One wonders how scenic a luxury train journeys In Europe may be, nonetheless, the best luxury train journey Europe is the Venice Simplon Orient Express. You cannot have enough comfortability, luxury, and pleasure journeying with this railway.
Here is a rundown of Europe’s five most well-liked, deluxe trains, perfect if you want to combine relaxation with a wealth of attractions along the way.
Just like in Bollywood love stories, you can picture yourself riding across Europe in a train with large glass windows, five-star meals, decked-out pubs, and more.
Visiting Europe is a treat in and of itself, but seeing the continent from the window of a luxurious train car is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Here is your guide to Europe’s five most popular, deluxe trains, perfect if you want to combine relaxation with a chance to see the sites.
7 Best Luxury Train Journeys Europe [Scenic + Comfort]
A trip on a luxury train is the epitome of romance, elegance, and history, making it the ideal mode of transportation for those looking to soak up some sights and feel a bit of the past.
Particularly if the said trip involves traveling through the picturesque and romantic landscapes of Europe. Indulge your wanderlust and appreciation for the past with one of these top-notch luxury train adventures, carefully selected for you. Welcome aboard.
Read Also: 13 Best Train Rides In USA [Scenic + Luxury Train]
1. Venice Simplon Orient-Express
To start with on the listing of best luxury train journeys Europe is the Venice Simplon Orient Express. And what could be more recognizable than Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, set aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient Express? The advent of the Orient Express in the 1920s marked the beginning of the golden age of luxury rail excursions, and the train’s plush sleeping carriages, elaborate meals, and excellent wines set a new standard for passenger comfort.
Read Also: 19 Best Train Rides In Europe [Scenic Ride + Luxury]
Retro Feeling:
This antique steam train with art deco coaches continues to conjure old-world grandeur as the grand dame of luxury and white-glove service. Dining on regional specialties like a lobster from Brittany and fresh tomatoes from Provence, while listening to live piano music in the bar car and sipping champagne, of course.
Read Also: 5 Best Flight To Europe [Boarding Experience]
The classic luxury train journey is from Paris to Venice (via Switzerland) and on to Istanbul.
A trip on the Venice Simplon Orient Express from Venice to London will set you back over £2,700 and take around 16 hours.
Read Also: Best Airlines To Fly To Europe [Top 6 Ranked]
Costs for a trip on this ship begin at £2,350 per passenger and increase with the distance traveled and length of stay. The cost of each ticket automatically includes lodging, meals, and drinks. In addition to its regular amenities, this train offers spa treatments for an additional fee.
2. Belmond Royal Scotsman
Belmond Hotel, was built in the style of the Edwardian era When the Royal Scotsman first set out on its tour in 1985, the old carriages were quickly decommissioned and replaced with carefully renovated Pullman cars.
Read Also: 15 Best Restaurants in Las Vegas [Recent Rating]
Today, passengers can ride the luxurious burgundy train across the Scottish Highlands, passing through historic castles and beautiful lochs and glens along the way. Bagpipers in kilts play traditional music as they welcome guests on board, further evoking a sense of history and tradition.
Read Also: 18 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles [Recent Rating]
An ambiance reminiscent of an Edwardian country house is created by the steam showers in the private bathrooms and the lacquer-polished oak paneling that line the walls. Travel to the observation car and relax on the plush sofas or enjoy the fresh air on the balcony while sipping a dram of Scotch. Naturally, you can choose from one of 65 different kinds.
Read Also: 15 Best Restaurants in Atlanta [All Countries Delicacies]
The first-ever spa rail car, the Bamford Haybarn Spa carriage offers facials, massages, manicures, and pedicures from the illustrious UK skincare firm Bamford.
From Edinburgh, up the coast to Aberdeen, through Inverness, and out to the picturesque harbor town of Kyle of Lochalsh, you may take a four-night luxury train journey that has become an all-time classic.
Read Also: Best Airlines To Fly To Hawaii [Pros And Cons Of Top 10]
Train passengers get off at various stations along the journey to see sights like castles and distilleries, and at night, the train is silently parked so passengers don’t have to worry about noise while they sleep.
