By Julius Choudhury
We look at some of the most beautiful and stunning train journeys from around the world.
We look at some of the most beautiful and stunning train journeys from around the world.
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
This journey from Vancouver to Calgary promises some of the most scenic views in Canada. The unforgettable ride across the Rocky Mountains has three stops on the way and passes through an overwhelming array of changing landscapes – from snow covered mountains to gorges and glacier-fed lakes, passing through the Kamloops region up to the ski resorts of Lake Louise and Banff. Impeccable service and delicious food served in posh dining cars makes this journey truly epic.
Belmond Royal Scotsman, UK
Travel through some of the most exotic landscapes of the UK in true aristocratic style with the Belmond Royal Scotsman. The train travels through the beautiful pine-clad mountains of the majestic Scottish Highlands, dotted with castles and national parks. Passengers are also treated to rich Scottish cuisine, with formal and informal dinners in the lap of luxury
Bernina Express, Switzerland
Bernina Express is the perfect way to experience the mighty and beautiful Alps. The train travels around alpine mountains set against a stark white background. The striking contrast between the blooming greenery of Val Poschiavo valley in Italy with the icy landscapes found just above makes this journey truly memorable. The train traverses through some of the most scenic locations of Switzerland and Italy, the highlight of which is passing through the UNESCO World Heritage RhB (Rhaetian Railway) section from the Albula/Bernina area.
The Ghan, Australia
The three-night-and-four-day journey from Darwin to Adelaide includes off train excursions in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy offering one the best ways to experience Australia. Enjoy the gourmet meals accompanied by the finest Australian wines in the luxury of its plush cabins and lounges.
Indian-Pacific, Australia
A 2,704 mile (4,353 km) long journey, the Indian Pacific’s route between Perth and Sydney takes passengers across an ever-changing landscape – from the vast empty deserts, to the rural heartland of New South Wales, through quaint mining towns to the imposing Blue Mountains and the haunting emptiness of the Nullarbor Plain. Passengers can choose cabins in Platinum or Gold Service, both of which offer the luxuries of suites and lounges with complimentary meals and beverages.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
The Venice Simplon-Orient Express is all about traveling the length and breadth of Europe, stopping at nine destinations including Paris, Venice, Prague and London. Ornate carriages with plush décor, elegant meals and the sheer luxury and comfort all add to the satisfying experience. Passengers can also choose from a range of shorter journeys, for example, London to Paris.
California Zephyr, USA
One of the most scenic train trips in North America, the California Zephyr crosses the vast flatlands of Nebraska, snaking through Denver and the imposing canyons of the Colorado River, onto the hauntingly beautiful Utah desert and the High Sierras, making it a gorgeous journey of 54 hours. The train offers private suites and showers, panoramic windows in the Sightseer Lounge and Café accompanied by full-service hot meals.
Pride of Africa, South Africa and Tanzania
The 14-day journey from Dar Es Salam (Tanzania) to Cape Town (South Africa) makes for an excellent African adventure. Spacious cabins, each with their own bar fridge and en suite bathrooms, define the luxury that the train offers to a total of 72 guests on a trip that zips through the wilderness of the African landscape.
Royal Rajasthan, India
The regal grandeur of the Royal Rajasthan train is the perfect way to experience the royal way of life. Soak yourself in the exotic Indian décor, mouthwatering cuisine, and super deluxe cabins that boast en suite bathrooms, opulent beds along with a spa and lounges that allow you to bask in the attention of the exquisite service. All this while the train travels through three states in India, providing scenic views of the vast deserts of Rajasthan, craggy ravines of Madhya Pradesh and river plains of Uttar Pradesh.
Brocken Railway, Germany
The narrow gauge steam train of the Brocken Railway spirals up the Brocken Mountain to the station right at the top. The open-end platforms on the carriages provide splendid views, making it one of the most exciting short lines in Europe. The buffet on board offers the best of German cuisine.
Glacier Express, Switzerland
A slow ride that covers 180 miles (289 km) in seven and a half hours, this leisurely trip takes you through the magnificent Swiss Alps, crossing 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and the Oberalp Pass at 7,000 feet (2,133 meters). To add to the experience, the train has glass-roofed carriages that offer jaw-dropping and magical Swiss scenery.
Hiram Bingham, Peru
One of the finest journeys of South America, the Hiram Bingham hosts 84 passengers in 1920s Pullman-styled carriages with live on-board entertainment and extravagant dining areas. The journey from Poroy to Machu Picchu lasts just over three hours and covers some of the most awe-inspiring scenery of the magnificent Andes, the rapids of Urubamba River and two mountain passes.
Settle-Carlisle Railway, England
This 72-mile (115 km) journey takes you through the best that the English countryside has to offer, traversing through the Yorkshire Dales, around green hills, and the lush meadows along with the Victorian architecture that the land is abound with. The short trip allows you to soak in the beauty of the English landscape, all in the luxury of its spacious and comfortable cabins.
Palace On Wheels, India
Palace on Wheels is one of the most enchanting ways to travel through India, with the train transporting you back to the times of the Maharajas and Queens. The cabins are decorated with colorful regional textiles, and have aesthetics and interiors to match the royal past. It offers deluxe salons, regal dining halls, as well as satellite phones and TVs with CD players in each room. The eight-day journey includes a grand welcome at Jaipur, a camel safari and a tour of the majestic Taj Mahal.
Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia
Known as the most famous train experience, the Trans-Siberian railway gives you an option to choose among three routes- Trans-Manchurian, Trans-Mongolian (from Moscow to Beijing) or Moscow to Vladivostock that crosses seven time-zones, ending at Russia’s border with China and North Korea. The 6,000-mile (9,656 km) trip takes an entire week and passes through mountains, the Siberian tundra, rivers and lakes, lush green forests and quaint villages. This journey is more about the experience rather than luxury or elegance.
El Transcantábrico Clasico, Spain
This luxury train runs at a slow pace and stops every evening for passengers to enjoy the night life of the towns and villages it passes through. Travelling between León and Santiago de Compostela, the train passes through beautiful meadows, beaches and cliffs along the Bay of Biscay. The journey takes around seven to eight days.
El Chepe, Mexico
The El Chepe departs from the Chihuahua Mountains and goes as far as the Sinaloa coast, crossing the world’s deepest canyon – Copper Canyon. The journey lasts 14 hours, with stops at traditional villages along the way.
Eastern and Oriental Express, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand
This 1,200 mile (1,931 km) journey from Singapore to Bangkok is one of the best in Southeast Asia. With luxurious overnight cabins, elegant bars and meals prepared by chefs of international repute, the Eastern and Orient Express promises a trip to remember. The observation cars are a perfect place to de-stress, as you travel through the rice paddies and palm tree stretches of Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
Coast Starlight, USA
The Coast Starlight offers brilliant views of the West Coast of the U.S. During the 35 hours that it takes to travel between Seattle in Washington and Los Angeles in California, it passes through the beautiful snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta, lush green forests and breathtaking stretches of the Pacific Ocean shoreline.
