Marketed as a “first-of-its-kind trip”, Railbookers’ new Around the World by Luxury Train itinerary will take travellers across the globe onboard the world’s most iconic luxury trains.

Departing on 28 August 2024, clients can either opt for the entire 80-day tour, or select shorter itineraries built around each of the featured luxury trains and destinations.

Railbookers previously ran an Around the World by Rail trip in 2019, but the newcomer focuses on luxury trains. Clients will travel on Rovos Rail in South Africa, the Maharajas’ Express through India, Singapore’s Eastern & Oriental Express and Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer. In Europe, highlights include the Golden Eagle Danube Express, Belmond Royal Scotsman and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

The trip begins in Vancouver and continues in the European capitals and cities of Budapest, Edinburgh, Florence, London, Paris, Rome and Venice. Air connections will allow travellers to see Delhi, Mumbai and Istanbul in Asia, as well as Cape Town and Johannesburg. The journey wraps up in Southeast Asia, exploring Singapore and Malaysia.

Guests will stay in luxury hotel accommodation between train journeys. International air travel isn’t included, but the trip includes private ground transfers at destinations, and sightseeing and activities listed in the itinerary.

President and chief executive Frank Marini said Railbookers has noticed a trend of travellers looking to combine itineraries to include multiple luxury trains, and said the demand for luxury rail from customers “continues to grow”.

He explained: “We’ve tailor-made this itinerary along with smaller, customisable itineraries featuring these iconic trains as a highlight of our industry-leading luxury rail collection. Best of all, once the train ride is through, Railbookers takes care of hotel, sightseeing, transfers and more at the destination for a complete one-call solution. We’re thrilled to give our travel advisors and guests an opportunity to see the world right outside their window in total luxury.”

Belmond’s vice president of trains and cruises Gary Franklin added: “With growing demand for luxury rail experiences, this is the ultimate, once-in-a-lifetime trip.”