3. Bernina Express
This high-end train travels between Switzerland and Italy, and its passengers appreciate it for the panorama cars, which provide unobstructed views of the region’s breathtaking scenery. If you’re in a Wordsworthian mood and have a profound appreciation for nature, this train trip is your dream come true.
Read Also: 8 Best Airline To Fly To Canada Right Now
Is there any voyage through the best luxury train journeys Europe one would make without thinking of Bernina express? The voyage through the landscape of deep gorges, hanging bridges, loop tunnels, and beautiful glaciers is sure to blow your mind. It takes around 4 hours to get from Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy, via rail.
Read Also: 13 Best Restaurants In Chicago To Eat [ All Countries Delicacies]
It’s really posh, with First Class and Second Class cabins and all the comforts of home. Due to the short duration of its trip, the Bernina Express is missing a world-class restaurant.
This lavish train ride, which only costs £30 per person, is perfect for individuals who want to experience the historic trains of Europe without breaking the bank.
4. The Presidential Train
The most precious gem in Portugal Constructed in 1890, the Presidential Train stopped running in the 1970s after transporting royalty and world leaders. This train is now a cherished exhibit at Portugal’s National Railway Museum.
Read Also: 15 Best Airport In America Right Now
With the exception of a few weekends in the fall (September/October), when theater and event impresario Goncalo Castel-Branco moves it from the museum to the tracks and transforms it into a gourmet restaurant on rails complete with recognized Michelin-starred chefs.
Though the online version of this luxurious vintage train claims its engine is “new,” the cabin hasn’t changed since it first debuted in 1890. (circa the 1960s).
At the 100-year-old Sao Bento Station in Porto, passengers (up to 50) board a train that will take them along the Douro River for the next 125 miles to Quinta and Vesuvio, where they will be treated to breathtaking views of the region’s vine-covered slopes.
Read Also: 5 Best Flight To Europe [Boarding Experience]
After unwinding in their tastefully decorated mint green cabins, guests board the train for a five-course lunch prepared by a celebrity chef and served with Portuguese wine (of course, from the Douro Valley) and desserts like scones and tea.
The most popular luxury train trip is a nine-hour gourmet day trip out of Porto, but we like the three-day trip because it gives us more time in Porto and the Douro Valley.
The extension features private transportation with a driver, gourmet meals at some of Porto’s best restaurants, and luxurious lodgings at the Intercontinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas and the Six Senses Douro Valley.
5. The Transcantábrico Gran Lujo
For many years, northern Spain’s iron and steel mills in Bilbao relied on a coal train dubbed the Hullero to bring coal from Leon. Writing about the guys who worked on and rode the Hullero in 1980, Juan Pedro Aparicio experienced “tough travel.”
Hearing about his experience sparked a drive to keep the railroad open. El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, a luxury tour bus, now travels across northern Spain, catering to an elite clientele of just 28 guests who can afford the five-star treatment on offer.
Mood Music: This classic blue and white train feel more like a five-star hotel as it chugs down the Atlantic coast of Spain. The train has eight cars, four of which are authentic 1923 Pullman coaches painted to feel like they’re from another era, but all of them feature modern conveniences like spacious suites with their own living rooms and bathrooms.
The Cantabrian coast in northern Spain is known as “Green Spain,” and the vista from the train is breathtaking as it passes through the region’s verdant landscapes and down its winding seaside trails.
The most popular route is a seven-day journey from the Basque city of San Sebastian to the World Heritage site of Santiago de Compostela, which takes in the Bay of Biscay, the Cantabrian Mountains, and cultural hubs like Bilbao, home of the Guggenheim Museum. Breakfast is served each morning, and the boat makes regular stops for fresh, regional produce and baked goods.
6. Golden Eagle Danube Express
In 1989 (before the fall of communism), the first Golden Eagle luxury trains began service across the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, ushering in a new era of extravagant rail travel in the region. The Danube Express, a train that visits some of Europe’s most beautiful but little-visited cities, was formally added to the collection in 2015.
The mood of Longing: The sleeping cars are wood-paneled and have brass fittings, heated towel racks, and L’Occitane toiletries; they are classic in design and run on steam. And, of course, there’s the butler service. The dining cars are also reminiscent of another period, with white linen tablecloths, crystal glassware, and china, all of which are ideal for serving a three-course gourmet Hungarian meal.
