Luxury rail is having its strongest moment in a generation, and 2026 launches mean it is no longer just the Orient-Express that defines the category.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has added the long-anticipated L'Observatoire suites, designed by JR, alongside the Grand Suites — paired with a London-Paris-Venice crossing it remains the most romantic rail journey in Europe.
Rovos Rail's 14-night Cape Town to Dar es Salaam is the great African rail itinerary, crossing through Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania with private compartments and a level of service that quietly outpaces most safari lodges.
Belmond's Andean Explorer, Eastern & Oriental Express and the new Britannic Explorer (touring England and Wales) extend Belmond's hospitality DNA onto rails with itineraries between three and seven nights.
Japan's Shiki-shima and Twilight Express Mizukaze are the most refined experiences on rails anywhere in the world, but allocation for UK travellers is fiercely limited and requires booking 12 to 18 months ahead.
Rail journeys pair beautifully with a luxury hotel stay either side. The best itineraries combine a short rail leg with a longer destination stay rather than back-to-back rail nights.
