Traveling by train is the epitome of the idea that the journey can be every bit as meaningful as the destination. It’s a mode of transportation that has not only stood the test of time, but remains arguably the most comfortable, relaxing and romantic ways to get from A to B. And few regions of the world offer the amount of inter-connectivity, rail travel heritage and environmental variation that you’ll find when traveling by train through Europe. But when it comes to the question of ‘what’s the most scenic train ride in Europe?’, that’s ultimately for you to decide. Here, in no particular order, are 10 of the most scenic train rides in Europe for you to consider.

Glacier Express, Switzerland

Leave life in the fast lane for the slowest train in the world, the Glacier Express. You’ll ascend over 6,600 feet to the top of the Oberalp Pass, cruising through tunnels, past rows of spruce, and across the mountainside. This train travels at a leisurely 24mph, much of it through a UNESCO World Heritage listed site, allowing you to take in the beauty of the Swiss mountains in around 8 hours.  

Fine food and dining can be enjoyed on one of the world’s greatest train journeys through the Swiss Alps. It would seem a shame not to toast one the amazing views with a crisp Swiss white, and one of the best onboard is the Johannisberg Cuvée Spéciale Glacier Express.

What is the most beautiful train ride in the Alps?

With its panoramic views and guaranteed window seats, the Glacier Express won the 2023 World Luxury Travel Award in the category “Train Tours”. We’d say that crowns it as one of the most beautiful train rides in the Alps. 

Experience it for yourself on: Majestic Switzerland 

Related reading:Peak Performance: The Best Train Rides in Switzerland

Bordeaux to Paris, France

With a Luxury Gold journey to the South of France, your return to Paris from Bordeaux will be speeding through the French countryside to Paris at 320 kmph on a high-speed train. The best part, apart from the views of the meadows and the occasional castle, is that you’ll be in Paris in time for lunch – the train takes just 2 hours. 

Experience it for yourself on: Ultimate France

Flåm Railway Scenic Train, Norway

In 2014, Lonely Planet named the Flåm Railway the best train journey in the world – and it’s still certainly one of the most scenic train rides in Europe. Here you’ll take a more vintage style of train through Norway, from high mountains in Myrdal station down to the very bottom of the Aurlandsfjord, decked out in a nostalgic wooden interior with the large passenger windows you’d expect from a train that goes through the changing scenery of the Flåm Valley. The train takes a five-minute stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall, where you can stretch your legs and see the cascade from the platforn. It’s only around an hour’s journey, but you’ll be wishing it was longer – in which case you can hop back on the train and return to Myrdal. 

Experience it for yourself on: Timeless Scandinavia

Cinque Terre, Manarola to Rapallo, Italy

Experience some of the most awe-inspiring coastal scenery on earth at the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre when you journey with Luxury Gold. After exploring the charming fishing village of Manarola with your Local Expert, you’ll travel by train to the historic and colorful resort town of Rapallo. Italy’s most popular scenic rail trip may be short, but it sure is sweet! As the train hugs the coastline you feel as if you’re floating across the water, from one picture-perfect village to another. 

See it on: Ultimate Italy 

Brenner Railway, Munich, Germany to Venice, Italy

The Brenner Railway was the first to cross the Alps in the 1860s, so while there are more modern options out there, this is by far one of the most charming – and it has the added benefit of passing through three countries: Germany, Austria and Italy. Starting at Munich and ending in Venice, those two great cities set high standards for views and architecture. Over the course of around 6 and a half hours, enjoying the transition up to panoramic mountain views. The opportunity to stretch your legs at the Brenner Pass, the highest point of the trip at 1371m (4498ft), is one you won’t forget.

Nova Gorica to Jesenice, Slovenia 

Tread off the beaten path and onto the Bohinj Railway, which connects two Slovenian towns: Nova Gorica and Jesenice. As far as the term ‘picture perfect’ goes, this scenic train journey fits the bill, climbing the narrow Bača Valley, plunging into the four-mile Bohinj Tunnel and emerging in the spectacular Julian Alps. You’ll slowly pass by the bright blue waters of the famous Lake Bled, eventually stopping where you can follow a footpath down through the woods to the lakeshore.

