In an era dominated by speed and convenience, there’s something truly enriching about embracing the art of slow travel. The most extraordinary train journeys offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience the world’s beauty in both comfort and style. Join us as we embark on a tour of the most unforgettable train adventures across the globe.
Below, we offer a detailed comparison of the world’s most remarkable train journeys, highlighting their unique features, key distinctions, and what makes each of them truly exceptional:
1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe)
Key Distinction: Timeless elegance and classic luxury
- Route: London – Paris – Venice – Istanbul
- Duration of Travel: Relatively short, with most trips lasting between 1-3 days, perfect for a luxurious weekend getaway.
- Experience: A journey back in time with meticulously restored 1920s carriages, vintage decor, and exceptional service. The train embodies the glamour of the golden age of travel.
- Ideal For: Travelers who appreciate old-world charm, art deco aesthetics, and a truly iconic European experience.
Summary: This train is the epitome of classic elegance, perfect for those who want to indulge in nostalgic luxury while exploring Europe’s most iconic cities.
2. Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)
Key Distinction: Scenic wilderness and nature-focused luxury
- Route: Vancouver – Banff – Jasper
- Duration of Travel: Short yet packed with awe-inspiring landscapes. The typical trip is 2-3 days, offering a great way to explore Canada’s wilderness in a short time.
- Experience: Glass-domed coaches offer panoramic views of Canada’s dramatic landscapes, including the Canadian Rockies, turquoise lakes, and dense forests. The journey is entirely daytime, allowing travelers to take in the scenery. The train offers luxury excursions, such as private tours of Banff, Jasper, and Whistler, adding to the exclusivity of the journey.
- Ideal For: Nature lovers and photographers who want to immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes while enjoying luxury comfort.
Summary: A perfect choice for those seeking a nature-centric, scenic adventure with a touch of luxury. The emphasis is on the journey itself, with unparalleled views of Canada’s stunning wilderness.
3. Maharajas’ Express (India)
Key Distinction: Opulent royal experience through India’s rich heritage
- Route: Delhi – Jaipur – Agra – Varanasi – Mumbai
- Duration of Travel: This journey lasts between 4 to 8 days, allowing time to explore the rich cultural and historical sites of India.
- Experience: This train reflects the grandeur of India’s royal past with its lavish interiors, fine dining, and personalized service. It covers some of India’s most iconic landmarks, like the Taj Mahal and Varanasi.
- Ideal For: Those interested in cultural exploration, history, and an immersive experience in India’s diverse heritage.
Summary: Ideal for travelers seeking a cultural journey through India while relishing in the opulence once reserved for royalty.
4. Belmond Andean Explorer (Peru)
Key Distinction: High-altitude luxury with Andean landscapes
- Route: Cusco – Lake Titicaca – Arequipa
- Duration of Travel: The journey is typically 2 to 4 days, allowing a leisurely pace to enjoy both the landscape and the cultural highlights of the Andes
- Experience: Passengers enjoy a world-class experience with luxurious suites, a fine dining experience, and a panoramic observation lounge. The train offers bespoke excursions to places like Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and the Sacred Valley.
- Ideal For: Adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts interested in exploring Peru’s natural beauty and historic sites in comfort.
Summary: Perfect for travelers who want to combine luxury with adventure in South America’s most iconic landscapes, all while exploring the rich culture of the Andes.
5. The Rovos Rail (South Africa)
Key Distinction: Known for providing bespoke safaris and exclusive excursions in conjunction with the rail journey.
- Route: Some of them -Cape Town to Pretoria (or vice versa) , Pretoria to Victoria Falls, the long-distance route runs from Pretoria, South Africa, to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It crosses through Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania, offering views of the Zambezi River, Lake Tanganyika, and the Great Rift Valley.
- Duration of Travel: 3-15 days, depending on the route.
- Experience: TheRovos Rail offers some of the most luxurious train experiences in Africa, old-world charm, with private suites, deluxe suites, and luxury dining cars. Passengers can enjoy the view of the African plains while sipping champagne on the observation deck.
- Ideal For: For those seeking opulence, privacy, and bespoke experiences, Rovos Rail offers private charters, exquisite dining, and customizable journeys through Africa’s most spectacular regions, delivering an unmatched luxury travel experience
Summary: Rovos Rail excels with bespoke itineraries and exclusivity across Africa.
6. Eastern & Oriental Express (Southeast Asia)
Key Distinction: Exotic journey through Southeast Asia’s tropical beauty
- Route: Bangkok – Kuala Lumpur – Singapore
- Duration of Travel: The journey is typically 2 to 3 days, providing a brief yet immersive escape through the tropical beauty of Southeast Asia.
- Experience: Colonial-style decor, fine dining, and luxurious cabins provide a refined travel experience. The train travels through lush landscapes, rice paddies, and bustling cities, with guided excursions along the way.
- Ideal For: Travelers who seek a blend of cultural exploration and relaxation while journeying through Southeast Asia in luxury.
Summary: A sophisticated journey that blends the exotic beauty of Southeast Asia with luxurious comfort and cultural immersion.
7. The Vietage by Anantara Vietnam
Key Distinction: The train’s interiors are a fusion of contemporary luxury and Vietnamese heritage
- Route: The Vietage operates between Da Nang and Quy Nhon in central Vietnam, covering some of the country’s most scenic regions.
- Duration of Travel: The journey takes around 10 hours for a round-trip experience, covering diverse landscapes, from mountainous terrains to coastal views, making it a full-day luxury journey.
- Experience: The Vietage by Anantara is one of the most extraordinary train journeys that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Vietnam. From the lush mountains of central Vietnam to the tranquil coastal vistas, every moment of the journey provides mesmerizing views that captivate and inspire.
- Ideal For: Travelers who wish to explore Vietnam in comfort while experiencing the local culture through curated excursions and personalized services.
Summary: The Vietage by Anantara offers a highly personalized travel experience through the heart of Vietnam.
Comparison Summary of the most Extraordinary Train Journeys
- Best for Nostalgic Luxury: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers an iconic, elegant journey for lovers of vintage travel.
- Best for Nature and Scenery: Rocky Mountaineer is ideal for breathtaking views of untouched wilderness in Canada.
- Best for Cultural Immersion: Maharajas’ Express and Belmond Andean Explorer offer immersive experiences into India’s royal past and Peru’s Andean culture, respectively. This is definitly one of the extraordinary train journeys
- Best for Exotic Exploration: Eastern & Oriental Express provides a luxurious way to explore Southeast Asia’s lush landscapes.
- Best for the most customizable and private experience: African Rovos Rail great for those seeking ultimate privacy and timeless luxury
- Best for culturally rich experience in Vietnam: The Vietage by Anantara with a shorter but unforgettable extraordinary train journey.
