11 Luxurious Train Journeys Through Scenic Landscapes

If you’re looking for a breathtaking view, nothing quite compares to the majesty of cliffs that rise high above pristine waters. These natural wonders offer a stunning combination of rugged terrain and crystal-clear seas, creating some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on earth. Whether it’s the dramatic drops of coastal cliffs or the serene beauty of lakefront bluffs, these spots provide a perfect escape into nature’s grandeur. In this list, we’ll explore 11 of the most breathtaking cliffs around the world, each offering its unique vantage point over some of the clearest, most beautiful waters you’ll ever see.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is perhaps the most legendary luxury train in the world, synonymous with old-world elegance and mystery. The train’s iconic route from London to Venice, with stops in Paris and Verona, takes passengers on a journey through some of Europe’s most picturesque landscapes. The interiors are an ode to the glamour of the early 20th century, adorned with rich Art Deco details, Lalique glass, and polished mahogany woodwork. Each cabin is a plush sanctuary, complete with en-suite bathrooms and attentive service that ensures a journey as smooth as it is luxurious. Dining aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a gastronomic experience, with meals prepared using fresh, local ingredients sourced along the route. The train’s Champagne Bar offers the perfect place to unwind and soak in the atmosphere, with vintage bubbly and exquisite hors d’oeuvres. This journey is more than just a means of transport; it’s a step back in time to an era where travel was as much about the experience as the destination.

Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan

Japan’s Seven Stars in Kyushu is not just a train ride; it is an exquisite journey through time and culture, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with unparalleled luxury. Often hailed as the world’s most luxurious train, this exclusive service accommodates only 20 passengers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. The interiors reflect the elegance of old-world Japan, with shoji screens, intricate woodwork, and plush furnishings that blend seamlessly with modern comforts. The train offers multi-day tours around the island of Kyushu, showcasing breathtaking landscapes from volcanic mountains to serene coastlines. Passengers are treated to gourmet meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, prepared by some of Japan’s finest chefs. The train’s observation cars provide panoramic views, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the scenery. Each suite is a private retreat, complete with a personal butler and luxurious amenities. The exclusivity and attention to detail make Seven Stars a journey of a lifetime, where every moment is curated to perfection.

Rovos Rail, South Africa

Rovos Rail, often dubbed the “Pride of Africa,” offers a journey that marries the romance of African exploration with the sophistication of luxurious travel. Operating between Pretoria and Cape Town, this train traverses some of South Africa’s most diverse and breathtaking landscapes, from the lush grasslands of Highveld to the arid expanses of the Great Karoo. The train’s vintage wood-paneled coaches exude a timeless elegance, harking back to the golden age of travel. Each suite is a haven of luxury, featuring spacious layouts, en-suite bathrooms, and period furnishings. The onboard service is impeccable, with gourmet cuisine paired with fine South African wines served in a dining car reminiscent of a bygone era. The train also boasts an observation car with open-air balconies, perfect for soaking in the scenic vistas. Rovos Rail’s blend of history, luxury, and scenic beauty makes it one of the most unique and luxurious train journeys in the world, offering an unforgettable exploration of South Africa’s natural wonders.

Maharajas’ Express, India

The Maharajas’ Express is the epitome of luxury travel in India, offering a journey that rivals the grandeur of the country’s royal past. This opulent train redefines luxury, with each car reflecting the regal splendor of India’s maharajas. The train offers various itineraries, with the most popular being the Heritage of India tour, which spans seven days and covers iconic destinations like Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra, and Delhi. Each cabin is lavishly decorated, with en-suite bathrooms, climate control, and a private butler to cater to every need. The two-bedroom Presidential Suite, in particular, is a marvel of luxury, complete with a living room, two bedrooms, and a bathroom with a bathtub. Onboard dining is a royal affair, with two gourmet restaurants serving a mix of Indian and international cuisines, complemented by fine wines and spirits. The train also features a lounge bar, a club, and even a souvenir shop. The Maharajas’ Express is not just a train ride but a regal journey through India’s rich history and diverse landscapes.

Royal Scotsman, Scotland

The Royal Scotsman offers a truly unique luxury experience, combining the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands with the comfort and elegance of a five-star hotel on wheels. This exclusive train accommodates only 40 guests, ensuring an intimate and personalized journey through Scotland’s most iconic landscapes, from lochs and glens to ancient castles and misty moors. The train’s interiors are a blend of classic Scottish decor, featuring rich tartan fabrics, mahogany paneling, and plush furnishings that evoke the grandeur of a Highland estate. Each cabin is a private sanctuary, complete with en-suite bathrooms and large windows that frame the ever-changing scenery. Dining on the Royal Scotsman is a gourmet experience, with meals prepared using the finest local ingredients, served in the train’s elegant dining car. The train also features an onboard spa, offering a range of treatments from facials to massages, providing a level of relaxation rarely found on a train journey. The Royal Scotsman is more than just a train ride; it’s a luxurious exploration of Scotland’s rich heritage and natural beauty.

