“Kings and crooks, millionaires and refugees, big-game hunters and smugglers, prima donnas and courtesans traveled on it; tycoons and financiers clinched their deals across its sumptuous dining tables; diplomats, spies, and revolutionaries on board the train moved secretively to their moments of history,” wrote E. H. Cookridge, author of Orient Express : The Life and Times of the World's Most Famous Train (1978). Since its debut in 1883 with a journey from Paris to Vienna, the legendary luxury service as exuded both intrigue and glamour.
Now, in an era where #slowtravel is more than a trend — garnering over a million mentions on Instagram alone — travelers are turning their gaze from the skies to the rails. Brands like Belmond are reintroducing the romance of leisurely, multi-day luxury train journeys that span countries and cuisines. Dining aboard these rolling palaces is more sumptuous than ever: chefs of MICHELIN-Starred establishments like Yannick Alléno and Heinz Beck are crafting menus that evolve with the landscapes outside the window. Forget pre-packaged sandwiches: On these trains, every meal is an integral part of the journey, immersing passengers in their surroundings.
Here’s a closer look at some of The MICHELIN Guide’s favorite train voyages, with sneak previews of their menus and the best stays at each destination.
1. La Dolce Vita Orient Express, Italy
Hospitality group Accor will soon be launching La Dolce Vita Orient Express, offering eight voyages through il bel paese. On board, chef Heinz Beck of Three-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant La Pergola in Rome, has crafted a dining experience that reflects Italy’s rich and diverse cuisine. “Our guests will embark on a wonderful and immersive journey — not only through stunning Italian landscapes but also through our dishes,” Beck tells The MICHELIN Guide. Each itinerary will feature a distinct menu narrating the region’s story and showcasing its culinary traditions. “We wanted to create a true Italian gastronomic experience, inspired by the dolce vita lifestyle, following the seasonality of ingredients and grounded in the three main pillars of my cooking philosophy: sustainability, health, and well-being.”
Bringing a MICHELIN-Starred experience aboard a train is no small feat, but Beck is confident in the outcome. “With our expertise, modern techniques, and innovative technologies, we’ve crafted high-quality dishes brimming with flavor and steeped in the history of every Italian region — all within the train’s dynamic, compact kitchen.”
In train cars designed by Dimorestudio, travelers have the chance to explore Sicily’s shores, including Taormina and its ancient Greek theater. History buffs will love the "Eternal Stones of Matera" route — an opportunity to discover the UNESCO World Heritage sites of southern Italy. Food-lovers can savor truffles and fine wines in Piedmont or indulge in a one-night voyage through Tuscany’s rolling vineyards — both delicious journeys beginning and ending in Rome.
Where to Stay in Rome: In the thick of the Centro Storico, Six Senses Rome offers a prime location for exploring the Eternal City with luxe wellness amenities, from traditional Roman bath circuits to smart-tech biohacking treatments. The One-Key hotel is a short walk from Rome’s famed landmarks, including the Trevi fountain and the Pantheon. With its serene spa, a lobby restaurant serving delicious, sustainability-focused cuisine, and a rooftop bar offering panoramic city views, guests will find plenty of reasons to linger. Housed in a 16th-century villa on the historic site of a former gladiator training academy, Hotel Palazzo Manfredi showcases elegant Italian design at its finest. At the One-Starred restaurant Aroma, guests can tuck into chef Giuseppe Di Iorio’s refined Roman dishes while taking in breathtaking Colosseum views.
2. British Pullman, United Kingdom
This month, the British Pullman will debut its Celebrity Chef Dinner Series, inviting some of the U.K.’s most celebrated chefs to curate exclusive onboard dining experiences. Departing from London Victoria station, these journeys will whisk passengers to destinations such as Oxford, Canterbury, and Bath, as well as historic estates like Highclere Castle and prestigious events like the Grand National horse race.
The series kicks off with chef Phil Howard, the culinary force behind the One-Starred Elystan Street in London, who will present a menu of French-inspired dishes. Though he admits to never having cooked on a train, Howard is ready to embrace the challenge while staying true to his signature style. “My cooking is about finding the perfect harmony in simple flavors with perfect seasonality,” he explains.
Next, Andrew Wong — renowned for redefining modern Chinese cuisine in the U.K. and the chef behind the Two-Starred A. Wong — will take the reins. He will be followed by Atul Kochhar, a trailblazing Indian chef and the owner of several London restaurants, including MICHELIN Guide-vetted Kanishka.
Designed by Albion Nord, the train’s dining cars exude British elegance, featuring botanical tapestries, whitewashed oak paneling, and woven finishes. It’s no surprise that British royals and silver screen celebrities have long been among British Pullman’s distinguished guests.
Where to Stay in London: London has no shortage of exceptional hotels — eight of which hold The MICHELIN Guide’s prestigious Three-Key designation, a mark of an extraordinary stay. Among them is The Connaught, a legendary gem in the heart of Mayfair. Steeped in history, The Connaught dates back to the early 19th century and has welcomed guests like French President Charles de Gaulle and His Majesty King Charles III. Its food and drink offerings are just as distinguished, from Hélène Darroze’s Three-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant, to The Connaught Patisserie and the award-winning Connaught Bar — home to one of the best martinis in London.
The Three-Key Bvlgari Hotel London is a bastion of top-notch hospitality in Knightsbridge, combining hyper-attentive service, the brand’s signature spa facilities, and a pervading sense of effortless Italian style. No corners are cut here and no detail is forgotten. Guests looking for a truly exclusive experience can book the Serpenti Suite, designed as a tribute to Bvlgari’s iconic serpentine symbol.
3. Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia
The Eastern & Oriental Express will also be offering lavish train journeys in Southeast Asia with a masterful culinary curator, chef André Chiang, at the helm. Travelers depart from Singapore to embark on adventures through the lush landscapes of Malaysia, voyaging in style amidst interiors dripping in plush gold with green accents and sleek wood-paneled corridors.
One three-night journey takes travelers through rainforests and remote landscapes via the Jungle Railway, with stops for immersive experiences in Taman Negara National Park and the cultural hub of Penang, before returning to Singapore via Johor. Dubbed "Tastes of Tomorrow: A Culinary Gathering," the rides will feature menus crafted by MICHELIN-Starred chefs, including chef Vicky Cheng of Wing and One-Starred VEA in Hong Kong, chef Jason Liu of Ling Long in Beijing and Shanghai (both One-Starred restaurants) and chef Jungsik Yim of Jungsik in Seoul and New York (Two and Three MICHELIN Stars, respectively). Each chef will design a bespoke menu highlighting regional ingredients and putting their distinct spin on local dishes. In the Observation Car, acclaimed bartender Shelley Tai will curate exclusive cocktails for each dinner, pairing her creations with the flavors of the chefs’ menus.
Where to Stay in Singapore: For an old-world luxury experience, travelers can check into Raffles Hotel, where past guests have included Ava Gardner, Elizabeth Taylor, and literary greats like Joseph Conrad, W. Somerset Maugham, and Rudyard Kipling. The rooms are luminous and elegantly appointed, while dining options abound, from chef Jereme Leung’s fine Chinese cuisine to wood-fired dining at Butcher's Block. Service is impeccable, with discreet butlers on hand to anticipate every guest’s wish.
For a more contemporary experience, travelers can book the Mandarin Oriental overlooking Marina Bay. The brand’s signature blend of modern style and bold design shines through in its refreshed rooms and common spaces, which were fully reimagined in 2023. Families will love the spacious suites and kid-friendly activities. The Spa, with its six treatment rooms, offers a deep dive into relaxation with treatments inspired by Asian healing traditions.
4. Le Grand Tour, France
Puy du Fou, the brand behind France’s historical theme park, launched the six-day, 4,000-kilometer Le Grand Tour train experience in 2021. The journey, which departs and returns to Paris Gare de Lyon, lets passengers experience the vast diversity of France’s geography — and, of course, its treasured regional foods and wines — from Champagne and Burgundy vineyards, to picturesque landscapes in the south and the verdant coasts of Brittany.At the helm of the restaurant car is chef Alexandre Couillon, the force behind the Three-MICHELIN-Starred La Marine in Noirmoutier, which also holds a MICHELIN Green Star. Couillon’s menus incorporate ingredients from local markets along the route. In the dining car, with its turn-of-the-century décor (think red velvet and plenty of gilded accents), expect dishes that capture the briny flavors of the Atlantic and the sun-drenched fields of Provence.
Where to Stay in Paris: When it comes to MICHELIN Keys, Paris hotel options run the gamut, from storied palace hotels like Ritz Paris and Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel (Three Keys and Two Keys, respectively) — featuring MICHELIN-Starred restaurants like One-Star Espadon and must-visit cocktail bars like Les Ambassadeurs — to design-forward boutique hotels oozing with character, like Château Voltaire and Le Grand Mazarin, each of which hold One MICHELIN Key. For a stay closer to Le Grand Tour’s jumping-off point, Gare du Lyon, check out SO/ Paris, with nautical-inspired interiors and an onsite restaurant (Bonnie) and bar featuring some of the most breathtaking views of the City of Light.
Hacks for booking your luxury train trip:
What is luxury train travel?
Luxury train travel offers an immersive journey where the ride is truly part of the experience. Many of the trains feature thoughtfully designed carriages, personalized service, and restaurant-quality food and drinks. Many of today’s luxury trains are inspired by the golden age of rail travel. Are there luxury trains in the U.S.?
Yes, the U.S. has several luxury train experiences, though none currently feature cuisine from MICHELIN-Starred chefs. Notable options include Rocky Mountaineer, a glass-domed train offering scenic routes through the American Southwest and the Canadian Rockies; Grand Canyon Railway, a historic train journey to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park; and Napa Valley Wine Train, a culinary excursion through California’s wine country.How do I book a luxury train?
You can book directly through the respective operators or go through a travel agent. In deciding how far in advance to book, consider the demand — some trains, for example, are so coveted that they award spots by lottery only — and whether you’re traveling during the peak season of July and August.
Are there any other favorite MICHELIN Guide journeys?
Two more noteworthy MICHELIN-recommended train journeys are Seven Stars in Kyushu, a world-class rail experience through Japan’s Kyushu Island, and The Dream of the Desert, set to debut in 2025, featuring 40 opulent cabins that will traverse the vast landscapes of Saudi Arabia.Hero Image: Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia. © Nicolas Quiniou/Belmond
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