Scenic Train Journeys, Curated by Alpenglow Travel

The Journey as the Destination

There is a particular satisfaction to watching landscape change from a train window that no other form of travel quite replicates. The Swiss Alps appear gradually — first the foothills, then the valley floors dropping away below the track, then the peaks. The Canadian Rockies emerge from the Fraser Canyon one geological formation at a time. The Scottish Highlands shift from farmland to moorland to something that feels genuinely ancient. A plane compresses distance into nothing. A train lets you understand it.

Alpenglow arranges scenic rail journeys on the world's most celebrated routes — including private compartments, onboard dining, and the hotel and transfer arrangements on either end.

The Routes Worth Knowing

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express remains the most storied train journey in Europe — original 1920s carriages restored to their Art Deco interiors, running between London and Venice and on extended routes to Istanbul and Athens. Dinner is in the restaurant car in a jacket. The cabin attendant brings breakfast before the Alps come into view.

The Rocky Mountaineer operates between Vancouver, Banff, Jasper, and Seattle through landscapes that the Trans-Canada Highway misses entirely. Daylight-only travel means nothing is seen through a dark window; the dome cars are designed around the view.

The Glacier Express between Zermatt and St. Moritz crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels in eight hours, passing through the Rhône Valley, over the Oberalp Pass, and along the Rhine Gorge. It pairs naturally with a day or two in Zermatt at either end.

The Belmond Royal Scotsman moves slowly through the Highlands over two to seven nights, stopping at distilleries, estates, and hill walks chosen for their lack of crowds. The train carries fewer than forty guests and feels less like a scheduled service and more like a country house that happens to be moving.

The Andean Explorer in Peru operates between Cusco, Puno on Lake Titicaca, and Arequipa. The observation car at 13,000 feet on the altiplano is an experience that photographs do not adequately prepare you for.

How Alpenglow Builds a Rail Journey

A scenic train journey works best as part of a broader trip — arrival city, departure city, and the days around the train itself. Alpenglow handles the full picture: flights, hotel nights at each terminus, transfers, and any excursions built around the route.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book a scenic train journey?

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express books out twelve to eighteen months in advance, particularly for peak season dates. The Rocky Mountaineer and Glacier Express are best booked six to twelve months ahead.

Are these journeys suitable for families with children?

The Rocky Mountaineer and Glacier Express are very accessible for families. The Orient-Express and Royal Scotsman are more adult in character, though neither prohibits children. Alpenglow will flag any age restrictions specific to the journey you're considering.

Can I combine multiple train routes into one trip?

Yes, and some of the most memorable rail itineraries do exactly that. A common combination is the Orient-Express from London to Venice, followed by a week in the Dolomites, followed by the Glacier Express through Switzerland.

What's the difference between standard and suite upgrades?

On long-distance scenic trains, the difference is primarily in privacy and the overnight experience. Alpenglow always presents cabin options with honest assessments of whether the upgrade is worth the cost difference on a given journey.