You’ve been waiting for years for a luxury train to take you on a journey across continents. And then there are not just one, but three, even four such “dream” trains, one after another. That’s right, the golden age of train travel – associated with the 1920s – seems to be returning after 100 years. In the next two years, a series of new trains and itineraries will be put into operation, making lovers of this type of travel excited. From newcomer Orient Express La Dolce Vita to established names such as Belmond, with its reputation for Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, and Golden Eagle – which once led the Trans-Siberian routes, will have new itineraries in 2025 passing through Italy, the UK, Central Asia and even China.
Journey through 4 continents, 7 trains
One day in the fall of 2024, a very special train set off from Vancouver, Canada. This was no ordinary trip, but a journey that connected seven train lines on four continents, from North America through Europe, Africa, and ending in Asia. Organized by Railbookers, the train opened the door to explore magical lands with prices starting at $113,599 per person. Before the 2025 program was launched, the waiting list for this trip was already over 500 people, proving the irresistible appeal of this unique train experience.
Samy Ghachem, CEO of La Dolce Vita Orient Express, Italy's first luxury train project scheduled to launch in 2025, told Conde Nast Traveler: "Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for slow and special experiences has increased significantly. With La Dolce Vita, visitors will experience 8 round trips from Rome (Italy), each leg is a poetic adventure through romantic lands."
Sitting on luxury trains, people easily associate it with the glamorous journeys of the Gilded Age - a splendid period of Western aristocracy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where every detail, every seat is meticulously cared for. Not only is it the sparkle of luxury but also the nostalgia of the glorious past. Director Wes Anderson once designed a train carriage on Belmond's British Pullman, bringing a unique artistic breath to each trip. Andrew Channell - Vice President of Railbookers recalls the unforgettable moment when watching the sunrise over the Andes on the Andean Explorer train. "With trains, the journey is the destination, every minute is part of the experience," he shared.
Immerse yourself in new lands
Luxury train travel is becoming a passion for many people. According to statistics from Railbookers, sales of luxury train tickets increased by 30% in 2024 compared to the previous year, and luxury trips increased by 43%. This is a global boom, not just focused on one region or campaign. Travel lovers are increasingly looking to trains as a way to connect with the world in a more personal and profound way.
“The feeling of being special, exclusive and once in a lifetime is something that travelers cannot refuse,” Channell emphasized. These trains are both a means of getting to a destination and a journey to enjoy and cherish every moment, where everyday worries are left behind. If the previous luxurious journeys were often associated with famous routes such as: Rovos Rail in South Africa, Rocky Mountaineer in Canada or Maharajas’ Express in India, now, train lines are expanding to less known places. Travelers can explore the wild lands of South America or peaceful villages in Japan.
In Italy, the La Dolce Vita train takes passengers through romantic landscapes, from the stone city of Matera in Basilicata to the peaceful village of Palena in Abruzzo. One of the most unique experiences is the journey across Sicily, where the train is undocked and taken by ferry across the Strait of Messina, before continuing its journey. In a world where overtourism and rush have left travelers frustrated, luxury trains like the La Dolce Vita offer privacy and an escape from the crowds. "It's an opportunity for travelers to discover parts of Italy they might not have thought of," says Samy Ghachem. "And it's also an opportunity to slow down and enjoy every moment of the journey."
According to the Telegraph, in 2025, the Nostalgie Istanbul Orient Express from Paris (France) to Istanbul (Türkiye) promises to be one of the most anticipated journeys. With exquisitely restored carriages from the 1920s and 1930s, this journey will take travelers back in time, lost in the romantic classical world. In 2026, another bold project called the "Norient Express" is also expected to launch, opening up the majestic landscape of Norway with its enchanting lakes, mountains and fjords. 2026 could also see the birth of Accor's Orient Express, a long-awaited project operating on the historic Paris - Istanbul route.
These new luxury trains all evoke the ideal image of luxury travel, with lavish dinners at the piano bar, meticulous attention to detail in the interior design, classic dining cars and impeccable service. All of this takes place in the breathtaking setting of constantly changing landscapes, bringing a sense of ecstasy to passengers. However, these services are not simply replicating the model that was imprinted in the detective novel "Murder on the Orient Express" by female writer Agatha Christie. Times have changed, the manufacturer has renewed the entire train, expanding and upgrading the standard of luxury to a new level.
Passenger expectations have also changed dramatically, moving towards a younger and more demanding demographic. The old-fashioned train carriages with bunk beds and sinks (but no private bathrooms) no longer hold the same appeal as they once did. Today, the need to connect more deeply with the lands you travel through, enjoy creative cuisine with local flavors and enjoy quiet spaces to relax is becoming the top criteria.
The Rise of Slow and Sustainable Tourism
“Stepping onto one of our trains is like stepping onto a film set,” said Gary Franklin, vice president of trains and cruises at Belmond. “It’s a unique environment where passengers can create their own experience.”
Belmond's journeys, which began with the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in 1982, have been a pioneer in the revival of luxury train travel. The company has now announced its new Britannic Explorer, due to depart in July next year. The Britannic Explorer will offer a brighter experience with light oak interiors, a Victorian pharmacy-inspired bar car and meals prepared by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan. The four- to five-day journeys will take in picturesque Cornwall, Snowdonia and the Lake District, including the stunning Settle-Carlisle route. It promises to be a top choice for those who love luxury on their journey to explore England and Wales.
The Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, due to launch in September next year, will also significantly expand existing routes, passing through sites that were once important stops on the ancient Silk Road. Passengers will be taken to cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara, and further into China, where the cultural treasures of Beijing and Xi’an are hidden. One special trip will also explore Tibet. “We offer luxury adventure,” said Tim Littler, founder of Golden Eagle. “Travelers are looking for once-in-a-lifetime experiences and the most comfortable way to explore places they might never have thought of.”
Along with the influx of new trains, the constant improvement in the quality of on-board accommodation – from en suite rooms to more spacious cabins – is also proving a strong draw, while off-train activities are tailored to suit passengers’ needs, from participating in a cake-making ceremony in Kyrgyzstan, exploring the ancient Taman Negara rainforest, to special forces-style training in Scotland.
“This type of travel allows passengers to relax, recharge, connect socially and truly immerse themselves in local activities. It’s not just about the journey, it’s about living in the moment,” Franklin concludes.
