Train travel is one of the most romantic, scenic, and effortless forms of travel. The allure of rolling along in a luxurious cabin, spectacular scenery unfolding like a movie at the window, and the mystique of a bygone era continually draws rail enthusiasts to ride the rails. I’ve chosen ten special trains that operate on six different continents to share with you in a two-part series.

 

1) The Blue Train   – Experience 27 hours of style and luxury travel from Cape Town to Pretoria, South Africa on the “world’s leading luxury train.” Both De Luxe and Luxury cabin categories include fine linens and en suite facilities with either a shower or bath, while the Luxury also includes an entertainment center. Dining is an experience, with local gourmet cuisine, fine table appointments, and low background music. Guest are expected to wear elegant evening attire. The Club car for smokers and the Lounge Car offer elegant venues to watch the scenery, play cards, and enjoy tea or an apéritif along the way.

2)  The Bergen Railway – Traveling across the mountains from Oslo to Bergen, Norway in a 17 hour trek, this train route offers breathtaking scenery from glacier-carved fjords to wind-hewn high mountain plateaus. This is primarily a day train; however, standard twin sleeping compartments are available. You can also reserve a seat in a quiet coach or a business compartment that provides coffee, newspapers, and laptop outlets. Pre-order food from a tapas menu or purchase à la carte on the train.

 

3) The Royal Scotsman  – This train primarily operates in the Scottish Highlands on 2- to 7-night tours out of Edinburgh, but also runs a 7-night Grand Tour of Great Britain. It only carries 36 guests in twin and single cabins, all with en suite shower, wash basin and WC. The decor is reminiscent of an opulent Edwardian country house and all meals, wine and whiskey are included. By day, all guests can watch the panorama of castles and glens from the sofa-clad observation car. Two dining cars serve seasonal Scottish fixed menus on alternately formal and informal nights. On formal nights, gentlemen are encouraged to wear tuxedos or kilts, on informal nights, jacket and tie. Overnight, the train stops to insure a good night’s sleep before resuming the trip with a full Scottish breakfast in the morning.

 

4) The Eastern & Oriental Express – While the ambience of this train harks back to a colonial era, the service through the tropical forests from Bangkok, Thailand to Singapore actually only began in 1993. 66 air-conditioned cabins carry a maximum of 132 privileged guests on the two night trip. Superior, State, and Presidential cabins all have en suite shower, wash basin and WC, as well as electric outlets, hairdryer, and safe. The Eastern and European cuisine is internationally renowned with breakfast served in cabin. The observation car has an interior cocktail lounge, a covered veranda, and an outdoor observation deck.

5) El Chepe – This train runs through some of the most spectacular scenery in Mexico, if not the world. The area known as Copper Canyon in the Sierra Madre is four times as large as the Grand Canyon and the railway climbs 7500 feet, crosses 37 bridges, and goes through 86 tunnels. It connects Chihuahua and Los Mochis with several passenger stops along the route in a 16 hour trip. In addition to 64-seat passenger cars, the train has a dining car that serves à la carte meals and bar drinks. The railway has been in daily use since 1961 and is considered a masterpiece of Mexican engineering.

Please come back to read the second part of this series. Meanwhile, I’d love to hear about your spectacular train experiences, so be sure to comment on your favorite train.