A luxurious train ride is hard to imagine. You're sipping a glass of Dom Pérignon, sitting on a tufted velvet couch and gazing out the window as the train slowly but surely passes through the snowcapped mountains, castles and turquoise lakes.
I would like to imagine it that way.
Some people know exactly what I'm talking about when I say that luxury trains feature crystal chandeliers, butler service and some of the most scenic views in the world. I didn't mention champagne. There is a lot of champagne.
Here are some of the most luxurious train rides in the world.
The Venice Simplon- Orient-Express may be the most famous train in the world. The golden age of train travel is something that the mind conjures up. Just because we're living in the jet age doesn't mean we can't experience that old-school train glamour.
With a schedule that rotates throughout the year, would-be train travelers with deep pockets can sleep in historic, restored cabins from the 1920s that come equipped with a single bed or bunk beds, art Deco-inspired suites with private en suite bathroom, or Grand Suites that draw inspiration from different
Outside the cabins, there are stunning dining cars to take your meals in and even a chance to wash down lobster rolls with a Negroni at a bar.
The price of a trip on the VSOE is equally luxurious. Single-night journeys in one of the entry level cabins start at more than $3,100 a person, while suites are closer to $6,000 a person. The once-a-year trip from Paris to Istanbul costs more than $18,000 per person.
The Shinkansen (bullet train) is the best train in Japan, but it's not the only one. On Kyushu, Japan's third- largest island, the Seven Stars train moves at a leisurely pace and is designed to show off the beauty of the island in an ultra-luxurious environment.
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Guests can spend one night off the train in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, if they choose to go for a one- or three-night experience. The train has observatory-style windows that make it easier to see the world, as well as beautiful wooden interiors, a restaurant car, and a lounge car called Blue Moon.
Even though Japan is finally opening back up to tourists, don't think you can just book a ticket online, it's way more complicated than that. There are only 14 suites that can hold two people. You need to apply online. Potential guests are entered into a lottery if there are too many applications. The three-night experience will cost $8,600 per person, while a one-night trip will start at $4,500 per person.
The Andean Explorer is a 16-car train that runs on the highest rail route in the world. The train itself feels fresh, fun and accommodating with a mix of modern and bright design along with Peruvian touches.
The train has a lot of room to spread out. The cabins on the high-altitude journey have special oxygen systems.
The dining cars are called Llama and Mua and feel more like a New York City home than a train. Enjoy live music from a grand piano in the lounge car as you sip on the Pisco sour. There is an outdoor area at the back of the train to get some fresh mountain air.
Two-night journeys from Cusco to Arequipa through Puno and a one-night adventure from Puno to Arequipa are available. On a one-night journey in a bunk bed cabin, rates start at $2,400 for two people.
There are 7 best ways to get toPeru.
The experience on the train is more important than the stops you make along the way in Vietnam.
The Vietage is a private, reservation only carriage on the train that guests can use to travel between Da Nang and Quy Nohn. It's not exclusive to guests of those resorts. Anyone can ride the train.
With space for just 12 guests across six booths, The Vietage gives guests plenty of opportunities to indulge in three-course meals featuring Vietnamese and French flavors, have a cocktail from the carriage's mixologist, enjoy a shoulder massage or sit back in the comfortable chairs and watch the scenery of Vietnam You can make advance booking for the evening return journey.
$350 is the price for a one-way journey on this train.
The Eastern & Oriental Express is the best train experience in Southeast Asia. The train has a rich interior full of wood panels, silk furniture and subtle Asian design.
There is a dining car with white-linen covered tables where guests can enjoy dishes like pan- fried scallops. While a pianist plays in the bar car, sip on signature cocktails in over-the-top golden pineapple cups. The observation car in the back of the train is a great place to take a break from the noise of the train.
All of the accommodations have en suite bathroom and windows. The Eastern & Oriental Express will come back with new itineraries in the near future.
There is a hidden gem in Southeast Asia.
The Great Southern journey is one of the train experiences that Journey Beyond rail company offers. A room with an en suite bathroom was included in the Platinum elevated service class for the three-night trip fromBrisbane toAdelaide. The shower was on the small side.
The train felt like a place to go and stay. It has a variety of lounge and restaurant cars where meals and drinks are served to guests as Australia passes by outside the windows. Access to these cars depends on what service level you book.
Wine-tasting tours at vineyards and even dolphin-spotting excursions are available for guests to take off the train.
We recommend booking the Platinum category for $4,495 per person, as the fares for the Gold Twin cabin start at $2,355 per person.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by its appearance in the "Harry Potter" film series, is a different kind of bridge in Scotland. The Royal Scotsman from Belmond is just as amazing as the train to Hogwarts. This train is the best way to see and be seen in Scotland, with itineraries ranging from tours of Scotland's scenic wonders to multi day Scotch malt whisky experiences.
This train is a castle on wheels that will take you to a few places along the way. This train is made for comfort with wood-paneled rooms ranging from singles to doubles, plus drawing tables, writing tables and en suite bathroom.
Experiences on the train are just as amazing. In the dining cars, guests can enjoy traditional Scottish food and drink while sitting in plush seats with tables set with fine china. A Swedish back and leg massage, an abdominal massage and a facial are included in the price of the spa car.
The Royal Scotsman sells out fast, with fares starting at $4,300 per person.
You can book 6 castles in the UK.
Imagine having afternoon tea on a train that was restored in the 1920's. If traditional tea isn't something you like, don't worry. As the British countryside rolls by, you can skip it and have a glass of champagne surrounded by tile mosaics. The British Pullman is a train that's perfect for royalty.
This train is used for one-off events where guests board for a meal, party or special occasion. Murder mystery lunches on the train are a dream come true for Agatha Christie fans. There are a lot of day trips from London to visit the castles and palaces.
The British Pullman sells out quickly so be sure to plan ahead. It's expected to cost $425 per person.
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