7 Unforgettable train experiences to try

Holidays are about the journey as much as the destination. Travelling by rail is as efficient as it is luxurious, with unbeatable views from the carriages, gourmet meals, modern amenities, historical ambience and exciting excursions. Plus, it's more eco-friendly than flying. Here are some unforgettable train experiences.

Rocky Mountaineer

On Rocky Mountaineer’s popular First Passage to the West tour, guests travel from the lush rainforest of coastal British Columbia to the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park, Alberta, witnessing moose, bighorn sheep, deer and bears in their natural habitats along the way. 

But this is the farthest thing from roughing it. In addition to the spectacular views, this train journey offers the chance to enjoy local wines and delicious culinary dishes created under the watchful eyes of executive chefs Jean Pierre Guerin and Frédéric Couton. They draw on their experiences at five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants to create culinary masterpieces, such as Pacific salmon and Alberta prime beef served alongside prairie grains, with seasonal fruits and vegetables sourced from the Fraser and Okanagan valleys. 

If you’re looking for ultimate luxury, upgrade to GoldLeaf Service, which offers bi-level glass dome coaches, with passenger seating upstairs and dining downstairs. Or consider the newest tour, Rockies to the Red Rocks. 

For over 30 years, this Canadian company has been offering breathtaking rail options through Alberta and British Columbia. Still, this addition showcases the striking mountain and desert landscapes of a completely different region: the Continental Divide between Moab, Utah, and Denver, Colorado.

The Glacier Express

This eight-hour rail adventure through southern Switzerland is often described as the world’s slowest express train. But the Glacier Express is more than just a means of transportation; it’s a spectacular immersive experience. The route winds through romantic Alpine villages, crosses jaw-dropping viaducts, and tunnels through peaks, offering sweeping views of iconic destinations like the Rhine Gorge and the snow-dusted Matterhorn.  

For those seeking an elevated experience, the Excellence Class boasts guaranteed window seats, a dedicated concierge, and curated regional fine-dining options served as you glide past postcard-perfect scenes. The enchantment continues with highlights like the Oberalp Pass, one of the highest points of the route, where the Swiss Alps unfold in all their glory. 

Royal Scotsman

The Royal Scotsman captures the heart of the Scottish Highlands in unparalleled style. Departing from Edinburgh's Waverley Station, this train invites guests to slow down and revel in the timeless beauty of Scotland. Picture yourself sinking into plush tartan armchairs in Edwardian-inspired cabins or sipping aged whisky in the wood-panelled observation car as the ancient lochs and rugged glens roll by.  

Dining is a highlight of the experience, with chefs drawing from Scotland’s abundant larder to craft meals featuring freshly caught seafood, game meats, and foraged herbs. The train’s spa carriage offers passengers the chance to relax with facials or massages while epic landscapes unfold outside. From golf outings at famed courses to visits to distilleries tucked away in the countryside, this train turns simple travel into a sensory awakening.  

Belmont Britannia Explorer

England and Wales' first luxury sleeper train, the Belmont Britannia Explorer, offers a truly unique way to experience Britain’s stunning landscapes and historic landmarks. What sets it apart is its dedication to luxury and detail. Each carriage has been meticulously restored to reflect the golden age of rail travel, complete with Art Deco-inspired interiors, handcrafted furnishings, and modern amenities for maximum comfort. Expansive windows provide uninterrupted views of rolling green hills, ancient villages, and iconic landmarks like castles and stone bridges.

Onboard, guests can indulge in regionally inspired dishes crafted by top chefs, using fresh, local ingredients that celebrate Britain’s culinary heritage. The train also offers a variety of curated itineraries, from coastal escapes to routes showcasing the dramatic beauty of Snowdonia and the Cotswolds.

Venice-Simplon-Orient Express

Few trains are as steeped in glamour as the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, a storied icon of rail travel beginning in cities like Paris or Istanbul. Lavishly restored Art Deco carriages create an air of timeless sophistication, setting the stage for a series of unforgettable moments. Luxurious cabins are complemented by an elegant dining car where passengers enjoy meals crafted by Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert, paired beautifully with fine European wines.  

For a more indulgent experience, opt for one of the grand suites, which feature expansive spaces, marble bathrooms, 24-hour butler service, and a continuous flow of champagne. The new Orient Express La Dolce Vita brings Italian luxury to the brand, covering 14 regions in Italy with three international routes. Cabins styled with retro-chic aesthetics highlight Italy’s mastery of both design and gastronomy, taking passengers on immersive excursions like truffle hunting in Piedmont or scenic drives along the Sicilian coastline.  

The Ghan Expedition

Crossing nearly 3,000 kilometres of Australia’s fiery-red interior, The Ghan Expedition delivers a deep connection to the rugged spirit of the land. On the four-day, three-night adventure from Adelaide to Darwin, passengers are treated to otherworldly vistas of the Outback while engulfed in platinum-level comfort.  

Off-train excursions are a standout feature. Guests can visit the sandstone cliffs of Nitmiluk Gorge, explore opal mines in Coober Pedy, and dine under a star-filled sky at the historic Telegraph Station in Alice Springs. The train itself is an oasis, offering spacious suites, all-inclusive dining, and attentive service, making it as much a retreat as it is a method of exploration.  

La Dolce Vita Orient Express

Italy’s charm comes alive on the La Dolce Vita Orient Express, a train that fuses 1960s Italian elegance with cutting-edge design. Traversing 14 regions, it offers breathtaking views of vineyards, the Amalfi Coast, and ancient ruins.

Onboard, vintage-inspired cabins feature handcrafted décor, while curated dining menus spotlight regional specialties like Piedmontese truffles and Sicilian citrus. Off the train, indulge in exclusive experiences like visiting artisan workshops in Florence or private tours of UNESCO sites.

Rail travel is not only a sophisticated way to travel, but it's also more eco-friendly

Eco-Passenger, a platform designed to calculate and compare carbon emissions across air, car, and train travel, highlights rail as the most environmentally friendly option—especially for shorter journeys. Each departure takes dozens of vehicles off the road, keeps noise and air pollution low, and makes getting around on arrival simple—no rental car needed. With high passenger capacity, rail is one of the greenest and most efficient ways to see the world.

Get ready to go

Book your rail travel adventure with a knowledgeable CAA Travel Consultant who can help you select the right tour company and experience. They can also make sure you have the proper travel insurance to protect your trip.