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THE MOST LUXURIOUS RAIL HOLIDAYS IN EUROPE

Topic Luxury Rail Travel In Europe
Read Time 10 Minutes
Author Paul Tavener, Owner Marvellous Escapes

LUXURY RAIL TRAVEL IN EUROPE

Discovering Europe by rail is truly enriching. You have the opportunity to see the sights of Europe that travel by plane all while in the comfort of an iconic train ride. There are plenty of natural and man-made views you can capture on a rail holiday when travelling to new areas. But you can take this one step further with luxury rail journeys, where the inside and outside of the train will blend into one full experience of elegance and beauty.

luxury rail holidays in Europe -The Glacier Express train

WHY TRAVEL ON A LUXURY TRAIN HOLIDAY?

Whether you’re looking to celebrate a big occasion or treat yourself to the finer aspects of life, luxury rail holidays are the perfect way to go. You can travel and explore a new country at your pace, immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy panoramic views of the area with all the amenities and comfort of a hotel at your fingertips. 

Rail travel is currently experiencing a resplendent renaissance with an unprecedented surge in popular, especially with British travellers who are opting for trains over planes, particularly due to the convenience and improvement of rail travel in Europe. This shift is largely fuelled by enhanced convenience and significant improvements that have been seen across rail travel in Europe with more routes opening up and more modern and luxurious trains coming into service.

After all, modern trains provide all of the amenities that are found on planes, such as food, beverages, toilet facilities and attentive staff. But they also provide much more than this. More legroom, the freedom to move around, more scenic views, access to the internet as well as private sleeping cabins where passengers can rest, dine and enjoy the spectacular views.

If you’re considering booking a luxury train holiday in Europe but are struggling to pinpoint which location or train journey is right for you, look no further than this blog. Below we have compiled our favourite luxury rail holidays in Europe to help you discover the right rail holiday for you. 

luxury rail holidays in Europe -The Glacier Express inside

THE BEST LUXURY RAIL HOLIDAYS IN EUROPE

VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS

Transport yourself back in time to the Golden Age of travel aboard the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient Express. This Belmond train is widely considered the most famous luxury rail journey in the world. Filled with sophistication, this classic train journey is a delight for the senses as you travel from London or Paris to various glamorous locations including Istanbul, Venice, Budapest, Vienna and more.

 

All guests will have access to the luxuries on board, including a carriage with a wonderful bar where you can enjoy tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks as a resident pianist plays classical tunes. When booking this luxury train holiday, you will be allocated a private cabin which converts into your own dining room for a peaceful meal amongst the beauty of Europe’s nature.

 

For an extra special occasion, consider upgrading to the Grand Suites where free-flowing champagne, 24-hour butler service and private in-cabin dining will make you feel like royalty.

Luxury rail travel Europe - Inside and dining on the VSOE

THE GLACIER EXPRESS

Travelling just across the border, The Glacier Express train in Switzerland is considered the epitome of luxury rail travel in Europe. This luxury rail journey lasts around 8 hours, transporting you from Zermatt to St Moritz passing meadows, dense forests and snow-capped mountains.

 

There are multiple ways to travel on the Glacier Express train - Standard Class on a table for four people, or you can upgrade to First Class to sit on a table for two, with more leg and elbow room and space for luggage storage included.

Or to take this Swiss rail holiday a step further by considering the Glacier Express Excellence Class where you'll have exclusive access to the Glacier Bar and an upgraded dining experience. Enjoy a seasonal 5-course menu including wine accompaniment and tea time in the afternoon served with plenty of treats.

Luxury rail travel Europe - Inside the Glacier Express Execellence Class

THE BELMOND ROYAL SCOTSMAN

If you are seeking luxury rail travel in Europe, but prefer a little closer to home, why not consider a trip on the Belmond Royal Scotsman? On this luxury train holiday, you will journey into the heart of the Highlands on unique carriages designed with lacquer-polished wooden panels and warm tonal fabrics that give this train an elegant Edwardian country-house feel.


There is no better way to see the Scottish Highlands than from the comfort of the observation cart or the open-air veranda as you pass by castles, villages and glens. In the evenings, you can enjoy world-class cuisine, rich with Scottish specialities and after-dinner drinks with live entertainment on board this luxurious Scottish rail holiday.

luxury rail holidays in Europe -The Royal Scotsman in Scotland

TRANSCANTÁBRICO GRAN LUJO TRAIN

Discover the north of Spain like never before aboard the Transcantábrico Gran Lujo. Travel through the Basque Country and witness captivating landscapes and historic cities such as Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria as you board the historic wagons that remain as spectacular as when they were constructed back in the 1920s.

 

On board this luxury rail journey, you will find a total of four spectacular salon cars where you can relax and admire the breathtaking beauty of the landscapes. In the evening, these areas are transformed into a stunning bar area where you can enjoy a cocktail and live entertainment.

 

Dinner will be served directly to your table in the elegant restaurant car offering up the finest Spanish cuisine from local top chefs. 


To make this Spanish rail holiday one to remember, we recommend opting for first-class suites that combine the charm and elegance of the past with the technology and comfort of the 21st century. These spacious Deluxe Suites include a comfortable double bed (or 2 single beds) and are equipped with their own bathtub or shower. During the day, the room will be transformed into a luxury private lounge for you to soak up the views of northern Spain in peace and quiet.

Luxury rail travel Europe - Inside the El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo Train in Spain

BOOK A LUXURY RAIL JOURNEY TODAY

Ready to start booking your next adventure? With luxury rail travel in Europe, you can discover the best of the continent in comfort and style. Whether you're looking for a romantic escape or want to celebrate elegantly, our team at Marvellous Escapes can help you plan the European rail holiday of your dreams. 

Get in touch to start booking luxury rail holidays in Europe today. 

Discover the best of Europe on a scenic rail holiday!

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