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{{short description|Special train, designed for elegance and comfort}}
{{short description|Special train, designed for elegance and comfort}}
{{Multiple issues|
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[[File:Aff ciwl orient express4 jw.jpg|alt=See caption|thumb|1888 poster for the [[Orient Express]]]]
{{Tone|section|date=July 2019}}
{{Tone|date=July 2019}}
{{More citations needed section|date=July 2019}}
{{More citations needed|date=July 2019}}
}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
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[[File:Aff ciwl orient express4 jw.jpg|alt=See caption|thumb|1888 poster for the ''[[Orient Express]]'']]


'''Luxury trains''' are a premium travel option designed to offer a comfortable ride and evoke an association with history and heritage. Some luxury trains promote [[tourism]] in destinations across a region, while others (such as the [[Maharajas' Express]]) take passengers on a long, leisurely ride through a single country.
A '''luxury train''' is a premium [[Passenger train|passenger rail]] service. Some luxury trains promote [[tourism]] in destinations across a region, while others (such as the ''[[Maharajas' Express]]'') take passengers on a ride through a single country. Luxury trains include restaurants, bars, bathrooms, and sleeping and seating areas.

Luxury train travel has become popular, and its advocates cite several advantages over air travel. They say air travel can be monotonous, while passengers on a luxury train can see the local environment, social and economic conditions, and a myriad of colors during their travels. Unlike airplanes, luxury trains are spacious and have [[Restaurant|restaurants]] and bars, comfortable sleeping and seating areas, and bathrooms.
{{TOC right|clear=right|limit=2}}


==History==
==History==
[[File:Luxury on wheels.jpg|thumb|alt=Drawing of meals being served in a dining car|An illustration from the 1885 [[Alton Railroad|Chicago & Alton Railroad]] timetable]]
[[File:Luxury on wheels.jpg|thumb|alt=Drawing of meals being served in a dining car|An illustration from the 1885 [[Alton Railroad|Chicago & Alton Railroad]] timetable]]
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Before [[Sleeping car|sleeping]] and [[dining car]]s were introduced, long-distance train travel was an uncomfortable experience. [[George Pullman]]'s first sleeping car, the Pioneer, was introduced in 1865 and was followed two years later by "hotel cars".<ref name="Pullman Car Company">[http://americanhistory.si.edu/archives/d8181.htm Railroad Collections] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100719122828/http://americanhistory.si.edu/archives/d8181.htm |date=2010-07-19 }}</ref> The Pioneer was the first railway carriage with dining and sleeping areas,<ref name="Library">[http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/01026/main/special.htm Thinkquest Library] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731135829/http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/01026/main/special.htm |date=2012-07-31 }}, History of Luxury Trains</ref> and the [[Pullman Car Company]] was founded in 1880.<ref name="Pullman Car Company"/>


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[[George Pullman]]'s first sleeping car, the Pioneer, was introduced in 1865 in the United States and was followed two years later by "hotel cars".<ref name="Pullman Car Company">[http://americanhistory.si.edu/archives/d8181.htm Railroad Collections] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100719122828/http://americanhistory.si.edu/archives/d8181.htm |date=19 July 2010 }}</ref> It was the first railway carriage with dining and sleeping areas.<ref name="Library">[http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/01026/main/special.htm Thinkquest Library] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731135829/http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/01026/main/special.htm |date=31 July 2012 }}, History of Luxury Trains</ref>
[[Georges Nagelmackers]] founded the [[Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits]], creator of the [[Orient Express]]. Inspired by Pullman trains in the United States, Nagelmackers returned to [[Europe]] and built a fleet of over 30 luxury trains which traveled to several European destinations. He is credited with beginning the age of luxury trains and grand [[hotel]]s.{{citation needed|date=June 2019}}


The best-known luxury train was the [[Orient Express]], the setting of [[Agatha Christie]]'s ''[[Murder on the Orient Express]]''. Europe's first luxury train, it began its maiden journey across Europe on 5 June 1883 from Paris' [[Gare de l'Est]]. Although the original Orient Express ceased operations in 2009, private operators and public-private joint ventures provide luxury train travel in several countries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Most Luxurious Train Rides in the World |url=https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/bus-train/worlds-most-luxurious-trains |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=Travel + Leisure |language=en}}</ref>
[[Georges Nagelmackers]] founded the French [[Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits]], creator of the ''[[Orient Express]]''. Inspired by Pullman trains in the US, Nagelmackers returned to Europe and built a fleet of over 30 luxury trains that traveled to several European destinations.{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}} He is credited with beginning the age of luxury trains and grand hotels.{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}} The ''Orient Express'', setting of [[Agatha Christie]]'s ''[[Murder on the Orient Express]]'', was Europe's first luxury train. It began its maiden journey on 5 June 1883 from Paris' [[Gare de l'Est]]. Although the original ''Orient Express'' ceased operation in 2009, private operators and public–private joint ventures provide luxury train travel in several countries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Most Luxurious Train Rides in the World |url=https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/bus-train/worlds-most-luxurious-trains |access-date=25 August 2022 |website=Travel + Leisure}}</ref>


