An indulgent train journey offers one of the most luxurious ways to travel, featuring spacious cabins with ensuite facilities, superior service, and meals that could rival Michelin-star restaurants.

Travel often provides only a superficial understanding of local cultures, traditions and landscapes; travel through the world most luxurious train allows one to get deeper inside them all - like with a European tourist train tour! Here is one way of doing just that.

Fine Dining

luxury trains in the world

Train travel's romance lies in its ability to elevate mealtimes. Be it sipping champagne as it rattles through the snow-capped Alps or enjoying an elegant four-course meal that wouldn't look out of place in a fine restaurant, a luxury train tour can bring dining pleasure like no other venue can.

Dining rooms that would fit right in during the 1920s and 30s have often been updated for modern comfort. Trains like the Orient Express, one of the luxury trains in world, offer an unforgettable journey reminiscent of this time period; as do luxury trains Royal Scotsman, Golden Eagle Danube Express and other names of famous trains.

Spa Services

Top train tour companies take advantage of Europe's vast rail network by offering luxury train top tours, providing travellers with relaxing yet scenic experiences. Offering world best train cabins with en suite bathrooms and gourmet dining along with entertainment features - these tourist trains provide travellers with an ultimate way to travel.

Many luxury trains feature specialty cars such as the Glacier Express which connects Switzerland's ski resorts, offering views of the Matterhorn and alpine scenery from stunning viaducts and spiral tunnels, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.

The Belmond Grand Hibernian luxury train tour, introduced in 2016, offers passengers an experience like no other across Ireland's top attractions like Cliffs of Moher and Blarney Castle. Its carriages resemble stately Georgian mansions with wood-panelled rooms and staff wearing Donegal tweed.

Other Luxurious Experiences

The most expensive trains in the world offer more indulgent experiences than simply dining on five-course meals with breathtaking scenery outside your window. One such route, the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with carriages dating back to the 1920s is like dining at a palace on wheels: dining cars decorated in Art Deco finery provide dining cars where cuisine made from ingredients collected at stops along the journey await you.

Glacier Express provides an experience similar to that of its luxury railcar counterparts by opening up views of mountains, waterfalls, remote valleys and villages - including some that are designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites - from its cars' glass walls.

To enjoy a more relaxing journey, book one of the train's Grand Suites which offer private bathrooms and double beds, or book a couchette cabin (the rail's version of hostel or pensione), which are fold-out padded bunks for four or six passengers with sheets, rugs and pillows that you arrange yourself at night.

Tips for First-Timers

Making the most of your tour requires just two steps: sitting back and enjoying every minute. Europe offers breathtaking scenery that deserves your full appreciation, and planning ahead can ensure you visit some of its iconic spots.

As there's only so much time you can spend gazing upon breathtaking landscapes, be sure to bring something entertaining with you - such as books, music players or tablets - so as not to get bored on your journey!

Visit an observation car as a great way to while away the time. With panoramic views of the ever-evolving landscape and stately wooden panelling, tufted leather seats, and picture windows it evokes memories of train travel past.

Arrive early at the train station so you have ample time to locate and board your train, especially world trains with assigned seats (check your ticket for details). If your tour includes multiple stops, make a note of each final destination name.