Slow travel, elevated: The most luxurious ways to explore Europe

There is a particular pleasure in letting a journey take its time. Across Europe, travellers are swapping the dash through an airport for polished wood, white linen and a window onto the passing countryside. Slow, luxurious travel is enjoying a revival, and the railway sits at its heart.

1. The Renaissance of Luxury Rail Travel

Luxury rail has deep roots. The original Orient Express began running between Paris and Istanbul in 1883, with hotel-style sleeping compartments, grand dining cars and white-gloved service. Aviation and the car brought the golden age to a close, but the appetite for it endured. According to a recent National Geographic Traveller feature, Visa’s payment data shows spending on experiential rail tours rose 59 per cent between 2019 and 2024, far ahead of the 18 per cent rise for other international holidays. Growing sustainability concerns have helped fuel the trend. For many travellers, as one luxury rail specialist put it, the train itself is the destination: an unhurried pace, a sense of exclusivity and a touch of nostalgia that no flight can offer.

2. Inside the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Relaunched in 1982, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express brings that heritage to life in restored art deco carriages built between 1926 and 1949. Guests choose between historic twin cabins, suites and grand suites, the last with private marble bathrooms and design themed around individual cities. Three dining carriages, with Lalique glass and black lacquer panelling, set the scene for dinner, with dishes inspired by the regions along the route, followed by cocktails and live piano music in the bar car, while stewards keep service attentive around the clock. The newest itinerary, announced for spring 2026, runs from Paris to the Amalfi Coast, joining existing journeys such as Paris to Portofino and Paris to Budapest.

3. Beyond the Train: Curated Experiences Along the Way

The journey is only part of the story, and Euronews reported that the Amalfi itinerary pairs the overnight train with a guided morning in Pompeii and a two-night stay at a five-star hotel in Ravello. That blend of rail, culture and hotel living is what makes luxury rail journeys on the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient Express so rewarding for those who like to linger. Grand suite guests even gain private access to a rarely opened Roman house, and the hotel stay includes a gala dinner overlooking the coast. Travellers can stretch the experience further by adding extra nights at either end and choosing excursions that go beyond the usual landmarks. Book early, as such journeys often sell out months in advance.

4. Elevate Your Next European Escape

Luxury rail turns the journey itself into the main event. Whether it is a night to Budapest or a longer run to the Italian coast, the appeal is the same: time to savour. For your next European escape, let the railway set the pace.