== {{anchor|Global operators|Orient Express|Venice Simplon Orient Express|Royal Scotsman|Northern Belle|Eastern and Oriental Express|The Belmond Grand Hibernian}}Belmond trains ==
=={{anchor|Global operators|Orient Express|Venice Simplon Orient Express|Royal Scotsman|Northern Belle|Eastern and Oriental Express|The Belmond Grand Hibernian}}Belmond trains==
[[File:SBB-CFF-FFS Ae 6-6.jpg|alt=Red locomotive pulling a long passenger train|thumb|Venice-Simplon Orient Express in [[Switzerland]]]]
[[File:SBB-CFF-FFS Ae 6-6.jpg|alt=Red locomotive pulling a long passenger train|thumb|Venice-Simplon ''Orient Express'' in Switzerland]]
[[File:67006 'Royal Sovereign' at Evesham.JPG|thumb|alt=Yellow-and-grey locomotive pulling a passenger train|Class 67, no. 67,006 ''Royal Sovereign'' hauling the Northern Belle]]
[[File:67006 'Royal Sovereign' at Evesham.JPG|thumb|alt=Yellow-and-grey locomotive pulling a passenger train|Class 67, no. 67,006 ''Royal Sovereign'' hauling the Northern Belle]]
[[File:Eastern & Oriental Express passenger cars, Kuala Lumpur.jpg|thumb|alt=Passenger cars in a station|[[Bangkok]]-bound Eastern and Oriental Express train at the [[Kuala Lumpur railway station]]]]
[[File:Eastern & Oriental Express passenger cars, Kuala Lumpur.jpg|thumb|alt=Passenger cars in a station|[[Bangkok]]-bound ''Eastern and Oriental Express'' train at the [[Kuala Lumpur railway station]] in Malaysia]]
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According to [[Belmond (company)|Belmond]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orient-express.com/collection/trains/trains.jsp|title=Orient-Express|access-date=2 April 2017}}</ref> (formerly known as Orient Express Hotels),<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-02-26|title=The Curious Rebranding of Orient-Express Hotels Into the Belmond Brand|url=https://skift.com/2014/02/26/the-curious-rebranding-of-orient-express-hotels-into-the-belmond-brand/|access-date=2021-01-11|website=Skift|language=en-US}}</ref> the company operates the highest number of luxury train tours in the world. With service in Europe, Asia and South America, Belmond is the only private luxury tour provider (with the exception of Russia's Golden Eagle Trans Siberian Express) to offer continental or intercontinental service.<ref name="eagle" />


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According to [[Belmond (company)|Belmond]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orient-express.com/collection/trains/trains.jsp|title=Orient-Express|access-date=2 April 2017}}</ref> (formerly known as Orient Express Hotels),<ref>{{Cite web|date=26 February 2014|title=The Curious Rebranding of Orient-Express Hotels Into the Belmond Brand|url=https://skift.com/2014/02/26/the-curious-rebranding-of-orient-express-hotels-into-the-belmond-brand/|access-date=11 January 2021|website=Skift}}</ref> the company operates the highest number of luxury train tours in the world. With service in Europe, Asia, and South America, Belmond is the only private luxury tour provider (with the exception of Russia's ''Golden Eagle Trans Siberian Express'') to offer continental or intercontinental service.<ref name="eagle" />
The [[Venice-Simplon Orient Express]], with service from [[London]] to [[Venice]], was voted the top luxury train in the world in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cntraveller.com/magazine/readers-travel-awards-2009/trains|title=Readers' Travel Awards 2009|access-date=2 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130720180555/http://www.cntraveller.com/magazine/readers-travel-awards-2009/trains|archive-date=20 July 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[The Royal Scotsman]] offers service across [[Scotland]] and, occasionally, the rest of Britain. The [[Belmond Grand Hibernian]] began operations in [[Ireland]] on 30 August 2016.


The [[Eastern and Oriental Express]] has service from [[Bangkok]] to [[Singapore]] (via [[Kuala Lumpur]]) and to [[Vientiane]]. Covering over {{convert|2000|km}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my/intl_en/en/about/essentials_transportation.asp|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120806005103/http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my/intl_en/en/about/essentials_transportation.asp|url-status=dead|title=Official Website of Tourism Malaysia - Experience the Best Time of You…|date=6 August 2012|archive-date=6 August 2012|website=archive.is}}</ref> of peninsular Southeast Asia, its two-day journey has frequent stops at scenic locations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orient-express.com/web/eoe/the_train.jsp|title=Orient-Express|access-date=2 April 2017}}</ref>
The ''[[Venice-Simplon Orient Express]]'', with service from London to Venice, was voted the top luxury train in the world in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cntraveller.com/magazine/readers-travel-awards-2009/trains|title=Readers' Travel Awards 2009|access-date=2 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130720180555/http://www.cntraveller.com/magazine/readers-travel-awards-2009/trains|archive-date=20 July 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> The ''[[Belmond Royal Scotsman|Royal Scotsman]]'' offers service across Scotland and, occasionally, the rest of Britain. The ''[[Belmond Grand Hibernian]]'' began operations in Ireland on 30 August 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ireland's only luxury sleeper train derailed by Covid-19 |url=https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/travel-news/irelands-only-luxury-sleeper-train-derailed-by-covid-19/40111022.html |website=independent.ie |date=19 February 2021 |access-date=9 August 2024}}</ref>


The ''[[Eastern and Oriental Express]]'' runs from [[Bangkok]] to [[Singapore]] (via [[Kuala Lumpur]]) and to [[Vientiane]]. Covering over {{convert|2000|km}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my/intl_en/en/about/essentials_transportation.asp|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120806005103/http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my/intl_en/en/about/essentials_transportation.asp|url-status=dead|title=Official Website of Tourism Malaysia – Experience the Best Time of Your...|date=6 August 2012|archive-date=6 August 2012|website=archive.is}}</ref> of peninsular Southeast Asia, its two-day journey includes frequent stops at scenic locations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orient-express.com/web/eoe/the_train.jsp|title=Orient-Express|access-date=2 April 2017}}</ref>
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The Belmond Andean Explorer services [[Arequipa]] to [[Cusco]] and vice versa<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-12-09|title=Belmond Andean Explorer, Arequipa, Cusco, Peru {{!}} Out There magazine {{!}} Luxury and Experiential Travel Inspiration|url=https://www.outthere.travel/beyond-paddington-belmond-andean-explorer-peru/|access-date=2021-01-11|website=OutThere {{!}} Experiential Luxury Travel|language=en-GB}}</ref> and the Belmond [[Hiram Bingham I|Hiram Bingham]], named after the explorer who rediscovered the Inca citadel [[Machu Picchu]], runs from the Sacred Valley to the landmark.


