THE GREATEST TRAIN JOURNEYS ON EARTH

BELMOND EMERALD ISLE

The Journey: You may have noticed the location of our Christmas shoot this year being a luxurious train – this is the Belmond Grand Hibernian. The Belmond group offers train journeys and experiences across the world, but did you know they have an exciting Emerald Isle experience? Choose from two-to-six-night itineraries. Discover Waterford’s old-word charm and Belfast’s vibrant allure. Delve into the island’s rich history with private tours to Ashford Castle and Kylemore Abbey, and marvel at the breath-taking beauty of Connemara National Park. It’s a truly unique and luxurious way to see the country, whether you’re Irish or from further afield.

Grand Tour: Course through dramatic landscapes to explore regal castles, timeless lifestyles and captivating towns from Dublin.

Taste of Ireland: Board the Belmond Grand Hibernian and journey back in time to a royal residence in Belfast and the captivating attractions of Kilkenny.

What to expect: The signature midnight-blue carriages of the Belmond Grand Hibernian harbour a world of sublime indulgence. Step aboard and discover an elegant interior and line-up of unique entertainment.

The Highlights: This is the place to enjoy incredible Irish fare in the most unique setting while taking in Ireland’s most beautiful countryside.

MAHARAJA EXPRESS

The Journey: At almost half-a-mile long, the Maharaja Express is not just a train, it’s a palace on wheels that has truly redefined luxury travel in India. Choose from amazing itineraries that take in the wonders of India from Delhi to Jaipur and Mumbai.

What to expect: The Maharaja Express is a wonderful way to slow travel through India while enjoying the people, cities, culture, and landscapes as they fly by your window.

The Highlights: Have you ever wanted to be treated like a true king or queen, or in this case, a true Maharaja? On the Maharaja Express, you will have access to your very own private butler to wait on your every need, plus when you arrive at every destination, you will arrive to a station decorated with thousands and thousands of fresh flowers, just for you.

VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS

The Journey: Experience a world of timeless glamour aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express luxury train. One of the most storied set of carriages in the world promises to take you not just across Europe, but to transport you back in time.

What to expect: With its polished wood, sumptuous upholstery and antique fixtures, the train epitomises the glamour and elegance of the golden age of travel. The exquisite Grand Suites command an almost euphoric sense of grandeur. Be swept up in a sense of unbridled indulgence, previously known only to royalty of the deco age.

The Highlights: The Piano bar and Dining Car are exquisite places to wear your finest, and arriving to Venice by train is one of the most remarkable ways to see the floating city.

THE JACOBITE STEAM TRAIN – FORT WILLIAM TO MALLAIG

The Journey: Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, this 84-mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits the island’s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar, and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar; finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis.

What to expect: For a truly magical day out, hop on the old-fashioned Jacobite Steam Train at Fort William, pack a picnic to enjoy as you explore the charming Mallaig Bay, or stop off at Arisaig to take a walk along one of the Highlands’ best beaches. Visitors travelling from England can also catch the Caledonian Sleeper at London Euston and be swept up to the Highlands overnight, waking up to stunning views of Rannoch Moor before arriving in Fort William.

The Highlights: Does the above scene look familiar? That’s because the Glenfinnan Viaduct played a starring role in the Harry Potter films with the Hogwarts Express chuffing across it.

LIFE'S A TRAIN, GET ON BOARD

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Love the idea of spending time in a dazzling dining car? See more in Your Carriage Awaits.