Description
LUXURY TRAINS: The Journey Becomes the Destination Once Again
There are journeys in which reaching a destination is only part of the experience. Aboard the world’s great trains, the journey itself becomes a privilege: the landscape slowly unfolds beyond the window, distances regain their meaning, and time takes on a different rhythm. Historic railcars, private suites, Art Deco interiors, fine dining, panoramic lounges, and attentive service accompany itineraries that traverse mountains, deserts, savannas, highlands, and legendary cities. The Luxury Rail Collection we present to you brings together some of the world’s most captivating rail experiences, selected for those who view travel not simply as a means of getting from one place to another, but as a form of personal, cultural, and aesthetic discovery.
1. AONIYOSHI — JAPAN
Japanese Elegance in Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto
Aoniyoshi offers a refined take on the scenic Japanese train journey, connecting Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto—three cities that are home to some of the most significant chapters in the country’s history and culture. The name itself evokes ancient Nara and immediately transports you to a world where aesthetics, tradition, and precision coexist naturally.
The deep purple exterior, accented with gold details, hints at an interior where contemporary elements blend with motifs inspired by Japanese art and craftsmanship. The cars feature spacious Twin Seats arranged in a 1+1 configuration and semi-private Salon Seats reserved for small groups, as well as a library and a space dedicated to specialties and products from the Nara region. It is neither a night train nor a traditional palace train: its exclusivity lies in its ability to transform a relatively short journey into a moment of true contemplation. It is particularly well-suited for a private itinerary between Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, combined with select ryokans, culinary experiences, private temple tours, and encounters dedicated to traditional Japanese culture.
2. BELMOND ANDEAN EXPLORER — PERU
A Personal Odyssey Through the Andes
The Andean Explorer travels through one of South America’s most spectacular regions along a route that connects Cusco, Puno, Lake Titicaca, and Arequipa. It is South America’s first luxury sleeper train and travels along some of the world’s highest-altitude rail lines, crossing the vast Peruvian Altiplano. The journey alternates between landscapes of extraordinary visual power and an intimate, sophisticated onboard atmosphere. Cabins and suites feature private bathrooms, while the interiors incorporate fabrics and patterns inspired by Andean culture. Guests have access to dining cars, a piano bar, an observation car, and a spa car dedicated to wellness.
Cuisine becomes an integral part of the story of the region through Peruvian ingredients and flavors. Outside, seemingly endless plains, mountains, remote communities, and Lake Titicaca create a succession of almost cinematic images.
This experience is particularly well-suited for combining with private stays in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, and the Colca Canyon, creating a comprehensive Peruvian itinerary that allows you to explore archaeology, culture, and the landscape at a leisurely pace.
3. BELMOND ROYAL SCOTSMAN — SCOTLAND
A Private Country House in the Highlands
The Royal Scotsman transforms the train journey into a refined, moving British country estate. Departing from Edinburgh, it travels through the Highlands, valleys, lakes, and remote regions of Scotland along routes dedicated to nature, gastronomy, castles, whiskey, and Scotland’s great traditions.
The wood-paneled cars, tweed and tartan fabrics, private-bathroom compartments, and the new Grand Suites create an exceptionally intimate atmosphere. The limited number of guests allows for exceptionally personalized service, while the Observation Car, with its open-air panoramic veranda, is the perfect spot from which to admire the Highlands scenery.
The train also features the Dior Spa Royal Scotsman, with rooms dedicated to wellness treatments—a feature that further sets the train apart on the international rail scene. Days may include visits to castles and private estates, distilleries, nature excursions, fishing, outdoor activities, and culinary tours. In the evening, the journey takes on a more formal atmosphere, with candlelit dinners and an elegance deliberately rooted in the great British tradition.
4. CANYON SPIRIT — UNITED STATES
The American West as Seen from the Railroad Tracks
Starting in 2026, the U.S. train journey formerly known as “Rockies to the Red Rocks” will take on its own identity under the name “Canyon Spirit.” The route runs through Colorado and Utah, connecting Denver, Glenwood Springs, Moab, and Salt Lake City, with the option to choose between two- and three-day rail itineraries.