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The ''[[Belmond Andean Explorer]]'' services the Peruvian cities of [[Arequipa]] to [[Cusco]] in vice versa<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 December 2019|title=Belmond Andean Explorer, Arequipa, Cusco, Peru {{!}} Out There magazine {{!}} Luxury and Experiential Travel Inspiration|url=https://www.outthere.travel/beyond-paddington-belmond-andean-explorer-peru/|access-date=11 January 2021|website=OutThere {{!}} Experiential Luxury Travel}}</ref> and the ''[[Belmond Hiram Bingham]]'', named after [[Hiram Bingham I|the explorer]] who rediscovered the Incan citadel of [[Machu Picchu]], runs from the [[Sacred Valley]] to the landmark.
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=={{anchor|U.K.|British Pullman}}United Kingdom==
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[[File:Pullman 284 'Vera' at London Victoria.JPG|thumb|alt=Brown-and-tan passenger car|Former ''Brighton Belle'' Pullman carriage at London Victoria, now part of the Venice-Simplon Orient Express fleet]]
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[[Pullman train (UK)|British Pullman cars]] were used on the ''[[Brighton Belle]]'' out of [[London Victoria station]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orient-express.com/web/uktr/british_pullman_train.jsp|title=Orient-Express|access-date=2 April 2017}}</ref>


==Europe==
===''Northern Belle''===
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==={{anchor|U.K.|British Pullman}}United Kingdom===
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''[[Northern Belle (train)|Northern Belle]]'' is a privately owned luxury train introduced in 2000. It consists primarily of [[British Rail Mark 2]] coach stock, refurbished internally and painted externally to resemble the ''Brighton Belle''{{'s}} British Pullman coaches. [[Buffet car]]s are [[British Rail Mark 1]] coaches. Although the train primarily operates in [[Northern England]] and Scotland, it also serves London and [[Bristol]]. The train has two [[British Rail Mark 3]] sleeper coaches for its crew.<ref>[http://www.rollingstock.fotopic.net/p45206824.html]{{dead link|date=March 2013}}</ref> It departs from a number of northern cities, including [[Liverpool]], [[Edinburgh]], [[Glasgow]], and [[Manchester]]. The ''Northern Belle'' has six dining cars named after historic British houses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orient-express.com/collection/trains/northern_belle.jsp|title=Orient-Express|access-date=2 April 2017}}</ref>
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[[File:Pullman 284 'Vera' at London Victoria.JPG|thumb|alt=Brown-and-tan passenger car|Former ''Brighton Belle'' Pullman carriage at [[London Victoria station|London Victoria]], now part of the ''Venice-Simplon Orient Express'' fleet]]


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[[Pullman train (UK)|British Pullman cars]] were formerly used on the ''[[Brighton Belle]]'' out of [[London Victoria station]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orient-express.com/web/uktr/british_pullman_train.jsp|title=Orient-Express|access-date=2 April 2017}}</ref>
==Spain==
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Spain's state-owned network of luxury trains is operated by [[Renfe Operadora]] and runs from March to October on scheduled and charter trips. The main routes cross northern Spain and [[Andalusia]], with special tours throughout the peninsula.


=== Al Ándalus ===
====''Northern Belle''====
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''[[Northern Belle (train)|Northern Belle]]'' is a privately owned luxury train introduced in 2000. It consists primarily of [[British Rail Mark 2]] coach stock, refurbished internally and painted externally to resemble the ''Brighton Belle''{{'s}} British Pullman coaches. [[Buffet car]]s are [[British Rail Mark 1]] coaches. Although the train primarily operates in [[Northern England]] and Scotland, it also serves London and [[Bristol]]. The train has two [[British Rail Mark 3]] sleeper coaches for its crew.<ref>[http://www.rollingstock.fotopic.net/p45206824.html]{{dead link|date=March 2013}}</ref> It departs from a number of northern cities, including [[Liverpool]], [[Edinburgh]], [[Glasgow]], and [[Manchester]]. The ''Northern Belle'' has six dining cars, named after historic British houses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orient-express.com/collection/trains/northern_belle.jsp|title=Orient-Express|access-date=2 April 2017}}</ref>
The Al Ándalus' luxury cars were built in France for use by members of the British monarchy when they travelled between [[Calais]] and the [[French Riviera]]. The main route takes passengers from [[Seville]] to [[Cádiz]], [[Jerez de la Frontera]], [[Ronda]], [[Granada]], [[Úbeda]], [[Baeza, Spain|Baeza]], [[Linares, Jaén|Linares]], [[Córdoba, Andalusia]], and back to Seville.
[https://eltrenalandalus.com/en/ Al-Andalus Train]


