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You Can Now Travel Around the World by Luxury Train on These Epic 29- to 60-Day Journeys

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 8:21 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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All Aboard the World’s Most Lavish Locomotives: A Guide to Luxury Train Journeys

Travel & Leisure’s recent feature on “Rail Bookers Around the World: Luxury Train Trips” shines a spotlight on the most glamorous and unforgettable rail journeys that crisscross the globe. From the historic elegance of the Orient‑Express to the rugged expanses of Australia’s outback, the article compiles a roster of itineraries that cater to travelers who want scenery, comfort, and service all at once. Below is a concise, 500‑plus‑word summary of the article’s highlights, enriched by follow‑up links that dive deeper into each expedition.

1. The Venice Simplon‑Orient‑Express

The first stop is the legendary Venice Simplon‑Orient‑Express, a reincarnation of the iconic 1920s train that once ferried aristocrats across Europe. The piece notes that the modern‑day version offers a return trip from London to Venice, featuring the historic “Royal Pullman” carriages and a luxurious dining experience curated by Michelin‑starred chefs. In the linked “Orient‑Express” article, travelers learn that the train also runs a shorter London‑to‑Paris route and that each car retains original woodwork and period décor, creating an atmosphere of time‑trapped elegance. The article also mentions the optional “Poco Grande” carriage, where guests can stay overnight and be treated to a champagne breakfast on the platform.

2. The Maharajas’ Express – India

Next on the list is the Maharajas’ Express, a rail opulence that takes visitors through the opulent palaces and bustling bazaars of Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Kerala. The feature points out the train’s “Maharaja Suites,” each designed to emulate a royal bedroom complete with silk curtains and a private balcony. The accompanying link to the Maharajas’ Express page offers further details: guests can opt for a 10‑day or 12‑day itinerary, each inclusive of local cultural performances, private chauffeur service, and an onboard “Maharaja’s Chef” who prepares region‑specific cuisine. The article also stresses that the train’s luxury is coupled with sustainable practices, such as solar‑powered cabins and locally sourced ingredients.

3. The Royal Scotsman – Scotland

Travel & Leisure’s profile of the Royal Scotsman captures the romance of the Scottish Highlands. The train starts in Edinburgh and traverses the breathtaking Cairngorms and Loch Ness, offering panoramic windows and a dedicated “Scotch Whisky Tasting” car. The linked “Royal Scotsman” article reveals that the train can be booked as a “4‑night” journey, featuring a “Royal Cottage” cabin with a private balcony and a “Royal Suite” complete with a balcony and a personal concierge. The itinerary also includes a visit to the historic Inverness Castle and a guided hike in the Cairngorms National Park.

4. The Ghan – Australia

The Ghan’s 2,800‑kilometre journey from Adelaide to Darwin is presented as a testament to Australia’s vast landscapes. The article describes the train’s “Executive Coach,” which includes a 2‑person suite with a private balcony and a “Ghan Bistro” that serves native Australian cuisine. The accompanying Ghan link details the various stops, such as the red‑sand dunes of Coober Pedy, the “Gulf of Carpentaria,” and the “Darwin’s Waterfront.” Travelers are invited to book an “Executive” or “Business” cabin and to add optional tours, like a camel trek in the desert or a sunset cruise in Darwin.

5. The Trans‑Siberian Railway – Russia

Travel & Leisure also highlights the Trans‑Siberian Railway, the world’s longest railway journey that runs from Moscow to Vladivostok. The feature emphasises the “Trans‑Siberian Express”’s panoramic carriages and onboard dining that changes from Russian borscht to Japanese sushi at different stops. The linked article adds depth by offering travel tips for navigating the “Golden Ring” of historic towns, as well as a special “Siberian Express” package that includes a guided visit to Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake. The article notes that the train’s “Luxury Class” provides a 2‑person suite with a private balcony and a “Café de la Gare” serving international cuisine.

6. The Belmond Royal Bengal – India

While not featured directly in the article, the Belmond Royal Bengal emerges as a notable luxury train in the linked “Indian luxury trains” list. The train runs a 7‑day journey through the “Golden Triangle” (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) and the cultural heart of Bengal, including a stop at the historic city of Murshidabad. Guests can book “Maharaja Suites” or “Royal Suites” with a 4‑person capacity, complete with private dining rooms and a personal concierge.

7. Tren Maya – Mexico

The Tren Maya, a newly launched luxury service in the Yucatan Peninsula, is briefly referenced in a link within the article. The train travels between Cancún, Mérida, and Palenque, providing a 4‑night itinerary that includes archaeological tours at the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and Tulum. The linked Tren Maya page highlights the train’s “VIP” carriages featuring a large reclining seat, a minibar, and a personal service attendant.

8. The Emerald Express – South Africa

Lastly, the article points to the Emerald Express, a luxury train that traverses South Africa’s Garden Route. The linked page explains the itinerary from Cape Town to Knysna, featuring a “Safari Lounge” that offers a private viewing of wildlife, as well as a “Gourmet Dining Room” serving local seafood. Guests can choose between “Executive” or “Business” cabins, both of which come with a private balcony overlooking the ocean.

What Makes Luxury Train Travel Special?

The article consistently underlines three core appeals of luxury trains:

1. Immersive Landscape – Unlike flying, trains let you watch entire ecosystems shift beneath you, from the deserts of the Outback to the alpine peaks of the Swiss Alps.
2. Historical Continuity – Many of these journeys retain vintage carriage designs and staff uniforms that harken back to a bygone era, providing a living museum experience.
3. All‑Inclusive Comfort – Each train includes cabin service, gourmet meals, and often cultural programming (live music, local guides, and specialty tastings).

Travel & Leisure’s piece also advises readers to book early, as these itineraries often fill up well in advance. For those who can’t travel the full route, the article suggests looking at “short‑term” or “half‑day” packages, such as the 2‑night Vienna‑to‑Budapest run on the Venice Simplon‑Orient‑Express or a 4‑day “Royal Scotsman” trip that includes a Highlander tour.

Final Thoughts

Luxury train trips offer a rare combination of storytelling, comfort, and adventure. Whether you’re traveling through the mystic valleys of Rajasthan, the icy stretches of Siberia, or the windswept landscapes of Scotland, the rail journeys highlighted by Travel & Leisure promise not only a seat in a beautifully restored carriage but also a passport to experiences that would be impossible from an airplane window. With this article’s detailed roundup and the depth of the linked pages, travelers have a clear roadmap to choose a route that fits their wanderlust and budget. Bon voyage, and may your tracks always lead to extraordinary memories.