The Orient Express’s maiden journey from Gare de l'Est is an important moment in European history. A 10-course meal and sips of the best champagne from Baccarat crystal glasses. Passengers of the famed Orient Express enjoyed some of the best train journeys ever. The most luxurious train of the 20th century is not operational anymore, but European railway companies have kept the tradition alive. Elite contenders are dedicated to providing passengers with high-class carriages fitted with modern conveniences similar to a luxury resort as they journey through the continent’s most idyllic, historical, and romantic settings. After your stay in a boutique hotel in Paris, consider hopping on board a posh journey on the rails. Check out this list to know more about the best luxury trains in Europe.
1. Orient Express La Dolce Vita
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Orient Express lives on as a luxury brand, spawning several high-end offerings ranging from sailboats to hotels. Trains are also included in the line-up, which may come as a surprise considering the original run stopped nearly 50 years ago. A recent addition, its fancy cross-European rail service offers two trains, one of which is La Dolce Vita.
Boasting 11 carriages, spacious suite accommodations, and exciting on-board amenities, La Dolce Vita rewards passengers with the sweet life as they travel through Italy’s most picturesque destinations. Several itineraries are prepared for a much-awaited Italian escape, including two-night tours of Venice, Portofino, and Palermo from Rome. As the first trips kick off in late 2024, you can pre-book your slots now for a better chance of getting in.
Orient Express La Dolce Vita
Website: Orient Express La Dolce Vita
2. Belmond British Pullman
Since 1982, Belmond British Pullman has always made use of authentically vintage train carriages, turning each of them into places of pure luxury. The European train service offers several trips that take guests to the UK’s most scenic locations, including Chatsworth House, where several royal figures would usually live during their retreats, and Stratford-upon-Avon, the place of origin for middle-age playwright William Shakespeare.
Apart from its regular journeys, British Pullman also offers seasonal tours. Holiday-themed train rides are available throughout the festive season each year, from Christmas to New Year’s Day. The spooky Halloween season calls for interactive mysteries, and British Pullman has just the right journey to satiate your thinking skills!
Belmond British Pullman
Website: Belmond British Pullman
3. Venice Simplon Orient Express
Paris, Venice, and Istanbul Grand Suites of the Venice Simplon Orient Express define modern luxury train travel. Crafted to impress and furnished for absolute comfort, the elegant decor and rich Art Deco trimmings are the embodiment of refinement. The restored 1920s cabins bring passengers back to a time when no expense was spared. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is known for impeccable service all the way from London to Venice. Gourmet meals are made from fresh ingredients, which are sourced along the way. You can take the legendary route if you’re on your way to Paris (France) or Innsbruck (Austria). The train service stops in Verona (Italy). Make your overnight journey from the UK to Venice (Italy) even more memorable with Venice Simplon Orient Express.
Venice Simplon Orient Express
Website: Venice Simplon Orient Express
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4. Golden Eagle Trans Siberian Express
For more than 100 years, Golden Eagle Trans Siberian Express has given passengers a two-week luxury cruise experience on the vast expanse of the former Soviet Union. This Soviet-Era steam-powered locomotive offers one of the most extravagant train rides in the world. The Eastbound journey starts in Moscow where passengers are met at the airport and brought to a five-star hotel for an exclusive Welcome Dinner. A tour of the Kremlin, Red Square, and key museums precedes transfer to the Imperial Waiting Room of the Moscow Kazansky Station. As Golden Eagle departs from Vladivostok, passengers are served with cocktails. They can also attend private concerts or Russian language lessons. A 15-day journey would definitely be a worthwhile vacation, especially if it’s a train ride on the greatest railway in the world today.
Golden Eagle Trans Siberian Express
Website: Golden Eagle Trans Siberian Express
Paris Tour Guide
Angénic Agnero
Paris Tour Guide
Patricia Aveline
My name is Patricia Bollinger and my family is French. I have always had a passion for art and history and I chose to study them when I went to university. I have been a licensed tour guide for the last 30 years and I work in French, English and Italian. My passion and also as part of my work I travel a lot. For this reason, I have a good idea of visitors expectations. Naturally I want to share this passion for my country and its heritage with foreign visitors.I also love cooking and I am a foody.
Tours by Patricia
5. Al Ándalus
A palace on wheels with Tren Al Ándalus staff at your disposal is the promised experience when you take on the Andalusian Route, a journey of seven days and six nights. The train’s spaciousness, elegance, and comfort will surely remind you of La Belle Époque. Passengers can expect fabulous suite cars and ballroom cars that are designed for a safe, comfortable, and sophisticated journey. The spacious and elegant Suite Deluxe has a large window, a minibar, a wardrobe, and a bathtub. A booking in the Gran Clase room includes drinks and gourmet meals, live performances, a dinner gala, and excursions to various stops led by multilingual guides. The journey starts in Seville and then takes the passengers to Jerez, Ronda, Granada, and Cordoba.
