All Aboard: Top 10 Train Rides in The World

Cherese Weekes
by Cherese Weekes
Last updated: 5:00 AM ET, Fri March 7, 2014

Photo courtesy of www.thinkstock.com

There's nothing like the feeling of riding a train, watching the world glide by as your chug past breathtaking scenery.

This is why we at TravelPulse have taken to the railways and found a list of luxurious train rides that offer lush beauty, cultural attractions, and first-rate experiences where unforgettable memories are made.

So hold on tight and get ready for a timeless journey to the ends of the earth and back!

Mexico: The Copper Canyon Chepe Train

Imagine having the beauty of ancient rock formations at your feet. On the Copper Canyon Chepe Train along the Chihuahua al Pacifico railroad, you will explore hours of one of the country's most breathtaking classic beauties. From the canyon's jagged cliffs to deep valleys and along tall bridges, old mountain charm is on display in all its glory. It's a timeless journey through Mexico's past and present while hugging Copper Canyon's majestic ridges.

Switzerland: Glacier Express

Getting around Switzerland never looked so good than from the seat of the Glacier Express. More like a leisure trip than a fast-paced excursion, this trek lets passengers sit back and watch the Switzerland's breathtaking beauty pass by.

For a little over seven hours you will be traversing stunning bridges, tunneling through dark caverns and clinging to the edge of the Alps all for the sake of capturing the splendor of the Swiss landscape. The carriage's glass roofs take this stunning ride beyond a mere 360 degrees to a completely immersive experience.

Peru: PeruRail

The trip to Machu Picchu is as exciting as the world-class attraction itself - especially onboard the PeruRail. It will seem as though time stands still on this fascinating journey, passing farmers planting their crops and verdant mountainsides standing at perfect attention while quenching your palates on Peruvian wines and gourmet dinners. The train provides a delightful tour for its guests which transform an ordinary train ride into a cultural affair.

If you want to tour the legendary Machu Picchu in luxury, the PeruRail is patiently waiting on your arrival to carry you to the historic site in style.

Europe: Venice Simplon Orient Express

Close your eyes and imagine the wheels of the British Pullman slowly turning as you leave London's Victoria Station. As your server soon after presents you with a delicious meal, you begin to indulge in opulent relaxation as you make your way to France.

Now open your eyes. This glamorous experience is only the beginning when it comes to the luxuriousness that awaits on the Orient Express.

Offering exclusive adventures, the rail journeys of Orient Express take travelers to the ends of the world's most fascinating destinations. You will be surrounded by the extravagances of earth's most stunning attractions from the comfort of its vintage carriages.

Alaska: Alaska Railroad Denali Star Route

With the Denali National Park in clear vision, the Alaska railroad takes its passengers in a world-class ride through the Last Frontier State's rustic playground, passing many interesting locations along the way, including the Hurricane Gulch, a bridge almost 300 feet high and over 900 feet long. If you truly want to catch a glimpse of Alaska's great outdoors, the Alaska Railroad will be a trip where dreams become lifelong memories.

India: Palace on Wheels

The chic lifestyle onboard this royal excursion is nothing short of ordinary. On Palace on Wheels Luxury Train Tour you may never want to leave its grand coaches, which come complete with bathroom amenities, a gift shop, bedded cabins, music, two restaurants, entertainment for children, a well-stocked bar, and a personal attendant willing to cater to your most demanding needs.

You will not be in a hurry to leave the tracks. The only thing you will be required to do is sit back, relax and enjoy this palace on wheels as it fulfills your every transportation wish in the heart of India.

South Africa: Blue Train

South Africa's Blue Train is more than a train ride; it takes the country's landscape by storm, blessing travelers with gorgeous scenery and superb levels of service, from exquisite cuisine to plush suites. You definitely will not want to miss out on the excursion from Cape Town to Pretoria, an exhilarating passage of the verdant Winelands and the Great Karoo desert.

Passengers can even take a detour to South Africa's exotic safaris to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.

Canada: Rocky Mountaineer

After riding on the Rocky Mountaineer you will never want to drive again. This exciting joy ride prides itself for providing spectacular views of the rocky peaks, while its passengers sit in the comfort of their luxury seats as they dine on delicious foods and bask in its first-class service.

With trips only in the day time, the Rocky Mountaineer ensures that its customers are able to see every inch of its spectacular old mountain charm.

Norway: Flam Railway

When thinking about natural beauty, one of the first places that should come to mind is the fjords of Norway. Now you can experience them first-hand from inside of the railway's comfortable cars.

Here, you will be charmed by lush mountains, taken on a delightful journey to the past and blessed by the remoteness of Norway's rustic landscape, which is why a multitude of passengers anxiously look forward to enjoying this unforgettable ride year-round.

Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express

From the moment you step on board the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express you will feel the exquisite ambiance of this lavish train. Since 2007, it has graced the railways between Moscow and Vladivostok, as well as other insightful locations offering topnotch journeys to the Silk Road and through the country's vast Arctic in Imperial Suite and Silver Class style.

For a tour into the heart of Russia, step into the elaborate atmosphere of the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express to see it chug amid the country's impeccable surroundings.


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