Luxury train rides are the epitome of old-fashioned glamour, but they’re far from a thing of the past. From a five-hour super-luxe train in southern Vietnam to this whopper 80-day luxury journey, there’s plenty of choice no matter where you are in the world.
In fact, we’ve compiled a roundup of our favourite routes right here. And while they’re all pretty dazzling, few are quite as iconic as the Orient Express.
The Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express, now owned by Belmond, has unveiled a brand-new, uber-opulent route, all the way from Paris to Tuscany.
Departing from Paris’s Gare d’Austerlitz station, the service journeys through France’s lush countryside before arriving in Florence the following afternoon.
There are three room options: according to Condé Nast Traveler, historic cabins transform from banquette seating into sleeping quarters at night, suites come with double beds and en suites, and Grand Suites brag marble-clad bathrooms, towering windows, red velvet furnishings and a butler.
All guests will be greeted with pastries, tea and champagne, and treated to dinner by renowned chef Jean Imbert, who has designed an elegant menu featuring French and Italian influences. There’ll be cocktails and live piano music in Bar Car 3674 in the evening, and breakfast will be served to travellers in their cabins – but that’s far from the end of the journey.
After a transfer to and guided tour of the Tuscan mediaeval town of Siena, which includes an exclusive visit to thirteenth-century Palazzo Pannocchieschi d’Elci, guests will be transferred to Belmond’s own farm estate Castello di Casole, for a two-night stay.
The itinerary here includes curated experiences such as spa treatments, star-gazing sessions and a sagra-style feast, all designed to celebrate authentic Tuscan culture. Sounds pretty lovely, doesn’t it? Take a look below for some snaps of the train and the hotel.
The journey is taking place from May 11-14, 2025, and prices per person start from £9,350. Read more and contact Belmond to book here.
Did you see that one of Europe’s new sleeper train routes has already been axed?
Plus: This European capital has officially voted to ban cars from 500 streets.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.