It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these trains with us.
The epitome of luxury, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a private luxury train connecting London to Venice, as well as other European cities. Owned by Belmond, the train offers service between March and November. Sleeper cars, dining cars, a bar car and more comprise each continental train. © Peter Lovas | Dreamstime.com
The four-hour Bernina Express brings passengers from Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy, traversing the Swiss Engadin Alps. The train runs along the Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina landscapes, a World Heritage site. The journey covers 196 bridges, 55 tunnels and the Bernina Pass. © Michelangelo Oprandi | Dreamstime.com
Indulge in a luxurious and scenic train ride across British Columbia or Alberta aboard Rocky Mountaineer. The train currently operates four routes (three in western Canada and one in southwestern United States). Journeys include Vancouver to Banff, Vancouver to Jasper with an overnight in Kamloops, North Vancouver to Jasper with overnights in Whistler and Quesnel, and Denver to Salt Lake City with an overnight in Glenwood Springs. © Sl Photography | Dreamstime.com
Operated by Rovos Rail, the Pride of Africa is a luxury train traveling through Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Trains carry up to 72 passengers at a time in custom wood-paneled carriages. Suites include royal, Pullman and deluxe cabins with en-suite bathrooms, while observation cars allow for uninterrupted views of the landscape. Passengers also enjoy gourmet, four-course meals; lounge cars; and open-air balconies. © Tim Richards | Dreamstime.com
Arguably best known from the Harry Potter franchise, the Jacobite Steam Train, operated by West Coast Railways, embarks on an 84-mile roundtrip between Mallaig and Fort William, crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Even if you’re not actually on the train, it’s well worth a hike to spot the train pass over the viaduct from afar. © Gutescu Eduard | Dreamstime.com
See the rugged and remote terrain of the Alaskan wilderness on an Alaska Railroad train. Service runs between Seward and Fairbanks, passing through Denali National Park and Anchorage. Popular tourist routes include Denali Star from Anchorage to Fairbanks; Aurora Winter Train between Anchorage and Fairbanks in winter months; Glacier Discovery, a two-hour journey from Anchorage to Whittier; and Coastal Classic, a winding journey from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula and over to Seward. © Walter Stiedenroth | Dreamstime.com
Ever wanted to ride on Japan’s bullet train? Known as The Shinkansen, this high-speed railway network reaches speeds of up to 200 mph, connecting cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, Honshu, Kyushu and beyond. Want to see Mount Fuji from The Shinkansen? Take the Tokaido Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka. © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com
Often called the Orient Express of the Orient, Maharajas’ Express operates four routes across both central and northwest India, mainly around Rajasthan between October and April. The train spans 23 carriages, including accommodations, dining, a bar, lounge and more. © Marbenzu | Dreamstime.com
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