Introduction
Luxury operator Belmond sets the standard for luxury rail travel, pairing immaculately restored trains with world-leading service, extraordinary dining and a range of routes taking some truly incredible locations, worldwide. From the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to spectacular journeys in Malaysia and Peru, we take a closer look at what makes these experiences so special.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Bar car on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
This is rail travel at its iconic best. Step onboard immaculately restored carriages, adorned in that famous blue-and-gold livery, into a world of art deco opulence not seen since the early 20th century. Indeed, a journey aboard this train is like stepping back in time, from the wood-panelled cabins and suites – the latter complete with en suite shower rooms – to the opulence of the bar car and the fineries and the dining cars, where guests are treated to multi-course dining and a menu of world-leading wines.
The journeys themselves are thoroughly scenic affairs, linking a curated selection of Europe's great cities – Paris, Venice, Verona, Florence, Vienna, Amsterdam and Istanbul among others – by way of the continent's most majestic landscapes. You'll find a selection of itineraries below, or head our Venice Simplon-Orient-Express page to browse the full collection.
Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express
The Eastern & Oriental Express
Having recently returned to service with a new collection of journeys, the Eastern & Oriental Express offer guests the chance to explore the jungles, cities and coastlines of Malaysia in unmatched style. Onboard, newly refreshed carriages boast cherrywood-panelled corridors and fine Malaysian embroidery, while the restaurant car, with its fine marquetry, serves delicious food inspired by the region.
Setting out from Singapore, you'll experience a world of ageless indulgence as you explore some of Malaysia's most spectacular regions, such as Taman Nagara National Park – home to rarely seen tigers – and the country's sun-kissed west coast with the chance to visit the islands of Langkawi and historic Penang. Off the train, you'll be treated to a curated programme of daily excursions, including immersive city tours, chef-led cookery classes, paddle boarding and snorkelling.
Belmond Andean Explorer
Belmond Andean Explorer
Having launched in 2017, Peru’s Andean Explorer is a decidedly more contemporary affair than its European and Asian cousins. Think plush leather seating, a hand-painted ivory exterior and even in-built oxygen for comfort while travelling at high altitude. There’s even an onboard spa, with a full range of massages available. However, with the Andean Explorer travelling one of the world’s highest railways, the destination truly takes centre stage.
Expect views of snow-capped Andean peaks – best taken in from the open observation car – to mark your journey between some of Peru’s most iconic sights. Centring around South America’s most luxurious train, this itinerary takes in some of the finest highlights of Peru while offering unrivalled comfort and style.
Belmond Royal Scotsman
Belmond Royal Scotsman
This is the ultimate way to experience the sheer beauty of the Scotland's Highlands and island in style. Stepping aboard this gem of a train, you'll enter a world of candlelit dinners and live ceilidh performances accompanied by sweeping views of some of the UK's most beautiful landscapes.
This most luxurious of trains comes dressed in lacquer-polished wood panels and warm tonal fabrics, delightfully evocative of an Edwardian country house. And, alongside the full-board fine dining and all-inclusive spread of premium drinks, the en-suite cabins are sublime. There’s even a spa carriage. Then, off the train, you’ll be treated to everything from clay pigeon shoots castle to tours and distillery tastings.
