Unveiling the Allure of Luxury Train Vacations

Traveling on one of Europe’s best luxury trains has a timeless glitz and romantic appeal that are unmatched by traveling by car, boat, or airplane. These “old-fashioned” trains transport you to the height of 1920s luxury with their lavish suites, elegant dining and bar cars, liveried waiters, and soft velvet couches. Continue reading to learn more about luxury train vacations in the US and Canada.

In this way, taking a luxury train holiday is like taking a step back in time to a more leisurely, refined, and contemplative way of seeing the world. It arouses feelings of wonder and nostalgia. This is your cue to finally reserve those luxury train vacations in Europe; we’ve put together a list of the continent’s most sought-after train experiences for you to add to your wish list.

Luxury Train Vacations

Here’s some convincing proof that the dreamiest mode of transportation your holiday money can afford isn’t limited to run-down subways and government-run trains: a compilation of the most important luxury train vacations around the globe.

However, be warned that the mere suggestion of overnight train travel may cause some travelers to go into a state of blissful stillness as they daydream of idyllic locations, cozy sleeping quarters, and delicious meals served in dining cars with white linens.

#1. Japan’s Train Suite in Shiki-Shima

Despite the fact that bullet trains are the country’s most well-known feature, JR Group, Japan’s national railway, runs a fleet of specially designed passenger trains known as the Joyful Trains. Among the attractions are train lines with cars for foot tanning, luxury dining, and astronomy libraries, as well as cars with a Pokemon theme.

The ultra-luxurious, ultra-modern Train Suite Shiki-Shima is the jewel in the crown of the Joyful Trains. Known as the “island of the four seasons,” the Shiki-Shima departs from Tokyo and makes its way through eastern Japan, stopping at places with cultural value to the Japanese people, including villages, museums, temples, markets, dining establishments, and famous natural landmarks. These trips can last one to three nights.

#2. Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

Travel enthusiasts hardly need an introduction to the storied Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient Express: its gleaming wood-paneled interiors, dining tables adorned with fine linens, silver, and crystal, and sumptuous sleeping quarters have come to represent an era of sophisticated travel where passengers came first.

The train operates on regular itineraries that visit locations throughout Europe. It is composed of vintage carriages from the 1920s and 1930s that have been outfitted with modern comforts. Additionally, a trip between Paris and Istanbul takes five nights at a deliberately slow pace once a year. Seats for these iconic runs fill up quickly, and Belmond has added six Grand Suites, each named after a legendary city and decorated in an art deco homage to that city, to further sweeten the experience.

#3. Alaska Railroad, USA

The Alaska Railroad provides an alternative to roughing it or taking a cruise ship to view the state’s natural splendor, from the towering Denali to the breaching orcas in frigid waters. One of the railroad line’s summertime offers, the 11-night Glaciers, Rails, and Trails package, goes through magnificent regions of that huge state, making many stops a day and lingering for more than a day at both Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. Once off the train, visitors can go on guided walks, take a float to ride down a glacier river, and tour museums and sled dog training facilities.

#4. Maharajas’ Express, India

These opulent trains consist of 23 carriages that travel primarily at night, giving guests plenty of opportunity during the day to disembark and explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, go on game drives, and eat at upscale hotels and castles. Naturally, the cost is appropriate for such a royal experience, but a shorter trip, such as the three-night Treasures of India package, is equally luxurious and less costly.

#5. Rocky Mountaineer, USA

The only drawback to taking a train ride through breathtaking scenery is that the views disappear as the sun sets. Rather, all that is visible through the windows is the train’s brilliant interior reflected back. The Rocky Mountaineer, a well-known luxury train company, addresses this issue by designing its picturesque itineraries to include overnight stays at upscale hotels along the way. In the past, the Rocky Mountaineer traveled exclusively on Canadian railroads, taking winding routes through the mountains that ended in Vancouver and either Jasper or Banff.

#6. Southern Africa’s Rovos Railway

Bush planes are nice, but there’s something quite appealing about taking a leisurely, air-conditioned luxury train over tracks that meander across the southern third of the immense African continent. Time is allotted for stops at sidings for animal observation, wineries for wine tastings, and reserves for game drives due to the leisurely timetable. Many Rovos routes go across Namibia’s red deserts or trace the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley.

