We all need a little luxury and a long train ride sometimes…Grab your pen and paper and start planning your next adventure with these 8 train journeys to take before you die.
The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
This train ride will take you through some of the most breathtaking places in the Canadian Rockies. The higher up the more picturesque the panoramic views. A two-day rail journey from Banff, Alberta to the trendy cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, you’ll be able to treat yourself to GoldLeaf service, enjoying made to order breakfasts and lunches served in the superb dining car. If the scenery and food is not enough, you’ll have access to unlimited cocktails and snacks from the very friendly staff. Remember this train ride is all about the scenery no matter how tempting the free cocktails!
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from London to Venice
Nothing spells luxury more than this once in a lifetime journey across the heart of Europe. Immortalised in countless movies and novels, relive the golden age of train travel as you are treated to the best in luxury train travel. From traditional afternoon tea to picturesque views of the Swiss Alps and Italian Dolomites, what better way to end your journey than in the romantic city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic!
The Royal Scotsman, Scotland
Probably one of the few train journeys where customers can rent a kilt or one custom tailored for the entirety of their trip. This 36 passenger train is very posh indeed. Featuring polished wood decor straight out of a highlands country estate, textured plaid and polished furnishings, you will be in for a very “proper” treat. The train makes journeys from Edinburgh in the lowlands to the Scottish Highlands, passing through beautiful lochs and lakes, glens, ancient castles, and pristine emerald green countryside that will make your mouth drop in awe.
The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin, Australia
At 1,485 miles this is a very long train journey indeed. You will spend 2 days and 2 nights on the Ghan which runs from Adelaide, South Australia to Darwin, Northern Territory. There is no better, more efficient or safer way to explore the vastness of the Aussie outback than this pleasant train journey. For over 80 years, The Ghan has been traversing the Red Centre, stopping for four hours in Alice Springs and beautiful Katherine, allowing you plenty of time to explore, sightsee and stretch those legs.
Danube Express from Budapest to Istanbul
You can start your train journey in either Budapest or Istanbul. Both starts offer stunning architecture and are prime examples of the West meeting with the East. You will pass through miles of picturesque and legendary Transylvanian countryside during the 4 day journey. You’ll stop in Sighisoara, said to be the birthplace of Count Dracula, and his famous abode Bran Castle. This stunning hotel on wheels is a delight for every train traveller.
Denali Star from Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska
Travelling through the heart of Alaska, this epic train journey is all about the wildlife. You’ll stumble across massive moose and lumbering grizzly bears as you ride the flagship Denali Star across the vast and beautiful Alaskan tundra. The best panoramic views can be seen from the GoldStar double decker car domes, especially when Mt. Denali comes into view.
The Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz, Switzerland
Crossing 291 bridges and chugging through 91 tunnels on a seven-hour journey, the Glacier Express offers you a visual feast. On this journey you will see cow dotted fields of gold, emerald green valleys and awe-inspiring majestic mountains that make up the Alps. What more could you ask for?
The Grand Canyon Railway
This journey is not so much about the view but the history of the Wild West. The journey offers an insight into the many eras of U.S. train travel. The coach cars for example are vintage 1923 Pullmans while the café cars date back to 1952. First class cars are dazed in post art-deco 1950s features as are the observation and dome cars. No matter where you sit on this 130 mile round trip of the Arizona desert from Williams to the south rim of The Grand Canyon, you’ll be spoilt for choice.