The Best Luxury Train Journeys: Experiencing Elegance and Grandeur on the Rails

In a world where efficiency is prioritised, and we rarely get to stop and smell the roses, it's no surprise that slower means of travel are increasing in popularity. From days spent at relaxing resorts to the steady sway of a cruise ship, travellers, young and old, are flocking to experiences that can help them take a breath and step into the slow lane.

If you're keen to take your foot off the gas and want a holiday that encourages you to enjoy the journey just as much as the destination, then perhaps it's time for you to embrace the romance that comes with luxury trains.

Opulent rail journeys allow you to sit back in the comfort of your cabin, spying panoramic vistas out the window. With no set schedule or deadlines, you can sink into old-world splendour - marking time by the passing of the world outside your window and not by alarms, meetings or schedules.

Better yet, train travel is very accessible and a far more eco-conscious way of getting from A to B when compared to flying or driving. Reducing your carbon footprint while snoozing in luxury bliss as you steam past epic scenery - Where do we sign up?

• UK and Europe
• South Africa
• Asia
• The Americas and Canada
• Australia

With plenty of accessible and affordable options available, luxe train travel is no longer reserved purely for the elite traveler. Rather, this rail renaissance, or second golden age, is an incredible opportunity for all travellers to experience the joy and romance of train travel (beyond the monotony of the 9-5 commute).

So, whether you've been inspired by Wes Anderson's The Darjeeling Limited or are enchanted by Harry's ride on the Hogwarts Express, booking private cabins on luxury sleeper trains has never been easier.

Alternatively, if you want to embrace the beauty of slow travel but would like to test the waters with some day trips, there are plenty of options available that can be squeezed into your itinerary.

To help make your life easier, we've done the rounds and outlined 13 of the most luxurious trains around the world. If you see one that tickles your fancy, reach out to Flight Centre's friendly team of rail experts, who will happily provide more information and help get your holiday chugging along.

Sprinkled with Art Deco touches, polished interiors and old-world charm, a ride on the British Pullman will have you transported back to the oh-so-glamorous world of upper-class 1920s England. This vintage train departs London en route to bucolic British towns like Cambridge, York and Canterbury. On board, feast on multi-course meals and guest-chef dinners, or even partake in themed rides like a murder mystery lunch.

Keen to see the European countryside without having to move your luggage? All aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express, a journey that continues to set the standard in luxury train travel. Starting in London, this mystical journey will take you past the Swiss Mountain scenery and iconic French countryside, making stops through France, Italy, Belgium and more.

Regardless of the route you choose, travellers can expect nothing but excellence and impeccable service onboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express. Sink into old-school glamour and Art Deco finery, feasting on local food that is sourced along the route and toasting to an incredible holiday at the iconic onboard champagne bar.

Craving a cosy holiday spent curled up under a tartan blanket, sipping tea (or scotch) as you slide past Scotland's lochs, castles and ethereal landscapes? Oh boy, have we got the train for you.

Be serenaded by bagpipes as you walk the red carpet to board the Royal Scotsman. Once settled, take your time exploring the mahogany dining car, enjoy a snooze, or even get a massage or facial from the onboard spa. The pinnacle of slow-moving splendour, there is no better way to experience the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

PSA: Don't confuse the Royal Scotsman with the Flying Scotsman, which is an express passenger train servicing routes between Edinburgh and London.

Take your taste buds for a ride through Portugal's Douro Valley on board the Presidential Train. Travelling from Porto to Quinta do Vesuvio, you're encouraged to feast on 10 hours of fine dining delight. Boasting cuisine and regional wines from some of the world's best chefs, this luxurious train journey through Portugal's Golden Valley is an ideal day trip for hungry travellers.

• The Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Spain. Connecting San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela.

• Glacier Express, Switzerland. Connecting Zermatt and Saint Moritz, this is perhaps the most beautiful express train ride in the world, passing glaciers, breathing Swiss landscapes and the Rhine Gorge.

Travel between Pretoria and Cape Town aboard one of South Africa's most luxurious trains - Rovos Rail. Be greeted with champagne and canapes before soaking up unmatched views of the Great Karoo Desert and Highveld Grasslands from the train's open-air balconies.

The three-day journey aboard Rovos Rail also stops amongst the Cape Wineries, so you can taste your way through the region before taking a soak in your private bathroom's freestanding clawfoot bathtub. What other mode of transport lets you take a bath while en route to your next destination? Talk about bliss!

• The Blue Train. Also travelling between Pretoria and Cape Town, the Blue Train is considered a window to the soul of Africa.

