Six Scenic Train Journeys For 2024

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

• Route: London, UK to Venice, Italy
• Duration: Two days. Leaves London Victoria Sunday at 10 am and reaches Venice Monday at 6.25 pm.
• Best time to travel: April and May.
• Good to know: Dress smart; dining aboard these historic, art-deco carriages is a glamorous affair - the three-course bellini brunch is a particular favourite among passengers.

GoldenPass MOB Belle Epoque

• Route: Montreux to Gstaad, Switzerland
• Duration: 1/4 hours
• Best time to travel: January to March. For the ultimate Alpine wonderland.
• Good to know: Stop in picturesque Rougemont for the best raclette and fondue at Café du Cerf, a traditional Swiss Restaurant.

Glacier Express

• Route: St Moritz to Zermatt, Switzerland
• Duration: Eight hours
• Best time to travel: All winter. For snow-capped mountains.
• Good to know: The Glacier Express is often referred to as "the slowest express train in the world". Book the Excellence Class to enjoy window seats, a bar area, personal travel guidance, and multi-course lunch.

Cinque Terre Express

• Route: Levanto to La Spezia, Italy
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Best time to travel: Spring. The Riviera is lovely when tourists are few and temperatures are mild in spring.
• Good to know: Combine your journey with a day trip to Portofino, less than two hours drive from Levanto.

West Highland Line

• Route: Glasgow to Mallaig via Fort William, Scotland
• Duration: Three hours 50 minutes
• Best time to travel: Summer.
• Good to know: The line is considered the world's most scenic, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Lomond, and the Trossachs National Park.

Napa Valley Wine Train

• Route: Downtown Napa to St Helena (and back), California, US
• Duration: Three hours
• Best time to travel: Spring.
• Good to know: This 36-mile round-trip gives passengers the inside track of some of Napa's most celebrated winemaking families.

84 Rooms recommends: Aboard The Splendid Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, and An Insider Guide To Venice.