Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The world’s most famous train? Quite possibly. An experienceof a lifetime? Most definitely. This monument of Art Deco glamour continues to spark the imagination, and guests today can experience its timeless allure via a tempting roster of European routes. There are 54 luxurious suites and cabins, each one awash with Deco details and singing with vintage charm.
The historic pedigree even extends to the dining cars, which all date back to the 1920s – each was part of a historic rail service, and all were rescued and restored to join the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
belmond.com
The Britannic Explorer
Debuting in July 2025, the first ever luxury sleeper train in England and Wales is the latest venture from the luxe travel aficionados, Belmond. Featuring sleek accommodation, an on-board wellness suite and fine dining, it’s an utterly magnificent way to traverse the UK’s countryside.
Elegant interiors blend heritage motifs and playful details, while expansive windows showcase the great outdoors (the Observation Car’s botanically inspired setting is an ideal place for languid gazing). The three routes all depart from London – see the landscapes of Cornwall, the Lake District or Wales, with optional off-train excursions each day.
belmond.com
Glacier Express
On 25th June 1930, in the mountains of Switzerland, the Glacier Express made its first journey from Zermatt to St Moritz: a 291km route, with 291 bridges and 91 tunnels in a masterpiece of Alpine engineering.
Today, the eight-hour experience of riding the Glacier Express is the stuff of bucket lists, with ceiling-high panoramic windows offering scenes of wild meadows, dramatic gorges and the snowy peaks of the Swiss Alps. For the ultimate in luxury, travel Excellence Class for a gourmet journey that incorporates champagne on departure and a five-course meal of regional specialities.
glacierexpress.ch/en
Royal Scotsman
It’s impossible to imagine a finer way to experience Scotland’s wild beauty than from the carriages of the Royal Scotsman sleeper train. Its diverse choice of itineraries range from gastronomic tours to whisky adventures and sightseeing jaunts, and the opulent cabins offer the most luxurious base to enjoy them.
Two dining cars, Raven and Swift, serve up seasonal delicacies from local suppliers, while live entertainment and ceilidhs make for fun evenings.
If you’re seeking peace, the observation car provides an idyllic vantage point to watch the world go by and the Dior Spa (the designer was a big fan of the Scottish landscape) is the ultimate in relaxation on rails.
belmond.com
The Presidential Train
An icon of Portuguese rail history, The Presidential Train was built in 1890 and, for almost a century, transported distinguished guests and heads of state across the country, from Queen Elizabeth II to Pope Paul VI. These days, the train has been fully restored to its former glory and offers a memorable day trip for lovers of fine food and wine.
Once they’ve left Porto’s São Bento Station, guests are invited to taste Douro wines and enjoy typical local dishes on board as the train winds through the dreamy landscapes of the Douro Valley. Live music and stories about the train and local area add to the atmosphere.
comboiopresidencial.pt/en
Northern Belle
The individually designed Pullman carriages that make up the Northern Belle are all at least 60 years old and were all re-engineered to ready them for a new life of luxury. Each carriage now has its own unique interior, with marquetry panels by historic family firm A Dunn & Son (who fitted out ocean liners such as the Titanic and Queen Mary).
These hand-crafted touches add to the Belle’s exclusive air, and its delicious line in food, plush furnishings and attentive service further enhance the appeal. A varied timetable of trips across the UK means it’s easy to find a journey wherever you are.
northernbelle.co.uk
