The New Golden Age of Luxury Train Travel: Journeys to book for 2027

Luxury train travel is entering a new era, with historic sleeper trains unveiling fresh routes and modern services redefining the onboard experience. From Art Deco glamour to the landscapes of Peru, Malaysia, and Australia, these eight journeys for 2027 combine exceptional accommodation, fine dining, and the pleasure of slow travel.

Why luxury train travel is entering a new golden age

The revival of luxury train travel goes beyond nostalgia. Today’s finest trains combine historic craftsmanship with private suites, personalised service, renowned chefs, wellness, and curated excursions.

New arrivals are expanding the possibilities. The Britannic Explorer introduced luxury sleeper trains through England and Wales in 2025, while La Dolce Vita Orient Express is introducing new Italian itineraries for 2027.

The anticipated return of L’Orient Express, featuring 17 restored historic carriages, adds further excitement to the Orient Express 2027 story. Together, these developments reflect the rise of slow luxury travel, where the journey matters as much as the destination.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – A glamorous new route to Monte Carlo

Route: Paris to Monte Carlo, Monaco

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express remains one of the world’s most recognisable luxury sleeper trains, and 2027 brings an exciting addition. On 10 May 2027, the legendary Belmond train will introduce its first Paris-to-Monte Carlo journey, travelling along the French Riviera before arriving in Monaco.

On board, restored Art Deco carriages, elegant dining rooms, and live piano music recreate the glamour of rail travel’s golden age. Accommodation ranges from Historic Cabins to Grand Suites, while L’Observatoire, an exclusive private carriage, offers an extraordinary level of privacy with its own bedroom, living area, library, and hidden tearoom.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

La Dolce Vita Orient Express – Italian glamour, gastronomy, and new itineraries

Route: Rome, Portofino, Venice, Florence, and other Italian destinations

La Dolce Vita Orient Express brings a distinctly Italian interpretation to luxury rail travel. Inspired by the design and lifestyle of 1960s Italy, its interiors feature rich colours, elegant furnishings, and contemporary comfort.

Its expanded 2027 programme includes a three-day, two-night journey connecting Rome, Portofino, Venice, and Florence, combining Ligurian coastal scenery with Renaissance cities and the Tuscan countryside. Other experiences include an Italian wine itinerary and the Truffle Route to Alba, where Piedmont’s culinary traditions become part of the journey.

Dining curated by three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck, live music, and intimate suites make this one of the best luxury train journeys for travellers who love Italian food, design, and culture. It can also form part of a longer itinerary featuring private vineyard visits and time exploring Italy’s celebrated art cities.

See more: La Dolce Vita Gourmet Escape

Britannic Explorer – Contemporary British luxury through the countryside

Route: London to Cornwall, Wales, or the Lake District

Launched in 2025, the Britannic Explorer offers a fresh interpretation of British rail travel. The Belmond train combines contemporary interiors with exceptional gastronomy, wellness, and immersive experiences across some of England and Wales’s most beautiful landscapes.

Its three-night journeys explore Cornwall’s coastline, the Welsh countryside, or the Lake District, with longer six-night combinations also available. The train features just 18 sleeper cabins, an observation car, a wellness suite, and dining curated by celebrated British chef Simon Rogan.

The Britannic Explorer is particularly appealing for travellers who want the countryside to be the centrepiece of a luxury holiday. Days can include cultural visits, outdoor excursions, and regional food experiences, while evenings return to fine dining and the comfort of the train.

Britannic Explorer

Royal Scotsman – Highland heritage and exceptional onboard hospitality

Route: Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands

The Royal Scotsman offers a more traditional expression of luxury rail travel, taking guests through the Scottish Highlands aboard an intimate Belmond sleeper train.

Journeys range from two to seven nights, exploring dramatic landscapes, historic castles, whisky distilleries, and remote Highland communities. On board, wood-panelled cabins, two dining cars, an observation lounge, and live entertainment create the atmosphere of an elegant Scottish country house.

For travellers seeking additional privacy, the train’s Grand Suites feature spacious interiors, en-suite bathrooms, and enhanced personal service. The Dior Spa also offers treatments while the countryside passes outside.

Eastern & Oriental Express – Tropical landscapes and Southeast Asian culture

Route: Round-trip from Singapore through Malaysia

The Eastern & Oriental Express brings the romance of luxury train experiences to Southeast Asia, travelling through tropical rainforests, traditional towns, and Malaysia’s diverse cultural landscapes.

Its three-night itineraries include Essence of Malaysia, which explores the country’s western regions, and Wild Malaysia, featuring Taman Negara National Park and cultural experiences in Penang. The restored train offers 32 sleeper cabins, an open-air observation car, a piano bar, and a Dior Spa.

Dining curated by chef André Chiang celebrates regional ingredients and Malaysian culinary traditions, while guided excursions introduce guests to the places beyond the railway.

Eastern & Oriental Express

Andean Explorer – A spectacular journey through the Peruvian Andes

Route: Cusco to Arequipa via Lake Titicaca, Peru

Belmond’s Andean Explorer takes luxury train travel to extraordinary heights, crossing Peru’s dramatic mountain landscapes aboard South America’s first luxury sleeper train.

Its two-night Peruvian Highlands journey travels from Cusco to Arequipa via Lake Titicaca, introducing guests to high-altitude scenery, remote communities, and the cultural heritage of the Andes. The train features 35 sleeper cabins, a spa carriage, an open-air observation car, and dining inspired by Peruvian cuisine.

The journey is particularly rewarding for travellers who want to experience Peru beyond its most famous archaeological sites. A wider itinerary can combine the train with luxury stays in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, private cultural tours, and a visit to Machu Picchu.

The Ghan – An extended Australian Outback adventure for 2027

Route: Adelaide to Darwin, Australia

One of Australia’s most celebrated rail experiences is introducing a significant change for 2027. The Ghan’s northbound journey will expand to four days and three nights, giving guests additional time to discover the Australian Outback.

The extended itinerary includes experiences in South Australia’s wine country, the Flinders Ranges, Alice Springs, and Katherine. These stops provide opportunities to explore ancient landscapes, discover regional history, and experience the vast scale of Australia’s interior.

On board, guests can enjoy all-inclusive dining, Australian wines, comfortable sleeper accommodation, and premium options such as the Aurora and Australis Suites.

Rovos Rail – Timeless elegance across Southern Africa

Route: Pretoria to Cape Town or Victoria Falls, with longer African itineraries

Rovos Rail recreates the golden age of luxury train travel with beautifully restored carriages, elegant dining rooms, observation lounges, and spacious suites.

Its classic three-night Pretoria-to-Cape Town journey crosses the South African Highveld, Great Karoo, and Cape Winelands, with stops at Matjiesfontein and Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museum. Other routes extend to Victoria Falls, offering opportunities to combine rail travel with wilderness experiences.

Guests can choose from Pullman, Deluxe, and Royal Suites, with onboard dining, selected beverages, and guided excursions. For a longer African adventure, the journey can be combined with private safaris, vineyard estates, and luxury stays.

Rovos Rail

Discover luxury train travel with MA Hospitality Group

From the newly introduced Paris-to-Monte Carlo route to the expanded Australian Outback journey, the new golden age of luxury train travel offers remarkable ways to discover the world.

MA Hospitality Group can assist with luxury accommodation, private transportation, dining arrangements, and personalised travel experiences. Whether you are considering a European rail escape or a longer journey across Asia, Africa, or Australia, our team can help shape the wider itinerary around your preferences.

Contact us to plan your luxury train journeys 2027 and discover the pleasure of travelling in exceptional style.

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