What if the journey itself was the highlight of your trip? In our fast-paced world of nonstop flights and whirlwind itineraries, luxury train journeys invite travelers to slow down, look out the window, and savor landscapes, flavors, and cultures unfolding at a gentler rhythm. This is slow luxury travel by train—where the pace is as indulgent as the plush surroundings, and every detail is designed to immerse you in the romance of discovery.

At Covington Travel, we believe these experiences are more than point-to-point transportation. They’re curated adventures that can be seamlessly paired with land extensions, creating a journey as unique as your travel style.

Why Luxury Train Journeys Are Having a Moment

Luxury rail travel has existed for more than a century, but it’s enjoying a renaissance today. Travelers are seeking authentic, slower-paced ways to connect with the world without sacrificing comfort. Imagine: polished wood-paneled carriages, attentive service, elegant dining, and the thrill of waking up to a completely new landscape.

Unlike flights that compress your travels into hours, a luxury train allows you to linger. You can sip your morning coffee while watching mist rise over mountain valleys or toast sunset with champagne as deserts stretch into the horizon. It’s a balance of nostalgia and modern indulgence that speaks to travelers who crave experiences as much as destinations.

Designing the Perfect Journey: Where Covington Adds Value

A luxury train trip is rarely the whole story. Instead, it’s often the centerpiece of a broader adventure. This is where Covington’s expertise shines. We don’t just book tickets; we design journeys that weave together rail experiences with tailored land explorations.

For example:

• Pair a Rocky Mountaineer journey through the Canadian Rockies with a few nights in Banff or a private stay at a remote lodge.

• Follow the Royal Scotsman with a castle stay, whisky tastings, and private golf outings in Scotland.

• After a luxury rail trip through Europe, extend with river cruising, art immersion, or wine tours in Bordeaux and Tuscany.

Because Covington is a member of the Virtuoso network and enjoys long-standing partnerships with the best-of-the-best travel suppliers, we are able to open doors to insider experiences. We can arrange private guides, exclusive dining experiences, and one-of-a-kind stays that elevate your trip from memorable to truly unforgettable.

A World of Luxury Rail Experiences

Luxury trains come in all shapes and sizes—epic multi-day odysseys, day journeys into dramatic landscapes, and short but exquisite adventures paired with iconic landmarks. Here are just a few worth dreaming about:

The Ghan, Australia – Four days across the Outback from Darwin to Adelaide, combining luxury with raw, untamed landscapes.

The Blue Train, South Africa – A thousand-mile journey from Kruger National Park to Cape Town, with five-star comfort and big-game safari extensions.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe – Perhaps the most iconic of all, its Art Deco carriages evoke timeless romance from London to Venice (and other European cities).

Presidential Train, Portugal – A gastronomic day journey through the Douro Valley, where Michelin-starred chefs create menus to pair with local wines.

Belmond Hiram Bingham, Peru – A short but breathtaking four-hour ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu, complete with Andean music and gourmet cuisine.

Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia – Linking Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, this train blends exotic landscapes with colonial-era charm.

Bernina Express, Switzerland – A dazzling 76-mile day journey through the Alps, crossing 196 bridges and spiraling tunnels for postcard-worthy views.

Each of these itineraries invites you to step off the train enriched by not just where you’ve been, but how you got there.

The Future of Slow Luxury Travel by Train

As sustainability gains importance, luxury rail journeys offer a meaningful alternative. Trains leave a lighter footprint compared to air travel, yet they provide more room for connection with the land, with travel companions, and even with yourself. It’s no wonder they’re being celebrated as a defining trend in luxury travel for the years ahead.

But the real magic lies in customization. Do you dream of sipping champagne through the Alps, combining South Africa’s rails with safari, or pairing Machu Picchu with a Galápagos cruise? With Covington’s expertise, the possibilities are endless.

Travel Maestro Takeaway

Luxury train journeys are about more than reaching a destination. They’re about savoring the journey itself. They invite you to slow down, travel in style, and immerse yourself in landscapes that unfurl like living paintings. Whether you crave a multi-day odyssey or a short, unforgettable ride, Covington will craft a seamless trip that blends rail with the finest hotels, guides, and experiences around the world.

Ready to step aboard? Let us take you there.