Travelling to far flung destinations and enjoying the sights isn’t all about boarding a plane and flying from one destination to another. Train travel is a popular mode of transport in many countries and getting about by train provides the perfect opportunity to see more of the area you’ve immersed yourself in.
When it comes to luxury travel experiences, luxury train holidays are something you should seriously consider experiencing for yourself. This article will highlight just a few options.
#1 – Japan’s World-Famous Bullet Trains
Japan’s infamous bullet train, known locally as the Shinkansen, is one of the fastest trains in the world, reaching incredible speeds of up to 320 km/h. That’s similar to the speed of a Formula One car. There are a number of bullet trains travelling a variety of routes throughout Japan but one of the most common routes is between Tokyo and Nagoya, where the bullet train gets you there in just 2 hours.
After enjoying the thrills of your first ride aboard a bullet train, you can switch trains in Nagoya and board the Wide View Hida and follow a scenic and picturesque route to the town of Takayama. The Wide View Hida train is famous for having huge windows that make it very easy to drink in the view of the countryside along your journey.
The train follows the majestic Miyagawa River right into the heart of the Japanese Alps. Watch Japan’s unique and stunning countryside unfold before your very eyes as you travel the Nagoya/Takayama route on the Wide View Hida.
#2 – Rovos Rail In South Africa
South Africa, like many parts of the African continent, is a land of diversity and the best way to take in the sights is by train aboard the Rovos Rail. Starting off in Cape Town, you can venture on a scenic journey that sees you spending 3 nights aboard the Rovos Rail as you travel through the Cape Winelands, Highveld’s grasslands and the desolate Great Karoo region, before eventually disembarking in Pretoria.
Places you’ll stop off and visit along your journey are Matjiesfontein, a preserved Victorian village, and Kimberley’s famed Diamond Mine Museum.
You’ll also be travelling in luxury and style, as the Rovos Rail carriages are world-class standard and ideal for couples. The train carries a maximum of only 72 passengers with 36 luxuriously-appointed suites.
The journey mentioned above is just one of a number of routes Rovos Rail travels and you can even venture into other parts of the continent via this luxury rail operator.
#3 – Discover Inca Territory In Peru Aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer
The Belmond Andean Explorer is a luxury train that also has large windows to make viewing the passing scenery a breeze. You’ll also have ample opportunity to capture some stunning photos as you travel through ancient Inca territory in Peru.
Travel through the grassy Andean plains to Lake Titicaca, where you can explore the lake’s tiny islands and their local culture. The Belmond Andean Explorer will then take you to the ancient Peruvian capital of Cusco. This city also acts as the gateway to the magnificent and fabled Sacred Valley. Here you can visit ancient Inca fortresses like Ollantaytambo and Sacsayhuaman. There are also historic towns and villages to explore, such as Chinchero and Huilloc. The Sacred Valley is also home to the world-famous Machu Picchu and you can embark on a guided tour to this mystical citadel in the sky.
Travelling around Peru, sightseeing and learning about its colourful history and culture, is best done on board a luxury train like the Belmond Andean Explorer.
#4 – India’s Maharajas’ Express Train
The Maharajas’ Express train travels various routes throughout India and is considered to be one of the world’s most luxurious trains. One reason for this is that every car on this train comes with its own private butler. For those who can afford it, you can even book the train’s Presidential Suite for your luxury train travel on the subcontinent.
To discover more of what India has to offer and learn about its heritage, there is a tour called the “Heritage of India” tour that is very popular with tourists. Your 8 day journey will take you through India’s unique countryside as you travel to cities such as Mumbai, Jaipur and Delhi, among others.
Explore India in absolute style and decadence aboard the country’s most luxurious and well-appointed train.
The Takeaway
Luxury train travel is one of the very best ways to explore any region of the world. It allows you to fully appreciate the views as you travel from one destination to the next and you get to do it in style and total comfort. Many tourists are often unaware of the advantages and benefits train travel provides when discovering new and wondrous lands. It’s the best way to explore.
Author Bio: Rhodri Andrews
Rhodri Andrews is the Head of Content at SevenTravel, a luxury travel company based in Mayfair, London, that specialises in once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Through his natural curiosity and passion for travel, he also brings SevenTravel’s one-of-a-kind experiences to life, from trekking through the Patagonian wilderness to exploring Morocco’s souks and medinas.
