Dreaming of the trip of a lifetime where you can sit back, relax and get to your destination in style? A luxury train journey could be just the ticket.
Everything is catered for with your comfort front-of-mind, including fine dining, private accommodation and entertainment - what could be better? Not to mention the epic scenery you’ll discover as you make your way from station to station. Read on for our list of top holiday rail trips to help you plan your next adventure!
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
We’re starting this list off with one of the most luxurious travel experiences in Europe - the
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. This private luxury train service travels between Austria, Belgium, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Romania and Turkey so you have plenty of options when it comes to choosing a route. There are two trains composed of original 1920s and 30s carriages - so travellers can hop on and off depending on the design of their trip. Known for its art-deco interiors, elegance is considered in every detail on these trains, whether it's the 24-hour-a-day carriage assistant, premium serving ware, complimentary bath robe or private wash basin. By day your cabin will be a lounging space, then, while you’re at dinner, your space will be transformed into your sumptuous sleeping zone complete with fine bed linen.
Not only are these restored vintage locomotives incredibly luxe, they’re also movie stars! The
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is in the movie adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. Immerse yourself in the romance and luxury experienced onboard with this sneak peek video:
Golden Eagle, Russia, Europe, Central Asia and China
Golden Eagle luxury trains offer unique travel experiences with dozens of itineraries to choose from. There’s something romantic about train travel - think welcoming private cabins complete with ensuites, extravagant lounging carriages and fine dining. You’ll receive first-class customer service with off-train excursions to explore the destinations along the way in safety and comfort.
One of our top picks for an unforgettable experience is the Trans-Siberian Winter Wonderland which includes 15 days of luxury travel from Moscow to Vladivostok. You’ll be cosy onboard, passing by idyllic snow-covered landscapes and frozen lakes on your way. Or, try the Balkan Express, travelling from Venice through Sarajevo, Dubrovnik, Belgrade and on to Istanbul, with several other stops on the journey. No matter which itinerary you go for, you’ll discover fascinating histories and learn about vibrant cultures at every stop.
Shiki-Shima, Japan
Japan probably comes to mind when you think of train travel, with their famed bullet trains promising fast travel times with speeds of up to 320 kilometres per hour. But Japan also offers travellers a taste of luxury, especially onboard the
Shiki-Shima from the East Japan Railway Company. The modern interiors on this elegant locomotive offer travellers a premium space to relax, with cabins optimised for the view. It’s essentially a world-class hotel on rails, complete with elegant bespoke furniture, exquisite Japanese woodwork and metal finishings. Every last detail has been considered to prompte opulence.
There are multiple 2-4 day trip itineraries to choose from, but take note that travellers must apply to travel on the
Shiki-Shima making the experience feel even more exclusive. If there are not enough available spaces, participants will be selected from a draw.
The Ghan, Australia
We would be remiss if we didn’t include the ultimate luxury train journey in our backyard on this list!
The Ghan travels between Darwin and Adelaide, where guests can contemplate the changing landscapes from red earth scenery to the tropical views of the Top End.
The Ghan train journey originated in 1929, named after the Afghan cameleers who once travelled this route. You have three service levels to choose from - Gold, Platinum and Chairman’s Carriage. Chairman’s Carriage, the most prestigious of the three levels, allows optimum exclusivity to guests with inclusive dining, a dedicated lounge area and hospitality attendant, three spacious double cabins, plus a platinum twin cabin which are set up lounge-style by day and elegant boudoir by night.
What is your dream luxury train route to travel? Our experienced independent agents can help you take those dreams and plan your trip of a lifetime. Talk to your local
Travellers Choice agent today!
