Trips of a Lifetime: The World’s Most Luxurious Sleeper Trains

BEST FOR A ROMANTIC BREAK

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
This glamorous and romantic trip in the iconic and lovingly restored Orient Express is like no other. You’ll relive a golden epoch of travel as you journey from the French coast near Calais, through Paris during dinner, past the Swiss Alps at breakfast time and onto Venice in time for lunch. Expect sumptuous upholstery, art-deco details, polished cherry wood, excellent service and Michelin-starred food (in one of the three dining cars) – remember to pack black tie and evening dresses, as most people dress up for dinner. Choose from single, twin, double or interconnecting cabin suites – or, for the ultimate decadence experience, book a Grand Suite where you’ll enjoy 24-hour butler service, in-car dining, free flowing champagne, a lounge area and a spacious marble en-suite. Aside from the classic London-Venice route, there are several new routes taking in cities like Rome, Verona, Budapest, Vienna and Istanbul.
 
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BEST FOR EXPLORING AFRICA

Rovos Rail, Africa
Hark back to the era of African exploration aboard a Rovos Rail train. These beautifully rebuilt trains carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 wood-panelled uber-comfortable en-suite cabins – the royal suites take up half a carriage and have a lounge area, bathroom with Victoria bath and separate shower, as well as a 24-hour dedicated host. Journeys range from three nights to 15 – one of the longest covers 5,800km and will take you north from Cape Town, through South Africa then Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia before ending in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. During this trip, you’ll stop to tour the historic village of Matjiesfontein and the diamond town of Kimberley, and stay two nights in a game reserve.  
 
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BEST FOR IMPRESSIVE PLACES

Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, Russia
The world’s longest train journey (over 7,000 km) takes you on one the most iconic railway lines from Moscow to Vladivostok, crossing eight times zones. You’ll travel in supreme comfort (choose from a Silver, Gold or Imperial suite) aboard the legendary Golden Eagle through Russia, Mongolia and Siberia. Stops include: Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan on the banks of the River Volga, renowned for its ornate cobalt onion-domes of its cathedral; the city of Yekaterinburg which was founded in 1723 by Peter the Great and is famous today for the Church of the Blood on the site where the last Russian tsar and his family were murdered in 1918; Novosibirsk, the capital of Siberia; Lake Baikal, the deepest and largest freshwater lake in the world, where you’ll enjoy a waterside barbecue of fresh fish; and Mongolia’s Ulan Bator, the coldest capital city in the world. Expect a relaxed and convivial atmosphere at mealtimes, feasting on caviar, vodka and sundry Russian specialities.
 
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BEST FOR SPECTACULAR SCENERY

Andean Explorer, Peru
There is no better way to see the stunning scenery of the Peruvian Andes than a two-night journey aboard the Andean Explorer. The trip, from Cusco to Arequipa, cuts through one of the highest rail routes in the world, stopping off at Raqch’i, a vast Inca archaeological site packed with history, at Lake Titicaca (don’t miss the sunrise) for a boat trip and lunch, at Lake Lagunillas and at the Sumbay Caves, home to cave paintings over 8,000 years old. The train sleeps up to 70 guests in 35 cabins, ranging from bunk bed cabins to suites with king-size beds, cosy seating areas and en-suite bathrooms. All the cabins have oxygen tanks (in case of altitude sickness) and decor inspired by Peru’s hand-woven fabrics – expect soft tones of alpaca wool blended with Andean slate greys. You’ll find two dining cars where you’ll enjoy gourmet Peruvian cuisine washed down by South American wines; a piano bar and lounge; and an observation car. Come the evening, the train stops at quiet stations ensuring you get a restful night’s sleep.
 
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BEST FOR PURE LUXURY

The Maharajas' Express, India 
This is a fabulous way to see India in style. The Maharajas' Express exudes luxury and will take you back in time to the opulence of the Raj. There is a choice of four itineraries to choose from, varying in length from four to seven days. Departures and final destinations are a mixture of Delhi and Mumbai – for instance, the Heritage of India journey (seven days) will take you to Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur and Agra, which means some of the highlights you’ll see include the desert region of Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal, as well as the Ranthambore hunting ground where you might spot a Bengal tiger. The train has five carriages for deluxe cabins, six for junior suites, two for suites and one for the grand presidential suite, and each carriage has a butler who will look after your every need. Each cabin has en-suite facilities and large panoramic windows. Two fine-dining restaurants serve delicious meals and there is a lounge and bars to unwind in the evenings.
 
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BEST FOR AN ADVENTURE

The Ghan, Australia
For an unforgettable Australian adventure, take the Ghan through the country’s spectacular red heart between Adelaide and Darwin. Over three days, you’ll stop off in Marla, Alice Springs and Katherine; you’ll also cruise the Nitmiluk Gorge, learn more about Katherine’s ancient indigenous rock paintings and discover authentic outback life on a cattle station. Single or twin cabins have seats which convert into sleeping berths; twin cabins have an en-suite lavatory and shower, but single cabins share facilities at the end of the corridor. Beds are made up by the attendant during dinner in the dining car (where you’ll feast on local fare such as barramundi fish and kangaroo steak). There is also a lounge car with a bar and a small library.
 
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BEST FOR A TASTE OF THE FAR EAST

Eastern and Oriental Express, Bangkok to Singapore
There’s a magic to this four-day journey from Bangkok to Singapore that transports guests back to the elegance of the 1920s and 30s. The journey is the perfect mix of adventure and total relaxation: you’ll travel through the countryside of Thailand and Malaysia, passing lush jungles, ancient temples and quaint villages, with stops in places like Georgetown in Penang and the infamous bridge on the River Kwai. All the cabins – from singles to the presidential suite – have en-suite facilities and are luxuriously decked out with intricate marquetry, Thai silks and embroidery. By day you can sit in your cabin and watch the ever-changing scenery unfold; by night a steward will transform the area into cosy sleeping quarters. The open veranda of the observation car at the rear of the train is the perfect spot for a drink at dusk when the temperatures are cooler, after which you head to the dining car for top-notch gourmet food – a subtle mix of local and Western cuisines.
 
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BEST FOR TIMELESS LUXURY

Royal Scotsman, Scotland
From the moment you step onto this sleeper train in Edinburgh, you’ll be swept into a world of timeless luxury for your journey through the dramatic Scottish countryside. Choose from two to seven-night trips, sleeping in a marquetry-lined, en-suite cabin furnished with soft Scottish wools and tartans. Fabulous meals made from fresh, locally sourced seasonal produce (think seafood, wild salmon and game) are served in the mahogany-clad dining car. There is also a sublime Bamford spa and an observation car where you can soak up the spectacular Highland scenery from a comfortable sofa or the open-air veranda. Excursions include a visit to one of the oldest whisky distilleries in the country, wild swimming in a private loch, clay pigeon shooting, white water rafting, or a round of golf.
 
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*DISCLAIMER: Travel restrictions are changing daily, so please check the latest government advice and entry requirements to France before you book anything. Visit Gov.uk for more information