World's Most Scenic Train Trips

“It is better to travel well than to arrive.” The Buddhist proverb beautifully sums up the recent resurgence in luxury train travel, where the journey is just as important as the destination. Sample one of these epic journeys for starters. | By Steve Jermanok, Executive Travel



Gems of India Tour, Maharajas’ Express

British tour operator Cox & Kings spared no expense when it joined forces with Indian Railways to create the most luxurious train in the world. Unveiled in 2010, and limited to 88 passengers on each trip, the train features lavish private suites with marble baths and panoramic windows. On the four-day, three-night Gems of India loop, which starts and ends in Delhi, passengers make stops to visit the resplendent Taj Mahal at Agra, take a tiger safari at Ranthambore National Park, and shop and watch an elephant-polo match in Jaipur. Along the way, passengers can marvel at the Hindu temples, village roads plied by camel carts and rivers lined with fishing boats.



Canadian Rockies Getaway, Rocky Mountaineer

One of the most scenic train trips in North America, this nine-day loop out of Vancouver brings you to the stunning snowcapped peaks, glaciers, cobalt-colored lakes and plentiful wildlife (bear, moose, elk, bald eagles) of the Canadian Rockies. Aboard the train, both the SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf services offer a glass-domed roof so you can take in the mountain splendor in style. Instead of sleeper cars, guests spend nights at resorts in the region (which may include premier Fairmont properties at Lake Louise and Banff Hot Springs). Also included is a drive on the legendary Icefields Parkway to the Athabasca Glacier, a helicopter tour from Kananaskis and a gondola ride in Banff.



Classic Whisky Journey, The Royal Scotsman

As well as offering passengers more than 30 single malt scotches to choose from on board, The Royal Scotsman (operated by Orient-Express) runs a five-day Classic Whisky Journey that explores every aspect of Scotland’s most famous spirit. After departing from Edinburgh, the train makes stops at some of the country’s top scotch distilleries, including Glen Ord and Glenlivet; then, heading east along the coast, it passes through the seaside villages of Carnoustie, Arbroath and Aberdeen before arriving in the heart of the Speyside whisky region. The line then skirts Loch Luichart, the Torridon Mountains and the famous Eilean Donan Castle, where you can savor the magnificent views with (naturally) a glass in hand.

More…

Popular Posts