Belmond Trains Signature Journeys

I take great pride for being associated and part of Belmond, inspired by the latin words “Beautiful World”. The collection is part of LVMH, Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton – the world’s largest luxury brands. Since they first acquired the iconic Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976, Belmond has continued to push the boundaries of luxury travel taking discerning global travellers on surprising and unforgettable journeys to unrivalled locations.

Their portfolio encompasses globally hotels, safaris, trains journeys and river cruise. To me, each and every product in the collection are like a piece of heirloom jewellery that has been acquired, polished and presented in the unique Belmond way. I would like to share my pick of their exotic train journeys here.

BRITISH PULLMAN

I was able to experience the timeless luxury of being on board this day train in Nov 2019 when I had travelled to London. I found a group of people gathered around musicians playing folk music on the platform just near the ticket counter. When the train left Victoria station, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect onboard but it was soon evident that it would be one of the experiences that will be remain in my memory fondly. This restored 1920s train has sheltered royalty and been a star of the silver screen. Each whimsically-named carriage has a story to tell. Explore Audrey, Vera, Minerva and more to discover their distinctive personalities. Delight in antique-style marquetry, vintage lighting and heritage upholstery, where Belmond’s passion for preserving history is evident at every turn.

Vibrant cities, ancient castles, stately homes and celebrated sporting events… When you step aboard British Pullman, there’s a whole world of possible destinations. Discover the historic gems of Bath, York or Canterbury. Feel like royalty as you explore Blenheim Palace or Sandringham. Feel the buzz at key calendar moments, such as the Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot. Wherever you go, you’ll start and end your day in style aboard the British Pullman’s vintage carriages.

VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS

One of the most iconic train journeys that a traveller can envisage. It is also one of the must-do exotic train experiences. Enter a world of timeless glamour, where each carriage holds a new experience to be discovered. When the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express embarked on its first voyage, a new era of travel was born. It was an iconic moment in time, inspiring artists, socialites and actors alike. Throughout the twentieth century, the train has held a distinguished role in the art of continental travel. With grand interiors and flowing champagne, it pioneered the most magnificent mode of transport to tour Europe and her finest cities.

Be wined and dined in meticulously restored 1920s dining cars, before raising sparkling toasts in iconic Bar Car ‘3674’. Between plush cabins and palpable history, an astonishing journey awaits. With a history for hosting famed parties and intriguing guests, among them spies, authors, ambassadors and royalty, our journeys have developed a reputation for memorable connections made over fine dining and late night toasts. Then and now, guests are surrounded by unrivalled furnishings, marquetry design and legendary artefacts – each with a story of their own.

ROYAL SCOTSMAN 

A trip with the Royal Scotsman explores Highland wonders in peerless style. Delve into a land of soaring peaks and deep valleys, mirror lochs and looming castles. Enjoy Scottish whisky tasting in a world-famous distillery, try your hand at clay pigeon shooting and plunge into mystical lochs for an exhilarating wild swim. After dinner, mingle with fellow guests over candlelit divine dining and indulge in the comfort of our luxury train. Be it a journey filled with thrilling excursions, an exploration through the pages of history, or a lesson of whisky tasting with a dram or two at world-class distilleries, riding aboard Royal Scotsman is one of those pinch-me moments. Join onboard the Royal Scotsman and tell the legends of the Highlands.

Winding through untamed landscapes aboard Royal Scotsman is the adventure of a lifetime — and the Dior Spa Royal Scotsman adds another unexpected level of extravagance. Relax in the most unique spa Scotland has to offer and unwind in a haven of peace, as the Scottish Highlands’ striking scenery serenely passes by.

ANDEAN EXPLORER

Fresh, bold and wild, Andean Explorer arrives on the horizon in striking style as the first luxury sleeper train in South America. The silky midnight-blue livery of the train’s 16 carriages shimmers against the backdrop of Peru’s lofty landscapes as it soars across the Andean plains.

Breathe in crisp evening air from the train’s open deck with the majestic La Raya mountain range rising into view. The menu is as colourful as the scenery, with seasonal dishes prepared using fresh local ingredients. Connect with fellow guests in the lounge car and sip a pisco sour to the tune of sweet piano melodies. Retreat to the spa car for a reviving Andean ritual and soothing massage. Then retire to your en-suite cabin for a restful night’s sleep—tomorrow brings new adventures. Unveil the spirit of Peru with an awe-inspiring escape on Andean Explorer.

Hiram Bingham

Reserve your place on the Hiram Bingham and travel to the Lost City of the Incas in unforgettable style. Dine on sensational cuisine and dance to the beat of Peru on an enchanting voyage to the Andes. Be swept away by old-world charm as Hiram Bingham journeys through the Peruvian highlands. Gleaming wood-panelled interiors and brass finishes evoke classic 1920’s parlour cars, while vibrant colours and nature-inspired motifs reveal a distinctly Peruvian soul.

Savour classic local flavours and gourmet cuisine as the train meanders through the breathtaking Sacred Valley. Celebrate the South American spirit with a lively dance as musicians play in the Bar Car. Marvel at the fertile lands and soaring mountains between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Bring the lost art of the pioneer to life with a thrilling rail adventure through the heart of the Inca Empire on Hiram Bingham.

EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS

A story 30 years in the making, the Eastern & Oriental Express has been narrating adventures since its inaugural journey from Bangkok to Singapore in 1993. Embark on an enchanting escape in Malaysia all aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, our luxury train in Malaysia and a travelling memoir of a beguiling age. The signature cream and green exterior gives way to polished wood-panelled corridors and silken furnishings with a hint of multiple Asian designs. Once inside, take your seat at the Bar Car where a jazz-club ambience reigns with music lingering in the air, while stewards serve champagne and signature cocktails. Your destination? A world of inspiring opulence.

Arrive in style to the most dynamic cities, stopping for inspiring excursions throughout Malaysia. By day, discover thrilling activities in the lush mountainscape or the verdant jungle of the country. By night, join the most glamorous soirées of our luxury train in Malaysia as you peacefully ride in romantic lamplit carriages