Europe’s Most Luxurious Train Journeys
Looking for a way to tour Europe in style?
Nothing quite beats the romance of train travel, with the journey being just as much fun as the destination itself. If you really want to treat yourself, give one of Europe’s most luxurious train journeys a try.
The Belmond Royal Scotsman
From glittering lochs to rugged peaks, and everything in between, the Scottish Highlands is home to some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. The Belmond Royal Scotsman takes you through these majestic landscapes in carriages that offer up the most sumptuous experience.
The Train
Each of the cars on the train are made from vintage 1960’s elements, redesigned into elaborate Edwardian styles featuring the finest of fabrics and always-polished brass and woods.
The train only takes 36 passengers, leaving enough extra room to provide some decadent extras…
The two dining cars, decked out in elegant mahogany, are where you will be able to sample some of the most exquisite local ingredients. From Aberdeen Angus beef to fresh wild salmon, the dishes served on this train are conjured up by a renowned chef, and there is an extensive cellar packed with local whiskies and other liqueurs to accompany your meal.
Once you’re done eating, relax in the Spa Car, where you can enjoy a variety of different indulgent treatments.
Of course, you will probably want to spend plenty of time checking out the view too, and this is exactly what the Observation Car is for. The panoramic windows, along with an open deck, enable you to breathe in the fresh mountain air while mingling with other travelers.
The Journey
There are a few different itineraries you can choose from, including:
- The Scotch Malt Whisky Tour: hosted by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, this journey takes you through some of the most popular whisky-producing towns in the Highlands. It includes several distillery visits, from the Glenlivet to the Glen Ord to the Tullibardine, making this a great way to explore one of Scotland’s greatest accomplishments
- Western Scenic Wonders: this 660 mile journey takes you along Scotland’s west coast, showcasing some of the country’s most dramatic peaks. Enjoy incredible views of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK, as well as the impressive Cuillin Mountains, with everything from waterfalls to castles to explore in between
- The Grand Tour: if you want to see more of the UK, this trip will take you from Scotland down to England, stopping off at numerous attractions along the way. This seven day journey covers everywhere from Dundee to Bath to Newcastle, featuring so much of the country’s rich history and culture
The Venice Simplon Orient Express
Thanks to Agatha Christie, this luxury train has become legendary, and its route even more so. The Venice Simplon Orient Express takes you through some of Europe’s most enchanting cities, partly following the historic route of the Orient Express, with London and Venice being its two end stops.
The Train
The Venice Simplon Orient Express is an art deco icon, with original, but refurbished, fittings still in place. Cabins feature both living and sleeping areas, with the Grand Suite offering the utmost in comfort.
Each of the three dining cars are manned by highly-skilled chefs from France, while the Champagne Bar and Lounge is the perfect place to unwind after a meal. Expect your meals to be four-course and beautifully-prepared, despite the train’s small galley kitchen. The baby grand piano in the Champagne Bar enhances the train’s regal atmosphere even more, with the lively music taking you back to the 1920’s. If you get hit by the shopping bug, check out the train’s Boutique, where you can browse pieces from the exclusive Collection Venice Simplon Orient Express.
One thing to keep in mind if you prefer to dress casual…
Cocktail or black tie attire is the dress code when on this train, so be sure to pack your finest.
The Journey
The main route that the Venice Simplon Orient Express takes is from London to Venice, and vice versa.
However, several other destinations and itineraries have been added to the train’s schedule over the years, meaning that you can now also explore the following cities, among many others:
- Rome
- Istanbul
- Prague
- Paris
- Budapest
- Copenhagen
Al Andalus
A melting pot of various cultural influences and the most stunning scenery, the Andalusia region of southern Spain is one that everybody should see. This is also where you will find Al Andalus-a train that showcases the very best of what Andalusia has to offer.
The Train
Just like a few of the other luxury trains on this list, Al Andalus features vintage carriages, this time made in France in 1930. The carriages have all been beautifully restored, with interiors done up to full splendor.
The sleeper carriages are all air-conditioned, with private train stewards to ensure that all of your needs are being met. During the day, the staff will transform your sleeping quarters into a living area, before turning this back into a bedroom each evening. There are four restaurant and lounge cars, each one boasting live music recitals that manage to accentuate the stunning landscapes around you even further.
Keep in mind, although you will receive a full breakfast on the train each morning, most of your other meals will be had at local restaurants.
Why?
Because this gives you the opportunity to sample regional Spanish cuisine from the many different destinations you visit.