=== El Transcantábrico ===
===Spain===
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Spain's state-owned network of luxury trains is operated by [[Renfe Operadora|Renfe Viajeros]] and runs from March to October on scheduled and charter trips. The main routes cross northern Spain and [[Andalusia]], with special tours throughout the peninsula.{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}}
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Transcantabrico on Arija Bridge.jpg|thumb|left|Transcantábrico on Arija Bridge]] -->
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The oldest tourist train in Spain (operating since 1983), the El [[Transcantábrico]] has original 1923 [[Pullman coach]]es.<ref name="Luxury Tourist Trains">[http://www.renfe.com/trenesturisticos/eng/index.html Luxury Tourist Trains], Official Website of Luxury Tourist Trains Spain</ref> There are two routes: the ''Gran Lujo'' between [[San Sebastián]] and [[Santiago de Compostela]], and the ''Clasico'' between [[León, Spain|León]] and [[Santiago de Compostela]] via [[Bilbao]].
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Transcantabrico Luxury Suite.jpg|thumb|right|Transcantabrico Luxury Suite]] -->
[https://eltrentranscantabrico.com/en/ Transcantabrico Train]


=== El Expreso de la Robla ===
====''El Transcantábrico''====
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The oldest tourist train in Spain (operating since 1983), the ''[[Transcantábrico]]'', uses original 1923 [[Pullman coach]]es.<ref name="Luxury Tourist Trains">[http://www.renfe.com/trenesturisticos/eng/index.html Luxury Tourist Trains], Official Website of Luxury Tourist Trains Spain{{dead link|date=August 2024}}</ref>
The common areas of El Expreso de La Robla are three air-conditioned coaches with bar service. The coaches, designed for conferences, talks, courses, and meetings, are equipped with modern technological facilities. All interior areas of the train are connected, enabling passengers to move freely throughout the coaches.
[https://trenexpresodelarobla.com/en/ Expreso de La Robla]


==Russia==
===Sweden===
Between 1950 and 1969, [[Swedish State Railways]] operated the luxury train service [[Sunlit Nights Land Cruises]], which ran from [[Stockholm]] to northern Sweden and primarily targeted foreign tourists.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bergsten |first=Jan |author-link= |date=2020 |title=Kryssningståg |language=sv |location=Stockholm |publisher=Trafik-Nostalgiska Förlaget |page=59, 72 |isbn=978-91-88605-63-4}}</ref>


===Russia===
===Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express===
The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express began operation in April 2007 and takes passengers on a {{convert|6000|mi|0|adj=on}} trip (the world's longest train journey)<ref name=eagle>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/999366/On-track-for-a-classic-train-journey.html|title=On track for a classic train journey|first=Anthony|last=Lambert|newspaper=The Telegraph|access-date=20 March 2018|date=28 March 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331202400/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/999366/On-track-for-a-classic-train-journey.html|archive-date=31 March 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> across two continents and eight time zones. The Golden Eagle follows the [[Trans-Siberian Railway]], which connects Moscow and European Russia with the Russian Far East, [[Mongolia]], [[China]], and the [[Sea of Japan]].
The ''Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express'' began operation in April 2007 and takes passengers on a {{convert|6000|mi|0|adj=on}} trip (the world's longest train journey)<ref name=eagle>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/999366/On-track-for-a-classic-train-journey.html|title=On track for a classic train journey|first=Anthony|last=Lambert|newspaper=The Telegraph|access-date=20 March 2018|date=28 March 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331202400/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/999366/On-track-for-a-classic-train-journey.html|archive-date=31 March 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> across two continents and eight [[time zone]]s. It follows the [[Trans-Siberian Railway]], which connects Moscow and European Russia with the [[Russian Far East]], Mongolia, China, and the [[Sea of Japan]].


==North America==
==North America==
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===''Rocky Mountaineer''===
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[[File:Jasper.Rocky.Mountaineer.P1033590.jpg|thumb|alt=Train rounding a curve next to a river|Rocky Mountaineer's distinctive domed carriages allow for expansive views of the [[Canadian Rockies]].]]


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[[Rocky Mountaineer]] is a Canadian company that operates trains touring the [[Canadian Rockies]] and the northwestern U.S. [[Via Rail]] sold off its ''Rockies by Daylight'' scenic train to Rocky Mountaineer Vacations (which became Rocky Mountaineer) in 1990. The company operates four routes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockymountaineer.com/en/experience/onboard_service/our-trains |title=Rocky Mountaineer |access-date=2 April 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006174100/http://www.rockymountaineer.com/en/experience/onboard_service/our-trains |archive-date=6 October 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/journeysbyrail/7527639/Canadas-Rocky-Mountaineer-train-ride.html|title=Canada's Rocky Mountaineer train ride|first=Laurence|last=Marks|access-date=2 April 2017}}</ref>
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===Rocky Mountaineer===
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[[file:Jasper.Rocky.Mountaineer.P1033590.jpg|thumb|alt=Train rounding a curve next to a river|Rocky Mountaineer's distinctive domed carriages allow for expansive views of the [[Canadian Rockies]]]]
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[[Rocky Mountaineer]] is a Canadian company which operates trains touring the [[Canadian Rockies]] and the northwestern U.S. [[Via Rail]] sold off its ''Rockies by Daylight'' scenic train to Rocky Mountaineer Vacations (which became Rocky Mountaineer) in 1990. Rocky Mountaineer operates four routes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockymountaineer.com/en/experience/onboard_service/our-trains |title=Rocky Mountaineer |access-date=2 April 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006174100/http://www.rockymountaineer.com/en/experience/onboard_service/our-trains |archive-date=6 October 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/journeysbyrail/7527639/Canadas-Rocky-Mountaineer-train-ride.html|title=Canada's Rocky Mountaineer train ride|first=Laurence|last=Marks|access-date=2 April 2017}}</ref>


===Royal Canadian Pacific===
===''Royal Canadian Pacific''===
[[File:The Royal CP.jpg|thumb|alt=Train running next to a river|The ''Royal Canadian Pacific'' on an international run in [[North Dakota]] in 2012]]
[[File:The Royal CP.jpg|thumb|alt=Train running next to a river|The ''Royal Canadian Pacific'' on an international run in [[North Dakota]] in 2012]]
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The ''[[Royal Canadian Pacific]]'' is a luxury overnight passenger train based in [[Calgary]]. The train has a [[Royal warrant of appointment|royal warrant]] from [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth]]. The train makes charter runs along [[Canadian Pacific Railway]] (CPR) tracks in summer and fall, taking passengers into the [[Rocky Mountains]] of [[Alberta]] and [[British Columbia]]. A typical six-day, five-night round trip runs through the [[Columbia River]] valley and [[Crowsnest Pass]]. The train halts at night to enable passengers to enjoy all the scenery. It consists of up to ten CPR luxury passenger cars (built between 1916 and 1931), two fully restored 1950s locomotives<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalcanadianpacific.com/heritage.html|title=A luxury rail tour with Royal Canadian Pacific brings the history of the railroad in Canada to life|access-date=2 April 2017}}</ref> and a [[B unit|booster unit]]. The CPR also owns a modern diesel [[GP38-2]] locomotive, numbered 3084,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2697389 |title=CP 3084 |access-date=2 April 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419143206/http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2697389 |archive-date=19 April 2016 }}</ref> for backup use.


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The ''[[Royal Canadian Pacific]]'' is a luxury overnight passenger train based in [[Calgary]], Canada. The train has a [[Royal warrant of appointment|royal warrant]] from [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth]]. It makes charter runs along [[Canadian Pacific Railway|CP]] tracks in summer and fall, taking passengers into the Rocky Mountains of [[Alberta]] and [[British Columbia]]. A typical six-day, five-night round trip runs through the [[Columbia River]] valley and [[Crowsnest Pass]]. The train halts at night to enable passengers to enjoy the scenery. It consists of up to ten luxury passenger cars (built between 1916 and 1931), two fully restored 1950s locomotives,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalcanadianpacific.com/heritage.html|title=A luxury rail tour with Royal Canadian Pacific brings the history of the railroad in Canada to life|access-date=2 April 2017}}</ref> and a [[B unit|booster unit]].
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=={{anchor|Cruise Train Seven Stars in Kyushu}}Japan==
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[[Seven Stars in Kyushu]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cruisetrain-sevenstars.com/|title=Cruise Train Seven Stars in Kyushu Japan's first cruise train, the luxurious "Seven Stars in Kyushu"|access-date=2 April 2017}}</ref> is a deluxe sleeping-car [[excursion train]] which has toured the island of [[Kyushu]] since October 2013. Its name derives from Kyushu's seven [[Prefectures of Japan|prefectures]] and the train's seven cars.<ref name="jrkyushu_concept">{{cite web|url=http://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/cruisetrain/about.html |title=Concept |work=Seven Stars in Kyushu |publisher=Kyushu Railway Company |location=Japan |date=2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531225657/http://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/cruisetrain/about.html |archive-date=31 May 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=29 May 2012 }}</ref> The train has a piano, bar, suites, a mini-kitchen, a crew room, shower rooms, and toilets. It has two- and four-day round trips, departing from [[Hakata Station]]. The two-day tour visits [[Nagasaki]], [[Aso, Kumamoto|Aso]] and [[Yufuin, Ōita|Yufuin]], and the four-day tour visits Yufuin, [[Miyazaki, Miyazaki|Miyazaki]], [[Miyakonojō]], [[Hayato, Kagoshima|Hayato]], [[Kagoshima-Chūō Station|Kagoshima-Chuo]], [[Kagoshima]], Aso, and [[Bungo-Mori Station|Bungo-Mori]].


==India==
==Asia==
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==={{anchor|Cruise Train Seven Stars in Kyushu}}Japan===
⚫
''[[Seven Stars in Kyushu]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cruisetrain-sevenstars.com/|title=Cruise Train Seven Stars in Kyushu Japan's first cruise train, the luxurious "Seven Stars in Kyushu"|access-date=2 April 2017}}{{dead link|date=August 2024}}</ref> is a deluxe sleeping-car [[excursion train]] that has toured the island of [[Kyushu]] since October 2013. Its name derives from Kyushu's seven [[Prefectures of Japan|prefectures]] and the train's seven cars.<ref name="jrkyushu_concept">{{cite web|url=http://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/cruisetrain/about.html |title=Concept |work=Seven Stars in Kyushu |publisher=Kyushu Railway Company |location=Japan |date=2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531225657/http://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/cruisetrain/about.html |archive-date=31 May 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=29 May 2012 }}</ref> The train has a piano, bar, suites, a mini-kitchen, a crew room, shower rooms, and toilets. It offers two- and four-day round trips, departing from [[Hakata Station]]. The two-day tour visits [[Nagasaki]], [[Aso, Kumamoto|Aso]], and [[Yufuin, Ōita|Yufuin]], and the four-day journey visits Yufuin, [[Miyazaki, Miyazaki|Miyazaki]], [[Miyakonojō]], [[Hayato, Kagoshima|Hayato]], [[Kagoshima-Chūō Station|Kagoshima-Chuo]], [[Kagoshima]], Aso, and [[Bungo-Mori Station|Bungo-Mori]].

