Embrace slow luxury through the vibrant diversity of Belmond's trains, blending glamour and adventure. A trailblazer in slow travel experiences with a legacy of leadership spanning over four decades since the launch of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in 1982, today Belmond operates six exceptional trains, across three continents. A pioneer of luxury rail, in 2024 Belmond has new routes, new suites and new experiences in response to growing demands for more slow travel journeys around the world.
Venice Simplon-Orient Express, A Belmond Train, Europe: Step Onto A Legend in Motion
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Ex press, A Belmond Train, leads the way in luxury railway travel. Since its inaugural journey in May 1982, this legendary train has epitomised the 'golden age of travel,' a dream realised by Belmond's founder, James B. Sherwood. On board, guests can choose between characterful Historic Cabins; the lavish newly launched Suites; and opulent Grand Suites. The journey offers guests refined seasonal dining by Michelin-starred Chef Jean Imbert in the dining carriage followed by an unforgettable evening of cocktails and live performances in the famous Bar Car '3674'.
In 2024 the train announced the launch of L’Observatoire, the first artist-designed accommodation on board, with interiors envisioned by world-acclaimed artist JR. Set to join the rake in 2025, this exclusive private sleeper carriage will be the most spacious of its kind. JR's design draws inspiration from his childhood passion for the rails, his Parisian art studio, century-old crafts, astronomical observatories, and Renaissance Europe’s cabinets of curiosity. As well as uncovering some of the world’s most fabled cities, such as Venice, Rome, Florence, Paris, Cannes, Vienna and Istanbul, a new annual, overnight journey was launched in June 2024; the train will travel to the Ligurian coast for the very first time in its four-decade history, connecting the two iconic destinations of Paris and Portofino.
HOW: To find out more about the Venice Simplon-Orient-Ex press,, visit here.
Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train: The Moving Majesty of Southeast Asia
The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, South East Asia, invites travellers to explore the heart of Malaysia through its luxuri ous new itineraries. Relaunched in February 2024, the train offers seasonal journeys departing from Singapore and travelling through Malaysia’s ever-changing landscapes and vibrant cities: The Essence of Malaysia (November to February) and Wild Malaysia (March to October).
The new Dior Spa onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, launching in Jul y 2024, will be Dior Beauty’s first spa in the region. This collaboration offers guests a serene space to unwind after days spent exploring Sout heast Asia’s unseen landscapes and unique cultural wonders. Off-board excursions, include local-guided visits in traditional villages, regional cooki ng classes, wildlife encount ers in Taman Negara National Park, and discovering Penang's impressive Chinese temples. The Eastern & Oriental Express seamlessly blends nostalgic slow travel with dramatic adventure.
The train boasts eight sleeping carriages, two restaurants, a Piano Bar, and an open-air Observation Car. Guests can choose from three cabin categories – Pullman, State, and Presidential – all featuring cherry wood interiors, air-conditioning, en-suite showers, and bathrooms. In the elegant restaurant cars, world-renowned chef André Chiang celebrates Southeast Asian cuisine and culture.
HOW: To read more on the Eastern & Oriental Express, visit here.
Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train: Scotland in Motion
Departing from Edinburgh, the Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, embarks on journeys that showcase Scotland's scenic wonders and cultural heritage, featuring visits to iconic sites such as Rothi emurchus Estate and Cull oden Battlefield. Itineraries range from 2 to 7 nights, highlighting destinations like Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis, and the Isle of But e, along with experiences such as a Scotch Malt Whisky Tour and a ride on the picturesque West Highland Line.
Renowned for its Edwardian elegance and countr y-house comfort, the train has recently unveiled two Grand Suites in May 2024. Designed by Tristan Auer, they embody Scotland's landscapes with handcrafted furnishings in shades of green, grey, beige, and blue, complemented by local materials like stone and wood in the lavish bathrooms.
Adventure awaits Royal Scotsman guests as they immerse in off board activities - including wild swimming, foraging, water rafting, castle visits - allowing for an authentic immersion in one of the world’s most coveted destinations. Following a day of activities, guests can indulge in exclusive treatments at the Dior Spa Royal Scotsman, Europe's sole spa on rails. Accommodating up to 38 guests across 20 cabins, the Royal Scotsman boasts two elegant restaurant cars, Raven and Swift, as well as an Observation Car with a panoramic open veranda.
HOW: Read here for more information on Royal Scotsman.
British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England: Timeless Travel Across Great Britain
British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England, epitomises the contemporary Golden Age of Travel with its lovingly restored 1920s and 30s carriages, each with its own unique history, antique-style marquetry, vintage lighting, and plush upholstery.
New for the 2024 summer season, the British Pullman offers day trips from London Victoria station to the charming coastal towns of Southeast England: Whitstable, Hastings, and Broadstairs. These journeys provide an escape from city life, celebrating the tradition of rail travel with the charm of the British seaside.
From May 2024, The Carriage Club introduces a decadent live cabaret show aboard the train, created by leading immersive theatre company Private Drama Events. This bi-weekly event features seasonal fine dining paired with thrilling live performances by accomplished singers, actor s, dancers, and magicians.
In celebration of English winemaking, the train hosts a series of four journeys to leading vineyards such as Gusbourne, Nyetimber, and Simpsons, including a three-course seasonal brunch, followed by a private guided tour of the vineyards with wine tastings.
HOW: For more information on British Pullman, see here.
And Ean Explorer, A Belmond Train, Peru: A Vibrant Journey Abroad The World’s Highest Rail Route
The Andean Explor er, A Belmond Train, Peru is Sout h America’s first and onl y luxury sleeper train, and the world's highest rail route. Its overnight journeys across the Andean plains transport guests from the ancient Incan capital Cusco and UNESCO World Heritage site Arequipa.
The 35-room train has an Observation Car, a Spa Car, a Bar Car and two dining cars, offeri ng a compel ling soci al scene on the rails. Excursions include sunrise at one of the world’s highest altitudes overl ooki ng Lake Titicaca, stargazing over a campfire, visiting the indigenous people of the floating Ur os islands, and gazing at the prehistoric Sumbay caves.
The train offers a series of unique dining experiences against a backdrop of spectacular mountain scenery. New for 2024, Chef Jorge Muñoz has taken the culinary helm, creating a menu exclusively for the train. Dishes highlights flavours from the coastli ne, highlands and rainforest of Peru – paying homage to the full spectrum of Peruvian produce.
HOW: To learn more about the Andean Explorer, visit here.
Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, Machu Pic Chu: A Voyage to The Heart of The Inc A Empire
Jour neying from hist oric Cusco city through the rainforest to the Sacred Valley and up to the entrance of Machu Picchu, the Hiram Bingham is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with breathtaking, open-air views of the Sacred and Urubamba Valleys.
Old-world charm is embodied in the train with gleaming wood-panelled interiors and brass finishes evoking 1920s-style carriages, harmonise with nature inspired motifs revealing a distinctly Peruvian soul. With live music by local musicians and punchy Pisco sours at the vintage cocktail bar, the vibrancy of Peruvian culture pulsates through the carriages. With Chef Jorge Muñoz at the culinary helm since 2024, guests will dine on a menu of fresh flavours specifically curated for this iconic journey, while soaking up the striking views passing their window.
A private guided tour of the ancient Inca citadel forms part of the experience, followed by a refreshing cocktail in the mountains at Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu. Hiram Bingham is a decadent journey to the lost city, through fertile lands and soaring mountains.
HOW: For more information about the Hiram Bingham, read here.