Travel in style across Europe on a two-week train excursion that visits such iconic destinations as Venice, Prague, Berlin, Krakow, Vienna, and Budapest.
Superior Deluxe Class tickets start at £22,260, and these trips also feature excursions away from the railway.
7. Elipsos Trenhotel
Even though it offers three different fare tiers (Tourist, Business, and Grand) to accommodate different budgets, the allure of its cozy yet opulent staterooms and five-star dining on board is too great to pass up.
Along with the finest French wines and This train rumbles along three well-traveled paths, from Paris to Madrid, Barcelona to Zurich, and Barcelona to Paris. On both trips, you can take advantage of the night trains and sleep through the voyage, waking up in a different city each morning.
The Elipsos Trenhotel offers rooms starting at £298 per person, in the Grand Suite.
The Golden Eagle connects Moscow and Vladivostok on an 8,000-mile journey, one of the world’s foremost train trips, while the Golden Eagle Danube Express travels historic routes in Central and Eastern Europe; both are excellent examples of luxury rail tours in Europe.
Is There A Luxury Train In Europe?
Yes, there are luxury trains that travel within and outside Europe. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is one of the most well-known luxury trains in Europe. Guests embark on an adventure between Venice, Italy, and other intriguing destinations including Vienna, Prague, Berlin, and Paris, stepping into the pages of history along the way.
What Is The Most Scenic Train Ride In Europe?
Following are some of the scenic train rides in Europe today:
- West Highland Line, Scotland.
- Rome to Palermo, Italy.
- Mariazellerbahn, Austria.
- Stockholm to Narvik, Sweden-Norway.
- Glacier Express, Switzerland.
- Mainz to Koblenz, Germany.
- Nice to Digne-les-Bains, France.
- Bar to Belgrade, Montenegro-Serbia.
How Much Is 1 Night On The Orient Express?
Pricing for a trip on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express ranges from £2,920 (about $3,600) per person for a Twin Cabin to £8,400 (about $10,350) per person for a Grand Suite.
How Much Is A Grand Suite On The Orient Express?
For a night in a magnificent suite, Belmond is charging a minimum of $7,860 per person. According to the website’s booking tool, a trip for two from Paris to Venice for four nights in May 2020 will set you back $31,724.
Is The Orient Express Running In 2022?
Consider a trip on the renowned Venice Simplon Orient Express in 2022, a trip that will take you from London to Venice or from Venice to London on the Orient Express Signature Journey.
Does The Orient Express Go From London To Paris?
Yes, Take the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train to Paris and then fly back. Midday is the perfect time to leave London for your sumptuous trip to Paris.
Is The Orient Express All Inclusive?
Meals are included in the price, but drinks are not. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a breathtaking way to experience Europe from a perspective you haven’t thought about before.
Are Drinks Included On The Orient Express?
While they do provide meals, beverages are not. However, for a fee, you can enjoy a selection of fine wines from Italy and France at the ship’s bar.
Does Orient Express include meals?
When boarding the Belmond British Pullman, passengers may look forward to an afternoon tea service in preparation for their arrival in London. All table d’hôte meals, and snacks are included in the price of your Venice Simplon-Orient-Express ticket, while alcoholic beverages are charged separately.
Each of Europe’s finest luxury trains transports passengers back in time while still providing them with all the amenities of today and opportunities to immerse themselves in the culture of their destination. These train vacations are among the best in the world because the trip itself is the highlight.
Conclusion
A trip on a European luxury train brings to mind the heyday of rail travel. Guests can relax in the luxurious surroundings of their private cabins or the observation vehicles serviced by uniformed staff. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is one of the most well-known luxury trains in Europe.
Guests embark on an adventure between Venice, Italy, and other intriguing destinations including Vienna, Prague, Berlin, and Paris, stepping into the pages of history along the way. These 1920s and 1930s sleeper cars have been meticulously restored to their former glory and are now outfitted with lush upholstery and vintage fixtures.
The train has a sophisticated bar car where passengers may unwind with a drink or cup of coffee, in addition to three elegant 1920s-era dining cars. Traveling across Europe on this train is only one of many opulent possibilities.
So, if you have boarded any of the trains on our list of best luxury train journeys Europe, then let us know your experience via the comment section below.
