What are the most luxurious trains in Poland and the world? | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) runs London-Paris-Milan-Venice in restored 1920s carriages
• Rovos Rail in South Africa offers journeys of up to 15 days, covering over 4,000 km
• Royal Scotsman carries a maximum of 36 guests through the Scottish Highlands on bespoke routes
• El Transcantabrico travels the 1,000 km Green Coast of northern Spain over 8 days
• The Ghan crosses Australia from Adelaide to Darwin - a 2,979 km journey over roughly 54 hours
• Poland has no permanent five-star scheduled service; the highest domestic standard is PKP Intercity Pendolino

There are quite a few premium trains running around the world, visiting Europe and remote exotic corners. Which ones are particularly worth exploring?

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (the most famous train of the prestigious Belmond brand) travels on the London-Paris-Milan-Venice route. It made its first journey in 1982. It is distinguished by its elegant - even antique - décor. Most of the furniture and decoration here dates back to the early 20th century. The most iconic section of the VSOE train is the scenic London-Venice route. Prices for classic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train journeys start at PLN 5,000 per person.

VSOE also allows one unique journey - once a year - the Signature Journeys route. It runs through central Europe, straight to Istanbul. It is reminiscent of the inaugural journey of the same train in 1883. Such a journey does not come cheap... The cost is PLN 30,000.

What does the VSOE train look like? Guests sleep in restored cabins from the 1920s. A steward is assigned to each of them to fulfil the guests' wishes. The most luxurious room is the Grand Suite with a marble bathroom, 24-hour butler service and unlimited champagne. Travellers sample seasonal dishes such as lobster from Brittany, lamb from Mont St Michel.

Rovos Rail - Africa

Rovos Rail trains, after the Rovos company, are often called the Pride of Africa. Experts are of the opinion that - were it not for the legend of the Orient Express - it would be the Rovos Rail that would have the chance to win the title of the most luxurious trains in the world.

The Rovos Rail consists of: a five-star hotel, a dining car, an observation car. The 'Pride from Africa' journey, lasting from 15 days, takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of Africa: South Africa, Bostwana, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Guests can see, for example, railway safaris, the monumental Zambezi River, African golf courses or diamond mines. Accommodation is in luxury hotels or exclusive camps on the reserves. However, this is just one of the itineraries that Rovos Rail offers. There are 11 in total.

Rovos Rail prides itself on discreet, friendly service, exquisite cuisine, and the opportunity to sample exceptional South African wines (served unlimited). There are 36 suites in the compartments. The most exclusive of these are the Royal Suites (they have 16 m2, lounges with refrigerators, and bathrooms with showers and Victorian bathtubs).

Eastern & Oriental Express - Asia

The Eastern & Oriental Express train is almost the twin equivalent of the VSOE - with the difference that it travels through Asia rather than Europe. It offers the same style, chic, class, service - only with an oriental tinge. It travels between Singapore and Bangkok or Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.

The Eastern & Oriental Express is distinguished by its friendly service that caters to travellers' every whim. The best of Peranakan cuisine is served in two dining cars. A bar is also available to travellers. Cabins for travellers are available in three standards. The most expensive is the spacious Presidential Suite with 24-hour service, unlimited champagne and caviar as a welcome.

During the trip, guests explore local villages, visit local temples and palaces. They can also make use of the spacious library, exercise in specially designated areas, take in the views from a partially open observation car or take culinary lessons from some of South Asia's best chefs.

Marahaja Express - India

There are several luxury trains running in India. The most interesting of these is the Marahaja Express. Its name refers to the word 'marahaja' - a title of ancient Indian kings, meaning wealth and luxury. The train was not so named by accident. The name is simply meant to reflect the opulence that reigns in it.

The most popular route that can be taken on the Maharaja Express is called the 'Heritage of India'. It covers 8 of India's most important metropolises. The journey takes 7 days.

The Marahaja Express consists of 23 carriages - including 43 residential cabins. They are all named after precious jewels that were in the crowns of rulers from India, e.g. Moti (pearl), Panna (emerald), Neelam (sapphire), Manik (ruby), Heera (diamond). A maximum of 84 passengers can travel on this train. All suites have been equipped with full-size bathrooms. The most exclusive is the Presidential Suite (Navratana) - over 40m2 in size, consisting of a living room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a complimentary mini-bar and serviced 24/7 by a personal butler.

The train houses two dining cars, a bar and a club. Interestingly, the last carriages also have luxury cars that guests can use to travel outside the train on the journey.

Although Asia definitely leads the way in the number of luxury trains, European exclusives should not be overlooked. In fact, every country from Western Europe has a luxury train to boast of.

Royal Scotsman - Scotland

Scotland's railway lines are considered to be some of the most beautiful in the world. Picturesque, austere, melancholic landscapes can be seen from the Royal Scotsman trains, by Belmond. The train consists of nine carriages - including two restaurant or observation carriages (based on a 1960 Pullman kitchen car). The 22 compartments (Twin, Double, Single) can accommodate 40 people. Each compartment is equipped with a dressing table, wardrobe, and individually controlled heating and ventilation, as well as an en-suite bathroom with shower, washbasin and toilet.

Interestingly, guests board the Royal Scotsman on a red carpet, to the sound of Scottish tunes played by a bagpiper. Guests feel as if they are joining an elite gentleman's club. There are rigid rules and a proper dress code on the train.

The journey on the Royal Scotsman is magical. The train moves at a slow, lazy pace (with a top speed of 88 km/h), while at night it stands still so as not to disturb the travellers' sleep. It travels through wild countryside, and from the carriages' windows you can see picturesque Scottish towns and castles.

All Royal Scotsman routes start in Edinburgh. The most popular one, a five-day tour, is called The Classic Journey, which visits the whisky distillery at Dundee, Ballindalloch Castle and the Cairngorms National Park, among others.

El Transcantábrico - Spain

In Spain, El Transcantábrico Clásico and El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo from Rente are considered luxury trains. The former is equipped with the legendary Pulman coaches. Its journey covers northern Spain. The carriages are decorated in the style of the 1920s. Guests have at their disposal, among other things, two dining cars, an observation car, a tea room car and a small nightclub. A staff of more than 20 people works here to ensure the satisfaction and comfort of travellers.

El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, on the other hand, can be described as a five-star hotel on wheels. The journey also takes in the northern regions of Spain. The train can only accommodate 30 travellers. The air-conditioned compartments have a living area, bedroom, bathroom with shower and hydromassage, Wi-Fi.

No luxury trains have yet been built in Poland. Every now and then, only an occasional "hotel on wheels" passes through our region, which has exceptionally changed its route.

Until a few years ago, the Trans-European Line - from Moscow to Paris - passed through Warsaw's Central Station every week. The journey on this train took almost 40 hours. It was equipped with, among other things, a dining car. As for the compartments, they varied from the most poorly furnished 2nd class carriages to the Business Room (a room with private shower, toilet, bed, lamp, blinds).

Compared to the previously described luxury trains, the Trans-European Line fares the least well. However, this does not mean that travel on this train was available to everyone - it was mainly the very wealthy Russians who could afford such a trip.