The Art of Traveling by Train

Though the official story for surging interest in train travel is sustainability (it has a lower carbon footprint than flying or driving), we suspect there’s more to it. Simply put, we are living in an age of nostalgia. With the non-stop busyness and rush that saturate everyday life, it’s no mystery that slow travel, with its connotations of a simpler bygone era, is so enticing. And what could be more nostalgic than traveling on an old-world luxury train, clinking glasses in a fine dining car while beautiful landscapes roll by? It’s “Murder on the Orient Express” meets escapism from the modern world — but with all the contemporary creature comforts, of course. We’ve played matchmaker and selected luxurious train trips from across the world, pairing them with our Curated and Tailor-Made Journeys for voyages worthy of a mystery novel.

P.S. You can book any luxury train journey through us, as well as the journey matches below — we’ll take care of all the details, AND you’ll earn Gratitude Points that can be used towards future travel with us.

1. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the eternal classic — this luxury train includes meticulously restored 1920s carriages from the original Orient Express, famously featured in Agatha Christie’s novel. You can travel back in time as well as across Europe in Art Deco splendor, waited on by discreet stewards and indulging in chef-prepared cuisine (including mysterious Midnight Brunches).

Curated Journey match: In the Footsteps of Julia: Paris for Food Lovers (August 31 – September 05, 2025)

Our Parisian Curated Journey is inspired by Julia Child and hosted by the charming Chef Raffaele, who has extensive experience working in a Parisian Michelin Star restaurant. Enjoy the best fine dining in “The City of Lights”, visit the bookstore where Julia Child browsed for recipes, and learn to make her favorite dessert — eclairs.

End your trip with a train journey to another timeless romantic city, Venice, aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for one night (departing from Paris on September 01, 2025).

Click here to book or enquire about this novel rail-and-recipe journey.

2. Eastern & Oriental Express

Watch lush rainforests and rice paddies unfold before your window on the Eastern & Oriental Express in Malaysia. This train takes you to hidden beaches, national parks, and Malay royal towns, which hold significant cultural and historical importance.

The sumptuous décor is reminiscent of the golden days of rail but with a Malaysian twist of tropical flowers and Asian flourishes. And in case you forget the glamor, the “free-flowing Champagne” and Dior spa that offers Eastern-inspired treatments will certainly remind you. Michelin-star-studded chefs also frequently showcase their skills aboard the train with cuisine that echoes the flavors, scents, and cultures around you.

Curated Journey match: Jetsetting Southeast Asia (March 07 – 12, 2026)

A three-night journey aboard the Eastern & Orient Express is included in this magical Asian odyssey. You’ll also discover the gourmet side of Singapore, meet Malaysian tigers, fly to Saigon on a private plane, and end with a luxury cruise around Vietnam and Cambodia.

Click here for custom dates and itineraries.

3. Golden Eagle Danube Express

Listening to a live pianist in a luxury train lounge car while winding through the Alps sounds like something out of a James Bond film, but it’s a real-life adventure aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Enjoy socializing in the bar while sipping on a martini (shaken or stirred), dine on cuisine that looks as exquisite as it tastes, or try wines from around the world, personally selected by the company founder, Tim Littler.

Curated Journey match: Under The Umbrian Spell (May 30 – June 06, 2026)

Our Under the Umbrian Spell: Spring Colors & Scents journey takes you to a region in Italy untouched by mass tourism, where you’ll stay in an idyllic villa overlooking the beautiful lake of Trasimeno. Days are spent lazing by the pool, wandering around the surrounding olive groves, and exploring the foodie treasures of local towns.

Combine this journey with the Golden Eagle Luxury Trains’ Grand Alpine Express tour, which begins in Budapest on May 01, 2026. The eleven-day route takes you from the Danube River through Austria, the Swiss Alps, Italy’s Lake District, and Slovenia, ending in Venice. We can add a few dreamy days in Venice and Florence to your itinerary before you join us under the Umbrian sun — all organized for you by Art in Voyage.

Intrigued? Click here to enquire about this rail and Curated Journey match.

