As travel trends evolve, a nostalgic yet luxurious experience is making a grand comeback: long-distance sleeper trains. In 2025, the allure of romantic train journeys is set to captivate travelers seeking a lavish escape from the everyday hustle.
Among the most iconic options is the Orient Express La Dolce Vita, which embodies the golden age of train travel. This vintage-style train features 11 carriages, accommodating up to 62 guests in deluxe cabins and master suites, complete with private bathrooms and room service. Departing primarily from Rome, the train offers enchanting itineraries that include stops in Venice, Portofino, Matera, and Catania, with plans to expand to Paris, Istanbul, and Split by 2025.
For those craving a unique Andalusian experience, the Al-Andalus train offers a week-long luxury journey through some of Spain's most stunning landscapes. With interiors inspired by the 'Belle Époque,' this train features 14 carriages named after Andalusian cities and monuments. Passengers can explore Granada, Baeza, Cordoba, Ronda, Sevilla, and Jérez over six nights, all while indulging in the comforts of a palace on rails. However, this opulence comes at a price, with tickets starting around €10,000.
Another remarkable option, the Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, resumed operations in April 2024. This train traverses the majestic Cantabrian mountains, offering eight-day journeys between San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela, as well as shorter four-day routes. Guests enjoy Grand Luxury Suites, exquisite dining experiences, guided tours, and live music in the train's lounge. Prices for an eight-day trip start around €9,000.
Travelers seeking a blend of adventure and luxury will find these long-distance train journeys not only a means of transportation but a memorable experience that captures the essence of exploration.