Luxury Rail Tours
made for you

Scenic, luxury train journeys in Europe and around the world

South Africa

Ride the Rovos Rail between wildlife reserves

Scottish Highlands

See the rugged landscape of the Highlands aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman

Malaysia

Discover Malaysia’s rainforests on the Eastern & Oriental Express

Europe

Enjoy fine dining on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Discover the best vacations by rail on scenic train trips across Europe, Asia, Africa and beyond

The great train trips of the world are a pinnacle of luxury, adventure and stunning scenery, where the journey is as memorable as the destination. From the moment you slide into your comfortable seat or private cabin, the pressures of the world slip away and your vacation by rail begins.

Train trips in Europe marry timeless elegance with impeccable service and ornate dining, particularly onboard the Art-deco influenced Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and the Edwardian-style Belmond Royal Scotsman. On these sumptuous trains you can explore the classic London to Venice route, traversing Austria’s Alps before arriving in Paris, discover new routes including Tuscany, Istanbul and Amsterdam, or see the remote wilds of the Scottish Highlands. There’s also the dazzling, modern Glacier Express, an unforgettable journey through Switzerland’s Alps.

Your travel designer can help you plan day trips by train in India, scenic rail rides in Peru and train travel in South Africa that combines with your bespoke safari adventures (your rail journey can be just one part of an unforgettable trip). Our expert team can also help you decide the best time of year for your luxury train journey. Whether you’re looking for an autumn train trip in Japan, an incredible train journey across Australia or a rail journey through spring flowers in the Bernese Alps, let us craft a beautiful bespoke rail itinerary for you, where every detail is taken care of.

Highlights

Enjoy a stopover in Singapore before hopping aboard the Eastern and Oriental Express

Cross the famous Landwasser Viaduct on the Glacier Express in Switzerland

Head to the observation car or open-air veranda to take in Highlands scenery on the Belmond Royal Scotland

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Matterhorn and Zermatt from the Gornergrat Railway

Journey to Victoria Falls on the romantic Rovos Rail

David D’Arcy

Travel Designer

Travelling by rail is the ultimate opulent adventure, whether it’s on a lovingly restored vintage British Pullman or a renewable-energy powered Swiss express train. The joy of a train vacation – a multi-week cross continent adventure in Africa or Europe, or an unforgettable few hours taking in spectacular Alps or Highland views – is sitting back and experiencing the world differently, and I’d always recommend toasting the views with a glass of champagne.

David D'Arcy

Travel Designer

Our favourite routes

There are many incredible luxury train journeys. Here are some of our favourite routes, handpicked by our travel designers:

Singapore

The Belmond Eastern and Oriental Express

Winding its way gracefully through Southeast Asia, the Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express, sister train to the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, evokes a bygone era of exquisite style and first-class locomotive comfort.

Luxury train journeys in Peru

Belmond Andean Explorer

Belmond’s Andean Explorer travels between Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa along one of the world’s highest train routes in unmatched style and comfort. En-suite cabins accommodate up to 48 passengers, with double, twin and bunk bed configurations. Interiors are inspired by Peru’s traditional hand-woven fabrics and the soft tones of alpaca wool. The lounge car features a baby grand piano and is the perfect place for guests to come together and enjoy a drink from the bar. There are two dining cars serving contemporary cuisine using seasonal, local produce from the Peruvian Andes, and masterminded by the team at the Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Cusco. There is also an observation car from which to enjoy the breathtaking scenery while sipping on a Pisco sour.

Luxury Rail Travel Australia

The Ghan is named after the cameleers who used to travel into Australia’s Red Centre over 150 years ago. The 30-carriage train is bursting with old-world charm.

Paris

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Step onboard this legendary train and travel back to the golden age of the 20s and 30s, for a journey that combines adventure and style. Crisscrossing Europe, you’ll roll through sublime scenery to some of the continent’s most alluring cities, such as Paris, Venice, Budapest, Amsterdam, Brussels and the Alps.

