Italy’s new luxury train:
#1 La Dolce Vita Orient Express
After long trademark disputes over the “Orient Express” name, the French Accor Group, in collaboration with the Italian state railway Trenitalia, is launching its own luxury train on Italy’s tracks. Since April 2025, the new Orient Express has been traveling across the country. On the outside, it shines in classic Art Deco style, while the interior is inspired by the glamour of the 1960s and 70s, with a modern twist. Its design evokes more of the feeling of an elegant boutique hotel than a railway car. The train operates on selected, often less-traveled routes within Italy, usually as two- to three-day round trips from Rome, with destinations like Venice, the rock of Matera, or Tuscany. A special highlight is the route from Rome to Palermo: The spectacular ferry crossing over the Strait of Messina is part of the travel experience. While the passage through the strait between Calabria and Sicily lasts only about thirty minutes, the loading of the trains takes nearly two hours.
England’s most exclusive train journey :
#2 Britannic Explorer
Although England is considered the birthplace of the railway, it has never had a luxury sleeper train – until now. Starting in July 2025, exactly 200 years after the launch of the first public steam railway, the smoke-belching “Locomotion No. 1”, the brand-new “Britannic Explorer” will change that. Unlike the pioneers of the past, passengers aboard this newest Belmond train will experience a level of comfort that was unimaginable back then. The 15 standard and three Grand Suites all feature their own private bathrooms. Afternoon tea is served in the observation car, while the landscapes of Cornwall, Wales and Oxfordshire pass by. A wellness suite offers massages and beauty treatments. Culinary delights are provided by Simon Rogan, one of the few British chefs with three Michelin stars. Among the travel pleasures are the “offboard experiences”: excursions to the Cotswolds or Eryri National Park, swimming in the Lake District, or a gallery visit to Hauser & Wirth’s art farm in Somerset. The four-day journey depart from London Victoria Station.
Whisky, Highlands & Elegance:
#3 Royal Scotsman
Another rolling luxury hotel from Belmond is the Royal Scotsman. The ten mahogany-clad carriages depart from Edinburgh on three- to seven-day journeys through the Scottish Highlands. It’s less about the number of miles traveled – which are moderate – and more about offering a rich and varied Scottish experience for the maximum of 36 passengers. Activities include fishing, castle and garden visits, encounters with local personalities, and whisky tastings at renowned distilleries. At night, the nostalgic train comes to a stop, allowing guests to enjoy a peaceful, bump-free sleep.
4'000 kilometers through France:
#4 Le Grand Tour
Everything has been newly designed in the opulent style of the Belle Époque of the 1920s – from the bar car and two dining cars to the 15 cabins and suites, each featuring a private bathroom. The kitchen is under the direction of three-star chef Alexandre Couillon. The six-day round trip (5 nights) begins in Paris and winds its way through some of France’s most beautiful regions: Champagne, Burgundy, Avignon, Carcassonne, Arcachon, La Rochelle, and the Loire Valley. The itinerary includes visits to Bordeaux winemakers, oyster farmers, and château owners. Before returning to Paris, guests will stop at the historical theme park Le Puy du Fou – the organizer behind this new luxury train. The maiden voyage is scheduled for the second half of 2025.
Along Spain’s lush northern coast:
#5 Tren Transcantábrico
Spain’s Medierranean coastal regions – around Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante or Marbella – are well known to many. Far less crowded and still something of an insider tip is the verdant northern coastline along the Bay of Biscay. Stretching some 1,000 kilometres between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela (or vice versa), the luxury “Tren Transcantábrico” hotel train travels this route over eight days, crossing through four provinces: the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia. The journey includes stops in Bilbao, Santander, Santillana del Mar, Oviedo, Gijón, Ribadeo and a dozen other coastal towns and cities. Guests also enjoy excursions to the Altamira caves, wild beaches and the Picos de Europa National Park. Operated by the Spanish railway company Renfe, the “Transcantábrico” features lovingly restored original Pullman carriages from the 1920s. With only 28 guests on board when fully booked, the travel experience is suitably exclusive. A simpler alternative on the same route is the “Costa Verde Express,” which carries a higher number of passengers.
The new shine of the southeast asia classic:
#6 The Eastern & Oriental Express
After a long hiatus, this luxury train takes travelers into a world reminiscent of a Somerset Maugham novel, as it glides through the mystical landscapes of Malaysia. The carefully modernized E&OE, which once connected Singapore and Bangkok via Kuala Lumpur (the Belmond Group plans to soon resume the classic route), currently operates on three-day journeys through Malaysia, starting and ending in Singapore. Jungle treks, e-bikes tours, and – with a bit of luck – tiger sightings in the Taman Negara National Park are part of the program, as well as speedboat rides on Langkawi’s beaches and art tours in George Town on Penang. Onboard, the observation car, a Dior spa with two treatment rooms, and an Asian-French fusion cuisine curated by star chef André Chiang are enticing offerings.
Contemporary Tribute to Japan:
#7 Shiki-Shama
The land of Shinkansen high-speed trains can also be experienced at a more leisurely pace. Three luxurious trains offer fascinating insights into authentic Japan, with the “Shiki-Shima” by the East Japan Railway Company leading the way. The champagne-colored train operates on two- to four-day circular journeys, departing from Ueno Station in Tokyo, heading either to the northeast of Honshu Island or, via an underground connection, to the northern island of Hokkaido. There are stops for guided excursions to temples, gardens, and craft workshops. The ultramodern design by Ken Okuyama in the ten carriages is unique. The cuisine and service also make the journey unforgettable for the 34 passengers. The “maisonette suites” with tatami mats and Japanese bathtubs span two levels, and even the standard cabins surpass those of many classic luxury trains. The only downside: the crew speaks little English. However, knowing a few basic Japanese phrases will make the trip more relaxing and prevent you from being “lost in translation”. Additionally, the “Shiki-Shima” is often fully booked well in advance, with the ticket allocation sometimes decided by lottery. Excellent alternatives include the “Twilight Express Mizukaze,” which operates routes in western Japan, and the “Seven Stars” on the southern island of Kyushu.
