London to Venice, Orient Express
Step back to the golden age of European train travel with this two day trip including one night aboard. The Orient Express spent €16 million restoring 35 sleeping cars to their original art deco sophistication. Passengers are expected to dress elegantly for dinner. At a minimum a suit and tie for men and the equivalent for women but black tie and gowns are encouraged.
Switzerland, The Chocolate Train
Only running in summer months, this train departs from Montreux overlooking Lake Geneva to the medieval town of Gruyères, home to the cheese of the same name. Here you can tour the cheese factory, enjoy lunch and explore the castle before continuing on to Broc to visit the Nestlé chocolate factory before making the return trip. The total travel time is 9 hours, 45 minutes.
The Bernina Express, Chur, Switerland to Tirano, Italy
If you like some excitment and thrills on your train journey, try this one. Over the course of this four hour trip this narrow-gauge train takes on some serious inclines, a 360-degree spiral, 55 tunnels, and 196 bridges reaching an apex of 7,391 feet and then descending 5,905 feet before coming to a stop. Part of the route is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
InterCity-Express (ICE), Munich to Nurenburg
If you want to go fast this high speed wonder zooms you between two historic Bavarian cities at speeds up to 199 miles an hour. The scenery outside changes so fast it’s not a trip recommended for those that want to admire the views but it is an essential European rail experience.
Trans-Siberian Railway, Moscow to Vladivostok, Russia
Over the course of this iconic 19 day trip you will cross eight time zones between the Russian capital and the port city on the Pacific Ocean. The on board experience is unique too with foreigners and locals, rich and poor, young and old all mingling. Lots of side excursions from city tours to scuba diving are also available to book along the way.
Danube Express, London to Istanbul, Turkey
Probably the best train experience to be had in Europe. This luxury private train will take you into the very heart of Transylvania, where you can explore the medieval town that was the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, before approaching Istanbul along the Bosporus. The total duration of the trip is eight days including an overnight in Budapest and Istanbul.