Advertisement

The world’s most luxurious train journeys

A United Airlines passenger was violently removed from a plane for refusing to give up his seat. Then a scorpion fell on someone’s head mid-flight, and plane passengers just keep beating each other up. It seems like the glamorous era of flying is over (unless you’re Kardashian-level rich and sitting in first class, that is).

Luckily there’s never been a better time to travel by train, with some new luxury journeys having recently been added to the world’s bucket list rail trips. All aboard!

Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru

Launching this month, the Belmond Andean Explorer is a luxury sleeper train taking guests on one or two night journeys through Peru, with itineraries beginning or ending in Cusco, and also visiting the Andes, Arequipa and Lake Titicaca.

The Andean Express holds up to 40 guests, who stay in spacious private cabins with an ensuite shower.

There’s also a spa carriage, bar car, library carriage and stylish dining car, where the menu is overseen by famed Peruvian chef Diego Munoz. Belmond Andean Explorer journeys begin this week, visit Belmond.com.

Andean Explorer holds up to 40 guests in spacious private cabins. Source: Instagram / @belmondandeanexplorer
Andean Explorer holds up to 40 guests in spacious private cabins. Source: Instagram / @belmondandeanexplorer
travel on the Andean Explorer through the city of Arequipa in Peru. Source: Instagram / @belmondandeanexplorer
travel on the Andean Explorer through the city of Arequipa in Peru. Source: Instagram / @belmondandeanexplorer

Suite Shiki-shima, Japan


Also just launched this month is the Japanese Train Suite Shiki-shima, which is exactly the kind of futuristic luxury you’d expect from Japan.

The 10-car train takes its 34 passengers on various itineraries around the country, treating guests to Michelin star meals on the way. Want to jump aboard?

The Train Suite Shiki-shima is so in demand it’s currently booked out until March 2018. Jreast.co.jp.

Shiki-shima observation carriage is exactly the kind of futuristic luxury you'd expect from Japan.
Shiki-shima observation carriage is exactly the kind of futuristic luxury you'd expect from Japan.
Japan's Shiki-shima train is new to the world’s bucket list rail trips.
Japan's Shiki-shima train is new to the world’s bucket list rail trips.

Belmond Grand Hibernian, Ireland


It doesn’t get much more romantic than travelling Ireland by train.

Leaving from Dublin, the Grand Hibernian is a cozy and comfortable way to see Ireland’s lush countryside, ancient castles and cities including Belfast and Galway, depending on which itinerary you choose.

Waking up to the view of the Irish countryside rolling by, or dancing to live musicians in the bar car late into the night – where do we sign up? Belmond.com

The Grand Hibernian is one of the most luxurious ways to see Ireland.
The Grand Hibernian is one of the most luxurious ways to see Ireland.

The Ghan, Australia


Without a doubt the most luxurious way to travel through the Outback, The Ghan should be on every Australian’s bucket list.

Over three nights you’ll travel almost 3,000 kilometres from Darwin to Adelaide or vice-versa, stopping in Alice Springs on the way (there’s also an itinerary with a stop in Coober Pedy) with a rare view of Australia’s vast red centre.

The cabins range in price and luxury, the best being Platinum Level, which includes the most spacious cabin, with a double bed and ensuite, and fancy extras like breakfast in bed. Great Southern Rail.

Without a doubt the most luxurious way to travel through the Outback, The Ghan should be on every Australian’s bucket list.
Without a doubt the most luxurious way to travel through the Outback, The Ghan should be on every Australian’s bucket list.
Experience waking up with a rare view of Australia's outback, while travelling on the luxe Ghan Platinum.
Experience waking up with a rare view of Australia's outback, while travelling on the luxe Ghan Platinum.

Twilight Express Mizukaze, Japan

The Twilight Express Mizukaze is like staying in a five-star hotel on wheels.

The Twilight Express Mizukaze is like staying in a five-star hotel on wheels... just check out the dining cart!
The Twilight Express Mizukaze is like staying in a five-star hotel on wheels... just check out the dining cart!

The dining car’s enormous windows allow guests to take in spectacular views of the Japanese countryside and coastline during meals, while the art-deco designed cabins are similar in size to some studio apartments in Tokyo – one ridiculously luxurious suite takes up a whole carriage and has a bathtub. That’s right, a bath.

Itineraries vary from two to four night trips, leaving from or ending in Kyoto or Osaka. Book Twilight Express Mizukaze

The Mizukaze double room is classier than your normal train cabin.
The Mizukaze double room is classier than your normal train cabin.
Who would have thought a train bathroom could be so luxe?
Who would have thought a train bathroom could be so luxe?

Eastern & Oriental Express, Asia


You can spend up to six nights travelling through South-East Asia on the Eastern & Oriental Express, starting in Singapore and ending in Bangkok – or vice-versa – with stops to explore Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

Watch the scenic landscapes go by while dining on three and four-course meals of Asian-fusion fare, or kick back in your spacious private cabin with bed, couch and ensuite. Book at Belmond.com

The luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express starts in Singapore and ends Bangkok Source: Supplied
The luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express starts in Singapore and ends Bangkok Source: Supplied

Golden Eagle, Russia

Arguably the world’s most iconic rail journey, the Trans-Siberian Express from Russia to Mongolia can be done in style on the Golden Eagle.

Relaxing on the plush red couches of the bar cart, which is decorated in dark wood, brass and old-fashioned furnishings, you could be forgiven for forgetting what year it is as you sip champagne (or maybe more appropriately, vodka) and watch the sights of Russia go by.

Just a glimpse of the Golden Eagle bar cart you could be enjoying.
Just a glimpse of the Golden Eagle bar cart you could be enjoying.

The cabins are all decked out with luxury amenities, and range in size from cosy five square metre rooms to Imperial Cabins, where you can spread out with 11 glorious square metres of space, enough to break out some traditional Russian folk dancing after a few too many glasses of Stolichnaya. Golden Eagle Luxury Trains.

Got a story tip? Send it to tips@yahoo7.com.au

Want more celebrity, entertainment and lifestyle news? Follow Be on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram