Nothing beats the nostalgia of a train ride… to somewhere…
A luxurious train holiday can mean very different things to different travelers. For some, it is the romance and nostalgia of beautifully restored carriages, fine china and the gentle rhythm of an old-fashioned railway journey. Others love the comfort and sophistication of modern luxury, with elegant suites, polished service and every little detail taken care of. And then there are those who see the real luxury in the scenery — sitting back in comfort while some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes unfold outside the window.
All on board for a luxurious adventure!
The list of fabulous and luxurious train journeys, experiences, and tours is endless. The choice is yours: do you want a spectacular one‑day adventure, or something truly indulgent — a full holiday aboard a hotel on wheels?
When it comes to luxury train holidays, not all journeys are the same. In this article, we explore three distinct types of experiences, each offering something completely different:
You might say, “But there are cheaper options,” and we’ll reply, “Ahhh yes, but it’s just not quite the same. After all, we’re talking about truly spoiling yourself and enjoying some of the world’s most beautiful and luxurious train holiday experiences. It’s absolutely worth it.”
You cannot miss the bright-red Glacier Express as it winds through the valleys and majestic mountains of Switzerland. It’s no wonder so many call it one of the most beautiful and scenic train rides in Europe. The ‘picture windows’ and glass skylights make it easy to snap photos in every direction—absolutely fabulous.
Traveling between Zermatt and St. Moritz, this is your only direct service. You could sit back and relax while soaking in the breathtaking scenery of the Swiss Alps. (Although I could never just “sit back and relax.” There’s far too much to see—I’d be hopping from one window to the next with my camera in hand. LOL!)
“On its 180-mile (290-kilometer) journey, the train makes five stops, passes under 91 tunnels, and goes over 291 bridges and viaducts; its highest point is the Oberalp Pass between Andermatt and Disentis, which sits at 6,667 feet (2,033 meters). You can take a one-way trip in a single day, or stop off at the towns along the way and stay overnight in Zermatt or St. Moritz for a three-day, round-trip journey.
To fully appreciate the stunning landscape and easily manage your seat reservation and connections, book a Glacier Express tour and make the trip accompanied by a private guide.” – Viator (This way you really do not have to stress about anything.)
While it is preferable that you do the Zermatt – St Moritz route, you can board from other sections:
Although it is not a luxury train holiday experience in the sense of a “hotel on wheels” it is definitely more than worth doing.
Discover many more fabulous train experiences, like the Bernina Express and the magnificent Venice Simplon-Orient-Express… read more >>>
Take a nostalgic steam train ride and enjoy the beautiful Scottish Highlands at leisure. After all ‘Vintage is the New Chic in Travel’.
The Jacobite Steam Train is one of Britain’s greatest train experiences. This nostalgic train ride between Fort William in the West Highlands and Mallaig on Scotland’s west coast will be something you’ll never forget.
It is about an 84-mile (135-km) round-trip route which passes Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain, and the famous Glenfinnan viaduct. You can book a tour on the Jacobite Express as part of a full-day or multi-day tour from Edinburgh, Inverness, and Glasgow. See the beautiful Isle of Sky, Glencoe, Mallaig, Orkney, Loch Lomond, and Loch Ness. Make this fabulous train experience part of your holiday.
For all the updated information you will ever need for a trip on this fantastic steam train, visit their website: Link to the website
The Jacobite Steam Train was the most famous fictional Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, book a seat in the Harry Potter compartment. Take a ride as Harry and his friends did and enjoy some of the famous film locations along the way.
TRAVEL TIP: If at all possible, book 1st Class and travel in absolute vintage luxury.
… and now we get to real Luxury !
They call it ‘The Most Luxurious Train in the World‘, and by the looks of it (as I haven’t been so fortunate to do the trip myself), it surely is.
This privately-owned train is certainly one of the most beautiful trains in the world. Reviews from people who have actually traveled with them speak for themselves. Experience world-class travel in a beautifully restored wood-paneled vintage train and enjoy off-train excursions as part of your journey. Book a luxurious train holiday and spoil yourself.
This elegant luxurious train journey with world-class cuisine accompanied by South Africa’s best wines is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime, must-do experience. But as the train only carries a max of 72 passengers, you will definitely have to book well in advance to experience this timeless elegance.