===India===
{{main|Luxury rail in India}}
{{main|Luxury rail in India}}

Luxury trains in India include the [[Palace on Wheels]], [[Deccan Odyssey]], [[Golden Chariot]] and [[Maharajas' Express]]. Two destinations have been added to [[Royal Rajasthan on Wheels]]: [[Khajuraho]] and [[Varanasi]].<ref>{{cite web|date=5 September 2010 |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/Super-luxury-train-Royal-Rajasthan-on-Wheels-flagged-off-from-New-Delhi/articleshow/6505235.cms |title=Super luxury train 'Royal Rajasthan on Wheels' flagged off from New Delhi – Economic Times |publisher=Economictimes.indiatimes.com |access-date=26 March 2013}}</ref> The 22-coach train can carry 82 passengers and has 13 compartments, two lounges, a spa and a fitness center.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-09-03/jaipur/28272584_1_royal-rajasthan-rrow-train |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103182447/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-09-03/jaipur/28272584_1_royal-rajasthan-rrow-train |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 November 2012 |title=RRoW begins journey on Sunday |date=3 September 2010 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=26 March 2013}}</ref> The [[Maharajas' Express]] is owned and operated by Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).<ref>{{cite web|author=Journeys by Rail |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/journeysbyrail/7748567/Indias-Maharajas-Express-rail-journey.html |title=India's Maharajas' Express rail journey |publisher=Telegraph |access-date=26 March 2013}}</ref>
Luxury trains in India include the ''[[Palace on Wheels]]'', ''[[Deccan Odyssey]]'', ''[[Golden Chariot]]'', ''[[Maharajas' Express]]'', and ''[[Royal Rajasthan on Wheels]]''.<ref>{{cite web|date=5 September 2010 |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/Super-luxury-train-Royal-Rajasthan-on-Wheels-flagged-off-from-New-Delhi/articleshow/6505235.cms |title=Super luxury train 'Royal Rajasthan on Wheels' flagged off from New Delhi – Economic Times |publisher=Economictimes.indiatimes.com |access-date=26 March 2013}}</ref>


=={{anchor|Blue Train|Rovos Rail}}South Africa==
=={{anchor|Blue Train|Rovos Rail}}South Africa==
The ''[[Blue Train (South Africa)|Blue Train]]'', covering about {{convert|1600|km}} between [[Pretoria]] and [[Cape Town]], is South Africa's oldest and most well-known luxury train service. [[Rovos Rail]] started its ''[[Pride of Africa (train)|Pride of Africa]]'' service in April 1989, offering pan-African luxury-train journeys spanning seven African countries by rail, air and water.<ref name="Rovos">[http://www.rovos.com/about/history.html Rovos Rail: Pride of Africa] (Rovos Rail website)</ref>
The ''[[Blue Train (South Africa)|Blue Train]]'', covering about {{convert|1600|km}} between [[Pretoria]] and [[Cape Town]], is South Africa's oldest and best-known luxury train service. [[Transnet Freight Rail]] runs the [[Blue Train (South Africa)|Blue Train]], also between Pretoria and Cape Town. [[Rovos Rail]] operates the ''[[Pride of Africa (train)|Pride of Africa]]'' service, which runs between South Africa, [[Zimbabwe]], [[Zambia]], and [[Tanzania]].


=={{anchor|The Ghan|Indian Pacific}}Australia==
=={{anchor|The Ghan|Indian Pacific}}Australia==
⚫
''[[The Ghan]]'', a luxury train, runs {{convert|2979|km|0|abbr=off}} through the heart of the Australian continent, from [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] in the north to [[Adelaide]] in the south.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/348189,paris-hilton-upset-at-japan-ban-special-way-traverse-australia.html|title=Earth Times: news/348189,paris-hilton-upset-at-japan-ban-special-way-traverse-australia.html|access-date=2 April 2017}}</ref> The ''[[Indian Pacific]]'' is a long-distance train connecting [[Sydney]] on the east coast, with [[Perth]] on the west coast.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.greatsouthernrail.com.au/trains/the-indian-pacific/all-inclusive-journeys/sydney-to-perth|title=Sydney to Perth|website=www.greatsouthernrail.com.au|access-date=28 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920121448/http://www.greatsouthernrail.com.au/trains/the-indian-pacific/all-inclusive-journeys/sydney-to-perth|archive-date=20 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Gallery==
⚫
[[The Ghan]], a luxury train, runs {{convert|2979|km|0|abbr=off}} through the heart of the [[Australia]]n continent from [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] in the north to [[Adelaide]] in the south.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/348189,paris-hilton-upset-at-japan-ban-special-way-traverse-australia.html|title=Earth Times: news/348189,paris-hilton-upset-at-japan-ban-special-way-traverse-australia.html|access-date=2 April 2017}}</ref> The [[Indian Pacific]] is a long-distance train connecting [[Sydney]] on the east coast, Australia's largest city, with [[Perth]] on the west coast.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.greatsouthernrail.com.au/trains/the-indian-pacific/all-inclusive-journeys/sydney-to-perth|title=Sydney to Perth|website=www.greatsouthernrail.com.au|access-date=2017-09-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920121448/http://www.greatsouthernrail.com.au/trains/the-indian-pacific/all-inclusive-journeys/sydney-to-perth|archive-date=2017-09-20|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Image gallery==
<gallery mode="packed">
<gallery mode="packed">
File:Mashifu77-7002 Dining space.jpg|alt=Wood-paneled dining car, with comfortable seating|Dining car on Seven Stars in Kyushu
Mashifu77-7002 Dining space.jpg|alt=Wood-paneled dining car, with comfortable seating|Dining car on ''Seven Stars in Kyushu''
File:Rovos Rail Deluxe Suite.jpg|alt=Bed, enclosed for privacy|Rovos Rail deluxe suite
Rovos Rail Deluxe Suite.jpg|alt=Bed, enclosed for privacy|''Pride of Africa'' deluxe suite
File:The Blue Train.jpg|alt=See caption|Dining car on the Blue Train
The Blue Train.jpg|alt=See caption|Dining car on the ''Blue Train''
File:NR45 + NR10 + Ghan Alice Springs, 2015 (02).JPG|alt=Train rounding a bend through scrubland|[[The Ghan]] approaching [[Alice Springs railway station|Alice Springs]], 5 July 2015
NR45 + NR10 + Ghan Alice Springs, 2015 (02).JPG|alt=Train rounding a bend through scrubland|''[[The Ghan]]'' approaching [[Alice Springs railway station|Alice Springs]], 5 July 2015
</gallery>
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Heritage railway]]
* [[Heritage railway]]
{{Wikivoyage|tourist trains}}
{{Wikivoyage|tourist trains}}
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


