Around the world by luxury train: This 59-day adventure passes through 12 countries

Have you ever wanted to travel around the world by train, but in ultimate luxury rather than in cramped couchettes?

If so, you’re in luck.

High-end travel agent Railbookers has just announced the return of its ‘Around the World By Luxury Train’ itinerary for 2025.

Those onboard will spend 59 days riding the rails through four continents, 12 countries and over 20 cities, taking some of the most luxurious trains on the planet.

The trip certainly doesn’t come cheap: it costs a staggering €116,000 per person - and not everything is included. If you are keen to experience this trip of a lifetime, though, here’s everything you need to know.

What can travellers on the luxury trains expect?

Kicking off on 3 September 2025, the itinerary offers lavish travel as well as immersive cultural experiences for each leg of the journey.

Guests will travel aboard seven of the world’s most prestigious trains, including the Belmond Royal Scotsman in Scotland, La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Italy and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which takes in several countries in Europe.

In Canada, they’ll board the Rocky Mountaineer, while in South Africa they’ll experience the Rovos Rail.

In India, The Maharajas’ Express is the chosen train while the Eastern and Oriental Express will traverse parts of Southeast Asia.

Taking in so much of the world, the Railbookers package is not quite as environmentally friendly as you might expect from a journey on rails.

Starting in Vancouver, passengers will make their way through the Canadian Rockies, but then will fly to Europe, where they’ll explore Scotland's picturesque landscapes before continuing to Rome, Verona and Venice in Italy, and then onto Paris.

Leaving France, they’ll head to Budapest, Bucharest and then Istanbul, bringing the European leg of the trip to an end.

Guests will then board a six hour flight to Delhi in India. Like the flight from Canada to Scotland, the price of this journey is not included in the cost of the Railbookers tour.

After taking in iconic Indian destinations including Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, it’s onto a 14 hour flight - again, an extra cost - to Johnnesburg.

Parts of South Africa and the Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe will be seen from a Rovos Rail train.

Those onboard will then have to pay for another flight back to South Africa before touring Cape Town. After visiting Table Mountain and sampling local wines, it’s on to yet another flight, this time to Singapore. It’s a 13 and a half hour journey, which can cost upwards of €1,000 one way.

A round trip on the Eastern and Oriental Express will take guests from Singapore through Malaysia and back to Singapore, where they’ll fly home - at their own cost.

What are the benefits of travelling on this expedition?

Although this Railbookers trip is out of reach for the vast majority of us, it is a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

As well as a tweaked itinerary from the previous schedule, guests will experience indulgent accommodations both onboard the trains and in five-star hotels at city stops.

At each destination, they’ll be offered a wide variety of curated excursions, from private tours of sights like the Taj Mahal to opulent meals serving up the very best cuisine.

Bookings are now open, though Railbookers says it’s likely to sell out fast.

Travellers who can’t join the whole trip can customise their journey to suit their own preferences and select individual rail segments or destinations.

“When we created this one-of-a-kind journey a year ago, it was a response to the growing demand for luxury rail around the globe,” Railbookers President and CEO Frank Marini explains.

“We’re so excited to bring an exciting new itinerary to market for 2025 departures, and have already received hundreds of inquiries from travellers looking to cross these iconic rail adventures off their bucket list.

“Our 2025 Around the World by Luxury Rail itinerary has been refined and tailored to maximise our guests’ time and experiences while enjoying the culture, cuisine and activities that each of these renowned destinations have to offer.”