All Aboard: 4 luxury train journeys you need to experience at least once in your life

You've heard of luxury cruising, and even yachting. You've also heard of travelling by private jet. But, have you ever considered a holiday that involves travelling by train?

Chances are this is something that most definitely has not crossed your mind, not in recent years anyway.

More than likely, you feel travelling by train as part of a vacation is something to be avoided or that should be left in your early twenties, but these train journeys are something special. What if we told you, these train journeys offer the luxury and comfort of a five star hotel, but with the constantly changing vistas that a train journey provides?

From the majestic landscapes of Scotland's Highlands to the outback of Australia, these remarkable train experiences promise to shift your perspective on travel, inviting you to experience an offbeat luxury break unlike any other.

Journey Through the Scottish Highlands

Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train

Packages: 2 nights, 3 nights, 4 nights, 5 nights, 7 nights

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A classic, luxury train journey, the Royal Scotsman will transport you back in time to an era of all-that-jazz. As expected of a Scottish train, each luxury cabin is decorated in swathes of tartan with large windows perfectly framing the untamed wilds of the Scottish Highlands. The train also includes two mahogany-panelled restaurant cars named Raven and Swift; serving a curated selection of fine dining fare.

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Aside from the undeniable beauty of the Scottish countryside, the incredible craftsmanship of the carriages and the incredible dining experiences, the real star of the Royal Scotsman is arguably the onboard Dior Spa. At the Dior Spa guests can indulge in three bespoke and unique spa treatments provided by holistic experts, that will only serve to make this an even more memorable journey.

From USD$4,600 pp
@belmondroyalscotsman
belmond.com

Journey Through the Heart of Australia

The Ghan

Package: Darwin to Adelaide: 4 days, 3 nights

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A journey of unparalleled luxury and adventure, The Ghan is a legendary train traversing the heart of Australia's vast outback. From the outside these carriages are unassuming, and perhaps seem a little rustic as opposed to luxury, but The Ghan offers guests a once-in-a-lifetime, all-inclusive experience from the top of Australia all the way to the bottom.

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Guests will board in Darwin, and over four days and three nights, The Ghan will travel though some of the most remote and beautiful parts of Australia along almost 3000km of track to Adelaide. The ultimate outback adventure, from the comfort of your luxury cabin: The Ghan is an unforgettable celebration of luxury and adventure.

From USD$2500 pp
@journeybeyondrail
journeybeyondrail.com.au

Journey Through the Safari Lands of South Africa

The Blue Train

Packages: 2days, 3 days

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Renowned for its opulence and impeccable service, the Blue Train has been the choice of luxury travellers for years on end, even welcoming Nelson Mandela on board. Whether you choose the Pretoia to Cape Town journey or the newer track though Kruger National Park, the scenic landscapes of South Africa are perfectly inescapable.

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Indulge in high tea, or a fine dining experiences as you traverse through the protected safari lands of South Africa in luxurious surrounds.Whether you're seeking a romantic escape or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, the Blue Train promises a voyage of luxury and discovery through the heart of South Africa.

From USD$2300 pp
@thebluetrainsa
bluetrain.co.za

Journey Through the Swiss Alps

GoldenPass Express, Switzerland

Day Trip: 3 hours, 15 minutes

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Although not an overnight train, this is a pretty unforgettable journey. The Golden Pass Express offers travellers arguably some of the most scenic and breathtaking landscapes in the world. Connecting Interlaken to Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva, via the upmarket ski resort town of Gstaad in the Bernese Oberland region, this panoramic train journey travels though the Alps and cover approximately 200 kilometres. Passengers are treated to stunning views of rolling hills, pristine lakes, and majestic mountains along the way - the views are truly magical regardless of the season.

Prestige Seats from USD$55 pp
@mob.goldenpass
gpx.swiss