== References ==
==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}


Latest revision as of 23:37, 28 August 2024

See caption
1888 poster for the Orient Express

A luxury train is a premium passenger rail service. Some luxury trains promote tourism in destinations across a region, while others (such as the Maharajas' Express) take passengers on a ride through a single country. Luxury trains include restaurants, bars, bathrooms, and sleeping and seating areas.

History

[edit]
Drawing of meals being served in a dining car
An illustration from the 1885 Chicago & Alton Railroad timetable

George Pullman's first sleeping car, the Pioneer, was introduced in 1865 in the United States and was followed two years later by "hotel cars".[1] It was the first railway carriage with dining and sleeping areas.[2]

Georges Nagelmackers founded the French Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, creator of the Orient Express. Inspired by Pullman trains in the US, Nagelmackers returned to Europe and built a fleet of over 30 luxury trains that traveled to several European destinations.[citation needed] He is credited with beginning the age of luxury trains and grand hotels.[citation needed] The Orient Express, setting of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, was Europe's first luxury train. It began its maiden journey on 5 June 1883 from Paris' Gare de l'Est. Although the original Orient Express ceased operation in 2009, private operators and public–private joint ventures provide luxury train travel in several countries.[3]

Belmond trains

[edit]
Red locomotive pulling a long passenger train
Venice-Simplon Orient Express in Switzerland
Yellow-and-grey locomotive pulling a passenger train
Class 67, no. 67,006 Royal Sovereign hauling the Northern Belle
Passenger cars in a station
Bangkok-bound Eastern and Oriental Express train at the Kuala Lumpur railway station in Malaysia

According to Belmond[4] (formerly known as Orient Express Hotels),[5] the company operates the highest number of luxury train tours in the world. With service in Europe, Asia, and South America, Belmond is the only private luxury tour provider (with the exception of Russia's Golden Eagle Trans Siberian Express) to offer continental or intercontinental service.[6]

The Venice-Simplon Orient Express, with service from London to Venice, was voted the top luxury train in the world in 2009.[7] The Royal Scotsman offers service across Scotland and, occasionally, the rest of Britain. The Belmond Grand Hibernian began operations in Ireland on 30 August 2016.[8]

The Eastern and Oriental Express runs from Bangkok to Singapore (via Kuala Lumpur) and to Vientiane. Covering over 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi)[9] of peninsular Southeast Asia, its two-day journey includes frequent stops at scenic locations.[10]

The Belmond Andean Explorer services the Peruvian cities of Arequipa to Cusco in vice versa[11] and the Belmond Hiram Bingham, named after the explorer who rediscovered the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu, runs from the Sacred Valley to the landmark.

Europe

[edit]

United Kingdom

[edit]
Brown-and-tan passenger car
Former Brighton Belle Pullman carriage at London Victoria, now part of the Venice-Simplon Orient Express fleet

British Pullman cars were formerly used on the Brighton Belle out of London Victoria station.[12]

Northern Belle

[edit]

Northern Belle is a privately owned luxury train introduced in 2000. It consists primarily of British Rail Mark 2 coach stock, refurbished internally and painted externally to resemble the Brighton Belle's British Pullman coaches. Buffet cars are British Rail Mark 1 coaches. Although the train primarily operates in Northern England and Scotland, it also serves London and Bristol. The train has two British Rail Mark 3 sleeper coaches for its crew.[13] It departs from a number of northern cities, including Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Manchester. The Northern Belle has six dining cars, named after historic British houses.[14]

Spain

[edit]

Spain's state-owned network of luxury trains is operated by Renfe Viajeros and runs from March to October on scheduled and charter trips. The main routes cross northern Spain and Andalusia, with special tours throughout the peninsula.[citation needed]

El Transcantábrico

[edit]

The oldest tourist train in Spain (operating since 1983), the Transcantábrico, uses original 1923 Pullman coaches.[15]

Sweden

[edit]

Between 1950 and 1969, Swedish State Railways operated the luxury train service Sunlit Nights Land Cruises, which ran from Stockholm to northern Sweden and primarily targeted foreign tourists.[16]

Russia

[edit]

The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express began operation in April 2007 and takes passengers on a 6,000-mile (9,656 km) trip (the world's longest train journey)[6] across two continents and eight time zones. It follows the Trans-Siberian Railway, which connects Moscow and European Russia with the Russian Far East, Mongolia, China, and the Sea of Japan.

North America

[edit]

Rocky Mountaineer

[edit]
Train rounding a curve next to a river
Rocky Mountaineer's distinctive domed carriages allow for expansive views of the Canadian Rockies.

