If you’ve ever dreamed of the luxury train journey depicted in ‘The Darjeeling Limited’ or any of the Agatha Christie film adaptations, you’re in luck. Luxury rail travel is making a comeback, and this time it’s on the 21st train. -Century Perks.
For example, the upcoming La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Italy will allow guests to choose from eight detailed itineraries to transport passengers in style to destinations such as Tuscany, Sicily and Rome.
Each guest is introduced to a private concierge before their trip begins, and has access to a private lounge onboard with a game of chess or backgammon. In the evening, passengers will receive a handwritten note to dine at the train’s restaurant, where a storyteller will circulate around the tables sharing “legends and fables.” If you have questions about what to wear at night, you can also get clothing advice from the train crew.
Among the trips available is the truffle route tour from Rome to Monferrato. On this particular journey, guests begin their journey by enjoying a meal prepared by three-Michelin star chef Heinz Beck while listening to live musicians. On the second day, the train stops in the village of Nizza Monferrato for a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage winery and a truffle hunting expedition.
The train’s exclusivity gives travelers the opportunity to “double their Italian experience and access regions of Italy that they might not normally consider,” the train’s general manager Sammy Gahem told Condé Nast Traveler. “This is the first luxury train slow cruise concept of its kind in Italy.”
It’s no wonder new companies are entering the luxury rail travel business. Luxury rail travel is up 43% this year compared to 2023, said Andrew Channel, senior vice president of product at rail travel specialist Railbookers.
“That significant increase is not just in one place. It’s not driven by any particular destination or campaign,” Channell told Condé Nast Traveler. “There’s a growing demand for these types of experiences everywhere.”
As well as the holistic nature of train travel, Channel also cited the pandemic as an influencing factor. Airplanes are typically a way to get from point A to point B, but spending time on a train is a travel experience in itself.
On the Venice Simplon Orient Express (not affiliated with La Dolce Vita Orient Express), wine lovers can enjoy the train’s sommelier pairing a three-course meal made with locally sourced ingredients with a bottle of wine. You can have it. This replica of a legendary train owned by luxury travel company Belmond is staffed by pianists and mixologists, and boasts a party-like atmosphere at night.
Belmond’s Orient Express offers short trips from one European city to the next, with routes such as Paris to Budapest and Amsterdam to Venice. Guests can also book a five-night trip from Paris to Istanbul. Room rates start from £17,500 ($18,917). In keeping with the train’s 1920s vibe, guests are expected to wear formal evening attire for dinner, but jeans are strictly prohibited.
“That sense of exclusivity, exclusivity, rarity and once-in-a-lifetime (something)” is behind the popularity of luxury train travel, Channell told Condé Nast Traveler. “At the end of the day, it’s about enjoying the journey from beginning to end.”
Click to see images of the most luxurious luxury train journeys.
