For many, it is at the top of their wish lists: a trip on one of the most legendary trains in the world. Picturesque scenes pass the window, while inside the train, you can dine finely and relax in comfortable armchairs.
If you treat yourself to a ride on one of the most popular trains internationally, you can make your personal dream come true. As an inspiration for travel planning 2021, the rail adventure travel expert Ameropa has put together the world's seven most beautiful rail routes.
The 4 most beautiful railway lines
Venice Simplon Orient Express
Once in a lifetime, a trip on the famous Venice Simplon Orient-Express: The rolling legend is one of the most famous trains in the world and has been around since 1883. On board: a luxury that was unprecedented at the time and the new combination of travel and sleeping. In the 1920s and 1930s, more and more aristocrats, film stars, and celebrities discovered the extraordinary amenities of the unique train.
Even these days, the royal blue and gold wagons still enchant with their historic charm of elegant Art Deco interior, sparkling crystal, and polished wood. Feel like part of the grandiose backdrop of "Murder on the Orient Express" and feast through the excellent menu - in a train that is still making history today. Attentive cabin stewards take care of the guests who, for example, can board in Berlin and travel via Paris to London.
Andalucia train
Once built for the English royal family to travel from Calais to the Côte d'Azur, the luxury train El Tren Al Andalus now makes its way through the Spanish countryside from Seville via Granada to Cordoba. Its spacious and glamorous interior with its fine fabrics and dark wood resembles a palace from the Belle Epoque - including old relics from its year of construction in 1929.
In four saloon cars, passengers can enjoy haute cuisine or try a refreshing drink at the bar. The seven sleeping cars with 32 suites promise the most modern comfort and excellent service and air conditioning, and private bathrooms. During the stopovers, city tours, wine tastings, and exploration of the varied surroundings are on the program.
In four saloon cars, passengers can enjoy haute cuisine or try a refreshing drink at the bar. The seven sleeping cars with 32 suites promise the most modern comfort and excellent service and air conditioning, and private bathrooms. During the stopovers, city tours, wine tastings, and exploration of the varied surroundings are on the program.
Gotthard Panorama Express
If you can't decide between train and boat, the Gotthard Panorama Express is the right choice. From Lucerne on the idyllic Lake Lucerne, travelers first cross the imposing mountains of original Switzerland by steamboat and then board the panorama train.
On this journey, the following applies: the journey is the destination. Through the 15km-long Gotthard tunnel, you can feel a masterpiece of its construction. Back in the daylight, you pass chapel bridges, magnificent buildings from the 19th century, as well as palaces and parks. In a special photo trolley, passengers can open the windows to take perfect pictures for those who stayed at home. Meanwhile, experienced guides provide information about the scenic features along the route.
The last stop of the Gotthard Panorama Express is the Mediterranean Lugano in Ticino - the railway line can also be used in the opposite direction.
On this journey, the following applies: the journey is the destination. Through the 15km-long Gotthard tunnel, you can feel a masterpiece of its construction. Back in the daylight, you pass chapel bridges, magnificent buildings from the 19th century, as well as palaces and parks. In a special photo trolley, passengers can open the windows to take perfect pictures for those who stayed at home. Meanwhile, experienced guides provide information about the scenic features along the route.
The last stop of the Gotthard Panorama Express is the Mediterranean Lugano in Ticino - the railway line can also be used in the opposite direction.
Rovos Rail
In the nostalgic train through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania - the guided luxury train journey with the Rovos Rail leads on its 6,100km long route from Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam through five countries. Victorian-style wood paneling, pompous leather armchairs, fine fabrics, and attention to detail are hidden in lavishly restored wagons. The warm 24-hour butler service also makes this train journey a very special experience.
At the latest, at the various stops along the tracks, passengers experience Africa's breathtaking authenticity. In an intimate atmosphere, the Rovos Rail conveys an incomparable attitude towards life - the "Pride of Africa." The open lounge car with panoramic windows and viewing platform at the end of the train makes the safari journey on rails and reveals giraffes, antelopes, and elephants.
At the latest, at the various stops along the tracks, passengers experience Africa's breathtaking authenticity. In an intimate atmosphere, the Rovos Rail conveys an incomparable attitude towards life - the "Pride of Africa." The open lounge car with panoramic windows and viewing platform at the end of the train makes the safari journey on rails and reveals giraffes, antelopes, and elephants.
