We are open tomorrow from 9:00 am. Call 020 7590 0610
Rocky Mountaineer

The world’s best journeys by rail

Luxury and adventure, on and off the beaten track

Article content

13 February 2023 by Norire Arakelyan

Having travelled the tracks, tasted the meals and relaxed in the private cabins, our rail experts have put together the following collection of the world’s greatest train journeys. Of course, there’s more than a touch of luxury. And, spanning five continents, there’s everything from Andean peaks to Australia’s outback.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Even the mere mention of its name conjures images of decadence, old-word charm and the thrill of exploration. With a heritage dating back to the late 19th century, the Orient Express introduced a sense of luxury when travel was still seen as a difficult, if not dangerous, affair. And, it’s a mantle taken up today by Belmond, the people behind many of the world’s most iconic hotels and trains. Think the Royal Scotsman and Reid’s Palace on Madeira. As such, each of the train’s carriages has been restored to their former glory, with glittering crystalware, dark-wood panelling and even mosaicked lavatories among a long list of intricate details.

It all contributes to a truly immersive Art-Deco aesthetic that plays out everywhere from the private berths to the bar car and the magnificent restaurant carriages. Here, you’ll be treated to only the finest of dining, with onboard chefs drawing inspiration – and ingredients – from the train’s route. There’s Brittany lobster, just-picked tomatoes from Provence and saltmarsh lamb from Mont St Michel. Then, after your multi-course dinner, retire to sip on cocktails and champagne as you relax to the twinkling of the baby grand. The routes, too, are just as impressive. While the train can take you as far afield as Vienna, Prague and Budapest, the journey to Venice remains the perennial favourite, passing through rural France and over the majestic Alps. 


The Rocky Mountaineer

While the Orient Express is as much about its prestigious train as it is its route, the Rocky Mountaineer puts its spectacular backdrop first. Departing from Vancouver, it plunges inland, tracing rushing rivers, skirting giant lakes and leaping over cragged canyons to plunge deep into the mighty Canadian Rockies. It’s all showcased by panoramic dome windows and scenic slowdowns brought to life by stories and information from your onboardhosts. This is also the only non-sleeper option on our route, which does have the benefit of added time to stop and explore. Highlights include two of Canada’s national-park greats – Banff and Jasper. Here, you’ll be treated to everything from cascading waterfalls and colossal glaciers to a helicopter flight over the Rockies themselves.

However, it’s not to say that your journey isn’t without a touch of style. You’ll be treated to gourmet meals packed full of fresher-than-fresh ingredients, along with complimentary snacks and alcoholic drinks served throughout. For the best experience, opt for the GoldLeaf Service. Split-level carriages make the most of the views and separate dining adds to the occasion.  


Rovos Rail

If you’re looking for the ultimate in African rail travel, Rovos Rail is the continent's most luxurious train. The Edwardian dining cars feature button-leather seats, the lounge car hosts wingback chairs and the berths are immaculate in dark-wood elegance, complete with tiled en suites and a mini-bar stocked with beverages of your choosing. The Royal Suites are particularly extravagant, taking up half a carriage each and home to roll-top baths and a private lounge packed full of period furnishings. Of course, you can also expect only the finest in regional dining, paired, of course, with the best South African wines. In terms of routes, Rovos Rail slows things down, taking three nights to wind between Cape Town and Pretoria. You’ll therefore have more time both on the train and on excursions. For something extra special, there are journeys up to Victoria Falls, Namibia and even Tanzania.

Rovos Rail, South Africa

The Andean Explorer

Ushering in a new standard of rail travel, the Andean Explorer is the latest offering from industry darlings Belmond. Indeed, it’s even South America’s first and only luxury sleeper train. It winds along one of the world’s highest set of tracks, bringing its 48 privileged passengers on a journey into the Andes, sweeping along valley floors and up into armoured peaks. The journey is as much about the off-train excursions as the on-board indulgences. Expect to take in everything from the Incan treasures of Cusco and the floating reed villages of Lake Titicaca to the condor-dotted spectacle of Colca Canyon and the bright-white colonialism of Arequipa.

Then, at day’s end, you’ll return to the contemporary elegance of the Andean Explorer. You’ll watch rural Peru sweep by from the observation car, get lost in a good book in the library and pair cocktails with live piano music in the bar before retiring to the cosy cabins, many of which even feature double beds. It’s all dressed impeccably, with colourful Peruvian accents picked out against soft Alpaca tones. Then there’s the dining. Served up in a pair of beautiful restaurant carriages, multi-course extravaganzas showcase the best in local flavours.


The Ghan

Australia is big. From arid desert to lush rainforest, its dramatic topography measures into the millions of square miles. So, it makes sense to let the train take the strain, travelling with The Ghan into regions that are otherwise inaccessible. Following roughly the north-south route originally mapped by the early pioneers, you’ll link the tropical outlook and pretty beaches of Darwin with the charm of Adelaide – the ‘City of Churches’. In between are miles upon endless miles of ochre outback, punctuated by stops at outpost towns, mysterious mines and aboriginal treasures. You’ll even enjoy atmospheric barbecues at remote cattle stations and visits to eerie underground towns.

It’s all contrasted with a palpable sense of luxury back on board. Private cabins feature the likes of crisp sheets and curated bathroom amenities, while the all-inclusive indulgences extend from the saltwater barramundi and into the bar where you’ll enjoy a selection of boutique beers and Australia’s finest wines. Indeed, there’s no fewer than three five-course meals a day. Lastly, there’s the chance to upgrade to Platinum service, where spacious berths come with ottoman seating by day and plush double beds by night. 


Related offers

Venice, Italy

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Venice to London

4-day tailor-made holiday from £4,965 pp incl. flights

Exclusive
offer

Exclusive 2025 departure savings – Save up to £465pp
Book by: 30 November 2024

After a stay in a canal-side palace, reached by private water taxi, indulge with bar-car drinks and fine dining as you sweep across the snow-dusted Alps and through the heart of western Europe.

Seton Lake (Credit: Rocky Mountaineer)

Rocky Mountaineer: Canadian Rockies Highlights

10-day luxury rail journey from £3,200 pp incl. flights

Sweep through the Canadian Rockies on a truly legendary rail journey, stopping off for tour, gondola rides and guided tours of Banff and Lake Louise.

Belmond Andean Explorer

Luxury Peru by Rail with Belmond

13-day tailor-made rail journey from £10,185 pp incl. flights

With luxurious accommodation, exclusive tours and a trip aboard the continent’s most luxurious train, this itinerary showcases the very best of Peru, from its Incan treasures to its spectacular natural world.

Selati Camp, Sabi Sand

Cape to Kruger by Rovos Rail

14-day tailor-made rail holiday from £8,850 pp incl. flights

Travel in sheer opulence aboard Africa's most luxurious train as you swap Cape Town’s beach-framed urban sophistication for a Big-Five safari on an all-inclusive private reserve.

The Ghan

The Ghan Expedition: Wilderness to Wines

14-day tailor-made luxury rail journey from £8,360 pp incl. flights

Either side of this all-inclusive rail journey through the Outback, you’ll sample the wines of the Barossa Valley and enjoy a luxury safari in the wilds of Australia's Top End.

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0610 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ATOL & ABTOT protected