IN FOCUS


La Dolce Vita Orient Express


RAIL TRAVEL All aboard


The revival of luxury rail travel presents a new track for agents to craft bespoke, immersive journeys. Charlotte Brook reports


In an age of soaring screen time, jam-packed calendars and constant connectivity, the chance to slow down and switch off has never been more appealing. In fact, a survey conducted by luxury operator Scott Dunn found that 81% of adults aim to do just that when planning a holiday. This desire for a more unhurried pace – known as slow travel – is growing, and the luxury train sector is poised to meet demand. This year alone sees multiple advancements


in the market: next month, Accor-owned brand Orient Express will launch La Dolce Vita Orient Express, with itineraries across Italy; in July, Belmond will debut the Britannic Explorer, the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales; and in the autumn, the Norient Express is set to become Norway’s first high-end train. And there is more on the horizon. In 2026,


Dream of the Desert will launch as Saudi Arabia’s first luxury train, while long-distance rail tour operator Golden Eagle Luxury Trains will unveil


Travelling at a leisurely 50mph while admiring breathtaking scenery, rail travel ensures the journey is as memorable as the destination


its new Asia service, the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express. With a wealth of new routes and demand rising, there’s no better time for agents to jump on board the luxury rail resurgence.


Enjoying the journey Travelling at a leisurely 50mph while admiring breathtaking scenery, rail travel ensures the journey is as memorable as the destination – and avoids hectic airports and delayed departures. However, the slower pace of rail travel doesn’t


equate to less exploration. In August 2024, specialist tour operator Railbookers embarked on an 80-day around-the-world trip spanning 13 countries. The journey, featuring seven luxury rail services – including Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, the Maharajas’ Express in India and Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – generated a waiting list of more than 500 people. Railbookers is hosting a second iteration of the trip, now 59 days long, in September and is working on two itineraries for 2026.


ª aspiretravelclub.co.uk MARCH 2025 ASPIRE 33


CREDIT: Patrick_Locqueneux


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