Trains are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and legendary transports; nowadays they have become one of the most luxurious, exclusive and unique ways to travel. Meeting the most enchanting places on Earth is even more special aboard a luxury train, where you can enjoy exquisite amenities, traditional food, tourism guides and many other activities.
With routes that go across the most fascinating places on the planet, here we’ll tell you about the 7 most luxurious trains in the world, which give a unique and unforgettable tourist experience.
Hiram Bingham
More than a train, it is a true railway gem, with an original design inspired in the twenties decade and first-class Pullman wagons. The Hiram Bingham train is undoubtedly the best way to travel the beautiful and mystical region of the Peruvian Andes.
This majestic train gives a warm and nostalgic atmosphere while you tour the unparalleled landscapes of the Inca area. The Hiram Bingham owes its name to the explorer who rediscovered the citadel of Machu Picchu. The train departs from Monday to Saturday of Cusco up to Machu Picchu, touring the so-called Sacred Valley.
One of its main attractions is its observatory wagon, where the true Peruvian tradition can be lived up close. Equipped with large and comfortable armchairs, it allows to watch the wonderful Andean landscapes while enjoying typical recipes and traditional live music.
The Hiram Bingham trip includes the entrance to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, an afternoon at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge and a tour guide for groups of up to 14 people.
Belmond Grand Hibernian
With a total cost of 2.5 million euros, the Belmond Grand Hibernian train is one of the most luxurious and majestic in the world. Its route focuses on Ireland’s most charming sites, focusing on Dublin as a starting point and with tours to Emerald Isle, Galway, Waterford Viking Harbor and Cliffs of Moher among many other beautiful sites in the country.
With a River Dodder locomotive, considered to be one of the most classic and luxurious, this train makes a tour that gives landscapes that emphasize castles like Ashford or Blamey. Deemed as the best way to explore Ireland and a must for anyone who wants to deeply get to know the region, the Belmond Grand Hibernian is a fleshpot for lovers of premium tourist experiences.
The trip, lasting up to 7 days, includes tickets to attractions, all meals, breakfasts and welcome dinners in every stop, as well as some traditional activities on board.
Andean Explorer
Created to offer a maximum experience of luxury and a magical connection with nature, the Andean Explorer is an exclusive train that combines the best in premium tourism with a classic railroad.
The Andean Explorer route begins in the mystical and historic city of Cusco in Peru, descending towards Puno and bordering the famous Lake Titicaca. During the first half of the trip you can admire the impressive Andes mountain range, while in the second part you will visit picturesque and traditional provinces, always with the latest in luxury amenities and a personal guide.
This train has been a winner of the Tripadvisor 2015 Certificate of Excellence and the World Travel Awards in the category of Best Luxury Train in South America. The trip lasts 10 hours and includes meals on board and a welcome lunch.
Eastern and Oriental Express
The Eastern and Oriental Express train is the most beautiful way to tour one of the most fascinating and beautiful regions: Southeast Asia. It is possible to enjoy luxury comforts while experiencing paradisiacal landscapes, rural provinces and small villas that give an experience that borders on the surreal.
With classic old European style wagons, this train offers gourmet cuisine, personal guided walks and welcome breakfasts at each stop. Imagine waking up to a cozy and comfortable suite whose window offers a panoramic view of Bangkok or the beautiful Penang in Malaysia.
Colors, flavors, smells and sightings; that seem to have been discovered by an explorer, are part of the experience the Eastern and Oriental Express offers, as well as impeccable luxury and hospitality.
Trans-Siberian Train
As its name says, the Trans-Siberian train crosses the route that connects European Russia with the beautiful provinces of the Russian Far East. Among the major stops on this majestic train are Mongolia, China and North Korea.
Its main route was inaugurated in 1904, turning this train into a traditional transport of luxury to acknowledge the region while enjoying unique comforts and impressive landscapes. Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Omsk and Vladivostok are some of the most beautiful and important cities that are visited during the trip aboard this train.
The Trans-Siberian Railway, also called “The Tsar’s Gold”, mostly runs through what used to be the Tsarist Russia, a zone that crosses eight different time zones. These hidden sites give away experiences and unimaginable views that admired from this majestic train are even more imposing.
Transcantabrico Train
Without a doubt the best way to discover the wonderful Iberian culture. The Transcantabrico train traverses the northwest of Spain offering an experience of maximum luxury. With colonial style coaches and an elegant chic touch that evokes the Bella Epoca, this train passes through enigmatic and joyful cities such as Santiago de Compostela, Ribadeo. Oviedo, Bilbao and León.
Its first route was inaugurated 28 years ago and soon it became a ritual-tour for tourists who seek to know the region in a different sybarite way. Thus, at each stop it is possible to enjoy gourmet meals, with traditional food from the region, and then visit some sites of interest.
El Chepe
Perhaps the most luxurious train in Mexico and with a perfectly traced route to meet the enigmatic Copper Canyon, El Chepe offers a unique experience of elegance and luxury combined with hidden and even inhospitable landscapes.
On board, it is possible to taste exquisite food, typical of the north part of the country, while enjoying the panoramic views of Chihuahua and Sonora. 10 hours are enough to completely fall in love with this area surrounded by mountains that shelters in its corners fascinating secrets such as the ancient Tarahumara culture; a unique form of art that resulted from activities such as mining; and landscapes that only this train can give to its passengers.
Each one with different routes and characteristics, these trains undoubtedly offer a different perspective of luxury and the connection with the most beautiful places in the world. Touring on a beautiful destination is even more fascinating aboard a train that shelters a tradition for the adventure-loving travelers.