From futuristic links across Arabia’s dunes to grand European sleepers, luxury trains are reclaiming the romance of rail – you can step aboard and watch the world unfold slowly, elegantly, and sustainably. These are rolling sanctuaries marrying adventure and low-impact luxury. Below, our Travel team highlights iconic and soon-to-launch journeys that offer style, comfort, culture, and climate-conscious thinking. We can prebook a berth and arrange every other detail before, during, and after your trip. Get in touch to start planning your railway experience.
Britannic Explorer, England and Wales
A nostalgic journey to countryside, castles, and coastlines
The first-ever luxury sleeper in England and Wales breathes old-school glamour into a whistle-stop tour from London to Cornwall, the Lake District, or Pembrokeshire and Eryi (Snowdonia). It’s rich in railway tradition but resolutely modern, humming with polished mahogany and period detailing. Days bring visits to castles, gardens, and galleries; evenings, seasonal cuisine and local wines. Running largely on clean energy and built from restored carriages, this is a refined way to rediscover British treasures without leaving a trace.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express, Italy
Brand-new routes from Rome
La Dolce Vita Orient Express marks the next chapter for European rail, with routes launching from Rome to Venice, Sicily, and beyond. Interiors nod to mid-century chic with marble-clad bathrooms and vintage panache, while the train’s design and operations are rooted in low-impact luxury. Menus champion regional produce from local farms and itineraries take in cultural hotspots and fascinating off-train excursions, including wine tastings in remote towns, as you indulge your senses with a lighter footprint.
Seven countries and centuries of history
This newly launched route aboard the Danube Express winds through seven countries – from Paris, past chateaux, rivers, Balkan hills, and Orthodox monasteries to the minarets of Istanbul. Restored cabins offer traditional charm with modern comfort, preserving the romance of overland travel, while onboard experiences include gala dinners and private concerts that showcase local flair. Curated excursions focus on heritage and culture, all delivered with sustainable awareness and offering a passage through centuries of shifting empires and history.
Cross shifting sands to ancient civilisations
Debuting in 2026, Saudi Arabia’s first luxury train will follow the ancient Hejaz route from Riyadh – past UNESCO-listed AlUla and its Hegra archaeological site – to Al Qurayyat. Expect views of rock-cut tombs, changing dunes, and medieval sites from this rolling boutique hotel that’s built with advanced green technologies and solar-powered infrastructure. Suites echo the region’s desert-toned palette and menus spotlight local cuisine, creating a pioneering model for sustainable travel in the Middle East.
Reviving the age-old trade route with a greener look
Having celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2024, Golden Eagle Luxury Trains is launching the Silk Road Express in 2026. The journey from Beijing links Xi’an to Tashkent via Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, with panoramic views of ancient cities from spacious en-suite cabins, while contributing to water conservation and preserving the region’s heritage. With sustainability at its core, the train will connect East and West and give a glimpse of history dating back to the 7th century.
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