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Luxury Train Travel 'The Belmond Way'

The Royal Scotsman - courtesy of Belmond
The Royal Scotsman - courtesy of Belmond

There are many people who absolutely LOVE train travel, and I happen to enjoy it as well. In fact, my husband’s father was involved in the Canadian National Railway throughout his life and my husband also happened to have worked with them for a couple of summers himself. We’ve done a fair degree of train travel both domestically and internationally and it really is a very special way to travel.


We’ve enjoyed train travel throughout Canada including Western Canada from Calgary to Vancouver; the Ghan Train in Australia from Darwin to Adelaide; and the Rovos Rail train in South Africa from Cape Town to Pretoria to name a few. All were wonderful experiences.



As mentioned above, Belmond happens to have some great train experiences throughout the world. Most of them are in Europe but they also have a presence in South America and Southeast Asia. They also happen to do some incredible ‘barging’ experiences in France that are absolutely amazing opportunities especially for small groups or family get-togethers.


Les Bateaux Belmond, one of their amazing barges located in France - Courtesy of Belmond
Les Bateaux Belmond, one of their amazing barges located in France - Courtesy of Belmond

Their train product includes the Royal Scotsman in Scotland, The British Pullman in England, The Britannic Explorer in the UK, The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, The Andean Explorer in Peru, The Hiram Bingham in Machu Picchu, and last but not least, The Eastern Oriental Express in Singapore and Malaysia.


The Observation Car on the British Pullman - Courtesy of Belmond
The Observation Car on the British Pullman - Courtesy of Belmond

The accommodation, dining, and service is exquisite for all of the itineraries with Belmond’s train options. Most of their train journeys are all-inclusive with all impressive culinary dining and drinks included in their pricing.


The Royal Scotsman offers 2-to-7-night itineraries from Edinburgh, Scotland and feature visits to castles and distilleries with magnificent scenery and the utmost of luxury and comfort along the way. There are 8 different train routes that vary in length including “Taste of the Highlands”, “Scotch Malt Whisky Tour”, “Clans, Castles, and Isles”, “An Epicurean Highland Adventure”, “Wild Spirit of Scotland”, “Scotland’s Classic Splendours”, “Western Scenic Wonders”, and “Grand Western Scenic Wonders”.


The Royal Scotsman - Courtesy of Belmond
The Royal Scotsman - Courtesy of Belmond

The British Pullman is a unique opportunity to experience a 1920’s train journey that lasts for just a day or less. They have many different options to consider with all of them starting and ending at Victoria Station in London. A taste of some of these options include visits to wineries, the English seaside, historic, medieval Canterbury, palace visits such as Blenheim Palace or even Highclere Castle, various sporting events including The Royal Ascot and so much more. Each of these itineraries include extraordinary dining and elegance befitting the spirit of The Golden Age of train travel.


British Pullman Train along the Kent and Margate Route - Courtesy of Belmond
British Pullman Train along the Kent and Margate Route - Courtesy of Belmond

The Britannic Explorer is a brand-new luxury sleeper option that will be touring through England and Wales beginning this July 2025. They have 3 different routes with this train including a 6-night Cornwall/Wales option, a 3-night Wales option and a 3-night Lake District option. All of these train journeys begin and end conveniently in the city of London.


The Britannic Explorer's Dining Car - Courtesy of Belmond
The Britannic Explorer's Dining Car - Courtesy of Belmond

The “Venice Simplon-Orient-Express” is the most famous luxury train in the world with original 1920’s and 1930’s carriages allowing one the chance to experience the ‘Golden Age of Travel’ onboard. Their signature, legendary 5-night route from Paris to Istanbul departs just once per year and passes through Vienna, and has overnight stays in both Budapest, and Bucharest. They have many 1-night journeys including Venice to Amsterdam, Paris to Rome, Paris to Vienna, and Venice to Brussels to name a few.  They also have 2 3-night journeys that include Paris to Tuscany and Paris to Portofino.


Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Le Lac Suite - Courtesy of Belmond
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Le Lac Suite - Courtesy of Belmond

The 2 trains in Peru include the Andean Explorer and Hiram Bingham. The former travels through the Andean Plains between Cusco and Arequipa, while the latter travels either one way or roundtrip between Cusco and Machu Picchu. The Andean Explorer itinerary options are 1 or 2 nights, while the Hiram Bingham journey is just 4 hours one way, but both offer truly amazing experiences with fine dining, stunning scenery and pure luxury that Belmond always delivers.


Hiram Bingham Bar Car - Courtesy of Belmond
Hiram Bingham Bar Car - Courtesy of Belmond

The Eastern Oriental Express has recently returned to service after a four-year hiatus due to COVID. Fortunately, it restarted again in 2024 with 3 itineraries including 2 3-night options from Singapore to Malaysia and then a 6-night option in May 2025 called “The Tiger Express” in collaboration with ‘Save Wild Tigers’. It’s been curated to give a very unique Malaysian travel experience.


Eastern & Oriental Express Train - Courtesy of Belmond
Eastern & Oriental Express Train - Courtesy of Belmond

All in all, Belmond offers some amazing opportunities to enjoy rail travel in the most luxurious way with the finest accommodations, most luxurious experiences and incredibly exquisite dining options throughout the world.  They can whisk you away on evocative train adventures with their iconic journeys across Europe, Southeast Asia and Peru. If you’re ready to pursue any one of these phenomenal experiences, please connect with me and I’ll be happy to work with you through my special connections with this esteemed organization.

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