Indulge in stunning scenery aboard a luxurious adventure by train and capture the refinement of the golden age of travel.
There is something so alluring about train travel. Whether it is the soft rhythm of the carriages along the tracks or views that can’t be accessed any other way, you can’t beat it.
Luckily, there are plenty of routes and landscapes worldwide to choose from, and you don’t need to have a destination in mind; sit back and enjoy the view. Whether you’re keen to explore the wilderness of the Australian outback or the glacial panoramas of Switzerland, you’ll be mesmerised by the sights and the service and probably willing to give up every other form of transport.
To help you in your search, Passione Lifestyle unpacks seven of the world’s most scenic train journeys. All aboard - let the adventure unfold.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Start – Paris; End – Venice; Duration – 25 hours
Linking the City of Lights with the City of Water, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) epitomises luxury train travel. Despite its name, the VSOE should not be confused with the Orient Express, a railway great that was officially withdrawn in 2009. Privately run by Belmond, this glamorous journey – this is the classic route, there are many different adventures to choose from – is stunning. Embark in Paris just before dinner and arrive well-rested in Venice the following afternoon, having traversed the Alpine landscapes of Switzerland, Austria and Italy.
Upon arrival, guests are invited to savour a seasonal four-course menu in the train’s dining carriage. Think plush armchairs, crystal glasses and vintage lighting as you glide across Europe on a gracefully restored 20th-century coach. The five-star luxury follows you to Bar Car 3674, where cocktails can be enjoyed alongside the delicate notes of a grand piano before the revelry continues with a midnight brunch of lobster rolls and champagne. Retire to the 1920s grandeur of your sleeping compartment where fashionable furniture and crisp linens await, the rails of Europe ahead of you.
California Zephyr
Start – Chicago; End – San Francisco; Duration – three days
Arguably the most beautiful train ride in North America, the California Zephyr by Amtrak is a railway odyssey that covers the spectrum of the country’s varied natural landscape. The classic journey follows more than 4,000km of steel tracks over the course of 52 hours, passing the snow-dusted mountains of Utah, the Nevada deserts and countless rivers and forests between the great cities of Chicago and San Francisco. The California Zephyr showcases the hinterlands and metropolises of the heart of the USA at your convenience and comfort.
The train's Sightseer Lounge frames the passing landscape with floor-to-ceiling windows and offers wide chairs for a bit of privacy but not so much that you can’t marvel alongside your fellow passengers. The Zephyr’s dining car is another social hub where travellers share stories and enjoy meals in a delightful community display. First-class rooms include towels, linens, a turndown service and access to a shower in the carriage – along with coach, business and first-class seating.
Tazara Railway
Start – Dar es Salaam; End – Kapiri Mposhi; Duration – two days.
Criss-crossing the vast plains between Tanzania and Zambia, guests of the Tazara Railway will discover Africa’s biggest game reserve and the jagged Mbeya mountain range. The bi-national railway offers a truly remarkable journey despite the occasional breakdown or sudden stop (elephants and other savanna species often cross the tracks); a spirit of adventure is a must-have. Nonetheless, the Tazara Railway is in high demand; few railway journeys offer such remarkable scenery.
Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets will illuminate your sleeper cabin while you spot wildlife on what feels like a long-haul safari. First-class compartments offer privacy on what can be a relatively long and unpredictable journey. Hot meals, snacks and drinks are readily available, and whenever the train pulls into a station, expect vendors to offer fresh fruit and other delicacies through the windows. It is the unexpected that makes the Tazara Railway so exciting.
Glacier Express
Start – St. Moritz; End – Zermatt; Duration – 7.5 hours
The shortest and slowest journey on this list (but definitely up there with the others), the Glacier Express travels from St Moritz to Zermatt at a creeping 24 mph, its name somewhat deceptive. What the train lacks in speed, however, it certainly makes up for in spectacular vistas that unfold over the course of the 290km journey. Departing from Switzerland’s most sophisticated holiday resort, guests will discover the heights of the Matterhorn, the depths of the Rhine Gorge (or the Swiss Grand Canyon) and the hairpin bends of the Oberalp Pass.
Newly renovated panoramic cars offer passengers extraordinary views across the snowy terrain from the cosy luxury of the carriage. Each seat comes with a power socket, free Wi-Fi and an audio guide that delves deeper into the stories of the landscape; this can be accessed on your smartphone in seven different languages. What better to accompany the Alpine panorama than a glass of Swiss wine? The Glacier Express offers an elegant culinary experience characterised by fresh, regional and seasonal produce that complements the spectacular scenery.
Seven Stars Kyushu
Start – Fukuoka; End – Fukuoka; Duration – four days
Known as nanatsuboshi in Japanese, the Seven Stars Kyushu is easily one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world. On each journey, only 20 guests across 10 rooms can discover the magic of Japanese railway hospitality, and tickets are allocated by ballot, sometimes years before the train pulls gently out of Fukuoka. Warm Kumiko woodwork characterises the interior; intricately crafted panels and gold framing are just about everywhere you look. The largest suite is at the rear of the train and boasts a magnificent picture window. Among the other rooms are two generously sized deluxe suites.
Dining on the Seven Stars Kyushu is equally sumptuous. If you can pull yourself away from the seafood and steak, make the most of the onboard entertainment, including a tea ceremony, artisanal cocktails and live music. Guests can savour the forested landscape as the train glides past quaint villages and smouldering volcanoes, but optional excursions, including hot springs and wilderness meditation, should not be missed.
The Ghan
Start – Darwin; End – Adelaide; Duration – four days
Another of the world’s great train journeys, The Ghan spans the length of Australia as it skates between southern Adelaide and northern Darwin. Guests can marvel at the remote Aussie wilderness as it rolls on by; expect to see the undulating rocks of MacDonnell Ranges and the sharp crevices of Simpsons Gap. And that’s before you’ve even stepped off the carriage. Off-train experiences include visiting the dusty mining town of Coober Pedy and a dinner under the stars in Alice Springs.
The all-inclusive railway ride is the height of luxury; forget about meticulous planning and stress. Everything is already taken care of. Whether in Platinum, Gold, or Gold Premium class, the discerning traveller can enjoy spacious cabins, luxury amenities and exquisite menus. The Ghan’s dining carriages boast fine wines, haute cuisine and the opportunity to mingle with fellow passengers. The on-board culinary team takes inspiration from the landscape to create a locally-inspired selection that reflects the scenery outside your window as you eat. Take a front-row seat to the diverse heartland of Australia.
The Belmond Royal Scotsman
Get a taste of the highlands as the Belmond Royal Scotsman lilts through the enchanting vistas of the Scottish countryside. Starting and finishing in Edinburgh, this round trip is a spectacular introduction to one of the UK's most visually striking natural landscapes. On the first day, guests are invited to the dining carriage for a luxurious dinner – think fresh delicacies with a contemporary twist – before retreating to the Observation Car for a night of entertainment and sophisticated revelry.
The morning views are striking and only get more remarkable as you venture into the Cairngorms National Park for an off-train excursion that can feature clay-pigeon shooting or fishing. Other activities include a tour of Culloden Battlefield and an exploration of Strathisla Distillery before hopping back on board for a festive dinner as you travel south to Dundee. Spacious rooms are accompanied by 24-hour steward service and opulent cabin amenities. Guests also have the option to relax in the train’s very own highland-inspired spa; it doesn’t get much more luxury than this.