#7. Glacier Express, Switzerland

It’s no leap to refer to the Glacier Express, dubbed the “window of the Swiss Alps,” as the best of the best given that Switzerland’s rail network is regarded as among the greatest in all of Europe. The train makes sightseeing easy with nearly all-glass cars, and there’s much to see. 180 miles, 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, isolated valleys, charming villages, and two UNESCO World Heritage sites are all part of the eight-hour drive.

#8. Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan

Train enthusiasts consider this opulent Japanese locomotive to be one of the roomiest and most pleasant of all. With each journey limited to a positively intimate twenty passengers, Seven Stars’ Kyushu train boasts impeccable service and handmade details throughout, from the beds to the woodwork to the porcelain dinner plates. But it’s not just about the onboard experience with Seven Stars. These four-day, three-night journeys circle the island of Kyushu, stopping at some of the greatest temples, onsens, porcelain workshops, and other local attractions. This gives you the impression that you’re genuinely experiencing an authentic Japanese experience, far from the more popular tourist routes.

#9. Palace on Wheels, India

The Palace on Wheels, the most well-known train in India, provides a variety of journeys that span from a few days to a week. Travelers leaving from New Delhi cross the Land of Kings and pass through the well-known Pink City of Jaipur in Rajasthan, where imposing UNESCO monuments like the Amer Fort and palaces dating back to the 16th century welcome visitors. You can also travel to Agra, which is the location of the Taj Mahal and an ideal pit stop on a tour of some of the most famous landmarks in the nation. Savor local cuisine while traveling in elegant, vibrant carriages decorated with Indian textiles.

#10. British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England

Whatever your seat, the British Pullman’s experience is amazing. After leaving London, you’ll travel through the picturesque countryside of Britain, stopping at towns and cities including Canterbury, York, and Cambridge. This is the same train line that has served the British monarchy and government officials for years, so anticipate Art Deco accents, polished interiors, and classically cooked multi-course meals. The refurbished carriages date back to the 1920s and 1930s.

US Luxury Train Vacations

In the US, it is feasible to find luxury train vacations, as you may have discovered. Probably, when you picture a magnificent antique train excursion, you also picture an opulent rail route outside of the US that stops at several elaborate and stunning train stations along the way. It makes sense because many nations outside of the US have a considerably richer railroad heritage.

While it might not be as accessible or effective as Europe, you are not limited by the continent when it comes to luxury. There are many amazing train excursions in the US, thanks to the train tour companies spread out around the nation. Some of the more popular ones include traveling the untamed regions of Alaska on the Denali Star and the untamed West on the Colorado & Southern Railroad. In the US, train travel may not be inexpensive, but it is well worth the investment. The seven greatest luxury train trips in the US will be covered in this piece.

#1. Alaska: The Great Land

First on the list is a rail journey over Alaska’s vast landscapes. The nine-day Alaska-Greatland excursion onboard Denali Star and Glacier Discovery is among the most distant US train trips available. On the way back, you pass through Kenai Fjords National Park on your route from Fairbanks to Denali National Park.

You can take a dogsledding excursion and explore tiny communities in Talkeetna in addition to the wildlife seen in Denali. You can also enjoy a riverboat excursion along the Chena and Tanana rivers or cruise glaciers through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Wyoming.

#2. America’s Great National Parks

There are plenty of stunning national parks across the nation that you can visit without a car, despite the common misconception that national parks are only for road vacations. The 14-day tour of America’s Great National Parks will take you through Grand Teton National Park, Glacier National Park, Arches National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Canyonlands National Park, among five other national parks.

#3. Smoky Mountain Rail Adventure

While traversing the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina, one can explore the stunning landscape and make stops in some of the most historically significant, vibrant, and spiritual cities.

#4. New England’s Autumn

Autumn in New England comes next. This eight-day journey is the best train travel across New England you will find anywhere in the nation. It is superior to any itinerary you could create, so don’t try creating your leaf-peeping itinerary. Passengers ride the Conway Scenic Railroad to North Conway after leaving Boston.

#5. Redwoods and Wineries in California

You may go through wineries and redwood forests in California all at once by taking this train route. Over eight days, the trip is completed on three separate railroads.

#6. The Southwest and the Grand Canyon

A train trip across the Grand Canyon and the Southwest is the last thing on our agenda. Although the Grand Canyon is frequently on travelers’ lists of must-see places, rail travel is not typically connected with it. Experience the national park from its most picturesque vantage point as you ride the historic railcars of the Grand Canyon Railway. The journey starts in Chicago and ends with two nights at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. After there, you travel to Flagstaff, Arizona, by train on the Southwest Chief.

#7. The Colorado Rail Experience

It has long been a tradition to explore the American West. Nevertheless, using a covered wagon or an awkward automobile is no longer necessary. The Colorado Rail Experience includes a six-rail journey through the Rocky Mountains. The railroads that are highlighted are:

Colorado and Southern Railroad
Georgetown Loop Line Railroad
Leadville
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad

Luxury Train Vacations Canada

Luxury train vacations in Canada are a first-rate option, whether you want to see the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains or experience the beauty of French Quebec. Much of Canada’s vast and distant landscape is uninhabited. On the other hand, you can effortlessly and comfortably traverse hundreds of kilometers of magnificent terrain by rail. You’ll be amazed at the range of views that fill your window, from the colorful Lake Louise to the lush fields of Eastern Canada. You will also receive exceptional attention and pleasure, like a Gold Leaf Service that includes exquisite meals. From the moment you hear “All Aboard” until you reach your destination, your journey will be amazing.

#1. Peaceful Rockies to the Greenest City

For those who like to see Vancouver and the Rocky Mountains in ultimate comfort, this tour is perfect. Traveling in the greatest luxury as a Gold Leaf on the Rocky Mountaineer during one of the most tranquil times of the year is what awaits you.

#2. The Ultimate Rocky Mountain Train Tour

Our Rocky Mountain Train Tour stops in Kamloops, Jasper, and Vancouver and showcases the best parts of the most well-known mountain range in Canada. Your adventure begins in Banff, where you’ll be escorted around immaculate parks and stay in some of Alberta’s most breathtaking estates.

#3. RMR Gold Leaf Getaway

If you don’t want to drive and have less than a week to explore Vancouver and the Rockies, this trip is perfect for you. As a Gold Leaf traveler on the Rocky Mountaineer, you will enjoy the pinnacle of luxury rail travel.

#4. La Belle Province by Rail

Combining a trip to Québec’s two main cities—the elegant and bustling Montréal and the ancient Québec City, the only walled city in North America—is made simple with this package.

#5. Via Rail’s Winnipeg to Churchill

Traveling 1,054 miles north, from cosmopolitan Winnipeg to the tundras of Churchill, the world’s polar bear capital, feels more extraterrestrial than provincial. Only reachable by plane or train, it’s also a great place to see beluga whales and could be the greatest place on Earth to see the northern lights.

#6. Ontario Northland’s Polar Bear Express, Cochrane to Moosonee

Although Ontario is larger than both France and Spain put together, most tourists only stay in its major southern cities. Starting from the town of Cochrane, around 500 miles north of Toronto, the Polar Bear Express travels five hours north to Moosonee, which is so far north that there is no road connection.

#7. Agawa Canyon Tour Train, Ontario

Because it is only accessible by rail or path, Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park near Sault Sainte-Marie is a thrilling place to visit. A 90-minute ride that passes four striking waterfalls and a trail system brimming with unspoiled natural beauty awaits you as you hop on and off.

Which Country has the Most Luxurious Trains?

Norway is the most expensive country in the world to travel by train; a round-trip ticket from Oslo to Kongsvinger costs €50.40. After Norway, Austria charges €38.60 for a round-trip ticket between Vienna and Melk.

Is There Any Luxury Train Travel in the US?

For those seeking the ultimate in luxurious train travel in the United States, Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to Red Rocks route is highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience the breathtaking Southwestern countryside in ultimate comfort.

What Is the Longest Luxury Train Journey in the World?

Inter-Siberian
At seven days, the Trans-Siberian train journey is the world’s longest train journey. It passes through 87 cities, 876 stations, 16 significant rivers, and 10,214 kilometers of terrain.

What Is the Most Luxurious Train in Africa?

Rail Rovos
Arguably the most opulent train in the world, Rovos Rail offers opulent trips across Southern Africa in addition to an annual 22-day trip across Africa from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, with stops at the magnificent Victoria Falls and the Madikwe Game Reserve, among other places.

Summary

When you take a luxury train vacation, you can expect an amazing voyage. From the moment you board your train to the grand path it travels, every little detail captures the ageless magic of the railroads. Board meticulously recreated rail cars from the heyday of rail travel and take a seat in sumptuous private rooms.