Vintage trains have become the new luxury in the modern world. If you are a person who loves train rides, here are some luxurious options for you.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The most legitimate luxury train in the world is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE). The train’s classic Art Deco carriages from the 1920s, glittering in their navy and gold color and pure white roof, steal your breath away. They were made famous in the Agatha Christie narrative. Moreover, the yearly flights between Paris and Istanbul are famous and ideal for celebratory occasions.
Because of the train’s vibe, people frequently use images of trains to convey romance, elegance, and other desirable qualities. The VSOE has a maximum capacity of 108 passengers. However, on special trips, that number drops to about 100 people.
Suites, which are completely novel for 2023, have an ensuite bathroom with a shower. A small living area and either a double bed or two twin beds are can be chosen according to the passenger’s preference.
During the day, beds will be transformed into a banquette seating area. Kimonos, slippers, and other bathroom amenities are included in the suites.
Despite being expensive, Grand Suites offers greatly increased comfort.
Six Grand Suites, each measuring around 115 square feet, are available on the train. Grand Suites contain a separate living space with a table, chair, and sofa. There is also a double bed that may be divided into two twin beds. A separate bathroom with a shower, basin, and toilet is also available.
“Paris,” “Venice,” “Istanbul,” “Prague,” “Vienna,” and “Budapest” are the names of the Grand Suites. Each is decorated differently to highlight the special features of each place.
Dining
There are three exquisite dining cars: “Étoile du Nord,” which is mostly covered in marquetry; “L’Oriental,” which has Chinese lacquered walls decorated with vibrant animals; and “Côte d’Azur,” which has Lalique crystal inlays.
The dining cars are exceptionally well managed. To begin with, a maitre d’ stops by to reserve your table before meals during the day. You can arrange dining for two or four at your favorite sitting time.
Golden Eagle: Moscow to Vladivostok
Hardcore travelers claim that unless you have taken a trip on the Trans-Siberian Express, with its daunting route that crosses an astounding eight time zones, you haven’t truly experienced train travel. The Golden Eagle is a deluxe version of the Trans-Siberian that provides considerably more than other trains can, including en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning in the summer and complete heating in the winter, laundry services, TVs, a resident pianist, and an English-speaking doctor.
Throughout the route, there are stops made for a variety of daily activities. This two-week journey seems more like a cruise than it does traveling by train, so it seems more like a cruise. Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, is a stop on the train. A steam locomotive from the Soviet era is then used to pull a boat along the eastern shore of Lake Baikal while it travels on its way. Five-star hotels are offered in Moscow and Vladivostok to assist travelers in acclimatizing to luxury. Silver Class ticket for this train costs From US$15,895 per person.
The Ghan
The Ghan will take you across all of Australia. It is undoubtedly one of the world’s longest trains. Because it has 44 cars and covers a distance of 1750 miles in one trip. Moreover, you can enjoy a classic Australian breakfast of eggs and barramundi. As the Red Center transforms from red deserts to mountain ranges, be in awe of its many hues. Are you curious about the name of this train?
The first camels and their handlers were brought to Australia from Afghanistan some 150 years ago. Also, as the Australian Trains website notes, “In true Australian style, we shortened their name to ‘Ghan’.” The Ghan train takes its name from those early explorers. And its logo of an Afghan on a camel honors their contributions to opening up Australia’s harsh inland to the rest of the country.
Rovos Rail Pride of Africa
Pride of Africa by Rovos Rail provides a level of vintage elegance and grandeur that was unmatched since the 1920s. The carriages have undergone a laborious reconstruction that includes excellent teak woodwork, traditional furniture, and historical décor. It is regarded as a favorite train by many seasoned IRT Society passengers. The train is praised for its outstanding meals and incredible South African wine list. Also, the welcoming onboard service in addition to its old-world charm is nothing but fascinating. Simply put, every aspect of the experience continually lives up to high standards of luxury.
There are three different sorts of accommodations, which are some of the biggest in the business. There is a maximum capacity of 72 people on the train. A writing area, a personal safe for valuables, and USB connections for gadget charging are available in every cabin. Moreover, the en-suite bathrooms blend vintage fixtures with cutting-edge amenities like hot showers, hair dryers, and shaver outlets.
There are several windows in every cabin, which are great for taking in the African landscape. The Pullman Gold Suites are the most “Spartan” at 76 square feet. However, improvements in 2020 have greatly improved the comfort of these cabins. During the day, split twin beds can be used as couch seating. These include a writing desk that folds up and a full restroom.
Dining
There will be one or two dining carriages, each with 42 seats at tables of two and four, depending on the total number of passengers. The meals served in the dining carriages from the Victorian era are consistently exquisite. The tour fee includes all onboard meals and beverages. This trip is for you if enjoying good cuisine, wine, and service while on vacation is one of your top priorities. At the time of supper on the train, males are supposed to wear jackets and ties while women are expected to wear elegant attire.
Traditional foods like Games which are cooked with fresh local ingredients are usually offered on the menu. The diner serves a made-to-order breakfast each morning.
The Rocky Mountaineer: Banff to Vancouver
One of the five-star train journeys in North America is offered by the Rocky Mountaineer’s Gold Leaf Service. There are many ways to go to the Rockies. But the traditional Banff to Vancouver journey still holds people’s attention. The major rail extension westward that unified Canada in the late 1880s included this as its hard last leg.
While most visitors favor the summer, September to mid-October may be the most romantic time of year to travel. because the leaves begin to turn a vibrant mix of reds, oranges, and yellows and because fresh snow is starting to accumulate on the mountaintops. In order to enhance the romance, couples might turn their seats around so they are facing one another the entire time. Each passenger must pay $1,309 to take this train.
Maharajas’ Express: India
There are a few explanations for why this train is constantly listed as one of the most opulent rail holidays available. A butler is assigned to each car on a Maharajas Express train.
Moreover, for those who want to indulge, there is an amazing presidential suite. There are many ways to get to places you want to see, but the Heritage of India tour is one of the most popular packages. As part of the tour, you will visit Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra, and Delhi.