Luxury Train Rides & Holidays
Mesmerising adventures along the beaten track
“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”
We’ve all heard this, haven’t we? And with these captivating luxury train journeys, we’ll show you the joy to be found travelling across the world by rail. As luxury travel experts, we’re here to help you design your perfect luxury train journey, whether you want to admire Mount Fuji from Japan’s Shinkansen Bullet Train (we know just the seat) or explore the wild Scottish Highlands aboard Belmond’s Royal Scotsman.
An afternoon, a night, or longer. Whatever your wishes, we’ll make it happen.
Our favourite luxury overnight train rides
With comfortable cabins, ensuite bathrooms, and breathtaking views, these are some of the world’s most luxurious trains.
Venice Simplon Orient Express
With 17 beautifully restored historic cars, the Orient Express is an ode to the golden age of travel and 1920s glamor. Reimagined by architect Maxime d’Angeac, this luxury overnight train ride follows the iconic route, taking you from the enchanting boulevards of Paris to the bustling bazaars of Istanbul. Along the way, you’ll dine in grand luxury in the restaurant car while listening to the soothing notes of the bar’s cocktail piano before returning to your private suite. If we had to pick, we’d opt for the Presidential Suite. Occupying an entire train carriage, here you’ll relax in spaces decorated with Art Deco touches and marble features with your own lounge, bedroom, bathroom, Cabinet de l’Égoïste, and secondary luxury sleeping car.
Maharajas’ Express
Centred around the royal state of Rajasthan, the Maharajas’ Express is the leading luxury train in India and runs on four different routes across the country, stopping off at iconic destinations such as Delhi, the “blue city” of Jodhpur, and the home of the Bengal tiger: Ranthambore. Named after precious gemstones, each cabin and suite features ensuite bathrooms and lavish designs with each carriage boasting attentive personal butlers. As you watch the sun set over tropical forests and white marble Mughal domes, you’ll dine on gourmet Indian cuisine in the “Palace of Colours”, one of the Maharajas’ Express’ fine dining spaces decorated with a hand-painted fresco ceiling.
The Blue Train
Unsurprisingly, The Blue Train is blue. Bold and bright, it’s hard to miss – for more than one reason. Between Cape Town and Pretoria, South Africa’s luxury Blue Train lets you witness an everchanging view of mountains, flatlands, and sprawling metropolises. By day, your private suite is an elegant lounge with soft, comfy chairs and large windows offering breathtaking views. By night, you’ll find it transformed into the perfect place to rest your head with a double bed and the gentle lulling sensation of being rocked to sleep. A personal butler will deliver world class service, a top-class chef will serve you a gourmet feast. On this luxury train ride through South Africa, you’ll be treated like royalty (yes, kings and presidents have also taken this route).
Andean Explorer
South America’s first luxury train (and the world’s highest rail route), Belmond’s Andean Explorer offers a breathtaking journey through the diverse natural landscapes of Peru. As you voyage beside tranquil Lake Titicaca and between Andean peaks and plains, you’ll sip on cocktails in the Piano Bar, watch the sunset (and sunrise) in the open-air Observatory, dine on cutting-edge Andean cuisine, and indulge with a regenerating spa treatment in the unique Picaflor Spa Car. Now, for your room. Decorated with hand-woven fabrics and soft, Alpaca-like materials, each cabin radiates Peruvian style and ultimate comfort. Even at 4,000 feet.
The best luxury train rides for a day trip
If you wish to experience a luxury train ride simply for the day, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few of our favourite train journeys on the world’s most luxurious trains that can be included as part of your bespoke luxury Black Tomato trip.
Rocky Mountaineer
Exploring chic cities and wild frontiers, on this luxury train adventure through western Canada, we’ll show you what it’s like to live on the wild side, Black Tomato style. Between exploring Banff National Park’s turquoise lakes and snow-dusted mountains by horseback (or helicopter) and sampling the gourmet delights of Vancouver’s public markets and 1920s-inspired hotels, we’ll take you aboard the magnificent Rocky Mountaineer – Canada’s most famous train. Experiencing the natural wonders of the West by rail, you’ll marvel at dazzling views of the Canadian Rockies, Fraser Canyon and the Coastal Mountain Range in this luxury train’s beautifully designed glass dome coaches.
Glacier Express
Reaching new heights, on this European adventure you’ll weave your way between the majestic peaks and glittering glaciers of the Swiss and Italian Alps. How precisely you do this is up to you. You could take to the skies on an exhilarating helicopter ride over the snow-coated landscapes of Klein Matterhorn, zip across the tranquil waters of Lake Como aboard your own private speedboat, or hike the Path of the Gods to the pastel-coloured seaside town of Positano. Or all three. And then there’s the Glacier Express. Offering a striking alpine panorama, here you can dine on exquisite regional dishes as you snake your way through the Swiss mountain passes to St Moritz from an “Excellence Class” carriage. We think that says it all.
Jacobite Steam Train
Shinkansen, Bullet Train
On this luxury family trip through Japan, there’ll be times to slow down – and times to pick up the pace (at 260km an hour, to be precise). Boarding Japan’s legendary (and luxury) bullet train, you’ll zip from high-tech Tokyo to traditional Kyoto. Along the way, you’ll enjoy delicious 12-course bento boxes and captivating views of Mount Fuji (don’t worry, we know just the seat for that perfect snapshot). But that’s not all. Besides experiencing one of the best train trips in Japan, you’ll also have the chance to train alongside an expert ninja, learn how to make your own ramen and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets), and stroll through tranquil bamboo groves and tucked-away temples. The perfect blend of relaxation and thrills, this is the ultimate family adventure in Japan.
Why book a luxury train with Ahura Explorience
There are many reasons to hop aboard and experience luxury train travel with Black Tomato. Here are just a few.
Incredible variety of destinations
From South Africa and Scotland to Alaska and Japan, there’s a luxury train ride for everyone. Hop aboard the Orient Express as it weaves its way between snow-capped peaks or take the Shinkansen Bullet Train dashing from Tokyo to Kyoto and serving up 12-course bento boxes with striking views of Mount Fuji. Then there’s Switzerland, India, Canada, Peru. One thing’s for certain, no luxury train ride (or destination) is the same.
You can add a luxury train travel experience to your Black Tomato trip, or we can base your holiday entirely around it. Like with everything, the choice is yours.
Luxury amenities
Whether you’re seeking a luxury overnight train ride or simply a day trip, we’ll arrange the perfect luxury train adventure for you. Each luxury train has its own unique features and amenities. Whether that’s vintage bar cars, indulgent “moving” spas, or wraparound observation decks. Simply let us know your passions and interests, and we’ll provide you with inspiration, recommendations, and insights as we begin planning your personalised luxury trip. Seeking an entire private train carriage to yourself? We know just the train.
Dedicated service
Not only will you have attentive train staff and personal butlers, you’ll also have us to help plan every step (or track) of your journey. We’ll design a bespoke trip completely tailored to you and your interests and we’ll also be on hand to help with anything throughout your luxury train holiday. Just say the word.
Restaurant quality food
Rail holidays offer a truly unique dining experience. With carriages designed as moving restaurants and elegant bars, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped over the threshold of an enchanting hotel. On the Maharajah Express you can dine on local Indian delicacies as you gaze out at the “blue city” of Jodhpur (or up at the hand-painted fresco ceiling). You can sip on 50 malt whiskies in one of two mahogany-panelled dining carriages aboard the Royal Scotsman, surrounded by Scottish thistle décor and breathtaking views of the Highlands. Whatever your tastes, there’s something for everyone.
