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The world’s best rail journeys

Train journeys offer a more relaxed pace of travel and often evoke a feeling of a bygone era, with elaborately decorated carriages and the opportunity to mingle with likeminded people. There are countless rail journeys across the world all of which offer something different, but for me there are a few that really stand out. Here are five of my favourite rail journeys from around the world. The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia Travel from Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, through the country’s beautiful landscape and into Malaysia and Singapore on board the Eastern & Oriental Express. This is Asia’s most luxurious train ,with lavish carriages full of brass fittings, rich wood and comfortable ensuite compartments. Eastern and Oriental Express Take the opportunity to dress in your finest clothes for an evening of fine food and wine in the ambient dining car, where you are surrounded by the elegant style of the Twenties and Thirties. Stops include Georgetown in Penang, the bridge over the River Kwai. Rovos Rail, South Africa If you’re visiting South Africa, why not take in the beautiful scenery from the comfort of the luxurious and historic Rovos Rail. The train’s carriages, including restaurant cars, observation carriages and sleeping compartments, have all been restored to their former glory, and a journey on this wonderful train is like taking a step back in time. Rovos Designed for pioneering travellers and colonial grandees, the train is decorated with dark woods and period fittings – just perfect for enjoying a drink as you meet fellow passengers. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada A journey on the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada takes you through grasslands, canyons, past thundering waterfalls and through mountain tunnels. There are three classes available on this famous train, Red, Silver and Gold Leaf, the latter offering a superb bi-level glass-dome coach with a wonderful viewing platform. Gourmet meals served below in the dining car for those travelling in Gold Leaf. Rocky Mountaineer The train is one of Canada’s most well-known and operates a few routes in the summer months – between Calgary, Banff, or Jasper and Vancouver, and between Jasper and Whistler. Trans-Siberian Railway A fantastic overland journey awaits those who travel on this epic route. A series of railways which connect Moscow in the west of Russia to either Vladivostok in the far east of the country (the true Trans-Siberian route) or Beijing in China (known as the Trans-Mongolian as it crosses through Mongolia), the Trans-Siberian traverses several landscapes, time-zones and cultures whichever route you choose. Travelling by public trains, the Trans-Siberian may not be the most luxurious on this list but it is certainly one of the most impressive, attracting travellers from all over the world with a sense of adventure and a desire to experience the might and splendour of European Russia and the mysterious Far East. For those who prefer a more luxurious stance, there are a couple of private trains which offer set itineraries. Trans-Siberian Railway The Hiram Bingham, Peru Chosen by the readers of Condé Nast Traveller UK as the best train in the world (2011) the Hiram Bingham is a luxurious train in Peru that takes you from the small village of Poroy, just outside of Cuzco, and on towards the world-famous site of Machu Picchu. Hiram Bingham train Enjoy a hearty brunch, learn how to make a Pisco Sour in the bar car or take in the scenery from the observation carriage, as you journey alongside the mighty Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley. Craig Burkinshaw is a Founder Director of Audley Travel. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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8 Comments

  1. One of my favorites is Trans-Siberian Railway, the landscapes are perfectly beautiful! I hope someday, I would have a chance to ride one of the trains and see the beauty of the nature.

  2. Rail journeys such as these always seem such a romantic and elegant way to travel. While the Rocky Mountaineer might not have the style that the presumably older, more traditional carriages have, the views from the glass dome must be spectacular and what glorious landscapes to pass through!

  3. I would be happy to take any of these train trips, but the one that looks really exciting to me would be the Eastern Orient Express, I’m sure it must be quite an amazing ride to take.

  4. The Orient Express is dreamy, definitely have always wanted to do that. I’m totally in love with the little glowing lamps on the tables. Those trains are so majestic and I’ve always swooned when I’ve seen them at train stations….sigh.

  5. Super article. Often we are so limited for time that trains don’t even come into the equation, in many instances it’s so much easier to fly somewhere. All of these sound fantastic. I took on an ordinary train this weekend and really enjoyed travelling this way, it is so relaxing, and a great way to take in the landscape.

  6. Yes i like much this article cos i love to travel in trains always, here in India i to use to travel by trains, once i went Goa by train, its amazing exp to me, with big mountains, plenty of tunnels, water falls in the track (you can google, Dudh falls in google).

  7. Would suggest Via Rails The Canadian, a regularly scheduled service, is most worthy as one of the best.

  8. Having been on the Rovos and the Rocky Mountaineer, there is no better way of getting the ‘lay of the land’ than by train. My only complaint about the Rocky Mountaineer was that it is quite a slow trek, so not for the impatient.
    Also if you are planning to go on a train excursion with children think twice before bringing them as they will get bored!
    Personally if I had the choice of a luxury train journey I would choose the Golden Chariot as there is plenty to see and you are not in the train for hours at a time.

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