Luxury British Train Journeys

Belmond Royal Scotsman

Head into the heart of Scotland on this exclusive train that takes a maximum of 40 guests to discover the spectacular Highlands scenery that goes unseen by most. The Belmond Royal Scotsman is considered one of the most luxurious trains in the world and from the minute you step on board you will feel like royalty. Whether you’re in a twin, double or single cabin, each has been designed with decadence in every detail, from the hypoallergenic duvet, quilted cotton bed covers, refined wooden finishes and private en-suite bathrooms. Head to the Observation Car to sink into an inviting armchair or sofa and chat with your fellow travellers, or to really take in the stunning Highlands scenery step out onto the open-air veranda as you travel past glassy lochs, castles and majestic mountain ranges. Meals on the Belmond Royal Scotsman are as memorable as the landscapes you are travelling through. Served in mahogany-pannelled dining cars, you can relish hearty Highland breakfasts, seasonal lunches and in the evening enjoy gourmet dining with fresh local ingredients accompanied by fine wines. After dinner, unwind with a scotch malt whisky as a local Highlander shares tales of life in Scotland through the centuries, or simply retire to your cabin for a peaceful sleep as the train settles into a siding for the night.

Luxury Rail Travel

Travel through South Africa’s epic landscapes in the romantic refinement of the Edwardian era and five-star luxury of today. You cannot see such breath-taking terrains in as much high comfort and style as Rovos Rail travel. Now with a fleet of four trains restored to their 1920s and 1930s glamour, with mahogany panelling, white-cloth-and-crystal dining cars, silver service, observatory cars, and sumptuous lounges and elegant suites. There are several weekly to annual journeys across South Africa (some to Namibia and Zambia) from which to choose: The weekly route between Pretoria and Cape Town sees you journey over 1,600 kilometres of scenic wonders. This journey takes 55-hours as you travel slowly and make stops and off-train excursions in Kimberley and Matjiesfontein. There is the iconic 4 day journey between Pretoria and Victoria Falls, one of ten Wonders of The Natural World. Journeying between Pretoria and Durban, with game drives in the Nambiti Conservancy and Spionkop Nature Reserve and an excursion to Ardmore Ceramics near Pietermaritzburg. The Golf Safari Train calls at some of South Africa’s most beautiful golf courses in between game viewing and sightseeing. For some really extraordinary African locomotive adventures there are annual and tri-annual journeys from Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania) for fourteen days (6100km) with off-train excursions along the way. There’s also the annual 3400km journey to Swakopmund in Namibia in May for nine days.

Why book with Jacada?

Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

Responsible travel

Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

Trip inspiration

Get inspired with our luxury train example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

11 Day trip

A Journey through Scotland by Land and Rail

An indulgent experience of Scotland with a trip aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman

10 Day trip

A Luxury Train Journey Through Malaysia & Indonesian Island Escape

Tour the highlights of Malaysia on a luxury Belmond train journey before relaxing on a private island resort in Indonesia.

12 Day trip

A Luxury Train Journey Through Switzerland

Experience Gstaad, Zermatt, Andermatt, St. Moritz and Ticino by rail

10 Day trip

North to South: Australia by Luxury Rail

Discover the wilds of Bamurru Plains, travel the outback aboard The Ghan and relax in the lush Barossa Valley wine region

15 Day trip

A Luxury Rail Journey Through Africa

South African cities, wineries, an amazing safari and luxury train ride to the mighty Victoria Falls

13 Day trip

Peru Highlands Explorer

A privately guided tour of Peru's cultural highlights, ancient civilisations and Andean highlands

Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your luxury vacation by rail, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Where to go

Australia

Perhaps our favourite way to traverse Australia’s epic landmass is on a luxury Australian train. Let the never-ending outback hurtle by as you recline in comfort, tasting some of the best Australian wine and cuisine.

Malaysia

The luxury Eastern & Oriental Express explores various Malaysian itineraries from Singapore, including to Taman Negara National Park, one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world.

