THE VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS
It's arguably the world's most romantic train journeyand who would want to argue, with so much romance in the air? Since 1883, the Orient Express has set the standard for a certain kind of luxury travel. Today, the train's original 1920s and '30s carriages are decorated with marquetry panels, finely cast solid brass and Art Deco paintings. The traditional London-to-Venice trip takes 31 hours and costs $2,400 one way. But the train's trophy trip, which mirrors its virgin journey from Paris to Istanbul, takes place only once a yearand costs $4,000 more.
SOUTHEAST ASIA
THE EASTERN AND ORIENTAL EXPRESS
The sister train of the Venice Simplon allows you to explore the cultures of Southeast Asia as it carries you from Singapore to Bangkok via the Malay Peninsula. The train's interior and standard of service are similar to that of the Venice Simplon; what's different is the viewacres of tropical countryside, jungle terrain and rice paddies framed in the train's window. It's also a bit cheaper at $1,760 for a one-way ticket.
INDIA
THE PALACE ON WHEELS
This eight-day round-trip adventure begins in Delhi, taking you to the Rajasthani palaces of Jaipur and Udaipur, the fortresses at Jaisalmer and Jodhpur and the Taj Mahal in Agra. The 14 coaches of the traineach of them lavishly decorated with silk and velvet fittingsare named after former Rajput states. It's a train ride, luxury holiday and history lesson all rolled into oneand a bargain at $395 per night.
SOUTH AFRICA
THE BLUE TRAIN
This 27-hour journey from Pretoria to Cape Town combines the comfort and luxury of a five-star hotel with the thrill and romance of rail travel. Absorb the views of Table Mountain and the Hex River Valley from a glass observation car while sipping some of South Africa's finest wines. You have your own personal butler and en-suite accommodationan elegant living room by day and a cosy bedroom by night. A luxury single will set you back $2,320.