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I first heard about ‘The Pride of Africa’ Rovos Rail (above) from a Japanese person when I was in Japan.

Sure, Japan has some of the best trains in the world, and a few very passionate train followers who know all there is to know about the world of rails, but still, I couldn’t believe that my home country and continent had one of the world’s most well-renowned trains.

To save you from the shock that you might feel when a stranger from another country tells you this cool fact, we can provide you with all that you need to know.

Trains are practical, but they can also be one of the classiest and most luxurious ways to travel overland.

Airports are also such a hassle, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, so at least there are trains to help us adventure along.

Not to mention all the life metaphors that they can provide, which can make travelling all the more poetic.

Luxury Columnist put together a list of the best luxury trains in the world, and below we have a few, starting at home:

The Pride of Africa (Rovos Rail) 

Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences.

The Rovos Rail offers several options for its luxury train journeys, ranging from two to 15 days, travelling to destinations like Cape Town, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Each train has accommodation carriages, dining cars, a lounge car, a small gift shop, a smoking lounge, and an observation car with an open-air balcony.

All three of the suites available – the Pullman, Deluxe, and Royal – offer passengers privacy and comfort with double or twin beds and showers or baths.

The food and wine are obviously exquisite and for the formal dinner, you are expected to dress the part in a suit for men and a cocktail dress for women.

The South Africa Blue Train

If you’re feeling indulgent, skip the busy airports for this two-day Blue Train, which is widely recognised as one of the world’s finest shorter luxury train experiences.

You can journey from Pretoria to Cape Town and witness everything we have to offer in between, all while enjoying butler service, world-class food, superb wines and perhaps a bath if you’re in a compartment that has one.

India’s Maharajas’ Express 

Voted the ”World’s Leading Luxury Train” at the World Travel Awards a total of seven times, the Maharajas’ Express can provide a prestigious journey.

The four routes on offer all depart from Delhi and include an excursion to the iconic Taj Mahal.

The train aims to reflect India’s most opulent side, with the refined decor in the restaurants, lounge bar, suites, and even the junior rooms, which are all exquisitely serviced and maintained.

The accommodation options include the Deluxe Cabins, the Junior Suites (which are similar but a bit larger), and the Presidential Suites with their own living rooms, two bathrooms, and two bedrooms.

This suite also comes with a personal valet available 24/7 and private vehicles for local excursions at each destination.

The UK’s Flying Scotsman

This steam locomotive currently runs between London, Salisbury, and Oxford when in service.

At least once a year, the Scotsman travels from London to Edinburgh, which is the train’s premier trip and includes a stay at The Scotsman Hotel in Edinburgh.

That’s because the experience by the Steam Dreams Rail Company includes dining only, and not accommodation on board.

Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express 

The Trans-Siberian Express is unique for having one of the longest itineraries, which spans two weeks, crossing five countries and eight time zones.

You can listen to classical masterpieces being played on the piano in the Bar Lounge while you stop over at Russia’s many iconic cities and towns.

But perhaps most exciting, is a chance to see most of Russia’s breathtaking train stations.

The train also has massive windows, which allows you to witness the passing striking scenery, including the Urals, the Steppes, and more.

You can also pick your cabin class, which comes in Silver, Gold, and the exclusive Imperial Suite.

Either way, they all feature private bathrooms, a wardrobe, and a safe.

Rocky Mountaineer 

From Vancouver in Canada, this train takes one of four routes to Banff, Jasper, or Denver, each with its own appeal.

In fact, it has just launched its first US route on August 15 through the Canadian Rockies (its namesake), running two-day, one-night trips back and forth between Denver, Colorado, and Moab, Utah.

The most amazing part of the train might just be its incredible glass-dome observation carriages, which offer non-stop views of the beautiful mountain range.

You can also step out into the fresh air on this train, which has a couple of open-air observation carriages, too.

For the other luxury trains on the list, head here.

[source:luxurycoumnist]