What makes this experience unique is that travel takes place exclusively during daylight hours, allowing the entire day to be devoted to enjoying the scenery. Overnight stays are at hotels along the route, while large panoramic windows on board allow you to watch the landscape change from the Rocky Mountains to the canyons and red rock formations of Utah.
The train follows the Colorado River for long stretches and passes through areas that are difficult to appreciate in the same way when traveling by road. The service includes dining inspired by the regions the train passes through and assistance from onboard hosts; the Premier class offers additional lounge areas and a higher level of service. It’s a particularly appealing option for creating a private itinerary through the American West, combining Moab, Arches, Canyonlands, Monument Valley, and Utah’s major national parks.
5. DREAM OF THE DESERT — SAUDI ARABIA
The New Frontier of Luxury Rail in the Desert (Operations to Begin in Late 2026)
Dream of the Desert is one of the most anticipated luxury rail projects in the Middle East. Born from a collaboration between Saudi Arabia Railways and the Italian group Arsenale, the project has entered its final phase of development, and its operational debut is scheduled by the end of 2026. Departing from Riyadh, the train will travel along Saudi Arabia’s northern rail network, offering a completely new perspective on the Kingdom’s landscapes, culture, and historic sites. The project includes various itineraries through the northern part of the country, with cultural programs developed in collaboration with Saudi institutions.
The interiors are conceived as a fusion of Italian design and Saudi identity. Desert hues, geometric patterns, artisanal craftsmanship, and references to traditional architecture define the suites, lounges, and common areas. Dining is also designed as part of the experience, reinterpreting local ingredients and culinary culture through high-quality service. More than just a new train, the Dream of the Desert is designed to be a traveling hotel that showcases a still little-known side of Saudi Arabia, combining scenery, archaeology, contemporary culture, and hospitality.
6. EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS — SINGAPORE & MALAYSIA
The Tropical Charm of Asia by Rail
The dark green and cream-colored cars ofthe Eastern & Oriental Express are an iconic part of the legacy of great Asian rail journeys. Today, the train offers itineraries departing from Singapore and traveling through Malaysia, combining tropical forests, historic cities, local culture, and refined onboard living.
The main itineraries are “The Essence of Malaysia ” and “Wild Malaysia”: the former focuses primarily on the cultures and landscapes of the Malay Peninsula, while the latter introduces guests to Malaysia’s natural environment and the Taman Negara area. Cabins are divided into different categories, up to the Presidential Suite. The culinary aspect is particularly important, and the train’s contemporary dining experience features cuisine created by chef André Chiang. Rounding out the journey are the Piano Bar Car, the Observation Car , and the Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental Express—the first permanent Dior spa in Southeast Asia.
This trip captures the romantic spirit of the great Asian explorations, reinterpreting it through a contemporary lens—ideal for combining with visits to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang, as well as exclusive beach vacations.
7. GLACIER EXPRESS — SWITZERLAND
Eight hours in the heart of the Alps
The Glacier Express is not a luxury sleeper train in the traditional sense, but it is one of Europe’s most prestigious scenic train journeys. It connects Zermatt and St. Moritz through the heart of the Swiss Alps, crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels over the course of about eight hours.
The journey winds through Alpine valleys, deep gorges, villages, viaducts, and mountain passes, offering a continuous succession of scenic views. For the high-spending traveler, the top choice is the Excellence Class, available along the entire route between St. Moritz and Zermatt.
The car accommodates a very limited number of passengers, offering lounge seating and a guaranteed window seat. The service includes a dedicated welcome on the platform, a concierge, luggage handling, a welcome glass of Champagne, a five-course regional menu with wine pairings, and access to the exclusive Glacier Bar.
