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Home - Travel Tips - Luxurious Train Holidays You’ll Never Forget
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
We link to affiliated partners at no extra cost to you.
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:
These trips are all about views, slow travel and immersion in the countryside. The Glacier Express in Switzerland is the prime example — but it’s not a “hotel on wheels,” more a panoramic ride where the landscape is the star. The windows and glass skylights make it easy to take photos in every direction.
2. Classic or Nostalgic Train Experiences
The Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland fits this category — it’s more about a vintage ride than luxury cabins. These journeys are shorter, historic, and often linked to unique landmarks (like Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Highlands), giving that storybook train feel.
3. True Luxury Train Holidays — Multi‑Day Journeys Onboard Elegant Trains
Rovos Rail in Africa is the standout here. This is luxury the way many people imagine it: restored vintage carriages, fine food and wine, and curated excursions off the train, all rolled into a holiday on rails.
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?
A scenic one day rail journey on board the Glacier Express could feel just as indulgent…
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 holidays. 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.)
OK so 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.
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…
The amazing countryside of South Africa and Namibia makes for spectacular scenery. Combine that with a visit to places like Victoria Falls and seeing some wildlife, I think we have a winning combination.
Some of the tours they have available:
For information on the available tours, the train, and everything you need to book a fabulous tour, visit their website: link to the website
A luxurious train holiday is definitely an excellent idea for a wedding anniversary or maybe as a gift to the wedding couple.
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.
Discover many more, like the Bernina Express and the magnificent Venice Simplon-Orient-Express… read more >>>
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.”
1. Book Early: Luxury trains are small and exclusive. Early reservations secure the best cabins, seats, and dining options, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
2. Pack Smart: In some trains space is limited, so bring only essentials. Include a few polished outfits for dining and comfortable layers for daytime travel. Don’t forget your camera — the views are unforgettable.
4. Arrive in Style: Plan to reach the departure city at least a day in advance. This ensures a relaxed start and avoids stress if flights or connections are delayed.
5. Enjoy Every Moment: Luxury train travel is about more than getting from point A to point B. Savor the scenery, mingle with fellow passengers, and immerse yourself in the onboard experience.
8. Respect the Dress Code: Some luxury trains encourage formal or smart-casual attire, especially in dining cars. Dressing appropriately enhances the experience and keeps it special.
9. Time Your Trip: Consider shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and better deals, while still enjoying fantastic weather and scenery.
10. Embrace the Slow Travel Mindset: These journeys are designed for lingering, not rushing. Sit back, sip a fine drink, watch the landscape roll by, and let the rhythm of the rails set the pace.
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.
