Best Luxury Train Journeys Around the World for Timeless Travel

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• the-rokeby-manor-india-elegance-through-the-himalayas
• rovos-rail-africa-from-savannah-to-cape
• the-ghan-australia-crossing-the-continent-in-style
• how-to-choose-the-best-luxury-train-journey-for-your-travel-style

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: European Romance Redefined

Ask any luxury traveler about the best luxury train journeys around the world, and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is likely their first answer. This iconic train, restored with 1920s art deco charm, runs routes like Paris to Venice or London to Verona. Each carriage is a rolling masterpiece, where polished wood, fine linens, and vintage lamps recall a bygone era of elegance.

One traveler, Elizabeth M., described her experience as “like living inside an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel—with better food.” Guests enjoy multi-course meals prepared by French chefs and drinks in a piano bar where formal attire is expected. It’s not just a ride—it’s a moving five-star hotel through the heart of Europe.

2. The Rokeby Manor, India: Elegance Through the Himalayas

2.1 A Royal Journey on the Maharajas’ Express

India’s Maharajas’ Express is the epitome of regal train travel. Routes such as “Heritage of India” or “The Indian Panorama” take passengers past majestic forts, vibrant markets, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, all from a suite that feels like a palace on rails. You’re greeted with flower garlands, enjoy private butler service, and dine in cars designed to mirror royal banquets.

2.2 Scenic Routes on the Kalka-Shimla Line

For a slower, more intimate luxury experience, try a curated ride through the Himalayan foothills. Companies now offer exclusive charters on the historic Kalka-Shimla route, complete with champagne breakfasts and storytelling guides who bring colonial-era India to life. This may not be the grandest train, but it’s rich in scenery and soul.

3. Rovos Rail, Africa: From Savannah to Cape

Rovos Rail is often called the most luxurious train in the Southern Hemisphere. Based in South Africa, its signature route from Pretoria to Cape Town offers a journey through goldfields, deserts, and wine country—all viewed from restored Edwardian carriages. Each suite comes with a full bathroom, and afternoon tea is a daily ritual.

What sets Rovos apart is the immersive off-train excursions: wildlife safaris in the Kruger, vineyard tours in the Cape Winelands, and historical walks in Kimberley. A couple from London who honeymooned on Rovos said, “It was like a luxury cruise—but across African land, with elephants replacing dolphins.”

4. The Ghan, Australia: Crossing the Continent in Style

4.1 A Legendary Outback Route

Named after the Afghan cameleers who once crossed Australia's Red Centre, The Ghan offers an unforgettable journey from Darwin to Adelaide. Over 2,900 kilometers of raw landscapes unfold—from tropical jungles to the arid Outback. Gold-class cabins come with ensuite bathrooms, gourmet meals, and panoramic windows.

4.2 Off-Train Adventures with Cultural Depth

What makes The Ghan especially memorable are the off-train experiences: cruise the Katherine Gorge, dine under the stars in Alice Springs, and meet Indigenous guides who share Dreamtime stories. It’s not just a luxury train ride—it’s a deep dive into the heart of Australia.

5. How to Choose the Best Luxury Train Journey for Your Travel Style

5.1 Adventure, Romance, or Cultural Immersion?

Each destination offers its own kind of magic. If you dream of timeless glamour, Europe’s Orient Express will steal your heart. If wildlife and open savannahs call to you, Africa’s Rovos Rail is unbeatable. For royal nostalgia, nothing compares to India’s Maharajas’ Express, and for frontier exploration, The Ghan offers rugged elegance.

5.2 Booking with Trusted Experts

Choosing from the best luxury train journeys around the world can feel overwhelming—but that’s where services like Refined Travel come in. They not only help secure exclusive cabins but also tailor excursions and pre/post-journey stays to match your preferences. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary or crossing an item off your bucket list, these journeys are as much about the experience as the destination.