Journey

3 trains to experience luxury with all 5 of your senses

These train journeys are as unforgettable as the destinations they stop at in Europe, the Andes and the United States. They are complete experiences, with world-class cuisine, live music and even spa carriages.

Por: Karla Sofía Espinoza
Travel through extraordinary landscapes in the United States, Europe and the Andes and experience luxury with all your senses / Photo Andean Explorer Belmond
Travel through extraordinary landscapes in the United States, Europe and the Andes and experience luxury with all your senses / Photo Andean Explorer Belmond

Travel through extraordinary landscapes in the United States, Europe and the Andes aboard carriages decorated with colors and textures that create a refined atmosphere reminiscent of early 20th century elegance.

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express decoration in the purest Art Deco style / Photos Belmond Hub
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express decoration in the purest Art Deco style / Photos Belmond Hub
Two more crossings: Paris - Tuscany and Paris - Portofino
Two more crossings: Paris - Tuscany and Paris - Portofino
L'Observatoire car redesigned by artist JR
L'Observatoire car redesigned by artist JR

The sumptuous interiors of the carriages, decorated in the purest Art Deco style, welcome travelers who want to lose their eyes in the seemingly endless mountain scenery. The train travels year-round through London, Paris, Venice, Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest. And in 2025, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will add two more crossings from Paris: one in May to Tuscany and another in June to Portofino.

 

In addition to the almost fairytale-like panoramas, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express cuisine is of the highest standard, with local and seasonal ingredients specially selected from the train’s destinations. The menu includes lobster from Bretagne, lamb from the marshes of Mont Saint Michel and, of course, the best wines. The train has three dining cars: Etoile du Nord, Cote d’Azur and L’Oriental. Travelers can also enjoy the bar car with baby grand pianos and a boutique.

 

One of the new attractions is the L’Observatoire carriage, redesigned by artist JR and features green leather upholstery, Art Nouveau-inspired inlays and stained glass details.

 

Prices for the crossings vary depending on the length of each itinerary, but to give you an idea, the Paris-Portofino and Paris-Tuscany are between $10,000 and $12,500.

2. Andean Explorer

Prices in the Andean Explorer start at $3,300 and go up to nearly $7,000 /Photo Andean Explorer Belmond
Prices in the Andean Explorer start at $3,300 and go up to nearly $7,000 /Photo Andean Explorer Belmond
Bar car with live music
Bar car with live music
Enjoy a cocktail at the bar car
Enjoy a cocktail at the bar car

Luxury also travels by rail in South America. The Andean Explorer is a train with a panoramic car that takes in the Peruvian countryside, including the La Raya mountain range and Lake Titicaca. Itineraries include stops in Cusco, Arequipa and Puno, where you can visit historical sites such as the Sumbay Caves with ancient paintings and the floating island of Puno.

 

The Andean Explorer has a pleasant surprise for its passengers: The Picaflor Spa Car with treatments such as a regenerating clay wrap with local flowers and coca leaves to harmonize body and mind.

 

And the food? To enjoy one of the best cuisines in the world, all you have to do is go to the Llama and Muña cars, decorated in toasted tones with details of handcrafted woodwork, leather and macramé screens. And to enjoy a cocktail or just to party, there is a bar car with live music.

 

Excursions range from 1 to 2 nights and prices start at $3,300 and go up to nearly $7,000.

3. Colebrookdale Railroad

Colebrookdale Railroad travels through the Secret Valley / Photos Colebrookdale Railroad web
Colebrookdale Railroad travels through the Secret Valley / Photos Colebrookdale Railroad web

The Colebrookdale Train is a wonderful experience in Pennsylvania, in Boyertown County. A much shorter experience than the previous ones, but that doesn’t detract from its charm. Tours range from 1 to 2 hours with excursions that include wine tasting, a locomotive cab ride, cake and tea snack rides, and even murder mystery dinner rides (just like in Agatha Christie novels).

 

The Colebrookdale Caravan consists of elegantly restored early 20th-century Edwardian-style carriages and locomotives. This convoy travels through the Secret Valley, where visitors can explore the same landscapes admired by the pioneers of the iron industry in 18th-century America and the remains of the first iron foundries.

 

Prices start at $75, depending on the experience.

Tour prices start at $75
Tour prices start at $75
Carriages restored in Edwardian-style
Carriages restored in Edwardian-style

If you found this article about premium train rides interesting, please share it. You can also check out the sophisticated spa options in our Wellness section. Check out other travel articles in Journey.

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