By day, private cabins of polished wood and plush upholstery offer comfortable banquette seating. Large picture windows afford changing views of snow-peaked mountains and idyllic French countryside. At night, stewards transform the cabins into cosy bedrooms.

For unbridled indulgence, there are six individually designed Grand Suites. With sumptuous handcrafted décor inspired by great cities such as Paris, Venice and Istanbul, the spacious Grand Suites offer a new benchmark in luxury travel. Inclusive benefits include free-flowing champagne, private in-cabin dining, marble en-suites and 24-hour butler service. They are joined in 2023 by eight new suites, whose exceptional interiors fuse aspects of European landscapes – countryside, mountains, lakes and forests – with fabrics and furnishings that channel famed art deco designers.

Gastronomy is a major highlight of the onboard experience. Chef Jean Imbert celebrates seasonality and provenance in exquisite menus crafted from artisan produce. The train’s wine cellar is an ode to Europe’s finest vintages and appellations. Three 1920s restaurant cars offer distinctly different ambiences. Indulgent ‘cabin service’ delicacies are served around the clock. Bar Car ‘3674’ is the train’s social hub, reviving all the glamour and opulence of the past. Here, the formality of the early evening turns to a more playful late-night scene, with midnight brunch keeping the energy flowing.

For those who love a touch of the theatrical, this is experiential travel at its finest.

To unwind still further, the Bamford Haybarn Spa provides the most unique spa experience in Scotland. Soothing massages and beauty rituals are offered in two serene treatment rooms as the dramatic landscapes glide past.

Royal Scotsman offers a range of itineraries, from two to seven nights. Departing from Edinburgh, it travels up the East or West coast on round trips. Each journey includes exciting off-train activities, such as private visits to castles, distilleries and magical islands. Travellers with a particular passion can choose special-interest journeys themed around malt whisky, gardens or golf. In addition, guests can enhance their escape by adding experiences that make the most of the rugged Scottish landscapes and rich culture. They include stargazing and pony-trekking in the Cairngorms, canoeing on Loch Ness and coasteering in Arbroath. Art lovers may take the opportunity to visit the V&A Dundee or a charming local pottery on the shores of Loch Carron.

Departing from Poroy, just outside Cusco, guests are welcomed with a cocktail before settling down to a lavish brunch. Pisco sours can be enjoyed in the Bar Car alongside warm Peruvian hospitality and a lively local band. From the Observation Car, enthralling vistas are absorbed. The train winds through the Sacred Valley’s soaring mountains and deep green valleys. As the scenery changes to lush cloud forest, the sense of adventure is heightened.

The train’s leisurely pace means the 57-mile route takes around 3.5 hours in each direction, giving ample time to soak up both the views and the ambience on board. Arriving at Machu Picchu, guests are met by a personal guide who leads them on a tour of the sacred site. The experience also includes afternoon tea at Sanctuary Lodge, a Belmond Hotel located adjacent to the citadel.

On the return journey, a four-course, Andean-inspired menu is accompanied by regional wines.
Guests can choose to combine their journey with a stay at Rio Sagrado, a Belmond Hotel in the Sacred Valley, which has its own train stop.

Gliding between Singapore and Bangkok through lush jungle, beguiling temples and timeless villages, guests enjoy relaxed indulgence on board. The handsome green and gold carriages recall the vintage ambience of the 1932 movie Shanghai Express. Cherrywood and burr elm panelling blend with Thai silks, Malaysian embroidery and hand-tufted carpets.

Elegant air-conditioned cabins and staterooms offer large picture windows, ensuite shower rooms and every comfort. In the teak-floored Observation Car, guests can feel the breeze as they soak up the sights. An imaginative cocktail menu evokes the passing landscapes of rainforest and coconut plantations.
As evening falls, the Piano Bar is the place to be. Music lingers in the air as smartly dressed stewards serve champagne and aperitifs. Dining is a refined affair in the two restaurant cars. The onboard chefs create exquisite Asian-inspired menus featuring delicately spiced specialities.

Fascinating excursions are a highlight of every journey, whether travelling past the glittering temples and tropical beaches of Thailand or coursing through the culturally diverse Malay Peninsula. A choice of options allows guests to discover each destination in their preferred way. Whether visiting a sleepy Malaysian village or drifting along the River Kwai, each experience unveils the authentic spirit of the East.

The signature two- and three-night Bangkok-Singapore journeys can be bookended with stays at celebrated hotels, such as Raffles. Extended odysseys take guests up into the Cameron Highlands and to the Pearl of the Orient, Penang.

From the moment guests arrive at the private lounge at London Victoria station, there’s excitement in the air. Personal liveried stewards escort passengers to their private tables and take care of their every need throughout the journey. Each impeccably restored vintage carriage boasts a unique identity and story. Some have carried royalty, others have starred in movies. Exquisite décor includes polished marquetry, plush textiles and magnificent mosaics. Expansive picture windows afford prime views of the landscapes rolling by.

Fine dining is a highlight of every journey. Culinary masterpieces, created by talented chefs in the onboard kitchen, are paired with sommelier-selected wines. Seasonal and local specialities range from Cornish mackerel and Kentish lamb to artisan cheeses and Tregothnan Estate tea. Many journeys are enlivened by musicians and table magicians. A convivial buzz unites passengers in the sheer pleasure of being on board.

Signature journeys include Bath, renowned for its elegant Regency architecture, Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, and Great British Seaside towns including Margate and Broadstairs. Non-stopping dining experiences include one-off tasting menus by Michelin-starred chefs, lavish dinners paired with exceptional champagnes, romantic Valentine’s Day lunches and decadent Mother’s Day teas. Sporting events such as Goodwood Revival and the Grand National can be visited in style. For the ultimate nostalgia, steam-hauled journeys add an extra layer of enchantment.

Unique off-train activities include adventures on Lake Titicaca, home to the unique Uros floating islands, and to the Sumbay Caves, decorated with ancient etchings. A stop at La Raya, one of the highest markets in the world, allows guests to browse stalls brimming with handicrafts.

Sixteen midnight-blue carriages accommodate just 48 passengers. Contemporary, Andean-inspired interiors embrace Peruvian motifs, hand-woven textiles and soft alpaca wool. Cabins are personal sanctuaries, each with private ensuites. A choice of Bunk Bed Cabins, Twin Bed Cabins and Suite Cabins caters to all needs.

Gastronomic cuisine is a highlight of every journey. Vibrant dishes, prepared on board by expert chefs, make seasonal Andean ingredients king. The Piano Bar Car is a convivial space for afternoon tea and cocktails as majestic landscapes unfold outside. The Observation Car’s open deck offers fresh, crisp air and bewitching panoramas of the majestic La Raya mountains. In the Spa Car, customised pampering takes place in three luxurious treatment rooms. Reviving rituals harness the power of local herbs and botanicals.

For an all-embracing Peruvian experience, journeys can be tailored to incorporate stays at Belmond’s exceptional hotels in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Colca Canyon.