Slow travel is on the rise, with an increasing number of globetrotters now opting to luxuriate in one destination over a longer period rather than hopping from place to place. Many of them are even going one step further – slowing down their voyages and soaking in the sights from the window seat on luxury trains.

After all, life is all about the journey rather than the destination – so why shouldn’t travel be the same? 

Kereta Api Wisata 

Ultra-luxury resort brand Aman offers the chance to explore the sights of Java from a private carriage en route to Amanjiwo. Only available on select dates throughout the year, the seven-hour journey takes place aboard the Kereta Api Wisata. Expect the same level of exceptional service the brand is known for, with breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea served. 

Amanjiwo’s resident anthropologist will also be on hand to enthral up to 15 guests with details about the historical and cultural sights you pass by as you head to the equally fascinating property, just moments away from the UNESCO-protected Borobudur temple.

aman.com/resorts/amanjiwo

Andean Explorer 

Pioneering slow travel brand Belmond offers a number of one- or two-night train journeys between Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco in Peru. The Andean Plains and Islands of Discovery itinerary takes you from Arequipa to Puno, where you will depart the train for sunrise over the stunning Lake Titicaca, followed by a hike in the La Raya mountain range for a visit to a local guesthouse for breakfast. 

The day of excursions also includes a traditional boat ride to Uros, lunch at Taquille Island, and a visit to Collata Beach. Following another night on board, you can watch the sunrise over Marangani, and discover an Incan archaeological site after stopping at Tinta Station before heading for your final stop in Cusco. 

The 20-carriage train boasts 35 cabins, including classic bunk beds, twin beds and suites, as well as a dining car, Muna, and the spa car, Picaflor, with all meals and beverages included.

belmond.com

British Pullman 

Having hosted British royalty and numerous important guests, and starred on the silver screen in Agatha (1972), the British Pullman is an icon of the train world. Guests are expected to dress up accordingly – smart or formal attire is required. The train has been restored to its 1920s condition, each carriage featuring a unique design, including one by famed filmmaker Wes Anderson. 

Departing from London Victoria Station, guests can choose between stops such as Bath, Oxford, and York, with a return journey allowing for time to explore each alongside brunch and dinner aboard. Alternatively, allow the train journey itself to become your destination and enjoy an afternoon tea or – obviously – an immersive murder mystery experience.

belmond.com

La Dolce Vita Orient Express 

Created by luxury hospitality company Arsenale, which is also behind the planned ‘rail cruise’ through the UAE in partnership with Etihad Rail, La Dolce Vita Orient Express is due to launch in April 2025. With a design inspired by the Golden Age of 1960s Italy, its luxury interiors will only be rivalled by the gorgeous views from the cabin windows. 

Deluxe cabins with sofa beds and suite cabins are presented as master bedrooms, available for booking for one- or two-night trips spanning cities such as Venice, Siena, Rome, and Portofino, with eight curated itineraries available to choose from.

orient-express.com/la-dolce-vita

Maharajas’ Express 

Guests aboard this train will travel in a style befitting a king – a Maharaja – with a range of deluxe cabins and suites alongside restaurant and lounge cars. 

Offering journeys of either three or six nights, those aboard will be able to see many of the main sights in one trip, with themed options such as The Indian Splendour, covering Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Mumbai, or Treasures of India, which covers the Golden Triangle. 

the-maharajas.com

Rovos Rail

From its base in Pretoria, South Africa, Rovos Rail offers epic journeys across Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania, ranging from two-night 800km short stints to 15-night 5,530km adventures. 

Guests can explore Namibia’s untamed deserts, see one of the world’s natural wonders at Victoria Falls, or play a round at some of South Africa’s best courses, but the most popular option takes you across the country to Cape Town. 

Watch the world go by in the lounge and observation cars, with big picture windows in the former and an open-air balcony in the latter, or retreat to your suite. The accommodations range from the 7sqm Pullman to the 10sqm Deluxe and 16sqm Royal, which has its own bath. Dining in particular is a highlight on the train, with formal dinners held daily, and themed nights on longer journeys.

rovos.com

Venice Simplon-Orient Express

First launched in 1883, what was perhaps the world’s most famous train route took guests between Paris and Istanbul. While the original route no longer exists, travellers can still embark on trips between cities such as Paris and Budapest, Amsterdam and Venice, and Geneva and Innsbruck, with one five-night journey annually taking in Paris, Budapest, Bucharest, and Istanbul.

Restored to its original 1920s glory, the opulent train takes you back in time to the golden age of travel as you hurtle towards your destination at 100mph. No soggy sandwiches bought from the trolley here – dining is equally extravagant, with seasonal produce used to curate exceptional menus for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. 

Alongside traditional cabins with bunk beds, there are also suites, grand suites, and the L’Observatoire suite, which has its own library with hundreds of books, an oculus-shaped skylight for stargazing, and a secret tearoom with a fireplace.

belmond.com