There is something magical, vintage and authentic about train travel. The railway is not as fast as the plane, but in return it offers the possibility of enjoying the surroundings, meeting people and coming into contact with the most authentic flavor of each region. There are truly spectacular train journeys. If you want to touch the sky with your hands and travel the globe from end to end in a luxurious and exclusive environment, keep reading.
Travel by train to explore Asia
Maharajas Express
India is the perfect place to start our rail travel recommendations. The Maharajas Express is one of the most exclusive and luxurious trains in the world and its route will take you through the most iconic places in the country. It offers up to five different circuits, but all of them go through Ranthambore, Agra, Jaipur and Delhi.
Trans siberian
Without a doubt, traveling on the Trans-Siberian is one of those experiences that we should try at least once in our lives. The tour lasts seven days and connects European Russia with distant China and Mongolia. Get ready to see the steppe from a completely new point of view AND to change your time zone often!
Touring Africa… By train!
Rovos Rail
The African equivalent of the British Orient Express only admits 70 passengers each way. Of course, the number is more than enough to recreate the famous Agatha Christie novel. But the train trips that we propose include much more inspiring attractions. With the possibility, in this case, of contemplating the African savannah, Victoria Falls or the Zulu nature reserves.
The Blue Train
If you thought that luxury and exclusivity were reserved for the Trans-Siberian, you are wrong. When we talk about dream train trips we cannot leave out the Blue Train. It is a trip that connects Pretoria and Cape Town and the ticket includes the services of a 24-hour butler. As if the African landscapes were not enough.
Denali Star:
We tend to think that the Nordic countries are the only destination to enjoy the Northern Lights, but they can also be seen in Alaska. The fifth of our spectacular train journeys, the Denali Star, links Anchorage and Fairbanks. In addition, it crosses the Denali National Park and approaches Mount McKinley, a privileged place to contemplate the northern lights. Did you know that colored ice exists? Maybe in Alaska you can see it.
The cloud train
Located in Argentina, the Train to the Clouds climbs to 4,200 meters of altitude on a route that starts in Salta and reaches the Polvorilla Viaduct. Why is it called Train to the Clouds? Because it allows you to cross the Andes at such a height that you will cut through the clouds in its path. Fascinating.
Hiram Bingham
Peru is home to wonders such as Lake Titicaca or the Sacred Valley, but it is known above all for the Machu Picchu complex. One of the most spectacular train trips in the world and, of course, in America, is the one proposed by the Hiram Bingham. This train of blue and gold wagons runs precisely through the Sacred Valley and is destined for the ancient Inca city. A journey you don’t want to miss.
Oceania on rails
Indian Pacific
The Indian Pacific offers you a unique experience when it comes to train travel. Over four days and three nights, you’ll cover more than 4,000 kilometers, from Perth to Sydney. Some of the places you will pass through are: Broken Hill, the Nullarbor Plain or the Blue Mountains. If you want to get a general idea of ​​what Australia is like, this is the trip for you.
Exclusive train journeys also in Europe
Glacier Express
91 tunnels and 291 bridges are what you will cross on this eight-hour journey through the Swiss Alps. Mountain tourism is related to sports and having fun, but the Glacier Express is a unique experience and one of the most famous train trips in Europe. The line that connects St. Moritz and Zermatt runs several thousand meters high and will give you spectacular landscapes.
Transcantabrico
Spain is another of those countries whose train journeys are eclipsed by the much better known sun and beach tourism. The Transcantabrico offers you the opportunity to take an eight-day tour of the entire north coast. The trip begins in Bilbao, home of the Guggenheim museum; pass through Santander, a former vacation destination for the Spanish royal family; it visits several towns in Asturias, such as Ribadesella, Gijon, Candas or Oviedo and ends in the emblematic Santiago de Compostela.
Taking this trip in an authentic luxury hotel on wheels does not validate the Camino de Santiago, but it shows you some of its most iconic stages from the comfort of your seat!
