5 of the Best Train Journeys in Europe...and Beyond
There are train trips and then there are train journeys. The kind of journey that takes you through some of the world’s most majestic sights and scenery, even transporting you to another place and time. Here is our short list of some of the most iconic train journeys in Europe…and beyond. Enjoy the ride!
1. The Glacier Express
The Glacier Express has been called the best seven hours you can spend on the train. One of Switzerland’s most scenic rail journeys, the Glacier Express’ reputation no doubt precedes it. Connecting Zermatt, nestled peacefully in the shadow of the Matterhorn, and resort-town-extraordinaire St. Moritz, the train rolls at 24 miles per hour, carving through the Swiss Alps and giving you ample time to soak up the views from the panoramic windows.
Rail journeys featuring the Glacier Express:
Classic Glacier and Bernina Express Discover two of the world’s most scenic train journeys – the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express. Enjoy Switzerland’s scenery on this classic four-night vacation with stops in the cities of Interlaken and Chur. Watch verdant fields, rushing rivers, snowy mountain passes and glaciers pass by from the panoramic windows of these two famous trains.
2. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Be transported back in time on the beautifully restored carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. With its polished wood, sumptuous upholstery and antique fixtures, the train epitomises the glamour and elegance of upscale rail travel in the 1920s. Experience pure comfort, opulent, art-deco-inspired interiors, world-class dining and convivial company along the tracks between London, Paris, Verona and Venice.
Rail journeys featuring the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express:
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with Lake Garda and Lake Como Journey from London to Venice aboard the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient Express and experience the journey of a lifetime. Enjoy excellent service, luxurious accommodations and fabulous cuisine onboard the train as you pass through the mesmerising scenery of the Swiss Alps to Venice. Spend three nights in the romantic lagoon-side paradise to round off your trip.
3. Belmond Royal Scotsman
Experience the heart of the Scottish Highlands on a journey aboard the opulent Belmond Royal Scotsman, where you travel through landscapes of pine-clad mountains, reflected in mirror-still lochs. Life on board is relaxed yet completely indulgent. Dine on world-class cuisine, rich with Scottish specialities, and embark on thrilling excursions each day. This journey is the top choice for those exploring Scotland in style.
Rail journeys featuring the Belmond Royal Scotsman:
Belmond Royal Scotsman Highland Journey Enjoy faultless service and gourmet dining as you travel aboard the Royal Scotsman into the majestic scenery of the Scottish Highlands. Explore a 13th-century castle at the Rothiemurchus Estate, discover the verdant scenery and fascinating past of the Culloden Battlefields, and then enjoy a whiskey-tasting session at the famous Strathisla distillery. Relax in the opulent surroundings of the Royal Scotsman as the breathtaking Scottish landscapes roll past your window on the journey of a lifetime.
4. The Rocky Mountaineer
A journey aboard the famed navy blue and gold carriages of the Rocky Mountaineer has topped many a bucket list over the years. Synonymous with true luxury, breathtaking adventures, delicious food, inspiring landscapes and unparalleled service – Canada’s Rocky Mountains await, and this is a truly spectacular way to experience them!
Rail journeys featuring the Rocky Mountaineer:
Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver Experience the highlights of the Canadian Rockies, including a once-in-a-lifetime trip on the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer train! Enjoy the passing trackside vistas as you make your way from Vancouver to Kamloops, Jasper, Banff and Calgary, enjoying sightseeing tours along the way. Visit Vancouver Island, National Parks, lakes and glaciers on the most scenic journey imaginable!
Trans-Canada and Rockies Adventure with Rocky Mountaineer Take the ultimate tour of Canada from coast to coast, including two iconic trains! Fly into Toronto and discover the cascading waters of Niagara Falls, before taking The Canadian train for an epic journey across rural landscapes to the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Explore the wonders of Jasper and Banff National Parks and the turquoise waters of Lake Louise before boarding the famed Rocky Mountaineer for the breathtaking journey to Vancouver!
5. The Flam Railway
Named one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world and one of the leading tourist attractions in Norway, The Flam Railway runs from the sea-level base of a spectacular fjord to high mountains in the span of an hour. Along the way, the scenery changes from farmland and fields to dozens of mountainside waterfalls and even icy glaciers and displays the very best of Norway’s stunning landscape.
Rail journeys featuring the Flam Railway:
Norway in a Nutshell Take in mountains and Norwegian fjords on this spectacular four-night vacation. Fly into Oslo for an overnight stay before traveling by rail to Myrdal and taking the famous Flam railway down through stunning scenery to the pretty village of Flam on the Aurlandsfjord. After a night here, continue by boat through the beautiful narrow Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen where you transfer by bus up winding mountain roads to Voss for your train journey to Bergen. Spend a night in this historic Hanseatic city before making your final scenic journey along the Bergen Line back to Oslo.
