The World’s top 7 luxury trains

The new luxury way of discovering the world is on board a vintage train. A real treat for a few privileged millionaires who look for a different cultural experience; one of those crazy things worth doing at least once in a lifetime.

The Venice Simplon-Orient -Express (VSOE), the legendary train of The Orient-Express Company is the most glamour one; it has inspired writers and directors, such as Agatha Christie (Murder on the Orient Express) and Terence Young (007, From Russia with Love). It has 17 art deco style carriages (dated from 1926 to 1931) painted in blue and gold, and it rides through the most beautiful European countries; memorable itineraries, along routes, often forgotten. A timeless classic one is the route ‘Paris – Istanbul’, five days along the old European tracks, with stops in Budapest and Bucharest, a true cruise on rails. The Eastern and Oriental Express (same Company, different branch) suggests another interesting trip along Thailand. Among tropical landscapes, rivers and rice fields, this luxury train crosses the old kingdom of Siam, Singapore and Malaysia.

If you are looking for a charming retro atmosphere and an adventurous journey across Africa, then The Pride of Africa (Rovos Rail) is the right train for you. It has colonial-style compartments, sumptuous dining rooms and viewing platforms. The long journey ‘Cape Town – Cairo’, 15 days through the endless African landscapes, makes this itinerary a unique experience.

Fancy to experience and explore Rajasthan and the Maharaja past glories? There are two options: you can board on the Maharaja’s Express, the most luxurious and well-equipped train of India, with sumptuous carriages and a reliable wi-fi network or jump on the Palace of Wheels, the iconic cream train. You will discover Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal, in 8 days.

For those who dream of Canadian lakes and green fields, Royal Canadian Pacific promises breathtaking views. On board this vintage train, crossing the impressive area of the Rocky Mountains, along with the track that connects Alberta to the Columbia Valley, you will experience one of Winston Churchill’s favourite trip.

Another legendary adventure is surely the journey along the Transiberian track, the historic railway line that links Moscow to Beijing, via Vladivostok. A  9 thousand kilometre journey. The train passes next to fishing villages, small traditional towns, but also mountains, valleys, lakes, including the world’s largest lake Baykal. Whether you decide to explore Asia in 15 days on board a luxurious private train such as the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, or a challenging long journey with a backpack and a Russian Railways ticket in your hands, the Transiberian is definitely the most exciting train journey of all. Please, sit down, relax and enjoy it: the important thing is to take it easy.