Video Credit @Rocky Mountaineer
Have you ever experienced the joy of discovering a place through slow travel? Or traveled on a train chugging on routes not accessible by a car, but with no compromise on comfort, and full of bucket-list experiences? Luxury train journeys offer just that and more. Relive the nostalgia as you ride in the comfort of these luxury trains, experiencing unique cultures and landscapes across the globe.
The services are white-glove, meals are lavish, conversations diverse, and landscapes stunning. Whether you are celebrating a milestone or looking for a unique experience, these train journeys are perfect way to create great memories. Here we list six of such once-in-a-lifetime rail journeys.
Shangri-La Express – Silk Road

Following the footsteps of Alexander the Great and Marco Polo, this train journey retraces one of the most important trading routes of the ancient civilization – The Silk road. Traversing from China to Russia across Central Asia, it covers 5 countries and travels through formidable and stunning landscapes of mountain, desert, prairie and lake. The Shangri-La Express offers comfortable living with a choice of Heritage or Diamond class. One of the main highlight is the tour of ancient cities of Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara in Uzbekistan.
Belmond Royal Scotsman

Explore the highlands, lochs and castles of Scotland aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman. The train offers several itineraries ranging from 3-8 days that showcases the history, culture and beauty of the Scottish Highlands. With 9 cars and passenger to staff ratio of 3:1, riding the Belmond Royal Scotsman is an exclusive experience. Admire Scotland's castles and gardens, tranquil glens and lakes and remote wilderness of the Moors. Be pampered on board with luxurious modern accommodation and 5 - star meals and enjoy thrilling cultural and outdoor adventures.
Hiram Bingham

Arrive in style at the Inca city of Machu Picchu in one of the most luxurious train journeys in Peru. Named after the American explorer, Hiram Bingham who stumbled across the Machu Picchu in 1911, the train has 5 carriages, 2 dining cars, a bar, and an observation deck. The journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes takes about 3 hours and offers dramatic and spectacular sceneries as the train winds along the river, mountain and valleys to its final destination. Machu Picchu is on the wish-list of every traveler visiting Peru and taking the Belmond Hiram Bingham train to the Inca citadel is also once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don’t miss it.
Golden Eagle Danube Express

This train meanders across some of the most enchanting and intriguing countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Get ready to glide through the stunning countryside and awe-inspiring mountain ranges in style as you explore the countries of Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Slovenia and Italy. Offering multiple programs from 7 -12 nights, the Golden Eagle Danube express offers valuable insights into the fascinating history and vibrant culture of the respective regions. This is a perfect luxury trip on wheels for an offbeat journey through Europe.
The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

Discover some of the Canadian Rockies' most spectacular scenery when you travel by the Rocky Mountaineer. Think rugged alpine mountains, cascading waterfalls, glacial lakes, and wildlife that can be seen only by rail. It is a daylight only train that connects British Columbia and Alberta. All guests are accommodated at a comfortable hotel for overnight stay. The train offers two levels of service, a SilverLeaf with single level glass dome ceiling and GoldLeaf with a bi-level and glass dome ceiling at the second level. Experience the majesty of Rockies in this must-do train ride in North America.
Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian

This luxury train travels across Russia and Mongolia through eight different time zones and is considered as one of the most iconic rail trips of all times. Travel through the interiors of Russia from east to West over the Urals, across the magnificent and endless steppe and alongside the shore of the world’s largest freshwater lake. This route is packed with unique, unforgettable sights; destinations and experiences that are extraordinary!

Terrene Journeys
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