail is often called the most luxurious train in the world—and with good reason. It’s an adventure steeped in the drama of the continent’s landscapes, from the thunderous Victoria Falls to the shimmering sands of the Namib Desert. For a quick escape, the Pretoria to Victoria Falls route is unforgettable. For a true epic, the Cape Town to Dar es Salaam journey takes 15 days and covers a staggering range of scenery, culture, and wildlife. Onboard, it’s pure Victorian opulence—rich wood panelling, en-suite cabins, and multi-course meals paired with South Africa’s finest wines. If there’s a better way to cross a continent, I haven’t found it yet.

For me, train travel isn’t just transport—it’s time travel. It’s about stepping into an era when journeys were grand adventures, and each station stop brought with it a whiff of mystery and excitement. Whether it’s crossing the Andes, tracing Canada’s Rocky spine, or winding through the Welsh valleys, there’s something about a rail journey that stirs the soul in a way no plane ever could.

So here’s to our next adventure—may it be on rails, with a window seat, and just the right amount of champagne. ???