In the late 19th century, the legendary Express d’Orient introduced the world to the “rolling palace,” offering the global elite an incredibly lavish way to traverse Europe in mahogany-lined carriages with white-glove dining. Today, a powerful wave of nostalgia for that unhurried romance has sparked a global resurgence in luxury rail travel. Across Europe and beyond, hospitality giants are launching ambitious new routes and train-themed resorts that beautifully capture the age-old allure of the locomotive.

The iconic Orient Express brand is making its highly anticipated modern debut with the launch of the La Dolce Vita Orient Express. Winding through Italy, this ultra-exclusive train accommodates just 62 guests in 1960s-inspired luxury, featuring regional menus by three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck. The brand is also expanding onto solid ground with new Art Deco-infused hotels in Rome and Venice. This new service enters a fierce market alongside Belmond’s iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express—which recently debuted a $100,000-a-night private carriage designed by artist JR—and Belmond’s new Britannic Explorer, a luxury sleeper train exploring England and Wales with dining curated by sustainable culinary heavyweight Simon Rogan.

This rail revolution extends far beyond Europe, stretching into Asia and the Middle East. Vietnam’s Revolution Express is set to utilize restored vintage steamers for scenic daily return trips between Da Nang and Hue. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is preparing to launch the Dream of the Desert, an 808-mile luxury rail journey featuring majlis-style lounges. The kingdom has already embraced this heritage at the new Chedi Hegra resort in AlUla, built directly on a 1907 railway station and featuring a restaurant built around an immaculately restored 1906 locomotive.

For a more whimsical take on the trend, Thailand’s InterContinental Khao Yai Resort uses upcycled train design on the edge of a stunning national park. Designed by Bill Bensley, the property features a reception modeled after a vintage ticketing office and candy-colored guest villas crafted entirely from salvaged rail carriages. Finally, Uzbekistan is combining modern speed with historical majesty by expanding its high-speed rail network to connect ancient Silk Road cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, which will soon be complemented by the debut of the Samarkand Express luxury sleeper train.

For more information contact our travel advisor HERE