4. The Belmond Royal Scotsman

The Royal Scotsman offers a glimpse into what it’s like to travel on the British Royal Train (the rail version of Air Force One, used by the British royal family). Like something out of a fairytale, it traverses the Highlands, meanders past green valleys, misty lochs, and castles, and goes over the bridge famous for its cameo in “Harry Potter”, the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Inside, understated, cozy elegance and malt whiskey welcome guests. This Belmond train also features a spa by Dior (fun fact: this fashion house is one of the British royal family’s favorites) and two dining cars with cuisine fit for a king.

Curated Journey match: Mystical Emerald Isle (May 21 – 28, 2026)

On our Irish tour, we visit the herbaceous Victorian Walled Gardens of Kylemore Abbey, sleepy fishing villages, ivy-covered castles, and local food emporiums brimming with cheese and Irish delicacies. You will even meet some well-trained sheepdogs!

The tour also takes you to Galway, where we dine in a former Orient Express train car. But why not start your trip in a moving carriage? The Taste of Scotland with Tom Kitchin is the perfect hors d’oeuvres. This two-night trip on the Royal Scotsman embarks on May 16, 2026, and is hosted by the founder of The Kitchin, the Michelin Star restaurant in Edinburgh. It’s a gourmet experience that whisks you through the rolling hills of Perthshire and the Highlands while you feast on the best of Scottish cuisine.

Ready to bring out the bagpipes? Click here to enquire about this rail and Curated Journey match.

5. The Transcantábrico Train

Traveling between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain, the Transcantábrico Train hosts guests in original 1920s salon cars that are as luxurious as they were 100 years ago.

After a night in the plush suite, dine on Spanish cuisine or relax in the Tea Room or Panorama lounge car, which is designed to provide panoramic views of the passing landscape.

Highlights on the route include the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the medieval town of Santillana del Mar, the seaside city of Gijon, and the Romanesque Cathedral with its spectacular spires in Santiago de Compostela.

Curated Journey match: Feast of the Senses: Portugal (September 05 – 12, 2026)

Chef Kevin Fonzo leads this tasty tour through Porto and the ancient Douro Valley, which has been producing wine since the Roman era. Expect sommelier-led tours through wineries, a stay in Le Monumental Palace in culture-rich Porto, cooking classes, custard pastries, and cruising through the countryside in classic cars.

Extend this adventure with a luxury stay aboard the Transcantábrico Train, starting in San Sebastián and disembarking in Santiago de Compostela. Explore the region, heading towards Portugal — you can even take the famous Pilgrimage route, Camino de Santiago — to Porto, where we’ll pick you up for the Feast of the Senses.

Let the feasting begin — Click here to enquire about this journey and rail match.

6. Andean Explorer

Andean Explorer in Peru snakes its way through hauntingly beautiful landscapes, past snow-capped peaks and Lake Titicaca, known for its floating islets.

As well as the peaceful surroundings, the train itself exudes tranquility. Modern interiors with Peruvian textiles set the scene, and Picaflor Spa Car treats guests with massages and clay wraps of local flowers and coca leaves. Cuisine is prepared by notable Peruvian chef Pía León and highlights delicious indigenous ingredients.

Curated Journey match: Essence of Peru (June 2026)

Machu Picchu on your bucket list? Our Essence of Peru journey presents the ideal opportunity to explore this 15th-century Inca citadel, as well as the art galleries of Lima, Twilight Mountain with its rainbow-like mineral layers, and more. You can also look forward to a Peruvian cooking lesson and spotting hummingbirds and hawks in Urubamba.

Combined with a trip aboard the Andean Explorer, it’s a Peruvian adventure you’ll never forget — Click here to enquire about this customized journey.

7. Maharajas’ Express

Designed to transport you to a time of maharaja majesty, Maharajas’ Express boasts regal interiors, two fine-dining restaurants, and a round-the-clock valet service — think the grandeur of an Indian palace on wheels.

Their four routes visit India’s crown-jewel cultural sites, including Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra, Ranthambore National Park (home to the Bengal tiger), the intricate pink architecture of Jaipur, and Udaipur, the “Venice of India”, with its stunning palaces, canals, and lakes.

Tailor-Made Journey match: Disembark and spend some time in romantic Udaipur, dance your way through Bollywood Mumbai, or retreat to a luxury ashram — all options are open to you with Art in Voyage. Click here to enquire about a customized journey through India.