Rocky Mountaineer is a Canadian company that operates trains touring the Canadian Rockies and the northwestern U.S. Via Rail sold off its Rockies by Daylight scenic train to Rocky Mountaineer Vacations (which became Rocky Mountaineer) in 1990. The company operates four routes.[17][18]

Royal Canadian Pacific

[edit]
Train running next to a river
The Royal Canadian Pacific on an international run in North Dakota in 2012

The Royal Canadian Pacific is a luxury overnight passenger train based in Calgary, Canada. The train has a royal warrant from Queen Elizabeth. It makes charter runs along CP tracks in summer and fall, taking passengers into the Rocky Mountains of Alberta and British Columbia. A typical six-day, five-night round trip runs through the Columbia River valley and Crowsnest Pass. The train halts at night to enable passengers to enjoy the scenery. It consists of up to ten luxury passenger cars (built between 1916 and 1931), two fully restored 1950s locomotives,[19] and a booster unit.

Asia

[edit]

Japan

[edit]

Seven Stars in Kyushu[20] is a deluxe sleeping-car excursion train that has toured the island of Kyushu since October 2013. Its name derives from Kyushu's seven prefectures and the train's seven cars.[21] The train has a piano, bar, suites, a mini-kitchen, a crew room, shower rooms, and toilets. It offers two- and four-day round trips, departing from Hakata Station. The two-day tour visits Nagasaki, Aso, and Yufuin, and the four-day journey visits Yufuin, Miyazaki, Miyakonojō, Hayato, Kagoshima-Chuo, Kagoshima, Aso, and Bungo-Mori.

India

[edit]
Main article: Luxury rail in India

Luxury trains in India include the Palace on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey, Golden Chariot, Maharajas' Express, and Royal Rajasthan on Wheels.[22]

South Africa

[edit]

The Blue Train, covering about 1,600 kilometres (990 mi) between Pretoria and Cape Town, is South Africa's oldest and best-known luxury train service. Transnet Freight Rail runs the Blue Train, also between Pretoria and Cape Town. Rovos Rail operates the Pride of Africa service, which runs between South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania.

Australia

[edit]

The Ghan, a luxury train, runs 2,979 kilometres (1,851 miles) through the heart of the Australian continent, from Darwin in the north to Adelaide in the south.[23] The Indian Pacific is a long-distance train connecting Sydney on the east coast, with Perth on the west coast.[24]

[edit]
  • Wood-paneled dining car, with comfortable seating
    Dining car on Seven Stars in Kyushu
  • Bed, enclosed for privacy
    Pride of Africa deluxe suite
  • See caption
    Dining car on the Blue Train
  • Train rounding a bend through scrubland
    The Ghan approaching Alice Springs, 5 July 2015

See also

[edit]
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for tourist trains.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Railroad Collections Archived 19 July 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ Thinkquest Library Archived 31 July 2012 at the Wayback Machine, History of Luxury Trains
  3. ^ "The Most Luxurious Train Rides in the World". Travel + Leisure. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  4. ^ "Orient-Express". Retrieved 2 April 2017.
  5. ^ "The Curious Rebranding of Orient-Express Hotels Into the Belmond Brand". Skift. 26 February 2014. Retrieved 11 January 2021.
  6. ^ a b Lambert, Anthony (28 March 2008). "On track for a classic train journey". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 31 March 2008. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
  7. ^ "Readers' Travel Awards 2009". Archived from the original on 20 July 2013. Retrieved 2 April 2017.
  8. ^ "Ireland's only luxury sleeper train derailed by Covid-19". independent.ie. 19 February 2021. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
  9. ^ "Official Website of Tourism Malaysia – Experience the Best Time of Your..." archive.is. 6 August 2012. Archived from the original on 6 August 2012.
  10. ^ "Orient-Express". Retrieved 2 April 2017.
  11. ^ "Belmond Andean Explorer, Arequipa, Cusco, Peru | Out There magazine | Luxury and Experiential Travel Inspiration". OutThere | Experiential Luxury Travel. 9 December 2019. Retrieved 11 January 2021.
  12. ^ "Orient-Express". Retrieved 2 April 2017.
  13. ^ [1][dead link‍]
  14. ^ "Orient-Express". Retrieved 2 April 2017.
  15. ^ Luxury Tourist Trains, Official Website of Luxury Tourist Trains Spain[dead link‍]
  16. ^ Bergsten, Jan (2020). Kryssningståg (in Swedish). Stockholm: Trafik-Nostalgiska Förlaget. p. 59, 72. ISBN 978-91-88605-63-4.
  17. ^ "Rocky Mountaineer". Archived from the original on 6 October 2011. Retrieved 2 April 2017.
  18. ^ Marks, Laurence. "Canada's Rocky Mountaineer train ride". Retrieved 2 April 2017.
  19. ^ "A luxury rail tour with Royal Canadian Pacific brings the history of the railroad in Canada to life". Retrieved 2 April 2017.
  20. ^ "Cruise Train Seven Stars in Kyushu Japan's first cruise train, the luxurious "Seven Stars in Kyushu"". Retrieved 2 April 2017.[dead link‍]
  21. ^ "Concept". Seven Stars in Kyushu. Japan: Kyushu Railway Company. 2012. Archived from the original on 31 May 2012. Retrieved 29 May 2012.
  22. ^ "Super luxury train 'Royal Rajasthan on Wheels' flagged off from New Delhi – Economic Times". Economictimes.indiatimes.com. 5 September 2010. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  23. ^ "Earth Times: news/348189,paris-hilton-upset-at-japan-ban-special-way-traverse-australia.html". Retrieved 2 April 2017.
  24. ^ "Sydney to Perth". www.greatsouthernrail.com.au. Archived from the original on 20 September 2017. Retrieved 28 September 2017.
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