Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Cover Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Inspiring train journeys to embark on when this pandemic is behind us

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Tatler Asia
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Photo: Belmond)
Above Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Photo: Belmond)

Though 2020 was a quiet year for the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, plans were nonetheless being made to introduce new destinations and routes for travellers. This year, the luxury train will offer new European Grand Tour routes that traverse Italy, Switzerland, Belgium and The Netherlands, with new boarding points at Rome, Florence, Geneva, Brussels and Amsterdam as well as options for passengers to stay overnight at select Belmond properties in Florence and Tuscany. Guests can look forward to classic overnight trips from London to Venice or longer journeys that will take them from Paris to Istanbul in six exhilarating days. 

What's more, the 2021 season will welcome three new Grand Suites to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express—Vienna, Budapest and Prague suites—located on the train's oldest carriage which dates back to 1926. Just the thought of curling up by the window in a lavish art-deco suite on this historic train reminds us of the power of train travel to uplift the spirit and outlast the blues of this pandemic.      

See also: Koh Li Tim On Lockdown, TikTok & His Favourite London Haunts

Eastern & Oriental Express

Tatler Asia
The Eastern & Oriental Express. (Photo: Alixe Lay)
Above The Eastern & Oriental Express. (Photo: Alixe Lay)

Another storied journey for your post-Covid travel plans, the Eastern & Oriental Express will reopen your eyes to the beauty of Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bangkok through the windows of a world-class carriage decked out in richly coloured fabrics and elegant corridors of polished wood. Unforgettable experiences await onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, from destination tours to culinary delights onboard its unique dining cars.

Note that the Eastern & Oriental Express is currently not operating; for updates visit Belmond's website.

See also: Unique Luxury Hotels That Promise An Extraordinary Experience

Rovos Rail

Tatler Asia
Photo: Rovos Rail
Above The Royal Suite split twin (Photo: Rovos Rail)
Tatler Asia
Photo: Rovos Rail
Above The Dining car (Photo: Rovos Rail)

Steeped in luxury, glamour and history (all the way back to the early 1940s, in fact), Rovos Rail is another must-try journey if South Africa is a destination on your bucket list. The three-day trip from Petroria to Cape Town and vice versa will take guests through majestic mountains ranges, historic villages and beautiful winelands in one moment, and the mystic barrenness of The Great Karoo the next.

Visit its website for details on Covid-19 preparations and reopening plans in the coming months. 

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The Ghan

Explore the wonders of the Australian Outback on The Ghan. A three-day trip from Adelaide to Darwin on this majestic train will give you plenty of time to take in the beautiful sun-bleached scenery that was once deemed inaccessible to the average traveller until the 1920s. 

The Ghan is set to make its first departure of the year on January 31, 2021. Click here for Covid-19 updates and more information. 

Related: 7 Iconic Railway Journeys In Australia & New Zealand   

 

Golden Eagle

For those who crave the excitement of a long distance Trans-Siberian journey, The Golden Eagle private train will not disappoint with its first-class cabins, impeccable service and fine dining. The beautifully appointed Bar Lounge car is a comfortable place to sit and observe the passing scenery, or enjoy it all in the privacy of a cosy cabin. Did you know that the train's expansive Imperial Suites come with their own lounge area? 

The Trans-Siberian rail journey from Moscow to Vladivostok onboard The Golden Eagle is open for booking for May 2022. 

Related: An Epic Journey From Europe To Asia In 30 Days By Train, With Two Kids In Tow    

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