The Return of Grand Rail Adventures
In this hurried, high-pressure world, it can sometimes feel impossible to slow down and appreciate the world around you. Nowadays, more and more people are choosing slow, intentional travel on board a luxury train.
Imagine having the time to admire every landscape, time to dress for dinner onboard, time to relax in your own private cabin as you glide towards your destination. With a train holiday, the landscapes between destinations become part of the adventure, revealing the character of each region in a way air travel never could.
As we look ahead to 2026, a remarkable shift is underway — a renaissance in luxury rail travel that is redefining how the world’s most discerning travellers choose to explore.
Exclusivity in an Era of Overcrowding
After so many years of airport queues, security lanes and rushed itineraries, people are now starting to realise that the journey is just as important as the destination. Luxury rail travel offers the chance to arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and inspired, rather than rushed and fatigued.
From the moment you step onto a luxury sleeper train, the pace changes. Landscapes unfold gradually through panoramic windows, and conversations linger over multi-course dinners.
In 2026, this shift towards slow, meaningful travel is more than a trend — it’s a mindset. Guests are prioritising journeys that feel curated and intentional.
New Routes and Revived Classics for 2026
Eastern & Oriental Express
Reintroduced with a new vision, the Eastern & Oriental Express continues to showcase Southeast Asia’s most beautiful destinations in true luxury and style. In 2026, each curated itinerary through Malaysia promises jungle scenery, colonial architecture and world-class cuisine. On board, expect polished wood panels and silk furnishings; a nod to the glamour of 1920s rail travel. Every meal on board will feature fresh regional ingredients and combine traditional Southeast Asian cuisine with contemporary modern dining.
The Essence of Malaysia - 3 nights
Golden Eagle Danube Express
Long-haul overnight journeys in Central and Eastern Europe. The Golden Eagle's immersive itineraries, beginning from seven days in duration, are designed not as simple rail trips but as fully curated grand tours — allowing guests to experience multiple countries, cultures and historic cities without ever feeling hurried. Accommodation is thoughtfully arranged throughout the journey. While the train itself provides the romance of overnight travel, luxury hotels are also integrated into the itinerary. Every detail — from porterage to private transfers — is handled with precision.
Castles of Transylvania: Istanbul to Budapest - 7 Days
Paris to Istanbul - 8 Days
Christmas Markets of Central Europe: Budapest to Munich Route - 8 Days
New Year in Vienna: Budapest Return - 9 Days
Grand Alpine Express: Budapest to Venice - 11 Days
Balkan Explorer: Venice to Istanbul - 12 Days
Sicilian Odyssey: Venice to Taormina - 12 Days
Aurelian Odyssey (Paris to Cappadocia) - 14 Days
SJourney Luxury Train, Vietnam
SJourney is redefining Vietnamese exploration. The traditional way to discover the wonders of this beautiful country is with multiple hotel stays and various means of transportation, and as exciting as this can be, sometimes it can be tiring. With SJourney, you can unpack your bags once and relax in luxurious comfort as Vietnam’s breathtaking landscapes unfold before you. There are 13 carriages on the train, including 8 sleeping carriages (21 Deluxe cabins + 1 Presidential Suite) and 5 functional carriages (1 lounge, 1 observation carriage/lounge, 1 restaurant, 1 spa cabin, and 1 smoking cabin). The capacity is 44 passengers. Its design is influenced by the Indochine style, reminiscent of the golden age of travel in the 1930s.
Southbound Legacy - 8 Days
Northern Heritage - 8 Days
Trail of the Dragon’s back - 4 Days
Indochine Coastline - 4 Days
Make 2026 the Year of Slow Travel
This renaissance in overnight rail travel has led to a high demand, particularly for the Spring and Summer months and premium suites.
Booking early for 2026 not only secures preferred dates but also ensures access to the most sought-after cabin categories. For milestone celebrations, planning guarantees that every detail aligns perfectly.
With departures limited and availability finite, 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the strongest years in modern luxury rail history.
Contact our team to start planning the adventure of a lifetime!