Bergensbanen, Norway 

One of the less famous scenic train rides in Europe, Bergensbanen travels between Oslo and Bergen in around six and a half hours. In that time you’ll see the fill spectrum of Norway’s natural beauty, from canyons and mountains to rivers, fjords and waterfalls. If you’re lucky, you might even spot Arctic foxes, snow owls or herds of reindeer out the window. 

Royal Scotsman, Scotland 

Take in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands on one of the world’s most luxurious trains, stopping to try a dram of Scotch whisky at a world-famous distillery, try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, or even dive into one of Scotland’s many mystical lochs for a wild swim.  

Fresh Scottish cuisine is served throughout the day and evening as you dine in the mahogany-paneled restaurant cars, showcasing the country’s finest seafood and local produce. You’re joined by a maximum of just 35 fellow guests, who you can mingle with for after dinner drinks by candlelight. For a bit of extra pampering, pop into the Dior Spa onboard and let the holistic experts take care of you. 

Related reading: 10 of the World’s Most Famous Luxury Train Rides

The Presidential Train, Portugal 

Portugal’s Presidential Train once transported royalty in the 20th century, and although it was retired in 1970 only to be restored to its former glory 40 years later. Today, you’ll board the Presidential Train at Porto’s São Bento station and journey to Quinta do Vesuvio, rolling past the Douro Valley’s famous vineyards and the Douro River. Spectacular views are accompanied by live music and multi-course menus from Michelin-starred chefs, while Portuguese wine and port tastings further elevate the 10-hour train route.  

Related reading: 5 Celebrities Who Have Experienced the Timeless Luxury of Train Travel

Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland 

Not just one of the most scenic train rides in Europe, but in the world, the Jacobite Steam Train is full of nostalgic charm. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it passes by loch Morar (the deepest freshwater loch in Britain) and arrives at the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis. The 84-mile round trip also passes Morar and the beaches used in the 1986 film Highlander. Harry Potter fans will recognize one of the most famous stops on this route, the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct, where the train may pause (time permitting) to allow you to take in the view.

Is there a train that takes you all around Europe?  

While there isn’t a single train that can take you all around Europe, there are rail passes that allow you to travel across multiple countries. The most popular is the Interrail Global Pass, which allows you to visit over 30,000 destinations in 33 countries in a ‘hop on and off’ style with no booking required – unless you’re traveling on high-speed, international or night trains.

Discover some of the most scenic train rides in Europe – and the world – on our Luxury Train Journeys.

Every year, 600 industry experts combine forces to declare The World’s 50 Best Hotels, celebrating the very best hotel experiences across the globe. The list is published by William Reed, also responsible for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. In their own words, “50 Best acknowledges the many levels on which hotels operate as well as the people behind them – recognising and celebrating the most outstanding establishments and the individuals who bring them to life”.

 

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This year, the world’s best hotel is officially Capella, an incredible riverside oasis in Bangkok, which knocked last year’s number one, Passalacqua in Lake Como, down to a highly respectable second place. Bangkok had a bumper year, with four hotels on the list, making Capella’s victory all the sweeter. Of Europe’s 13 entries, there were some urban classics, such as The Connaught and Claridge’s in London and Le Bristol and Hotel de Crillon in Paris. There were a notable number of new entries in more remote destinations, including Kokomo Private Island, Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman and The Brando in French Polynesia.

Below, we’ve chosen six of our favourite hotels from the list – in destinations you can travel to with Luxury Gold. If any of them capture your imagination, or you’d just like to experience one of the world’s best hotels for yourself, consider extending your stay at the beginning or end of your journey with us.

Say hello to the world’s best hotels

No. 6: Aman, Tokyo

At number six, this sleek, hard-edged hotel sits right in the thick of Tokyo, somehow maintaining a zen-like calm in all corners. The lines couldn’t be straighter, the windows couldn’t be bigger, the views through floor-to-ceiling windows couldn’t be more mega – and yet “the transition from city to escapism is instantaneous”. The World’s 50 Best draws particular attention to the window-side stone bathtubs, the temple-like spa, the 30-metre swimming pool and the ethereally light-filled lobby.

Majestic Japan is an 11-day journey taking in Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima and more. The last stop is Tokyo, making it easy to add a couple of extra days in the city.

 

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No. 4: Cheval Blanc, Paris

It’s not surprising that LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) makes some of the world’s best hotels, but this is its first maison in a city. It couldn’t be more in Paris – close to the Marais, over the Seine from Saint-Germain, with views of the Eiffel Tower that remain seared in your mind forever. The rooms are chic golden havens, the spa is Dior and Le Tout-Paris is a brasserie that embraces Paris’s skyline like nowhere else. It’s easy to see why this hotel is number 4.

Our Ultimate France journey is two full weeks of French immersion, by way of Monte Carlo, Provence and Bordeaux, finishing – conveniently enough – in Paris.

 

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No. 11: Claridge’s, London

Proving it really is timeless, Mayfair’s art deco icon comes in at number 11. It has been literally and figuratively flying the flag for Great Britain among the world’s best hotels since 1856, but recent years have seen the addition of a five-storey subterranean Japanese-inspired spa and a facelift for many of the sumptuous suites. Known for that very English thing – discretion – Claridge’s remains the host of choice for high society, global dignitaries, designers and celebrities.

Our 10-day British Royal journey starts in London, so you can arrive a little early and start as you mean to go on.

 

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No. 19: Four Seasons Firenze, Florence

There are four Four Seasons hotels on the list this year, all of them completely different in character. At number 19, this one is the most palatial of the properties, surrounded by Florence’s largest private garden, in the impeccably restored 15th-century Medici family palazzo. The interiors fully celebrate the Italian Renaissance, with dramatic floral displays sitting among frescoes, bronze sculptures, mosaics and moldings aplenty.

It’s about three hours to Florence from both Rome and Venice, where Ultimate Italy begins and ends.

 

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Mount Nelson, Cape Town

This is Cape Town’s Grande Dame, affectionately known as The Nellie, or Pink Lady. She’s been with us for over a century and this year she’s the best hotel in Africa, and according to this list, the world’s 28th best hotel. The candyfloss hue of the building flows through the hotel – in the towels, sun loungers, macarons and rose gardens, making for a joyful luxury space. New initiatives include replacing historic oil paintings with emerging African artists. The World’s 50 Best says service is “light-hearted and personality filled”.

Spectacular South Africa is an eight-day journey (or a 10-day journey if you add Victoria Falls), beginning in Cape Town.

 

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No. 43: Suján Jawai, Rajasthan

At number 43 is this rare beauty – a luxury camp set into the plain next to the Aravalli mountains, among billion-year-old granite rock formations, where leopards roam free. It consists of 10 tented suites, each with its own private sit-out in the Jawai wilderness. In the dining tent, meals follow the rhythm of safari – there are no set dining times. At sunrise, freshly-made Indian snacks, tea and coffee are served during the morning game drive, followed by stuffed parathas back at camp.

At the end of our 13-day Imperial Rajasthan journey, most guests fly from Udaipur to Delhi for their homeward flight, but Udaipur happens to be a mere three hours’ drive from Suján Jawai.

 

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The Rest of the Best Hotels in the World 2024:

1. Capella, Bangkok
2. Passalacqua, Lake Como
3. Rosewood, Hong Kong
4. Cheval Blanc, Paris
5. The Upper House, Hong Kong
6. Raffles, Singapore
7. Aman, Tokyo
8. Soneva Fushi, Maldives
9. Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
10. Nihi Sumba, Sumba Island
11. Claridge’s, London
12. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
13. Raffles London at The OWO
14. Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
15. Hôtel de Crillon, Paris
16. Chablé Yucatán, Chocholá
17. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes
18. Maroma, Riviera Maya
19. Four Seasons Firenze, Florence
20. Borgo Santandrea, Amalfi
21. Desa Potato Head, Bali
22. Bulgari, Tokyo
23. The Lana, Dubai
24. Rosewood, São Paulo
25. The Calile, Brisbane
26. The Siam, Bangkok
27. Park Hyatt, Kyoto
28. Mount Nelson, Cape Town
29. One&Only Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit
30. The Carlyle, New York
31. La Mamounia, Marrakech
32. Four Seasons, Madrid
33. Capella, Singapore
34. Four Seasons at The Surf Club, Surfside
35. Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles
36. Eden Rock, St. Barths
37. Aman, New York
38. Royal Mansour, Marrakech
39. Amangalla, Galle
40. Le Bristol, Paris
41. Gleneagles, Auchterarder
42. Castello di Reschio, Lisciano Niccone
43. Suján Jawai, Rajasthan
44. Singita, Kruger National Park
45. Six Senses Zighy Bay, Zaghi
46. The Connaught, London
47. The Brando, Tetiaroa
48. Hotel Esencia, Tulum
49. The Tasman, Hobart
50. Kokomo Private Island, Yaukuve Levu Island

Expertly curated for the discerning traveler, our journeys offer an unparalleled travel experience, with every detail taken care of. Above and beyond iconic landmarks and sublime destinations, you may be wondering what exactly does a Luxury Gold journey include before you sign on the dotted line. To help you out, here’s everything you need to know.

You may be interested to read: How Luxury Gold Journeys Go Above and Beyond with Expert Karen Gower

Magnificent Stays

When we say luxurious accommodations, we’re not just meaning somewhere to rest your head. We’re talking about a carefully curated selection of boutique properties, historic gems and 5-star hotels in select locations that you will be talking about long after you return home.

A true immersion in each destination, enjoy superior service from partners like Belmond, JW Marriott, Intercontinental, and Red Carnation Hotels, along with a sensational array of one-of-a-kind boutique stays.

Guests enjoy the 5-star Marriot Mena House Hotel in Cairo, as featured on Elegance of the Nile.

At the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Peru, you’re invited into a storybook world. This exceptional retreat is set high in the Cloud Forest, in its own intimate Andean village. In the heart of Old Québec, Canada Fairmont Le Château Frontenac  is an iconic property that has been standing for over a century overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence River. Sleep like a movie star at the exquisite  Hotel Quisisana on Italy’s glamorous Isle of Capri, a favorite of nobility and celebrities, while the 11th century Ashford Castle in Ireland once home to the Guinness family will leave you feeling like royalty.

In Ireland, the magnificent Ashford Castle stands proud on Loch Corrib, a featured stay on Ultimate Ireland.

Read more about one of our exceptional hotels Step inside Peru’s blissful Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Exceptional Dining

A daily breakfast and many of your dinners are included on your Luxury Gold journey. Thoughtfully chosen, these culinary experiences are more than nourishment, they are highlights.

We integrate the best fine dining and local gastronomic tours into our itineraries, for the perfect blend of curated meals and foodie experiences, along with the freedom to also explore your palate as you choose.

Dinner is served at the Hotel D’Angleterre in Geneva, as featured on Majestic Switzerland.

Michelin Star and Acclaimed Restaurants – Skip the waiting lists and dine in Michelin-starred and acclaimed restaurants. Enjoy delicious menus from top rated chefs, some sensational locations and experience the pinnacle of sustainable dining.

Some of our favorite restaurants include the Michelin-starred L’Antic Moli in Spain, a hidden gem where Head Chef Vincent Guimerà places local produce at the center of his menus and Fotografiska in Stockholm, a bastion of Swedish cuisine that holds a Michelin Green Star for its focus on reducing waste. Showcasing Peruvian gastronomy at its finest, MAP Café in Cusco delights with a surprise filled menu, and in South Africa, dining on the freshest catch in Cape Town’s award-winning Salsify, alongside the Atlantic Ocean is something that you’ll be talking about long after you return home.

L’Antic Moli’s Head Chef puts finishing touched to plates, as featured on Spain & Portugal in Style. Image credit: @lanticmoli on Instagram

Gastronomic Variety – Variety is always on the menu, with local produce and traditional dishes always favored on our trips. Depending on which tour you choose, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn from local gourmands on foodie street tours, create delicious favorites with cookery masterclasses and indulge at winery picnics. These experiences often allow you to meet local characters with stories to tell, something you wouldn’t get when travelling alone.

In Room Breakfasts – On days with Relaxed Starts you can set your clock a little later and enjoy a continental breakfast in bed with complimentary room service.

Step inside a Michelin-starred restaurant: Meet Michelin-star chef Vicent Guimerà of Spain’s L’Antic Molí restaurant

Concierge Services

Included on every Luxury Gold journey, our concierge services ensure a flawless personal service, tailored to you and always enjoyed in a small group setting. Features include:

Your Personal Travel Concierge – Taking care of every detail and at your service 24/7, your Travel Concierge is an expert on your destination and your happiness. They’ll get to know you, and then know what you need before you need it. No ask too great, their little black book of contacts and recommendations is second to none, whether you’re looking for a Ferrari ride in the Tuscan hills or a private dining experience in the gastronomic city of Bordeaux. Included within the price of your journey, they also take care of tips for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.

A Luxury Gold Travel Concierge welcomes guests to their hotel.

Private Door-to-Door Transfer Service – Relax right from the start with an uninterrupted, seamless journey to your departure airport. At the end of your vacation, on arrival at your chosen airport, you will be greeted inside the terminal for a smooth and comfortable journey directly back home. The private door-to-door transfer service is available for guests in the UK, US and Australia, within a 50-mile radius of major international airports.

Full-Service Porterage – For your ease and comfort, full-service in-room porterage is always included. Your luggage will seamlessly be delivered from the coach into your hotel room, and on departure days, the porters will call your room to personally assist with the transport of your bags, so you won’t need to worry about your suitcase’

Personal Service within a small group setting – Always enjoy a bespoke experience within an intimate setting of an average of 20 guests, meaning a personal one-to-one experience. With our small groups, you benefit from more personalized service from your Travel Concierge and gain access to people and places that are closed to larger groups.

Bookmark for later: The 7 secret skills of every Luxury Gold Travel Concierge

Curated Experiences

Curated travel with VIP access and unique luxury experiences at your fingertips – each itinerary is thoughtfully crafted with the discerning traveler in mind to include:

Extraordinary VIP experiences – Front-of-the-queue priority, behind-the-scenes access, before and after-hours visits. We invite you to enjoy rare insights into majestic landmarks, with personal anecdotes from those in the know. Egypt’s Temple of Luxor is lit up for you, after hours and in England, enjoy exclusive access to the Tower of London before witnessing the ancient Ceremony of the Keys. Dine with a former All Black rugby player in New Zealand and learn about life on one of the most successful teams in the world, while in Italy enjoy a VIP visit to the magnificent Doges Palace in Venice.

On Elegance of the Nile, experience the Temple of Luxor after-hours, without the crowds.

Personalize Your Days with a Choice of Inclusions – On many days you can enjoy a choice of included experiences to personalize your journey. Plus, your personal Travel Concierge combines insider knowledge with a flair for knowing what guests want, to further customize your trip during your free time at your destinations.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences – Our sustainable travel experiences are included on all of our Limited-edition Small Group Journeys. Enlighten your senses, support local communities and enjoy exclusive invitations behind the scenes. Each experience supports up to 2 of 11 specific United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals​ and leaves a positive impact as you travel.

On Treasures of the Incas, meet Peruvian artisans protecting heritage crafts for future generations.

You may also enjoy reading: After Hours: Travel Like a VIP With These Exclusive Experiences

The Gold Standard in Travel

Setting the gold standard for travel, we want you to feel like a VIP every day of your Luxury Gold tour. Our first-class coaches ensure you arrive at each destination refreshed and entertained – your Luxury Gold coach is specially customized for smaller groups, with double the legroom and personal space. Complimentary wi-fi on board means you can stay in touch as you travel.

Guests relax on a private cruise in Capri, a feature on Ultimate Italy.

You can relax throughout your Luxury Gold journey knowing that you have 24/7 Support, with our on-the-road and remote support team available round the clock to assist you. Alongside your expert Travel Concierge, you’ll also benefit from highly skilled coach drivers and best-in-class Local Experts bringing each destination to life. This support also includes any queries before you leave and once you return.

Does a Luxury Gold journey sound like the vacation you’ve been dreaming of? Take a look at our full collection of Limited-edition Small Group Tours and choose from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas for your next luxurious getaway.