If you've been eager to indulge in elegant rail travels, but think that the era of luxury cars and live music is over, you're in luck. New trains, new routes, amenities and special events unfold, with travelers sitting down, champagne in hand and gliding through some of the world's most beautiful scenery. Whether in the Lake District of England or on the mountainous islands of Japan, these trips offer suites that rival high-end hotel rooms, with restaurants serving Michelin-starred chef dishes. The places to board are as follows:
From Paris to Tuscany, from Paris to Portofino
Starting in May, with carriages from the 1920s and 30s restored, this gorgeous train offers a new three-night trip called Paris by the legend of the rails. Before retiring to a room with jewels tones, step into the Barker 3674 to enjoy live piano music. Options include a “historic cabin” with seats that are converted to berths (communal toilets are located at the end of each sleeper). A suite with its own marble bathroom and double or twin beds that convert into a seating area. Or a grand suite with marble bathroom, double beds, dining area and 24-hour butler service.
During your trip, you will visit Siena, Italy, where you will tour the Gothic history centre. Stop by the 13th century palace on Piazza Campo to enjoy an aperitif while taking panoramic views of the city, and spend two nights in the vineyards and olive groves at Castello Di Casor, a Belmond hotel in Tuscany. While you're there, watch the starry sky at the outdoor amphitheater and wrap live music in the courtyard. Prices (including meals with wine) start at £9,350, or about $12,100 per person, are based on two guests who share two nights with historic cabins in Castello di Casol Junior Suites.
In June, Venice's Simple Orient Express will begin its journey from Paris to Portofino again (last year was its first trip). The train's biggest accommodations include its own library with over 1,000 books, a tea room with fireplaces and skylights, allowing you to see the clouds as the train moves. The trip will conclude at Splandido, a Belmond hotel that begins in June, and will announce renovations and updates to communal spaces, including the breakfast area, cocktail bar and Dior Spa. Prices from Paris to Portofino (including food and wine) start from £10,400 per person, and are based on two nights in a premium room in Splendide, with two nights.
Italy
This sophisticated train, which guides Italy's charm in the 1960s and '70s, will begin offering eight round-trip itineraries in April. Each departs from Rome and has the new Radl Sevita Orient Express Lounge, located at the Ostians station of Rome. From there, you will travel to places like Tuscany or Piedmont, depending on your itinerary. Some itineraries may appeal to train buffs, such as sensitive trips from Rome, where trains are detached and loaded onto the ferry, crossing the straits of Messina, and reassembled on the other side. You'll be engrossed in a meal directed by Chef Heinz Beck, perhaps best known at La Pergola, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Rome. At night, you sleep in one of 12 deluxe cabins with mirrored walls (the sofas can be deployed on double beds, and Ottomans can use them as coffee tables), or in one of 18 suites with beds, sofas, tables and armchairs. Additional suites are in work to make it the most spectacular on the train. Price for a one-night itinerary starting from around $3,800, or a person at a deluxe cabin.
If you want to replenish your train trip with a stay in Rome or Venice, the first hotel on the Orient Express will also be opening this year. These include the Orient Express Laminerva, a former 17th century palace in Rome, and the Orient Express Dona Giovanneli in Venice.
The new train, which will be billed as a tour of England and Wales' first luxury sleeper trains, is scheduled to go to the rails in July. Departing from London, you will be offered a 3-night trip with three different routes through Wales, Cornwall and the Lake District.
Inside, you'll find 18 soft cabins with bright cars and playfulness, including 15 suites and three “grand suites” that have double beds, en-suite bathrooms and butler services, inspired by the scenic views behind the windows. The restaurant's Michelin starred British chef Simon Logan serves dishes with seasonal ingredients inspired by different parts of the UK. Enjoy massages and facials in the wellness suite, drink cocktails at the bar, swim in the Lake District, visit Tremenhe's Sculpture Garden in Cornwall, visit the Hauser & Worth Somerset Gallery and Arts Centre, and participate in train-off train activities alongside dinner at the on-site restaurant. Prices start from £11,000 (for double cabins) including 3 night itinerary, excursions, meals and alcoholic beverages.
Kyushu, Japan
Known for its hot springs, mountains and delicious cuisine as you travel to the gorgeous seven-star Kyushu, an island in southern Japan. The gorgeous Three-Part Rain with just 10 rooms, the 7-star includes 8 suites and 2 deluxe suites. One is at the end of the last car, with breathtaking views from the wall windows. Enjoy tea in the tea room, enjoy piano music at the Blue Moon Bar, or try our new Kaz Bar, a private cabin bar that can only be used on bookings. The itinerary includes a stay at Ryokan, but the seasons vary. Everyone leaves and return to Hakata Station in Fukuoka City. To book, please apply online (the next application period will be Fall 2025 to Spring of Winter 2026), or book a travel agent (some will sell tickets as part of the package). Prices for a two-day trip from March to June 2025 start at 680,000 yen per person, or around $4,575, or 1,300,000 yen for a four-day trip. Prices include food and drinks (excluding vintage wine and champagne), as well as excursions. Kaz Bar is not included in the price.
For day trips in Kyushu, the new Amberjack Ichiroku train allows you to stare into the countryside while enjoying a ventbox meal that looks too good to eat. The train offers a soothing, minimalist atmosphere, with two runs. Amberjack services start from Hakata-Ku in Fukuoka and then travel to Oita prefecture. The stop features a head and beak design similar to an ERA station where part of the building is kappa, water creatures from Japanese folklore, and vendors sell local specialties. First-class service begins at Bepu, ends at Hakata, and stops at Amagase Station. There you can reveal their message at Fortunatelling tickets that reveal messages when you dip in the train station's hands and feet buses, and Ukiha station where production can be tried out from this region. Choose from private Tatami rooms that can accommodate up to six windows with sofa style seats, cozy box seats, mats, seats, tables and large windows. Prices sold as a single trip include a vent box. It costs 18,000 yen, and for adults it costs 15,000 yen to 6-12 yen.
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