Riding in Elegance: The Belmond Train Experience

There’s something magical about trains that go beyond getting you from A to B — especially when they’re steeped in history, luxury, and unforgettable landscapes. Belmond, the renowned luxury travel brand behind some of the world’s most iconic rail journeys, has mastered this art. From the romance of rolling out of Paris to exciting new sleeper adventures in Britain and tropical odysseys through Malaysia, Belmond’s trains promise experiences that feel like chapters in a grand travel novel.

Paris: Gateway to the Golden Age of Rail

Paris has long been a starting point for some of Belmond’s most illustrious rail journeys. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express — perhaps the most famous luxury train in the world — regularly departs from Paris (often Gare d’Austerlitz or near the city center) on glamorous overnight journeys across Europe. Onboard, vintage Art Deco carriages, polished wood interiors, and white-gloved service evoke a bygone era as the countryside slips by outside the window. A quintessential experience is the Paris-to-Venice route, where guests dine on multi-course cuisine and travel through the French and Italian landscapes in style. 

In recent years, Belmond has also expanded offerings out of Paris to include seasonal rail adventures — such as Paris to Tuscany and Paris to Portofino — that blend overnight luxury travel with stays at Belmond Hotels, creating multi-day experiences that feel part train journey, part curated tour of Europe’s finest regions. 

Whether you’re a rail enthusiast, a lover of history, or someone who simply appreciates the romance of slow travel, these Paris departures capture the very soul of luxury train travel: relaxed, refined, and utterly memorable.

The New Era: Britannic Explorer in Britain

Belmond continues to innovate. In July 2025, the Britannic Explorer made its debut as the first luxury sleeper train dedicated to exploring England and Wales. 

Departing from London Victoria, this elegant all-suite train invites guests on three-night voyages through spectacular landscapes including:

• Cornwall — rugged coastlines and artistic enclaves.

• The Lake District — dramatic lakes and rolling hills.

• Wales — from coastal beauty to national parks. 

Each itinerary is crafted with immersive experiences in mind: guided walks, cultural tours, wild swims in natural lakes, and exclusive visits — all complemented by world-class culinary fare curated by top British chefs. The train itself is designed to bring the outdoors in, with botanical motifs and panoramic views that make even the journey a destination. 

What’s more, the routes are flexible — travelers can combine journeys (e.g., Cornwall + Lake District or Lake District + Wales) into longer explorations that delve deeper into Britain’s rich tapestry of landscapes and heritage. 

Across Continents: Three-Night Malaysian Journeys

While Europe has its classic glamour, Asia offers its own lush elegance aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train. This legendary train — relaunched with seasonal service — threads through Malaysia’s enchanting countryside and connects with Singapore. 

Belmond currently operates two distinct three-night Malaysian itineraries:

• Essence of Malaysia: A voyage from Singapore through Kuala Lumpur and onto iconic destinations like Penang and Langkawi. Highlights include cultural stops, coastal views, and relaxed island time. 

• Wild Malaysia: A journey into the heart of the Malaysian jungle with excursions to places like Taman Negara National Park, along with classic exploration of Penang’s heritage and cuisine. 

These immersive trips combine the romance of rail travel with off-train excursions that reveal Malaysia’s diverse natural and cultural wonders. And aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express itself, sumptuous cabins, elegant dining cars, and attentive service make every mile a pleasure.

Why Belmond Trains Captivate

What ties all these journeys together isn’t just luxury — it’s storytelling in motion. Whether it’s a Parisian departure echoing with Art Deco glamour, a new British adventure charting rugged coastlines and fabled lakes, or an Asian railway weaving through jungle and coastal panoramas, Belmond transforms travel into narrative.

These aren’t mere trips — they’re chapters in an ongoing tale of discovery, refinement, and timeless style. For travelers who cherish depth over speed, luxury over haste, and experiences over transit, Belmond’s trains are more than transportation — they’re unforgettable adventures waiting on the horizon.