As part of a customized Swiss itinerary, it can be combined with iconic stays in Zermatt, St. Moritz, the Engadine, or Andermatt, transforming an Alpine crossing into a day entirely devoted to the scenery.
8. GOLDEN EAGLE — SILK ROAD
A Journey Through History Along the Silk Road
The grand journeys offered by Golden Eagle Luxury Trains are in a class of their own: true private rail expeditions through regions that are rarely accessible with such a high level of comfort.
The itineraries dedicated to the Silk Road traverse Central Asia, connecting cities and regions that for centuries served as meeting places for merchants, empires, religions, and cultures. Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Tashkent, Almaty, and Lake Issyk-Kul can be included in multi-day itineraries; the Grand Silk Road itinerary even extends to China and Kashgar, offering a true transcontinental journey. Life on board is organized like a private, traveling hotel: cabins with private bathrooms, dedicated service, dining cars, and lounges complement days filled with carefully planned visits and cultural experiences. This is an option designed for seasoned travelers, for whom exclusivity means, above all , access to remote regions, knowledge, and a deeply enriching experience.
9. MAHARAJAS’ EXPRESS — INDIA
The India of the Maharajas, Reimagined in a Contemporary Light
The Maharajas’ Express, operated by IRCTC, offers one of the most scenic ways to explore the cultural heritage of northern India. Its itineraries connect some of the country’s most iconic destinations: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Ranthambore, Khajuraho, and Varanasi, depending on the selected itinerary.
Accommodations range from Deluxe Cabins to Junior Suites, Suites, and the Presidential Suite—the latter designed as a true private residence on rails. Two restaurants, Mayur Mahal and Rang Mahal, along with the lounges and bars, round out the onboard experience.
Each day alternates between the comfort of the train and on-land experiences: the Taj Mahal, the palaces of Rajasthan, a safari in Ranthambore, fortresses, sacred cities, and artistic treasures offer a glimpse into the different facets of India.
The result is not simply a train journey, but a series of encounters with history, spirituality, architecture, and traditions, all experienced with a level of service tailored to a discerning international clientele.
10. ROCKY MOUNTAINEER — CANADA
The Rocky Mountains from a Prime Viewpoint
The Rocky Mountaineer has turned scenic train travel in Canada into an iconic experience. Here, too, the principle is that of exclusively daytime travel: passengers travel during the day so as not to miss the scenery and spend the night at select hotels in the destinations along the route.
Among the most popular itineraries are “First Passage to the West,” between Vancouver and Banff or Lake Louise; “Journey through the Clouds,” between Vancouver and Jasper; and “Rainforest to Gold Rush,” through landscapes that connect the British Columbia coast to the Rocky Mountains. Vast panoramic views, in-seat service, dining options, and the guidance of onboard hosts allow passengers to admire rivers, lakes, forests, glaciers, and mountains without having to focus on the road or their travels. It is particularly well-suited for tailor-made itineraries that continue on to Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Vancouver Island, or exclusive lodges in British Columbia, creating a Canadian journey in which the landscape remains the undisputed star.
11. ROVOS RAIL — SOUTHERN AFRICA
The Allure of Great African Exploration
Since 1989, Rovos Rail has been one of the most recognizable names in African rail travel. Its carefully restored, wood-paneled cars evoke the golden age of exploration, yet they are used for contemporary journeys through some of Southern Africa’s most spectacular landscapes.
The itineraries range from the classic route between Pretoria and Cape Town to trips to Victoria Falls, Namibia, and Durban, all the way to major multi-week cross-country journeys through various African countries.
The train accommodates a limited number of passengers in private suites, while the lounge and observation car are deliberately designed to evoke the character of rail travel from a bygone era. The route between Pretoria and Cape Town, for example, passes through the Highveld, the Karoo, and the Cape Winelands, with stops in Kimberley and Matjiesfontein.
Rovos Rail becomes particularly appealing when combined with private safari lodges, the Cape Winelands, Victoria Falls, or stays in the Indian Ocean: a truly tailor-made experience of Southern Africa.