• The Shongololo Express. Enjoy 12-15 day itineraries that traverse South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique in elegant cabins that let the grandeur of Mother Nature sit front and centre.

If you're on the hunt for one of the world's most luxurious trains, word on the street is that the Maharajas Express is up there with the best. No expense is spared, with marigold garlands and rose petals showered at your feet upon embarkation and a private butler assigned to every carriage. While onboard, guests can enjoy a cocktail from one of the two onboard bar carriages, stroll through the richly adorned dining areas or take part in a range of unique, train-exclusive experiences like early morning champagne on a private hillside overlooking the Taj Mahal.

India truly is your oyster aboard the Maharajas Express, with the one train offering a wide range of itineraries throughout the year. In the market to treat yourself? Book the Presidential suite, fit with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room and 24-hour personal valet. Talk about a palace on wheels.

Departing Singapore en route to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and Penang, the Eastern & Oriental Express offers three nights of luxury. Inspired by the 1932 film Shanghai Express, guests can expect carriages adorned with high-end details like Malaysian embroidery and Thai Silks.

Throughout your trip, enjoy daily four-course dinners and three-course lunches, sweeping views of lush rainforests and ancient temples, guided snorkelling in Lagkawi and excursions to Taman Negara National Park. Nothing quite says holiday vibes like sipping a Singapore Sling as you slip along the stunning Malaysian coast.

It's hard to go past the Cruise Train Seven Stars when compiling a list of the world's most luxurious trains. If the name doesn't give it away, the Seven Stars (yes, seven) experience effortlessly fuses the glamour of luxe train travel with modern Japanese technology. This exclusive train only has room for 28 passengers at a time, with the lucky travellers enjoying multi-day tours around the island of Kyushu.

While onboard this luxury locomotive, you can enjoy spacious, comfortable carriages kitted out by Japanese artisans. As you can imagine, this experience is in high demand, so apply to ride well in advance and cross your fingers in the hopes of nabbing a spot on board.

• Golden Chariot, India. Explore some of Southern India's lesser-explored destinations with three and six-night journeys departing from Bengaluru.

• The Deccan Odyssey, India. Pick one of six different routes through the majestic and lustrous Western Ghats, Deccan Plateau, and Konkan regions.

• Heritage Palace on Wheels, India. Once called The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, this iconic train offers luxury cabins and stunning facilities as you travel through Rajasthan.

• The Orient Silk Road Express, from China to Russia. Journey through UNESCO World Heritage Sites, embarking on the most extensive train journey through Europe and Asia.

• Train Suite Shiki-Shima, Japan. Marvel at gold-plated carriages and Michelin-star meals as you are whisked past lush rice paddies, mountain villages and ancient temples in Japan.

Effortlessly conversing the picturesque Canadian Rockies between Vancouver, Banff and Jasper, the Rocky Mountaineer is synonymous with luxury train travel. Beyond offering delicious wine and local cuisine, the Rocky Mountaineer champions Mother Nature, placing her front and centre with domed glass ceilings in the GoldLeaf seating section.

A staple to British Columbia and Canadian tourism, this panoramic train journey is a must if you're keen to see the Rockies at their best.

Follow in the footsteps of Ancient Incans between Cusco and Arequipa with the Belmond Andean Explorer. The elevation makes this one of the highest trains in the world, with carriages decorated in a distinct style featuring traditional alpaca wool tapestries and other local handicrafts. Sip pisco sours and enjoy panoramic views of the Andean Plains in either of the two dining cars, fueling up for your visits to Lake Titicaca and the Incan ruins along the way.

Worried about the elevation? Rest assured that all 35 sleep cabins on board the Belmond Andean Explorer come equipped with built-in oxygen tanks and masks.

• Napa Valley Wine Train, USA. Spend a few hours sipping in splendour through California's premier wine region.

• Denali Star Train, Alaska Railroad. See the icy peaks of Alaska between Anchorage and Fairbanks while enjoying GoldStar service during a 12-hour itinerary packed with delicious meals and epic scenery.

• Inca Rail, Peru. A fantastic way to see Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley without spending days hiking. Better yet, the first-class experience is far more affordable than other providers servicing the same route.

Hightail your way through the Aussie Outback with The Ghan on a four-day journey from Darwin to Adelaide. Feast on Australian cuisine while enjoying unmatched views of the Red Centre as you chug past diverse landscapes like the MacDonnell Ranges, Simpsons Gap and the opal town of Coober Pedy.

• Spirit of the Outback - Brisbane to Longreach.

• The Great Southern - Adelaide to Brisbane.

• The Indian Pacific - Between Perth, Adelaide and Sydney.

Ready to Choo Choo Choose your Luxury Rail Holiday?