Tren Al Ándalus
Website: Tren Al Ándalus
6. Costa Verde Express
Book a trip with Costa Verde Express if you’re looking for an elevated gastronomic experience on a train. It’s about time you experience some of the best cultural and culinary offers of Asturias, Galicia, Cantabria while journeying from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela and vice versa. For six days and five nights, the crew of Costa Verde Express is at your beck and call. You also don’t have to worry about getting hungry while onboard as meals are usually prepared by their chef. If you feel like socializing and dressing up, why not join the evening gatherings or get off the train and try your luck at the Casino de Santander?
Costa Verde Express
Website: Costa Verde Express
7. Gran Lujo
Being on a panoramic-viewing train car that presents itself as a 100-year old luxury coach should be on everyone’s bucket list. A journey from San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela on El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo is an experience to cherish. When you book a ticket, you’re signing up for a five-star train ride, which is eight days and seven nights long. A tour of Basque Country includes an excursion to Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao), a visit to the Sanctuary of Santo Toribio de Liébana (Cantabria), and a stopover at the Lakes and Sanctuary of Covadonga (Asturias).
El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo
Website: El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo
8. Bernina Express
Bernina Express, a train that connects Chur (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy), takes passengers to some of the most majestic sections of the Alps. The railway can climb up to the glaciers on high altitude tracks, making it the highest train route ever constructed in the world. Sit back and relax as the train passes through 55 tunnels. You may photograph the mountain scenery or just immerse in the beautiful landscapes with a glass of good wine.
Bernina Express
Website: Bernina Express
9. Golden Eagle Danube Express
How about a rail cruise on the magnificent Golden Eagle Danube Express? It’s an all-inclusive, long-distance train journey across the European continent. It features high-quality wine with gourmet dinners and quarters that look and feel like a five-star hotel. The Grand Rail tour takes you to the cultural bastions of Budapest, Istanbul, Prague, and Venice. You can book an exclusive rail tour characterized by comfort and style. You’ll only find satisfaction in the well-appointed sleeping cabins, Restaurant Cars, and Bar Lounge Car. Indeed, the Golden Eagle Danube Express is a first-class hotel on wheels.
Golden Eagle Danube Express
Website: Golden Eagle Danube Express
10. Northern Belle
Winchester, Torquay, York, Edinburgh–are these places included in your bucket list? If you can afford to travel in leisure and luxury, then take the Northern Belle railway. It will take you back to the 1930s with an intimate approach to high-end rail travel. They also offer themed trips such as Afternoon Tea, Castles and Gardens, and Murder Mystery, just to name a few. Whatever you choose, you will have a grand and lovely time on your plush seat in stately carriages. You will get to try some culinary delights as the Northern Belle brings you to the scenic corners of Britain.
Northern Belle
Website: Northern Belle
11. Majestic Imperator
Watching a video tour of the Majestic Imperator Train de Luxe is nothing compared to being able to travel in these grand trains. The train company offers a variety of package tours, in case you’re looking for an experience that will take you back to the turn of the century. The compartments are furnished to the hilt and the salons offer sumptuous meals prepared by chefs. The Wagon Franz Josef dining carriage, which is dedicated to Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria in 2016, resembles some of the famous trains during the Emperor’s era. You will experience how it’s like dining in a palace on wheels, so don’t forget to dress up properly for the occasion.
Majestic Imperator
Website: Majestic Imperator
12. Belmond Grand Hibernian
A grand tour of Ireland, otherwise known as The Emerald Isle, is just a train ticket away. The Belmond Grand Hibernian is committed to enhancing your experience of Dublin as soon as you climb aboard. The observation car is designed to look like a local high-end saloon. Expect fine-dining, luxurious accommodations, and be prepared to sample exotic malts. A two-day journey called “A Taste of Ireland” starts from the capital and passes through Belfast, then arrives at the Ancient East. The southbound “Grand Tour” takes six nights, then heads out to some of the country’s most majestic castles. “Legend and Loughs” is a four-night ride to Heuston through some of the country’s most lush landscapes.
Belmond Grand Hibernian
Website: Belmond Grand Hibernian
Journey in style and comfort
The grand trains in Europe are indeed a homage to the past. As you spoil yourself with top-quality wine and gourmet meals, don’t forget to appreciate some of the oldest and most alluring cities in this continent.
Frequently asked questions about the best luxury trains in Europe
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