Luxury Train Rides & Travel
Mesmerising adventures along the beaten track
“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”
We’ve all heard this, haven’t we? And with these captivating luxury train journeys, we’ll show you the joy to be found travelling across the world by rail. As luxury travel experts, we’re here to help you design your perfect luxury train journey, whether you want to admire Mount Fuji from Japan’s Shinkansen Bullet Train (we know just the seat) or explore the wild Scottish Highlands aboard Belmond’s Royal Scotsman.
You can add a luxury train travel experience to your Black Tomato trip, or we can base your holiday entirely around it. Like with everything, the choice is yours.
Our favourite luxury overnight train rides
UGANDA – INTO THE MOUNTAINS
With 17 beautifully restored historic cars, the Orient Express is an ode to the golden age of travel and 1920s glamour. Reimagined by architect Maxime d’Angeac, this luxury overnight train ride follows the iconic route, taking you from the enchanting boulevards of Paris to the bustling bazaars of Istanbul. Along the way, you’ll dine in grand luxury in the restaurant car while listening to the soothing notes of the bar’s cocktail piano before returning to your private suite. If we had to pick, we’d opt for the Presidential Suite. Occupying an entire train carriage, here you’ll relax in spaces decorated with Art Deco touches and marble features with your own lounge, bedroom, bathroom, Cabinet de l’Égoïste, and secondary luxury sleeping car.
Maharajas’ Express
Centred around the royal state of Rajasthan, the Maharajas’ Express is the leading luxury train in India and runs on four different routes across the country, stopping off at iconic destinations such as Delhi, the “blue city” of Jodhpur, and the home of the Bengal tiger: Ranthambore. Named after precious gemstones, each cabin and suite features ensuite bathrooms and lavish designs with each carriage boasting attentive personal butlers. As you watch the sun set over tropical forests and white marble Mughal domes, you’ll dine on gourmet Indian cuisine in the “Palace of Colours”, one of the Maharajas’ Express’ fine dining spaces decorated with a hand-painted fresco ceiling.
The Blue Train
Unsurprisingly, The Blue Train is blue. Bold and bright, it’s hard to miss – for more than one reason. Between Cape Town and Pretoria, South Africa’s luxury Blue Train lets you witness an everchanging view of mountains, flatlands, and sprawling metropolises. By day, your private suite is an elegant lounge with soft, comfy chairs and large windows offering breathtaking views. By night, you’ll find it transformed into the perfect place to rest your head with a double bed and the gentle lulling sensation of being rocked to sleep. A personal butler will deliver world class service, a top-class chef will serve you a gourmet feast. On this luxury train ride through South Africa, you’ll be treated like royalty (yes, kings and presidents have also taken this route).
Andean Explorer
Unsurprisingly, The Blue Train is blue. Bold and bright, it’s hard to miss – for more than one reason. Between Cape Town and Pretoria, South Africa’s luxury Blue Train lets you witness an everchanging view of mountains, flatlands, and sprawling metropolises. By day, your private suite is an elegant lounge with soft, comfy chairs and large windows offering breathtaking views. By night, you’ll find it transformed into the perfect place to rest your head with a double bed and the gentle lulling sensation of being rocked to sleep. A personal butler will deliver world class service, a top-class chef will serve you a gourmet feast. On this luxury train ride through South Africa, you’ll be treated like royalty (yes, kings and presidents have also taken this route).
Royal Scotsman
Another day, another Belmond train. This time in Scotland. Exploring the wild (and wonderful) Scottish Highlands, Belmond’s Royal Scotsman is another luxury overnight train ride that is not to be missed. Here, you’ll dine on candlelit feasts prepared by Lorna McNee, one of Scotland’s greatest chefs, enjoy lively ceilidhs (traditional Scottish social gatherings with Gaelic music, drinks, and dancing), and relax in your own spacious, Scottish-inspired Grand Suite. There’s also a spa (of course) and an observation deck where you can breathe in the crisp, fresh air as well as mesmerising views of Perthshire’s rolling hills, the towering peaks and wild forests of Cairngorms National Park, and the magnificent castles of Aviemore. Your legendary journey awaits.