In an age defined by the relentless pursuit of speed, a quiet revolution is taking place on the rails of Europe. The romance of slow travel, once a relic of a bygone era, is being rediscovered by a new generation of discerning travellers. It’s a return to a more civilised form of journeying, where the trip itself is as much the destination as the cities it connects. This renaissance of luxury train travel is not merely about nostalgia; it’s a conscious choice to trade hurried itineraries for the unadulterated pleasure of watching the world unfold from the comfort of a lavishly appointed carriage. It’s about savouring the moments in between, where time stretches and the soul has a chance to catch up.
The Legend Reborn: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Step aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a Belmond Train, and you are not simply a passenger; you are a character in a story that has captivated imaginations for over a century. This is more than a train; it’s a rolling masterpiece of Art Deco design, a symphony of polished wood, gleaming brass, and Lalique glass. The journey from London or Paris towards the enchanting canals of Venice, or the epic annual pilgrimage to Istanbul, is a passage through time. As the train winds its way through the majestic Alps and the rolling hills of Burgundy, life onboard settles into a rhythm of exquisite indulgence. Days are for gazing at the cinematic scenery, while evenings are a glamorous affair, with guests donning their finest for champagne in the bar car followed by a Michelin-worthy dinner. The experience is a meticulously choreographed performance of old-world elegance.
Alpine Wonders: The Glacier and Bernina Express
Switzerland, a country synonymous with precision and natural splendour, is home to two of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys. The Glacier Express, affectionately known as the ‘slowest express train in the world’, offers an eight-hour visual feast from Zermatt to St. Moritz. Through its panoramic carriages, you are afforded uninterrupted views of pristine mountain landscapes, deep gorges, and 291 bridges. It’s a journey of superlatives, a testament to Swiss engineering and the raw beauty of the Alps.
Not to be outdone, the Bernina Express presents a journey of dramatic contrasts, a UNESCO World Heritage route that travels from the ice-fields of the high Alps down to the palm-fringed shores of Tirano, Italy. The route is a marvel, particularly the open-air carriages in summer that allow for an unfiltered sensory experience of the crisp mountain air and the scent of pine forests. It’s a four-hour descent through changing climates and cultures, a seamless blend of natural and man-made wonders.
In our fast-paced world, the deliberate pace of a luxury train journey is the ultimate indulgence. It’s an invitation to disconnect from the digital and reconnect with the tangible beauty of the landscape.
A Highland Fling: The Royal Scotsman
For a journey steeped in the lore and landscapes of Scotland, the Royal Scotsman, a Belmond Train, offers an experience akin to a five-star country house on wheels. With a maximum of just 36 guests, the atmosphere is intimate and convivial. From Edinburgh, the train snakes its way into the heart of the Highlands, a land of misty lochs, ancient castles, and heather-clad mountains. The mahogany-clad carriages exude Edwardian elegance, and the onboard experience is a celebration of Scottish culture. Days are filled with off-train excursions, from clay pigeon shooting at a private estate to a visit to a world-renowned whisky distillery. Evenings are for black-tie dinners and traditional Scottish entertainment in the observation car, a dram of single malt in hand as the dramatic scenery glides by.
Coastal Grandeur: El Transcantábrico Clásico
Journeying along the rugged and verdant coastline of Northern Spain, or ‘Green Spain’, the El Transcantábrico Clásico offers a different, yet equally enchanting, luxury rail experience. This hotel on rails travels between the historic cities of León and Santiago de Compostela, with the deep blue of the Bay of Biscay as a constant companion. The train itself is a classic, with carriages that evoke the golden age of rail travel, yet feature all the modern comforts of a luxury hotel. The eight-day journey is a cultural and gastronomic immersion, with daily excursions to picturesque fishing villages, prehistoric caves, and the vibrant cities of Bilbao and Santander. The focus is on a deep exploration of the region, with the train serving as your elegant and ever-moving base.
As the world continues to accelerate, the appeal of these magnificent journeys only intensifies. They are more than just a mode of transport; they are a statement. A choice to travel with intention, to embrace the elegance of a slower pace, and to witness the breathtaking beauty of Europe from a unique and privileged perspective. The great train journeys are not just back; they are setting the standard for the future of luxury travel.
