A lengthy train journey can be a grueling affair. With non-stop hours of tedium, the trip can make you long for the muscle-aching relief that a single stop would bring. But there are some journeys where every second is worth savoring. If you’re after an opulent train journey with champagne, chefs, and comfort, read on to find out how you can live like a king and book one of the world’s most expensive rail journeys.
The most sumptuous rail journeys in the world are:
1. The Blue Train
The Blue Train is South Africa’s ‘classic luxury rail journey.’This 44-hour journey takes you from Pretoria to Cape Town and travels across some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. On this train, you’ll enjoy spacious cabins with private bathrooms, gourmet cuisine, and optional excursions at every destination.
For those who want to experience the journey but not stay on the train, you can sign up for plenty of day trips along the way, including wine tasting and visits to different castles and fortresses throughout South Africa.
2. The Venice Simplon Orient Express(VSOE)
If you want to feel like royalty traveling through Europe, the Orient Express is just what you need. Jump aboard this famed train at London’s Victoria Station and head straight to Paris. You can choose from various itineraries that take you through Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Hungary.
It departs from Budapest and is the epitome of luxury train travel. You’ll stay in an elegant private cabin with a queen or two twin beds, an en suite bathroom (with power showers), and plenty of storage space in your minibar area.
3. The Royal Scotsman
This train is known as the ‘Grand Tour of Scotland.’ The train departs from London and travels through the English countryside before arriving in Edinburgh. At its core, the Royal Scotsman is a luxury sleeper train that takes you on a two-night journey through some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland. The train also features several private cabins, each with its ensuite bathroom and electric toilet. Each room also has a built-in mini bar for your convenience.
4. The Queen of New Zealand
It is a luxury train journey that runs from Dunedin to Picton and is one of the most expensive rail journeys in the world. The luxury features include a dining car, lounge, and a luxurious ship, the Southern Aurora. This journey also takes in some of the most beautiful scenery in New Zealand, including the Otago Peninsula.
5. The Ghan
This four-day journey takes you on an unforgettable journey from Adelaide to Darwin. Throughout your adventure, you’ll travel over 24 different stations and cross countless bridges on this exotic journey. As for accommodations, the train offers private suite compartments and twin share cabins for those who want to travel with some company but still want their own space.
You’ll find a comfortable bed, an en suite bathroom with a shower cubicle, and a minibar in your private compartment. As for meals, the Ghan offers an unparalleled dining experience aboard its luxury train. Enjoy gourmet dishes prepared by award-winning chef Tony Bilson or enjoy the Australian wine ready for your next journey stop.
6. The Aeon Odyssey
The Aeon Odyssey is part of Japan Railways’ high-speed rail system, one of the best in the world. This luxurious train is a high-speed sleeper car that will whisk you to pristine destinations in Japan, China, and South Korea. The Aeon Odyssey is a great luxury train for those who want to travel through Asia without worrying about carrying their luggage.
There’s a dining car with a Michelin-starred chef to make sure that you enjoy the best in Asian cuisine, and there’s also a lounge car where you can enjoy drinks and music in the evening. The train includes private sleeping rooms and suites for those who want to dine, relax and sleep in style.
Bottomline
Luxury train journeys are a great way to travel in style and elegance to your destination. While enjoying some of the most distinctive lodgings in the globe, they let you take a tour of the nation and its history. No matter where you are staying on your travels, these luxury trains will always be a memorable part of your next trip.