Scotland

The Scottish Highlands are an incredible backdrop to your rail journey and you can stop off at remote stations for excursions and activities to fully experience the region’s distinct culture and wild landscape.

South Africa

South Africa is the setting for a journey of a lifetime. Spend time in Cape Town and Durban before discovering a staggeringly diverse landscape of surf beaches, winelands, waterfalls and game reserves.

Switzerland

The Swiss Alps are renowned for jaw droppingly beautiful scenery and dramatic vistas – and the railways that snake through its snowy high mountain passes.

Peru

Travel through the Peruvian Andes on winding rail tracks onboard a luxury train. On your route you will witness incredible high altitude scenery and get the opportunity to visit culture-rich towns, glistening lakes and of course, jaw-dropping Incan ruins.

Italy

Italian train travel is utterly luxurious, and gives you the chance to soak up culture and a hugely varied array of special landscapes. Enter bustling cities cocooned in your carriage before gazing at rolling hills in Tuscany and the misty snowcapped mountains of the Dolomites.

When to visit

Vacations by rail are often dependent on the season in the country or region you’re travelling in and some luxury train journeys don’t operate year round. Your travel designer will help you plan the best time of year for your train trip, which might depend on whether you’d like to enjoy activities and excursions along the way.

Sightseeing in Switzerland

Year round

Hiking in Malaysia's highlands

December–April

Scottish Highlands rail trip

March–October

Safari in South Africa

May–October

The Top 17 Luxury Train Rides Around the World

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Vacations by rail Travel Guides

The Top 17 Luxury Train Rides Around the World

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Luxury Train Travel in Switzerland

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Locomotive luxury: how train travel transformed into an art form

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The Top 17 Luxury Train Rides Around the World

Read more

Luxury Train Travel in Switzerland

Read more

Locomotive luxury: how train travel transformed into an art form

Read more

Plan your Luxury rail tour

Whatever you want from your luxury train trip, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

“Unforgettable honeymoon!‌”

Our trip to South Africa and Zambia was unlike anything we’ve ever done before—absolutely unforgettable. We were spoiled every step of the way, from luxurious lodges to thrilling game drives and stunning landscapes. Every detail was perfectly planned, and we felt completely taken care of throughout. Jamey and Betty, were phenomenal, always available, thoughtful, and on top of everything. We…

Published 07th June 2025 on Trustpilot

Andrea Torres

“Best experience ever‌”

From the time we landed at the airport, to the point where we were leaving. There was always someone with us to take care of us. That's very comforting. Through out the whole trip, there were a lot of personal touches and little surprises that enhanced the whole experience. The friendly guides, and the sweet people we met everywhere we…

Published 20th May 2025 on Trustpilot

David Lien

“Our trip was perfect‌”

Our trip was perfect. All of our drivers and guides were there as expected and very pleasant, helpful and knowledgeable. Our accommodations were great and in great locations. As always, Jacada made our trip wonderful!

Published 20th May 2025 on Trustpilot

Kf

“Adventurous, carefree and luxury travel - as a family!‌”

What a fabulous trip to Morocco! We enjoyed every moment as we moved from adventure to luxury - and with the ease of every detail being covered. As a family travelling with our 2 adult daughters, we loved the cultural submersion and knowledge of our guides as much as the carefully selected and stunning accommodations. It was reassuring to know…

Published 09th May 2025 on Trustpilot

Mary Mcdougall

“Planned the Perfect Honeymoon‌”

This was our first experience with a luxury travel service and we were not disappointed. Jacada ensured that our Honeymoon to Argentina was unforgettable. They worked with us within our budget to craft the trip we wanted - a perfect blend of luxury and adventure. The logistics, lodging, guides, activities, and recommendations were all top tier, and their trip planners…

Published 02nd May 2025 on Trustpilot

Perry Hicks

Plan with peace of mind

When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.

If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.

Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline