In a world dominated by the hustle of air travel, train journeys are a testament to the magic of slow travel. With enchanting views, luxurious carriages, and rhythmic movements, there’s an undeniable romance and allure to traveling by rail. Boutique train journeys take this experience a step further, weaving landscapes, culture and history into one extraordinary journey that’s just as significant as the destination. 

From the longer expeditions such as Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer and South Africa’s Rovos Rail to the one-day journeys like Norway’s Flåm Railway and Peru’s Vistadome train to Machu Picchu, here are some of the most remarkable luxury boutique train journeys that take you to the heart of your destination. 

Rocky Mountaineer with GoldLeaf Service, Canada

Take an unforgettable journey through the Canadian Rockies on the Rocky Mountaineer. With GoldLeaf Service, you’ll experience one of the most spectacular boutique train journeys in the world, as we roll from Jasper in Alberta to the city of Vancouver. 

In GoldLeaf, you’ll kick back in plush, reclining seats in the bi-level glass-domed cabin with full-length panoramic windows, so you can see all the snowcapped mountains, dazzling blue lakes, deep green forests, dreamy meadows and wildlife in high-definition. You’ll also get access to an outdoor viewing platform, so you can get even more immersed in the stunning landscapes of western Canada. Keep your eyes peeled and you are likely to spot eagles, elk and even bears.

Meals are another highlight of the GoldLeaf Service, served in the dedicated dining room on the lower level of the bi-level coach. Crafted by talented chefs with locally sourced ingredients, you’ll indulge in the authentic flavors of the region. Enjoy a glass of wine, a freshly baked cookie, and other gourmet snacks, before disembarking each evening to spend your night in a luxurious hotel. 

You can experience the Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service from Jasper to Vancouver, with a night in Kamloops, on our Majesty of the Rockies luxury tour.

Discover it on: Majesty of the Rockies with the Rocky Mountaineer

Read more: The Story of The Rocky Mountaineer, North America’s most luxurious train journey

Rovos Rail, South Africa

Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa is the epitome of luxury train travel in South Africa, with lashings of old-world charm and an Agatha Christie-esque atmosphere. The journey starts with you settling into your private suite, dripping in vintage decor while equipped with modern comforts. The lavish suites are wood-paneled with thick carpet and everything from full-size beds and private bathrooms and amenity bags to air-conditioning and fluffy white gowns. 

Life on board is like a step back in time, with no televisions or digital entertainment on board, yet plenty to see. There’s an observation car with an open-air balcony to soak up the South African landscapes and often an onboard historian. There are places to socialize with fellow guests including a lounge car, gift shop and dining car, all designed with timeless elegance.

The dining car will quickly become a firm favorite with breakfast, lunch, and a formal dinner every day. You’ll indulge in four-course meals crafted by skilled chefs and paired with the finest South African wines. The dress code is smart casual during the day and more formal in the evenings, adding to the allure of this vintage journey.

You can travel from Pretoria to the majestic Victoria Falls aboard the historic Rovos Rail on our Spectacular South Africa tour. 

Discover it on: Spectacular South Africa with Rovos Rail

Read more: This is what it’s actually like to travel on South Africa’s Rovos Rail

Glacier Express Scenic Train, Switzerland

The Glacier Express may be the world’s slowest train, but that’s a bonus when you’re surrounded by the world’s most impressive landscapes. Chugging along at an average of 18mph, the Glacier Express takes around eight hours to travel from Saint Moritz to Zermatt. That means you get eight hours to soak up the remarkable views of the Swiss Alps. The journey is truly special, passing over 291 bridges, 91 tunnels and endless snowy peaks, emerald valleys, deep gorges, ancient castles and charming hamlets.

Mid-journey, the train snakes down the Rhine Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland. Keep your eyes peeled here for the breathtaking views of the UNESCO-listed Aletsch Glacier. As you arrive at the final destination, Zermatt, you’ll come face to face with the iconic Matterhorn.

You’ll see it all from your plush first-class seat. The glass-domed carriage has panoramic windows allowing you to feel close to the landscapes outside. You’ll also enjoy a delicious lunch prepared onboard.

Travel through the heart of the Swiss Alps in luxurious first class on the Glacier Express Scenic Train with our Majestic Switzerland tour. 

Discover it on: Majestic Switzerland

Read more: 5 incredible photographs to take from Switzerland’s Glacier Express

Flåm Railway Scenic Train, Norway

Renowned as one of the most beautiful train journeys, the Flåm Railway offers a mesmerizing showcase of Norway’s ethereal beauty. Setting off from historic Bergen, it’s a feast for the eyes as you wind through majestic fjords and snowy mountains. You’ll marvel at the idyllic countryside with its fairytale waterfalls and charming red clapboard cottages. You’ll also come face to face with the Norwegian wilderness passing over the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, the highest in Europe.

As you ascend up the mountainside to Myrdal, you’ll see the awe-inspiring Aurlandsfjord and the Kjosfossen Waterfall. The journey ends in the gorgeous town of Geiranger, nestled among snow-capped peaks and the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. This is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting train rides on earth.

Take a magnificent journey from Bergen to Geiranger aboard the Flåm Railway Scenic Train on our Timeless Scandinavia luxury tour.

Discover it on: Timeless Scandinavia

Read more: 7 of the world’s most luxurious train journeys

Vistadome Train to Machu Picchu, Peru

Climb aboard the Vistadome Train for a journey through Peru’s remarkable landscapes to the mysterious Machu Picchu. You’ll set off from the Sacred Valley, passing through the spectacular Urubamba Valley. It’s incredible to see the towering Andes, cascading rivers, and verdant forest whizzing by your window.

We’ll pause for lunch at Café Inkaterra, nestled between the train tracks and forest above the Vilcanota River. After lunch, we’ll set off on a guided walk through the cloud forest. You can also choose to visit a working tea plantation and learn the art of tea making or see the world’s largest private collection of Indigenous orchids. 

Legs stretched, we’ll once again board the train, settling into the comfortable seats surrounded by panoramic glass windows. There’s also an outdoor observation carriage, so you can inch closer to the stunning landscapes. If the natural beauty isn’t enough, you’ll also be entertained by live traditional music on the train and enjoy meals inspired by the region’s rich culinary scene. The star of today is the final destination – the iconic Machu Picchu – but the journey here is sure to be as unforgettable as the Incan ruins themselves. 

Get immersed in the culture and nature of Peru on the Vistadome Train with our South America luxury tours.

Discover it on: Treasures of the Incas and Grand South America

Read more: Embrace the spirituality of the Incas in Peru’s Sacred Valley

TranzAlpine Scenic Train, New Zealand

Credit @greatjourneysnz – Instagram

The TranzAlpine Scenic Train is one of New Zealand’s most dazzling boutique train journeys. You’ll traverse the breathtaking landscapes of the South Island, starting in Christchurch on the east coast. You’ll cross the island, arriving in the town of Greymouth, near Franz Josef on the west coast.

The 138-mile journey showcases some truly remarkable scenery from the pastoral farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the soaring snowy peaks and crystal blue, ice-fed rivers of the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass. 

Credit @greatjourneysnz – Instagram

One of the highlights is the Otira Tunnel, a feat of engineering burrowing into the heart of the mountain range. You’ll also watch the landscape transform into verdant rainforest before reaching the Tasman Sea. Best of all, you’ll see it all unfold in comfort, with panoramic windows, café, and open-air viewing decks. 

Journey across the South Island aboard the TranzAlpine Scenic Train on our New Zealand luxury tours. 

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Jan Shatabdi Express Train, India

One of the best ways to explore Rajasthan and northern India is a journey on the Jan Shatabdi Express Train. We’ll board the train in the historic town of Bhraratpur, and set off into the heart of Rajasthan. You won’t want to blink as charming villages, lush plantations and countryside roll by. 

You’ll enjoy comfortable seating and large glass windows to make the most of the beautiful views. In just a few hours you’ll arrive in Ranthambore, set on the edge of the world-renowned national park home to Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears and more.

A former royal retreat and hunting ground turned wildlife sanctuary, you’ll catch a glimpse of the incredible jungle as you roll into the train station. The views are an exciting preamble to your game drive through the park tomorrow. 

Travel through the landscapes of Northern India on the Jan Shatabdi Express Train with our Essence of India luxury tour. 

Discover it on: Essence of India

Read more: Walking With the King of the Big Cats in India’s Royal Hunting Grounds

Experience more of the world’s greatest luxury and boutique train journeys with our exclusive Golden Extensions. 

Niagara’s cascading falls. Quintessential Quebec. Mouthwatering Indigenous cuisine. To learn more about the highlights that await on Indulgence in Eastern Canada, and how each aspect of your journey is made exceptional, we spoke with Travel Concierge Arsen.

Falling deeply in love with this vast and sophisticated land, Arsen made Canada his home seven years ago. His exceptional concierge skills were honed with the Four Seasons luxury hotel brand before he began leading Luxury Gold’s small group journeys.

Offering a flawless personal service tailored to you, your Travel Concierge is an expert in both your destination, and your tastes.

“I provide a personalized and anticipatory service. That’s the luxury part of our journeys,” he tells us. “I answer your questions before you ask them, as much as is possible.”

Discover this on: Indulgence in Eastern Canada

Canada’s full splendor

“I think what makes Indulgence in Eastern Canada so special is that it shows you whole splendid package of Canada, nothing is left out,” says Arsen. “We explore the English-speaking part in Toronto and Ottowa. And we are also immersed in the deep Francophone culture in Quebec City and Montreal, which is a large part of Canada’s history.

“Canada’s Indigenous culture is also a huge part of this magnificent country’s story, which is told beautifully on this tour. We meet some fascinating people and enjoy Indigenous dining, all the while learning about both the history and present day lives of these communities.”

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A thundering start in Toronto

Your tour starts with the thundering cascades of Niagara Falls. One of the most thrilling things to do in Eastern Canada. An expertly narrated cruise allows you to experience the power of the falls up close, with the mist falling all around you. A five star stay at the St Regis Toronto, a VIP guided tour and wine tasting at Château des Charmes and a warm Canadian welcome provides a spectacular start to your luxury journey.

Exceptional dining every day

“We dine in some sensational restaurants. Sagamite in Quebec is particularly stand-out because it traces the path of indigenous gastronomy,” says Arsen. “Their menu features a BBQ of elk, deer and bison, which many people have never tried before. It’s a real treat for the palate.”

This charming restaurant in historic Old Quebec delights with both a gourmet feast and a cultural experience. As you feast on a Flaming Yatista BBQ prepared tableside, you’ll discover how important fire is to the First Nations and learn the staple meats they thrived on.

“Sagamite is the only Indigenous restaurant in Quebec City and it’s family owned,” says Arsen. “It’s a very intimate experience, you see the photos and murals of the family. The portions are huge and the food delicious.”

Spectacular hotels. Every night

@stregistoronto

Spectacular hotels bookend each day of Indulgence in Eastern Canada. Elegant and hand-selected, these magnificent stays provide a relaxing retreat as well as shining a lens on the country’s rich history.

“What sets this tour apart in terms of hotels is the variety. Each one is sensational. You enjoy the chic of an ultra-modern hotel, and the chance to stay in amazing historic properties,” says Arsen. “So, for every taste there is a luxurious delight, and each night is an experience in itself.

“We handle everything for you. When you arrive, your luggage is in your room waiting for you and your keys are ready.

From chic to chateau

@fairmontfrontenac

“Your hotel experience begins at The St Regis, Toronto. Its right in the center of the city,” Arsen tells us. “Ultra-modern, its pure luxury and everything has buttons.”

A dramatic feature of Toronto’s skyline, with its gleaming silver spire, the St. Regis Toronto is Canada’s tallest residential building. Sip champagne and bask in the heated saltwater, infinity-edged lap pool with spectacular views.

“Then for a real taste of history you have the Fairmont Hotels, which are exceptional,” says Arsen, of the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa. And the jewel of the crown, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City, an icon of Eastern Canada travel.

“The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is the most photographed hotel in the world, and rightly so. It’s unbelievably beautiful,” Arsen enthuses. “Sitting regally on the top of a hill, wherever you go in the Old City of Quebec, it is guarding over you.

“We have local expert who gives us an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the hotel. Gain access to areas not normally learn how Fairmont Le Château Frontenac’s history is intertwined with the inhabitants of Quebec City.”

Read more: The revered Quebec City hotel with an iconic movie star reputation

Personalize your Day – historic Montreal

On every Luxury Gold tour, you can enjoy the chance to personalize your day through carefully curated experiences. Thoughtfully chosen with the Luxury Gold guest in mind, your Travel Concierge will help you tailor your choices to get the most out of your day.  

“On Indulgence in Eastern Canada we have three opportunities to personalize your day. Once in Quebec, Ottawa and again in historic Montreal,” says Arsen. “We understand that guests like to explore in different ways so have curated experiences to cater for different tastes.”

Canadas second largest city and the world’s second largest francophone city after Paris, Montreal’s French colonial history dates back to the 16th century. A seductive blend of European charm and North American heritage, exquisite architecture and cobblestone streets blend harmoniously with modern hotels and fine dining.

“Here guests can explore the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal with a Local Expert, one of the great historical things to do in Eastern Canada. Or join a vibrant mural and street art tour to learn about the artists, works, and public art scene that is thriving in this city.” Arsen explains.

In addition to these curated experiences, your personal Travel Concierge also goes the extra mile to further customize your trip. Combining insider knowledge of each destination with the ultimate black book of contacts, they’ll feed your passions and inspire your curiosity during your free time. Whether its concerts or cuisine, exploration or relaxation, they’re always on hand with thoughtful suggestions.

Small groups means more focused attention

“If guests need specific information or have any questions, I’m always available,” Arsen tells us. “With these small group journeys, I have plenty of time to interact one on one with guests, which makes the tour very personal.

With an intimate setting of an average of 20 guests, guests can enjoy a bespoke and tailored service.

“I’m able to learn about each guest and what they like. I always like to understand what brings them here. For me it’s about treating guests as individuals rather than as a whole group.”

A special treat

“I love to leave guests with a special treat.,” says Arsen. “On my last tour I bought maple leaf pins for everyone. They were crafted in part from the original copper which covered the roofs of Canada’s Parliament buildings in Ottawa, from 1918 to 1996. This meant they were taking home a part of Canada.

“The pins are actually made by members of a charity, supporting equal opportunities for disabled people in the workplace, so you’re also supporting an important project. The guests loved it so much, they were deeply moved and touched.”

“It gives me great pleasure to ensure that, for each and every guest, their journey is unforgettable.”

To enjoy all this and more, take a look at our luxurious Indulgence in Eastern Canada tour.

Kind and endangered, the Ojibwe Spirit Horses of Mādahòkì Farm have an intriguing story to tell. An important part of Canada’s Indigenous history, they once roamed the lands freely. But through hunting and loss of wild habitat, their numbers dwindled dangerously close to extinction.

To learn of her mission to revive the breed, we spoke to Trina Mather-Simard, CEO of Indigenous-Experiences a non profit indigenous arts and culture organisation and owner of Madahoki Farm. Trina herself is Ojibwe, a status member from Curve Lake First Nation. Her passion is preserving the Ojibwe Spirit Horses and all they represent.

Guests on Indulgence of Eastern Canada are welcomed to Trina’s Mādahòkì Farm. Here you are invited to explore Indigenous history through the lens of these charming equines. Enjoy Indigenous tea and Bannock by the fire. Meet the Ojibwe Spirit Horses and learn about their place in Indigenous culture.

See their history brought to life through the beautiful works of artist Rhonda Snow. Her exquisite artworks tells a series of stories she collected from the memories of Elders.

The Ojibwe Sprit Horses

Photo credit: Mādahòkì Farm

Once upon a time, Ojibwe Spirit horses roamed Ontario’s lands, living in harmony with the Indigenous communities since time immemorial. The only known Indigenous breed of horse to Canada, they were hunted to the point of extinction, with their wild lands disappearing.

By 1977, only four wild mares were left in Lac La Croix First Nation area, in northwestern Ontario near the U.S. border to Minnesota. To save them, a group of men from the United States and Canada took them across the frozen ice to Minnesota. Here the mares were matched with a Spanish Mustang to save the breed.

Nowadays there are over 180 Spirit Horses in existence. Dedicated groups and people including Trina continue to work hard to protect the breed as a vital, and adorable, legacy of Indigenous culture.

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Living in partnership

Small, sturdy and built for the Canadian winter, these inquisitive, kind ponies played a key role in indigenous culture. Living in isolated communities where horses roamed free as deer, whenever someone needed a horse, they just went out and caught one.

“They weren’t domesticated, they weren’t corralled. They lived wild, but in partnership with our community,” explains Trina. Still showing their heritage links, many have the prehistoric tiger striping on their legs and dorsal stripes on their backs.

 So many untold stories

Photo credit: Mādahòkì Farm

“The fact that so few know about the story of the Ojibwe Spirit horses is indicative of the huge tapestry of Indigenous history, culture and heritage in our country,” says Trina. “There is so much for everyone to learn, each element playing an important role.”

“Even though I am Ojibway myself, very involved in indigenous tourism and part of the equestrian world, I only heard about these horses at the beginning of the pandemic.

“I was listening to a podcast on CBC where I heard artist Rhonda Snow, an Ojibway horse caretaker and knowledge keeper, talking about the Ojibwe Spirit horses. So, when travel opened back up, we went to go visit them.”

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The inspiration behind Mādahòkì Farm

“I thought it was a really important part of our history to share,” Trina explains. “It offers a similar kind of story to the Indigenous community. Our relationship with our lands and the resilience and strength of our community still being here.

“So, they really inspired us to move in a whole new direction with our business. We moved our entire organisation to Madahoki Farm and we purchased our first few Ojibwe Spirit Horses. Then we started building a way to share their story and show people the importance of the reciprocal partnership with the horses and our communities.

Breeding, awareness and education

Photo credit: Mādahòkì Farm

“We started with two geldings and two young colts. In talks with the Ojibway Horse Society that is managing the resurgence of the breed, we kept one of our young colts as a stallion. So we intend to continue the breeding and help rebuild this breed as well as our role generating awareness and education about them.

“We now have 10 horses, and we bred a foal last year which was very special. We have a few different pastures, some geldings and mares, and our stallion lives very naturally with his little herd of mares.”

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The works of Rhonda Snow

“We also connected with Rhonda Snow, and her work has become a huge part of our education offering here at Mādahòkì Farm,” says Trina, talking of the author and artist from whom she first heard about the Ojibwe Spirit horse’s story.

“What really fascinated me about Rhonda is that she went out and met with Indigenous communities to collect her stories. She spoke to the Elders that remember these ponies and had the oral history. As well as the teachings and stories about the ways that they had been part of their community.”

Artist Rhonda Snow is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from Rare Breeds Canada for her tireless work preserving the Ojibwe Horse breed.

“She paints these beautiful, vivid woodland style paintings that tell all of these stories that she’s captured from the oral histories,” explains Trina. “We have a series of the paintings that she allows us to share, with the stories and teachings that go along with it. It’s a captivating way to demonstrate how our community and horses lived on these traditional lands.”

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Why they’re known as Spirit Horses

“I think it’s really about that deep connexion to the lands and the way that we as indigenous people view all of the animals,” says Trina. “A reciprocal partnership with equal respect. The horses would be wild and free living near our communities. And, as their elders would tell us, we would have that understanding and that respect for each other.

“They were willing to help transport items and work with the community. And the community would take care of them and help feed them over the winter months. And so I think it just really speaks of the sacred connexion that we see between all living things with Mother Earth.”

Tosee the spender of Eastern Canada, meet the Ojibwe Spirit Horses of Mādahòkì Farm, and take a journey into Canada’s Indigenous history for yourself, take a look at our Indulgence in Easter Canada limited edition tour.