New trends in tourist demand are emerging, or at least very old trends are being revived. It is a long-distance luxury sleeper train.
All over Europe, railway operators are rolling out new and beautiful routes and reviving classics from yesteryear. For 2025, a romantic and often luxurious train journey away from the hustle and bustle of the Costas is perfect for those with money to spare.
Of course, there’s also the classic Orient Express La Dolce Vita, harking back to the golden age of rail holidays first dreamed up by travel writer Thomas Cook during the Industrial Revolution.
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Evoking the golden age of luxury travel, this vintage-style train has 11 cars and seats up to 62 people. Onboard, each vehicle has 12 deluxe cabins, 18 master suites, and one “La Dolce Vita” suite. Each room has a double bed, sofa, armchair and private bathroom, and room service is available throughout.
Most trips depart from Rome and include one or two nights on board. The route heads both north and south and includes Venice, Portofino, Matera and Catania. La Dolce Vita plans to add more international routes in 2025, including Paris, Istanbul and Split, Croatia.
But those looking to spend their money on something truly special, with gorgeous views and the ultimate in luxury, might try the Al-Andalus Railway.
This luxury train takes you to some of Andalusia’s most impressive destinations on a 6-night, 7-day journey aboard luxurious palaces on rails. Inspired by the legendary ‘Orient Express’, this train boasts a ‘Belle Époque’ style interior that combines elegance and comfort with modern technological comforts.
The Al Andalus Expreso consists of 14 vehicles named after Andalusian cities and monuments. This includes two restaurant cars, a lounge and game car, a bar, five sleeping cars, a dining car, and an engine.
Credit: Al Andalus
The train passes through Granada, Baeza, Cordoba, Ronda, Seville and Jerez. A bit of a concern is the price, with ticket prices starting at around 10,000 euros.
But aiming for the pinnacle of luxury trains through spectacular mountain scenery, the Transcantabrico Gran Lujo train was relaunched from Galicia in April 2024, crossing mountains and covering the entire Cantabrian Mountains.
All trips include onboard accommodation at Grand Luxury Suites and gourmet selections including breakfast, lunch, and dinner onboard or at selected restaurants. Guided tour. Tickets to monuments and shows. Activities on board. Multilingual guide during your trip. A bus that travels from each station where trains stop to long distances.
Journeys take place between San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela, San Sebastian, with 8 days (7 nights) departing between the two regional capitals and shorter 4 days (3 nights) routes starting in Oviedo and ending in San . Sebastián, or between Santiago de Compostela and Gijon.
The train has seven sleeper coaches, four lounge cars and a kitchen/dining carriage, and can accommodate up to 28 passengers divided into 14 double suites.
The common areas of the train are divided into dining rooms, where travelers can have breakfast and, if desired, enjoy a selection of dishes prepared in the train’s own kitchen. Additionally, the Pub Lounge, which offers live music and parties every night, and the Coach cocktail bar are now available. The cost is approximately 9,000 euros for an 8-day trip.
Tags: luxury tourism, train travel in Spain