Andean Explorer, Peru

The Andean Explorer by Belmond is a luxurious journey that takes passengers through the heart of the Peruvian Andes, offering one of the highest train routes in the world. Starting in the ancient city of Cusco, the train winds its way through the Andean plains, passing by stunning landscapes that include snow-capped mountains, high-altitude lakes, and remote villages. The interiors of the train reflect a blend of traditional Peruvian craftsmanship and modern luxury, with alpaca-wool furnishings, handcrafted tapestries, and large windows that offer panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. The train features a range of cabins, from cozy bunks to luxurious suites, each with en-suite bathrooms and climate control. Dining aboard the Andean Explorer is a highlight, with gourmet meals prepared using local ingredients, served in the train’s elegant dining car. The observation car, with its open-air deck, allows passengers to fully immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of the Andes. The Andean Explorer is a journey that combines adventure with luxury, offering an unparalleled way to experience the natural beauty and rich culture of Peru.

Palace on Wheels, India

The Palace on Wheels is a luxurious journey that offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of India’s former maharajas, taking passengers on a week-long tour through the culturally rich state of Rajasthan. The train’s interiors are a tribute to the royal heritage of the region, with each of the 14 coaches named after former princely states and decorated with traditional Rajasthani art and textiles. Passengers can choose between deluxe and super deluxe accommodations, each featuring en-suite bathrooms, climate control, and a private butler service. The train’s two dining cars, the Maharaja and Maharani, serve gourmet Indian and international cuisine, complemented by a fine selection of wines and spirits. The journey includes stops at some of India’s most iconic destinations, including the Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s Amber Fort, and the lakes of Udaipur. The train also offers guided excursions, allowing passengers to explore the historic forts, palaces, and temples along the route. The Palace on Wheels is more than just a train ride; it’s a regal journey through the history and culture of India.

The Ghan, Australia

The Ghan is a legendary train journey that offers a luxurious exploration of Australia’s vast Outback, traveling 1,850 miles from Darwin in the Northern Territory to Adelaide in South Australia. Named after the Afghan camel drivers who helped explore Australia’s interior, The Ghan provides an unparalleled way to experience the stark beauty and remote wilderness of the “Red Centre.” The train’s Platinum and Gold Service cabins offer a high level of comfort, with spacious accommodations, en-suite bathrooms, and large windows for viewing the dramatic landscapes. Dining aboard The Ghan is a gourmet experience, with meals featuring Australian delicacies such as saltwater barramundi and grilled kangaroo, accompanied by fine local wines. The journey includes several off-train excursions, such as a cruise through Katherine Gorge and a visit to the underground town of Coober Pedy. For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, optional upgrades include private helicopter tours over Uluru. The Ghan is more than just a train ride; it’s an epic adventure through the heart of Australia, combining luxury with the rugged beauty of the Outback.

Eastern & Oriental Express, Asia

The Eastern & Oriental Express offers a luxurious journey through some of Southeast Asia’s most enchanting landscapes, traveling between the vibrant cities of Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. The train’s interiors are inspired by the glamour of the 1930s, with cherrywood paneling, Thai silk, and Malaysian embroidery adorning the walls and furnishings. Each cabin is a private sanctuary, featuring en-suite bathrooms, plush bedding, and large windows that frame the lush rainforests, rolling hills, and ancient temples along the route. Dining aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express is a culinary journey in itself, with gourmet meals prepared by world-class chefs, served in the train’s elegant dining car. The train also features a bar car and an observation car, where passengers can relax and enjoy the passing scenery in style. Evening wear is required for dinner, adding a touch of old-world elegance to the experience. The Eastern & Oriental Express is more than just a train ride; it’s a journey into the heart of Southeast Asia, offering a unique blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty.

Glacier Express, Switzerland

The Glacier Express, often referred to as the “slowest express train in the world,” offers a luxurious journey through the stunning landscapes of the Swiss Alps, traveling between the resort towns of Zermatt and St. Moritz. The train’s leisurely pace allows passengers to fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery, including snow-capped peaks, verdant meadows, and picturesque villages. The Glacier Express is equipped with panoramic windows that provide unobstructed views of the surrounding landscapes, while the Excellence Class offers single window seats and white-glove dining service, ensuring an unparalleled level of comfort and luxury. The train passes through three mountain passes, crosses 291 bridges, and travels through 91 tunnels, with key sights including the Oberalp Pass, the Landwasser Viaduct, and the Rhine Gorge, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland. The Glacier Express is not just a train ride; it’s a journey through some of the most beautiful and dramatic landscapes in the world, offering a unique combination of luxury and natural beauty.

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

The Rocky Mountaineer offers a luxurious journey through the stunning landscapes of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, providing passengers with an unforgettable experience of one of the world’s most scenic train routes. The train’s GoldLeaf Service is the epitome of luxury, with bi-level dome cars that offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and rivers, as well as gourmet meals served in the lower-level dining car. The Rocky Mountaineer’s itineraries include several routes, with the most popular being the journey between Vancouver and Banff, which passes through some of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes, including the Fraser River Valley, the Spiral Tunnels, and the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies. The train also offers a range of off-train excursions, including guided tours of Banff National Park and the Athabasca Glacier, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty. The Rocky Mountaineer is more than just a train ride; it’s a luxurious and immersive journey through the heart of Canada’s wilderness.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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