The world of travel has, in recent decades, become a race against the clock. We chase the cheapest flights, the fastest routes, and the most direct connections,
often arriving at our destination with a sense of hurried relief rather than the lingering satisfaction of a journey well-traveled. But a small, gilded world of luxury rail endures, inviting those who believe the journey is not just a means to an end, but the very essence of the experience.
Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
No train evokes the romance and intrigue of a bygone era quite like the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Its name alone is a passport to a world of hushed elegance and timeless sophistication. Step aboard and the modern world melts away. Gleaming mahogany, polished brass, and crystal glassware on linen-draped tables transport you to the 1920s and '30s, an age when travel was an art form and passengers were treated like royalty.
The train's vintage carriages have been painstakingly restored, and glide through the European countryside on a variety of itineraries. For the true connoisseur of languid travel, the once-a-year, five-night passage from Paris to Istanbul is the ultimate pilgrimage. For those seeking an even more rarefied experience, the six newly introduced Grand Suites are a revelation. Named for legendary cities, each suite is a breathtaking Art Deco tribute, featuring private bathrooms, double beds, and the discreet luxury of a personal steward, always on hand with a glass of champagne.
Rocky Mountaineer, USA
For those who believe that the greatest luxury is an uninterrupted view, the Rocky Mountaineer is an answer to a prayer. While most scenic trains lose their magic with the setting sun, the Rocky Mountaineer has a brilliant solution: it stops. Its itineraries are meticulously plotted to ensure that every moment of daylight is spent drinking in the scenery. Rather than a cramped sleeper car, guests get off each evening for a restful night at a fine hotel, ready to reboard the next morning.Historically confined to the dramatic peaks of the Canadian Rockies, the company has now extended its reach to the wild, windswept landscapes of the American West. The journey between Denver and Moab, Utah, is a masterclass in contrasts, taking you from the soaring, snow-capped peaks of the Rockies to the surreal, sand-blasted canyons and towering red-rock formations of the Utah desert. The train itself is purpose-built for this visual feast, with panoramic windows that make the outside world an extension of the interior.
Hiram Bingham, Peru
To journey to Machu Picchu is akin to embarking on a pilgrimage. While many undertake the arduous trek on foot, a select few choose a different path, one of elegance and ease aboard Belmond’s Hiram Bingham train. The journey begins at the Poroy Station in Cusco, where guests are welcomed with a traditional Peruvian blessing and a celebratory glass of champagne. The train, a marvel of turn-of-the-century luxury, glides through the heart of the Sacred Valley.
In the observation car, live music sets a festive tone as passengers sip Pisco Sours and other signature cocktails, the rugged landscape unfolding outside their windows. A multi-course lunch is served on the way to the Incan citadel, while a sumptuous dinner and afternoon tea with delicate sandwiches await after the visit. The Hiram Bingham truly changes your approach to one of the world's most awe-inspiring sites into an experience as memorable as the destination itself.
Rovos Rail, Southern Africa
In a continent where travel is often defined by bush planes and rugged safaris, Rovos Rail offers a different kind of African adventure, one that is both grand and deliberately unhurried. The train is replete with polished wood and tufted leather, and traverses the southern third of Africa, following the contours of the Great Rift Valley or cutting through the magnificent red deserts of Namibia.This is slow travel at its most luxurious. The unhurried pace is by design, with time factored in for everything from game drives in wildlife reserves to wine tastings at world-renowned vineyards. The train's restored vintage carriages, upgraded with modern plumbing and air-conditioning, are a testament to an era when travelers packed formal wear for dinner and hats for day trips. The public spaces are equally grand, from the open-air balcony of the observation car to the refined club and lounge cars. Whether on a two-night jaunt or a 15-night odyssey that winds through multiple countries, Rovos Rail offers a unique perspective on the continent and a chance to witness the vastness of Africa from the comfort of a rolling, air-conditioned sanctuary.
Maharajas’ Express, India
In a country steeped in royal history, the Maharajas' Express is a testament to the enduring allure of imperial grandeur. This is not merely a train; it is a moving palace, a testament to the opulence of India's golden past. Its 23 carriages travel mostly by night, a clever design that allows guests to awaken each morning to a new destination, with a full day to explore.The experience is nothing short of a royal fantasy. The price tag matches the privilege, but even shorter itineraries, like the "Treasures of India" package, are a parade of luxurious delights. Guests are whisked away to UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Taj Mahal and the Amber Fort. They embark on game drives in Ranthambore National Park in search of the elusive Bengal tiger and dine in magnificent palaces. Onboard, the luxury continues with two restaurants, a well-stocked bar car, and en suite accommodations that range from deluxe cabins to a breathtaking Presidential Suite. If you're headed to India, luxury travel doesn't get better than this.
