The old-world glamour of train travel was once a thing of the past, but Belmond’s unforgettable collection of train journeys takes travel back to its golden age. From the mountains of South America to the coasts of Southeast Asia, there’s a luxury rail experience for every old-fashioned dreamer. Hop aboard.
What: Belmond Grand Hibernian
Where: Ireland
Who it’s for: If you’re short on time but want to see as much of the Emerald Isle as possible, The Grand Hibernian should be your first port of call. With tweed-bedecked interiors and that famous convivial Irish atmosphere, this jaunt shows you the very best of Ireland in a succinct trip that hits all the must-sees. If it’s your first trip to the country, try the comprehensive six-night Grand Tour Of Ireland trip, which includes tours of the great Irish castles like Ashford Castle and Blarney Castle, as well as important cultural stops in Dublin, Galway and Waterford. (And yes, you will get a chance to drink a proper Guinness.)
What: Belmond Andean Explorer
Where: Peru
Who it’s for: Calling all Indiana Jones fans: The Andean Explorer, which rumbles through the ancient Incan empire, is the train for all modern-day adventurers. This is South America’s first sleeper train and one of the highest train routes in the world. What better way to cruise through the staggeringly beautiful plains and mountains of Peru then aboard this well-appointed train that serves epic scenery alongside pisco sours? Go for the two-night Andean Plains and Islands of Discovery trip (Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco), which includes an expedition to Lake Titicaca on a traditional boat and a visit to the fascinating archaeological site of Raqch’i.
What: Eastern & Oriental Express
Where: Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia
Who it’s for: For a whirlwind foodie adventure with a taste of the exotic that brings together the best of the city and the wilds of the countryside, hop aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express. If you’re a keen gastronome with a palette for all things Far East, then you have to try the culinary adventure with chef Ian Kittichai, whose modern Thai cuisine will transport you alongside the epic landscape.
What: Belmond Royal Scotsman
Where: Scotland
Who it’s for: This train journey is a must for devotees of Harry Potter. No, you may never get your letter to Hogwarts but that doesn’t mean you can’t go for a jaunt on the Hogwarts Express—or The Royal Scotsman, which is the next best thing. The views of the Scottish Highlands from the outside viewing veranda are simply magical. This journey is also ideal for scotch aficionados who don’t want to worry about getting a designated driver. Fans of the tipple should try the four-night Scotch Malt Whisky Trail experience.
What: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Where: Throughout Europe
Who it’s for: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is ideal for Agatha Christie fans. There’s no better place to read the murder mystery classic, Murder on the Orient Express then aboard this train. (Alternatively, you can also pre-game for your trip by watching the 2017 film with Michelle Pfeiffer and Johnny Depp.) The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is also for history buffs, as many of the train’s cars date back to the 1920s and 1930s. However, they’ve recently been refurbished, which is also why this train is for lovers of luxury as well. Often considered the most lavish of the Belmond trains, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express comes fully equipped with three Grand Suites, each christened and inspired by the Orient Express’ most famous cities: Paris, Venice and Istanbul.