Exploring Africa will never be the same. This is a holiday on wheels. I don’t think you need anything else. This one, for now, will stay on my travel bucket list…
Review: “Stepping aboard Rovos Rail feels like entering another world, where time slows and every detail is designed for comfort and indulgence. Polished wood, plush armchairs, and gleaming brass fixtures set the stage for a journey that’s as much about the train itself as the landscapes outside. Each carriage has a sense of elegance, yet a warm, welcoming atmosphere — the kind that makes you want to linger over a perfectly prepared meal or a glass of fine South African wine while the scenery drifts by. From the moment the train pulls out of the station, you’re on a rolling holiday, watching sun-drenched plains, sweeping savannahs, and quaint towns pass like a living postcard, all while being pampered in style.” Emma
TRAVEL TIP: Know what’s included — and what’s not. Many luxury trains bundle gourmet meals, drinks and guided excursions, but premium tastings or special side trips may cost extra. A quick look at the details saves surprises.
Not at all — in fact, a luxury train holiday can be one of the best travel experiences you can spend your money on. It is a completely different kind of holiday, where you don’t have to rush from one attraction to the next. You can sit back, enjoy beautifully prepared meals, watch the scenery unfold outside your window, meet interesting fellow travellers and look forward to the excursions along the way. The journey itself becomes the destination — and that is what makes it so special.
Whether a luxury train journey is worth undertaking comes down to how you value the nature of travel itself.
Unlike standard journeys where transit is merely something to endure between point A and point B, a luxury train transforms the travel time into the primary destination. You are stepping into a boutique, floating sanctuary where the frantic pace of modern airports, security lines, and strict schedules dissolves.
Every detail is designed for unhurried indulgence—from private steward service and multi-course gourmet dining paired with fine wines to front-row seats as dramatic mountain ranges, rolling vineyards, or expansive deserts glide continuously past your window.
For anyone seeking rare old-world glamour, deep relaxation, and a romantic way to celebrate a major life milestone, the seamless hospitality and ever-changing scenery create an utterly unforgettable experience.
Pack smart-casual clothes for daytime, something a little more elegant for dinner, comfortable shoes for excursions, and a light jacket for cool evenings. Luxury train journeys are generally relaxed, but some trains have formal or elegant dress codes for dinner.
A good packing list includes:
Travel tip: Don’t overpack. Luxury trains are not the place for a huge suitcase full of clothes you never wear. Choose a few outfits that mix and match easily, and remember that the scenery outside your window is likely to be the real star of the journey.
Absolutely. You can often stay aboard, relax in the lounge, enjoy the scenery or simply take some quiet time in your cabin. This is one of the pleasures of a slower train journey.
Yes. Solo travelers can enjoy the experience, although some trains and fares are more economical for two people sharing a cabin. The communal dining and lounge areas also make it easy to meet fellow travellers.
A few ideas for your next trip:
Route: Paris to Venice (and other classic European itineraries)
The Vibe: Pure 1920s Art Deco glamor
Route: Cape Town to Pretoria (or Victoria Falls)
The Vibe: Edwardian elegance meets vintage safari
Suggested Read: South Africa has Rovos Rail and The Blue Train, but which is best for you?
Route: Kyushu Island loop, Japan
The Vibe: Artisanal Japanese craft fused with modern rail perfection
Route: Vancouver to Banff / Lake Louise (First Passage to the West)
The Vibe: Glass-domed wilderness views with white-glove hospitality
Route: Cusco to Arequipa via Lake Titicaca, Peru
The Vibe: High-altitude boho-luxury and Andean heritage
Going on your first train holiday? What should you know before you go?
A luxury train holiday is quite different from a normal train journey. The train itself is part of the holiday, so don’t plan to spend all your time in your cabin. Take time to enjoy the observation car, lounges, dining rooms and the changing scenery outside your window.
A few things are worth knowing before you go:
My first-timer tip: Think of a luxury train as a moving hotel with a constantly changing view. Once you stop worrying about how quickly you’re getting somewhere, you can settle into the rhythm of the journey — and that is when the experience really starts.
A luxury train holiday is more than a journey — it’s a chance to slow down, soak in breathtaking scenery, and enjoy every detail of travel done in style. From elegant cabins and gourmet meals to panoramic views that change with every turn, these trips turn transportation into an unforgettable experience. It’s all about less stress. All that’s left to do is sit back, relax, and let the rails carry you into your next great adventure.