Palace on Wheels, India
Experience India's royal past aboard the iconic Palace on Wheels, the country's first luxury heritage train. This journey is a vibrant immersion into the heart of Rajasthan, with a touch of Agra's splendour. Launched in 1982, the concept was inspired
by the personal railway coaches of former princely state rulers. The week-long itinerary is designed to give you a taste of grandeur, starting and ending in New Delhi. The train travels by night, allowing for daily excursions to some of India's most famous sites. You'll explore Jaipur, the 'Pink City'; Jodhpur, the 'Blue City'; and the golden dunes near Jaisalmer. The trip often includes a tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park and culminates with a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra. Onboard, expect royal hospitality, plush cabins, and fine dining that make you feel like a modern-day Maharaja.
Maharajas' Express, India
Often considered India's most luxurious train, the Maharajas' Express sets a global standard for opulent rail travel. Launched more recently than the Palace on Wheels, it offers a newer and often more lavish experience, with cabins that feel more like hotel rooms. The train provides butler service, gourmet dining in two distinct restaurants, and a level of service that consistently wins international awards. It operates several different itineraries across North India, with popular routes including excursions to see the Taj Mahal, wildlife spotting in Ranthambore National Park, and exploring the royal cities of Rajasthan. For many travellers, it represents the pinnacle of combining five-star hospitality with cultural immersion, making it a journey that is truly unforgettable.
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
If dramatic, wild landscapes are what you seek, the Rocky Mountaineer in Western Canada delivers in spades. This isn't a sleeper train; all travel is done during the day to ensure you don't miss a moment of the scenery. The journey takes you through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, a region of soaring snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and dense forests. The train is famous for its glass-domed carriages that offer panoramic views of the stunning surroundings. There are several routes, including the historic 'First Passage to the West' from Vancouver to Banff, which follows the path of the Canadian Pacific line that united the country. You'll pass roaring river canyons and spiral tunnels, all while enjoying gourmet meals and captivating storytelling from onboard hosts.
Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy
A masterpiece of railway engineering, the Bernina Express offers a spectacular journey across the Swiss Alps into Italy. This route is so remarkable that it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The train navigates 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, climbing to over 2,250 metres above sea level without the help of a cogwheel. The journey connects Chur in Switzerland with Tirano in Italy, traversing breathtakingly diverse landscapes. In just a few hours, you travel from the icy glaciers of the Alps down to the palm trees of Italy. The panoramic windows of the train allow for unobstructed views of iconic sights like the Landwasser Viaduct, a curving single-track limestone bridge that looks like something out of a fairy tale.
The Ghan, Australia
For a journey of epic scale and striking contrasts, The Ghan travels through the very heart of Australia. This legendary train covers nearly 3,000 kilometres between Darwin in the tropical north and Adelaide in the south, offering a unique perspective on the vast and rugged Australian Outback. The multi-day journey includes off-train excursions in key locations like Katherine and Alice Springs, allowing passengers to experience the ancient culture and dramatic landscapes of the Red Centre. It’s an adventure that showcases the immense beauty of the Australian interior, from lush northern tropics to the fiery red desert, all from the comfort of a luxurious private cabin.
