There is something enduring about the romance of rail. Long before private jets and express transfers, the train was the ultimate symbol of glamour and possibility. Today, a rare group of exceptional carriages continues that legacy, pairing heritage with modern refinement. From Art Deco legends to contemporary design statements, these trains are destinations in their own right. Each offers a distinct aesthetic, a strong sense of place, and a devotion to craftsmanship. These are the world’s most iconic luxury trains, chosen for their atmosphere, design, and experience found on board.
Venice Simplon Orient Express
Step aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express and you enter the golden age of rail travel, restored with care for today. The 1920s dining cars feel like intimate salons, from the marquetry-rich Étoile du Nord to the Côte d’Azur with its René Lalique glass. Evenings begin in Bar Car ‘3674’, where cocktails glow under warm lamps and a pianist sets the mood.
Cabins are plush and quietly tended by devoted stewards. In the kitchen, chefs prepare polished French-inspired fine dining. Every panel, fixture, and artifact carries a story. Dress for dinner, linger over midnight bites, then drift off as the world slips past.
Orient Express
A legend born of ambition and imagination, the Orient Express stands as a timeless icon of travel. In 2027, it returns with seventeen original cars from the 1920s and 1930s, once known as the Nostalgie Istanbul Orient Express, now restored and reimagined by architect Maxime d’Angeac. His vision blends Art Deco elegance with contemporary refinement, shaped by a deep respect for craftsmanship and cultural history.
Inside, the Bar Car glows beneath domed ceilings and Lalique lamps. Green velvet seating, rosewood panels, and marble accents create an intimate setting framed by vast windows and embroidered curtains. The Dining Car feels both theatrical and serene, with mirrored ceilings, sculpted arches, and softly lit tables. Suites are wrapped in precious wood and leather with Lalique details and marble bathrooms. By day, they invite repose; by night, they transform into tranquil sleeping sanctuaries.
The Vietage by Anantara
The Vietage by Anantara is Central Vietnam’s most exclusive rail experience, designed for just twelve guests per journey. Two elegant carriages connect Da Nang, Quy Nhon, and Nha Trang, pairing heritage with contemporary comfort. From the moment you board, hosts invite you to settle into a private booth or take a seat at the bar as landscapes unfold beyond wide windows.
Menus celebrate Vietnamese and French flavours, with afternoon tea, curated cocktails, and free flow wines elevating the ride. A dedicated wellness area offers head and shoulder treatments, while thoughtful details such as a Discovery Book, WiFi, and charging stations ensure ease throughout. The experience is both serene and scenic, with sleeper booths creating a cocoon of quiet luxury for restful moments.
Seven Stars in Kyushu
Introduced in 2013 as Japan’s first cruise train, Seven Stars in Kyushu is a luxury sleeper operated by JR Kyushu and designed to showcase the spirit of the region. The train features seven cars with guest rooms, lounge spaces, and a dining car, all crafted with refined wood interiors and workmanship inspired by Kyushu.
Suites offer spacious layouts with large windows that frame the surrounding landscape. The Blue Moon lounge car provides a gathering space where guests can relax and enjoy views along the route. Dining highlights seasonal ingredients sourced from Kyushu and prepared with care to reflect the region’s culinary traditions. Every element is designed to celebrate the culture, scenery, and hospitality of Kyushu through an immersive rail experience.
Al Ándalus Train
The Al Ándalus Train is a celebration of Belle Époque elegance! This luxury tourist train travels through Andalusia in southern Spain in carefully restored carriages that reflect the glamour of early twentieth century rail travel. Its original Pullman cars, built between 1928 and 1930, now serve as sophisticated lounges and dining spaces.
Accommodation is offered in Grand Class Rooms and Deluxe Suites, each with a private bathroom and modern comforts. Guests enjoy attentive service and regional cuisine inspired by Andalusian tradition. Historic character and contemporary amenities come together to create a refined journey through one of Spain’s most culturally rich regions.
Andean Explorer
Travel through the Peruvian Andes in refined comfort aboard South America’s first luxury sleeper train. The Belmond Andean Explorer offers an immersive rail experience designed to reflect the spirit and landscape of Peru. Interiors draw inspiration from local culture, with woven textures and soft natural tones that echo the mountains beyond the windows.
Elegant cabins feature en suite bathrooms and provide a serene private retreat at high altitude. Life on board unfolds across beautifully appointed spaces. Guests gather in the Piano Bar Car or step into the open-air Observation Car to take in sweeping views. Restaurant cars serve seasonal Peruvian cuisine, while the spa car offers treatments designed for relaxation and wellbeing.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express
La Dolce Vita Orient Express is a new Italian train inspired by the myth of the Orient Express and the spirit of La Dolce Vita. Conceived as a tribute to Italian creativity and design of the 1960s, the train reflects the glamour and elegance of that era. The interiors reinterpret mid-century aesthetics through refined materials and distinctive styling.
The train features suites and cabins designed to offer comfort and privacy, along with restaurant cars that celebrate Italian cuisine and hospitality. La Dolce Vita Orient Express travels exclusively across Italy, revealing the country’s landscapes and cultural heritage.
Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail, established in 1989, offers luxury train journeys through Africa aboard carefully restored vintage coaches. The train accommodates a maximum of 72 guests in Pullman Suites, Deluxe Suites, and Royal Suites, each with en suite facilities and air conditioning. Interiors reflect the charm of a bygone era with wood paneling and period features. There are elegant dining cars where meals are served in a single sitting, emphasizing traditional service and formal dress for dinner. Guests can relax in lounge cars or in the open air observation car at the rear of the train.
Rovos Rail combines classic design with modern comforts to deliver a refined rail experience across southern Africa. In an era defined by speed, these trains remind us of the value of slowing down. Each carriage tells a story shaped by craftsmanship, culture, and careful design. Luxury here is not only about space or service, but about atmosphere and intention. The most memorable journeys begin long before you arrive.
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