Hop on board: Six high-end train routes to take this summer
Amid wide-scale disruptions to global air travel caused by geopolitical instability, these luxury rail routes might be the solution to a stress-free holiday.
As turbulent geopolitics play havoc with air travel, this could be the summer of spontaneous rail journeys. There’s little that’s more comforting than the lulling rhythms of an overnight train, especially when you are assured a snug bed and unrivalled views.
Luxury train companies have upped their game in recent years, with notable examples including Belmond’s excursions across South America and Rovos Rail’s weeklong South African journeys. The Golden Eagle Silk Road Express whisks travellers from Beijing to Tashkent in opulent interiors with stops in ancient locations, including Samarkand and Xi’an. And if you’re looking for a Rocky Mountains adventure, Canyon Spirit’s new Denver to Salt Lake City itinerary offers just that (plus all the trimmings).
Imminent arrivals on the scene, such as France’s Le Grand Tour, are also offering a refreshing mix of retro glamour and modern comforts. Slower forms of travel have their unique charms. Watching the landscape gradually change outside the window as your train cruises across a country (or even a continent) is a rewarding, meditative experience – made all the more pleasurable by plush upholstery and a well-assembled drinks menu.
So if you have your eye on a slower, more scenic itinerary this summer, here is our departure board of new routes leaving from a station near you.
1.
China – Uzbekistan
Route: Beijing to Tashkent
Operator: Golden Eagle Silk Road Express
Length: 22 days
2.
USA
Route: Denver to Salt Lake City
Operator: Canyon Spirit
Length: 3 days
3.
Australia
Route: Adelaide to Darwin
Operator: The Ghan
Length: 4 days
4.
Japan
Route: Kyushu round trip
Operator: Seven Stars
Length: 1 – 3 days
5.
France – Italy
Route: Paris to the Amalfi Coast
Operator: Orient Express
Length: 3 days
6.
Spain
Route: Madrid to Seville
Operator: Al Andalus
Length: 7 days
Comment
Slower forms of travel have their unique charms. Watching the landscape gradually change outside the window as your train cruises across a country (or even a continent) is a rewarding, meditative experience – made all the more pleasurable by plush upholstery and a well-assembled drinks menu.