12. THE BLUE TRAIN — SOUTH AFRICA
A South African legend since 1946
The Blue Train is an integral part of South Africa’s rail tourism history. Officially launched under this name in 1946, it still retains its distinctive blue livery and that unique atmosphere that blends historical memory, ritual, and formal service. This iconic route connects Pretoria and Cape Town, traversing the country’s interior and offering a leisurely journey across its vast distances. Additional experiences and special itineraries are also available during select periods.
Private suites, dining, lounges, and butler service allow you to experience the journey as a traveling retreat. More than in ostentation, the Blue Train’s charm lies in its historic character: it is one of the few journeys in which South African railway tradition continues to be a substantial part of the experience. It can be incorporated into a broader itinerary that includes Cape Town, the Winelands, and private safaris, creating a trip that combines urban life, scenic landscapes, and wildlife.
13. THE GHAN — AUSTRALIA
Crossing a continent from south to north
Nearly 3,000 kilometers separate Adelaide and Darwin along the route of The Ghan, one of Australia’s great train journeys. From the plains of South Australia, the train gradually makes its way into the Red Centre until it reaches the tropical landscapes of the Northern Territory.
In 2026, the classic Adelaide–Darwin itinerary will be offered as a three-day, two-night trip, featuring stops in Marla, Alice Springs, and Katherine; in the opposite direction, The Ghan Expedition offers a more extensive four-day, three-night itinerary with additional Outback experiences. On board, private cabins, dining inspired by Australian produce, and different levels of service accompany a journey in which the natural environment remains the true star. The stops along the way allow travelers to explore the landscape, Aboriginal culture, and the history of the most remote communities. It is an epic journey, ideal for combining with stays in Adelaide, the Barossa Valley, Uluru, Darwin, Kakadu, or with private extensions in the Northern Territory.
14. VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS — EUROPE
The Ultimate Myth of Rail Travel
There are luxury trains, and then there is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Its name is part of the history of European travel and continues to be, even today, one of the most recognizable symbols of the fine art of travel.
The restored historic cars feature inlaid woodwork, polished wood, fine fabrics, and Art Deco decorations. In the evening, the dining cars become the setting for a refined dining experience; afterward, life on board continues in the famous Bar Car 3674, with cocktails, conversation, and piano music.
Alongside the historic cabins are higher-end accommodations, including the Grand Suites, inspired by cities such as Paris, Venice, Istanbul, Vienna, Prague, and Budapest, and featuring butler service.
The itineraries connect some of Europe’s most fascinating cities, including the classic route between Paris and Venice and the grand journeys that extend all the way to Istanbul. Here, the journey does not seek to recreate the past: it brings it back to life. Dressing up for dinner, strolling through the cars, waking up as the mountains glide by outside the window, and letting the rhythm of the train set the pace of the day—these are part of a ritual that has become exceedingly rare.
For high-spending clients, it can become the centerpiece of a grand European journey, combining iconic hotels, private transfers, culinary experiences, and tailor-made stays in the departure and arrival cities.
PRIVATE RAIL JOURNEYS An itinerary designed with the traveler in mind
Choosing a luxury train is just the beginning of the journey. Each experience can be incorporated into a completely customized itinerary, tailored to the guest’s expectations, schedule, and personal style.
Iconic hotels, resorts, and private villas; safari lodges; yachts; Business or First Class flights; private aviation; select restaurants; dedicated guides; off-hours tours; and exclusive transfers can all be combined with rail travel to create a unique and perfectly coordinated itinerary.
The choice of cabin or suite, itinerary, and pre- and post-trip experiences is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with an emphasis on privacy, comfort, authenticity, and continuity of service.
So there isn’t just one way to experience a destination. There is the way that best suits the person experiencing it.
LUXURY RAIL COLLECTION
The privilege of traveling the world without being in a hurry.