The Journey
There are a couple of different itineraries that you can choose from with Al Andalus, but the most popular tends to be the Andalusia Itinerary. This journey takes six nights and seven days, stopping off at the following places:
- Seville – your first stop is the perfect place to learn more about Spain’s history and culture
- Jerez – enjoy an equestrian ballet, along with a trip to the Donana National Park
- Cadiz – one of the oldest cities in Europe, with some of the most unbelievable natural beauty
- Granada – visit the famous Alhambra, tour the city’s cathedral and enjoy an authentic flamenco performance
- Linares-Baeza – stare in wonder at the 70 million olive trees that line the countryside here, stopping off at the Olive Oil Museum for a bit of insider info into one of Spain’s biggest industries
- Cordoba – learn more about this historic city, which was once the most populated in the world
The Golden Eagle Danube Express
If you want to see what eastern and central Europe has to offer, the Golden Eagle Danube Express will show you. Unlike the majority of the other trains on this list, which are decked out in vintage fittings, the Golden Eagle Danube Express is all about keeping things modern.
The Train
Although the Golden Eagle Danube Express has been done up in a more contemporary style, they still have not compromised on luxury. The train only takes 50 passengers at a time, ensuring that the needs of each and every passenger are completely met.
There are different types of suites and cabins to choose from, each one providing the ultimate in comfort. These sleeping areas are converted into living areas in the morning, before train stewards turn them back into bedrooms in the evening. The fact that all suites and cabins have WiFi is something else that sets this train apart, as this feature is one that many others on this list are lacking.
When it comes to food, the focus in the Restaurant Car is on regional specialties. Dishes are cooked on the train itself by skilled chefs, with ingredients being collected at each of the train’s stops. Once you’re done with your meal, head over to the Lounge Car, with elegant wood-panelled walls and soft sofas, and, of course, a piano, complete with pianist. This is the social hub of the train, perfect for making friends with the other passengers.
The Journey
There are several different itineraries offered by the Golden Eagle Danube Express, with these varying both in terms of destinations as well as length. Here are a few of their most popular journeys:
- Castles of Transylvania: this tour gives you the opportunity to visit four countries in just seven days, beginning in Istanbul and ending in Budapest. As you can tell from the name of this itinerary, this route is one that stops off at some of Europe’s finest palaces and castles, while also showcasing the incredible scenery all around
- Balkan Odyssey: this is quite a relaxed itinerary, beginning in Budapest and ending in Venice. Along the way, you will also be able to explore parts of Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia and Italy
- Arctic Explorer-Quest for the Northern Lights: this is such a magical tour, beginning in Russia before heading off into the Norwegian Arctic Circle. As the name of this itinerary suggests, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, otherwise known as Aurora Borealis, are pretty high
- Caspian Odyssey: if you love learning about different cultures, the Caspian Odyssey is for you. This takes you to various countries on the edge of the Caspian Sea, including Armenia, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Turkmenistan and more. You will learn about everything from trade to religion to the arts, making this such a fascinating adventure
The Majestic Train De Luxe
Although a little lesser-known than some of the other trains on this list, the Majestic Train de Luxe can definitely hold its own when compared to its competitors. This re-created Imperial train will take you back in time, while also taking you from Austria to Croatia.
The Train
Designed after the Imperial Express, an imperial train that belonged to Austro-Hungarian monarchy, the Majestic Train de Luxe manages to perfectly exude an authentic royal ambience. From paintings of the monarchy to the rich colors used in the interior, the atmosphere on this train is one of elegance and mystery.
There are several different cabins on this train in which you can spend your time, including:
- Wagon Franz Josef – this lavish carriage boasts an impressive sound system, LED technology, a kitchen, a bar, a DJ studio, and more. Needless to say, this is where larger events are held, with these facilities able to cater to so many different requirements
- Salon 1 – this cozy salon is designed after Austria’s famous coffee houses, with a gorgeous bar, complete with a tea kitchen. These is also a grand piano here, along with a pianist who is available when passengers request for some music
- Wagon Ambassador – featuring a fine-dining kitchen and a piano bar, this cabin also boasts panoramic windows, making it the perfect spot to take in the gorgeous landscapes passing by
Wondering why there aren’t any accommodation cabins on this train?
They aren’t needed, since you will not actually be spending any nights on this train. Keep reading on to find out why…
The Journey
One of the downsides (and there aren’t very many!) to a luxury train journey is the fact that you are often not able to spend quite as much time as you would have liked in a certain location. This is where the Majestic Train de Luxe stands out…
The main itinerary that this train follows is from Vienna, Austria, to Opatija, Croatia. This is a historical route that takes you along the Semmering Mountains, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This journey is an amazing one because the landscape is so varied, you will see everything from traditional mansions to ancient viaducts.
Once you reach Opatija, you and your luggage are then transferred over to Hotel Miramar, where you will spend the next four nights. This gives you plenty of time to explore Croatia.
These luxury trains are such a unique way to explore the different regions of Europe. Whether you want to delve deep into the Scottish Highlands or soak up some Eastern European culture, these journeys offer an indulgent way to do all of that and more.