Take a hint from the glamour of yore and indulge in slow-moving, on-the-ground transport with luxury train travel.
“If a train is large and comfortable you don’t even need a destination,” Theroux wrote.
Take it slow on these rail journeys through some of the world’s most glamorous destinations.
Credit: Courtesy of Belmond
Here are the most luxurious train rides in the world.
But fair warning the train can only carry up to 20 passengers at a time.
Demand is so high that prospective riders mustapply to ride.
Courtesy of Belmond
Winners are then invited to purchase their seats on an upcoming itinerary.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Expressis mythical for a reason.
The train’sclassic routeruns from London to Venice, stopping in Paris and Verona on the way.
Matt Crossick/Courtesy of Belmond
Cars are adorned in Art Deco finery, creating an atmosphere of old-school glamour.
The view is particularly exceptional from the train’s open-air balconies on the observation car.
Royal Scotsman, Scotland
Explore Scotland’s lochs, castles, and countryside on a slow-moving train.
Patricia de Melo Moreira/AFP/Getty Images
But what makes the Royal Scotsman unique among luxury trains is theonboard Dior Spa.
Today, guests can travel in luxury on theBelmond Andean Explorer.
Because of the high elevation in Peru, this is one of the highest train routes in the world.
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Every car has a private butler, and there’s a two-bedroom presidential suite for those willing to splurge.
The train has been in operation since 1929 but has been updated with modern amenities.
Onboard meals include local fare like saltwater barramundi and grilled kangaroo fillet.
Canada’s national passenger rail service, Via Rail, offers across-country routefrom Toronto to Vancouver.
Along the way, passengers will spot waterfalls, charming small towns, and the grand Rocky Mountains.
Take the train in winter for the best views of snow-capped peaks and endless fields of white powder.
The trains are decorated to evoke the feeling of stepping back to that era.
Passengers can experience some of Spain’s best vistas from the panoramic viewing car.
Service goes across the northern coast of the country from San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela.
The rich design is enhanced by the views when the train passes through lush rain forests or ancient temples.
Be sure to pack apparel worthy of the scene evening wear is required for dinner.
