Cooler than a plane: the most luxurious train travel to see the whole world

In an age where time is a luxury, indulge in slow-moving ground transportation. Whether you're exploring the Andes or racing across a Japanese island, traveling on a luxury train proves that the passing country is much more interesting when viewed from the ground. Travel and Leisure.

“If the train is big and comfortable, you don’t even need a destination,” Theroux wrote. “Enough corner space and you can be one of those travelers who stays on the move, crossing rails, and never arrives or feels like they should.”

Take a luxury train ride to some of the most glamorous places in the world. Please note that prices and schedules are subject to change.

British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England

Fans of director Wes Anderson can take a ride on a vintage train inspired by his distinct style and attention to detail. One of his most famous films, Darjeeling Limited, speaks to the director's love of luxury train travel. On the British train Busesowned by Belmond, guests can ride in the 1950s-built Swan Car on exciting routes across England. With themed rides including a murder mystery lunch or celebrity chef dinner, this ride is sure to take you back to the glamorous past.

Cruise Train Seven StarsJapan

Japanese cruise train Seven Stars brings the luxury of antiquity to a technologically advanced railway. It claims to be the first luxury sleeper in the country, with its first launch in 2013.

During multi-day tours of Kyushu, people will be able to get acquainted with both the mountains and the sea coast. But the train can only carry up to 28 passengers at a time. Demand is so high that passengers must apply for participation. And the winners are then offered to purchase their place on the upcoming route.

On the subject: Take a ride on vintage New York trains: the city museum is holding an interesting promotion

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

Venice Simplon-Orient Express surrounded by myths for a reason. The classic train route runs from London to Venice, making stops in Paris and Verona along the way. The carriages are decorated in an Art Deco style, creating an atmosphere of vintage glamour. Food is delivered along the route. Which means your plate is likely to have lobster from Brittany or crispy tomatoes from Provence. After dinner, pop into the bar for a celebration that takes you back to the golden age of luxury travel.

Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland

Explore Scottish lakes, castles and the countryside on a slow moving train. Bye Royal Scotsman puffing through the highlands, snuggle under the checkered wool blankets in your suite. Or sip whiskey in the mahogany dining car. But what makes the Royal Scotsman unique among luxury trains is the spa. Book facials, massages or manicures at the spa. Only here you can relax surrounded by picturesque landscapes.

Rovos Rail, South Africa

Experience the diverse landscapes of South Africa on a train ride Rovos from Pretoria to Cape Town. The three-day excursion allows passengers to make an extensive journey. They will see the beauty of nature from the meadows of the Highveld to the desert of the Great Karoo. The best view is from the open balconies of the train in the observation car. The train stops at the Cape Winelands. There they can have a farewell drink before disembarking at the station in Cape Town.

Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru

Nearly 600 years ago, the Inca road system was a masterpiece of engineering. Today guests can travel in luxury on Belmond Andean Explorer. The train departs from the ancient capital of Cusco and passes through the Andean plains to Lake Titicaca. Due to its high altitude in Peru, this train claims to be one of the highest in the world. Inside, the carriages are adorned with garlands of local flair, the beds are decorated with Peruvian tapestries, and pisco is served in the rear viewing bar.

Maharajas' Express, India

There are several reasons why this train is consistently ranked among the most luxurious. In every wagon Express Maharajas has a personal butler. And for those ready to splurge, there's the impressive Presidential Suite. The XNUMX Day Heritage of India Tour is one of the most popular rail line offerings. It makes stops in Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra and Delhi.

The Presidential Train, Portugal

Portugal's Douro Valley has become an internationally recognized culinary destination. presidential train, plying from Porto to Quinta do Vesuvio, on the east coast of the Douro Valley, invites the best chefs in the world. They cook the freshest food in the world. Everything so that guests can enjoy delicious dishes in combination with local wines for ten hours. Passengers can relax in private cabins and watch the golden valley from their windows while waiting for their food to be served.

the ghan, Australia

Not every journey through the Australian outback has to be a dusty adventure. Ghan Expedition - one of the first luxury train routes in Australia, which delivers passengers from Darwin to Adelaide in 4 days. The train has been in operation since 1929, but has been updated to meet modern needs. Local specialties such as barramundi and grilled kangaroo fillets are served on board.

The CanadianCanada

Travel the Great White North while staying warm in the cabin of your train. Canadian offers services nationwide from Toronto to Vancouver. If you don't get off the train, it will take four days to complete the route. Passengers will see waterfalls, charming little towns and the majestic Rocky Mountains along the way. In winter, take the train for the best views of snow-capped peaks and endless snowfields.

The Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Spain

If you like luxury with a dash of history, book a ride on Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, where four cars are the original 1923 Pullman cars. The trains are decorated in such a way as to evoke the feeling of going back almost 100 years. Passengers can enjoy some of the best views of Spain from the panoramic carriage. The route passes through the northern coast of the country from San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela.

Trans-Siberian Express “Golden Eagle”, Russia

Trans-Siberian Express for over 100 years. The train runs from Moscow to Vladivostok on the east coast. On the way, passengers can take Russian language lessons, dance to the accompaniment of a pianist. Or just spend as much time as possible in a bar. It won't close until the last visitor has left. A long 15-day trip starts at $19 per person.

Eastern & Oriental Express, Asia

Since 1993, this train has made stops in three of Asia's most glamorous cities: Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Singapore. Train interiors Eastern & Oriental Expresss were inspired by Marlene Dietrich's 1932 film Shanghai Express. The carriage compartments are decorated with Thai silk, Malaysian embroidery and cherry wood panels. The rich design is complemented by the views that unfold as the train passes through lush rainforests or ancient temples. Be sure to bring clothes worthy of the scene - evening attire is essential for dinner.