All aboard the train of luxury! Get ready to leave behind the cramped legroom of budget airlines and bid adieu to those questionable roadside rest stops. We’re diving headfirst into the realm of opulence on wheels, where the journey itself becomes a destination. Picture plush velvet seats that make you feel like royalty (or at least the distant cousin of King Charles), and dining cars where the food is so exquisite, you’ll be convinced it was personally prepared by a Michelin-starred chef! As the train glides along the tracks, you’ll have ample time to perfect your “I’m a sophisticated traveler” pose, complete with a monocle and a top hat (optional, but it is highly frowned upon if you do not wear one). Check out the best five luxury train rides from around the world and prepare yourself for a journey that will leave you saying, “Move over, Orient Express, there’s a new level of swankiness in town!”
1. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
Hope abroad Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer, where faultless service, delicious food, and seats comfier than a cloud are just the appetizers of this majestic feast. But hold onto your maple syrup, boys and girls, because the real star of the show is the overwhelming majesty of nature. With panoramic views that’ll make your jaw drop faster than a hockey puck, this train unveils the stunning route between Vancouver and Banff, revealing Mother Nature’s grandest masterpiece. Sure, you could opt for the economy seats, but why settle for the “I can’t see anything but the back of someone’s head” experience? No, my fellow adventurer, it’s time to go all out and treat yourself to this top-notch, two-night extravaganza. Allow yourself to be whisked away on this epic journey, where comfort, cuisine, and jaw-dropping vistas will have you saying in your best Canadian accent, “Who’d care a-boot staying in a palace when you have the Rocky Mountaineer, eh?”
2. The Ghan, Australia
Ah, Australia, the land down under where everything is trying to straight-up murder you — except for The Ghan, a trundling train treat that’s more delightful than a kangaroo hopping through a field of Vegemite. Strap yourself in, mate, because this journey takes you from the top end in Darwin all the way down to Adelaide, making it the ultimate geographical escapade. Keen geographers will be thrilled to know that The Ghan traverses the entire length of Australia, exposing the beating heart of this fantastic nation. And let us tell you, the center of Australia might not have a whole lot going on (apart from a whole bunch of camels, don’t ask me why), but the sheer immensity of it would be enough to make your didgeridoo explode.
3. Rovos Rail, South Africa
Okay, kids, ready to be whisked away on the wildest train ride in Africa? Then it’s time to hop aboard the one and only Rovos Rail — the premium train journey that’ll make your safari hat spin faster than a cheetah chasing its dinner. So let’s talk about these bespoke trains. Picture this if you will: gorgeous armchairs that cradle your body like a loving elephant trunk, and wine flowing like the mighty Zambezi River. It’s a classy affair, right? This train knows how to treat its passengers right. And don’t even get us started on the dining car — it’s like a fancy restaurant on wheels, serving up gastronomic delights that’ll have you shouting, “I can’t believe it’s not bushmeat!” Oh, but if only you knew…
4. The Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan
Hold onto your samurai sword, friends, because we’re about to embark on a train adventure that’s fancier than a sumo wrestler in a tuxedo. Welcome to Japan’s crème de la crème of luxury train experiences — the Seven Stars in Kyushu. This circular tour from Hakata takes you through Nagasaki and Yufuin over two glorious days. From the walls adorned with exquisite artwork to the cabins that make even the fanciest hotel suites jealous, it’s like stepping into a gallery of luxury. And let’s not forget the washbasins. Oh, the washbasins! They’re not just functional, fellas — they’re a work of art. Your hands will feel like they’re being pampered by tiny angels as you wash away the travel stink!
5. The Deccan Odyssey, India
India, the land of spices, colors, and, obviously, trains that redefine the very concept of luxury. Step aside, ordinary locomotives, because the Deccan Odyssey is here to blow your mind faster than an Indian auto-rickshaw navigating rush hour traffic. Yes, we do need to address the elephant in the room — or rather, the price tag. There’s no denying the Deccan Odyssey is mind-bendingly expensive, with tickets starting at a jaw-dropping $7,320 or £5,980. But hey, who expects low prices to cozy up next to the word “luxury”? We’re talking about a train ride that feels more like a journey in a limousine on wheels, traversing one of the world’s biggest countries. It’s like the Indian version of Pimp My Ridebut instead of Xzibit, you have a crew of attentive staff members ready to cater to your every whim. And, yes, using pop culture references from 20 years ago is what we do over here. It’s our deal, okay?
