The finest railway journeys combine extraordinary landscapes with a slower, more immersive way of seeing the world. Instead of flying over mountains, deserts and remote communities, you travel through them—watching the landscape change while enjoying exceptional food, comfortable accommodation and attentive service.
These are five remarkable rail journeys available through Outsyda Rail.
Switzerland
Glacier Express
Zermatt to St. Moritz
Often described as the world’s slowest express train, the Glacier Express takes approximately eight hours to cross the Swiss Alps between Zermatt and St. Moritz.
The journey begins beneath the unmistakable peak of the Matterhorn before travelling through deep valleys, Alpine villages and some of Switzerland’s most impressive railway engineering.
Along the way, the train reaches the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres above sea level, travels through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and crosses the curved arches of the Landwasser Viaduct before entering the mountainside through a tunnel.
Panoramic windows keep the landscape firmly at the centre of the experience. Excellence Class adds a more exclusive atmosphere, with spacious seating and an enhanced dining service delivered as Switzerland unfolds outside.
India
Maharajas’ Express
Luxury journeys through Rajasthan and northern India
The Maharajas’ Express brings the splendour of India’s royal past onto the rails.
Its itineraries connect some of the country’s most celebrated destinations, with journeys incorporating places such as Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Ranthambore.
Depending on the itinerary, experiences may include visiting the Taj Mahal, exploring palaces and forts, discovering historic cities and searching for Bengal tigers.
Back aboard the train, richly decorated cabins and suites create the feeling of a private travelling palace, with fine dining, lounge and bar cars and attentive service throughout.
Scotland
Royal Scotsman
Round-trip journeys from Edinburgh into the Highlands
Royal Scotsman proves that one of the world’s great railway adventures can begin much closer to home.
Departing from Edinburgh, its journeys travel into the Scottish Highlands and western landscapes on itineraries ranging from shorter escapes to longer explorations.
Days can include guided walks, historic estates, whisky tastings and visits to castles or remote communities, depending on the chosen itinerary.
On board, intimate wood-panelled cabins, elegant dining cars and the Observation Car create the atmosphere of a private country house in motion. Its open veranda provides one of the most memorable places from which to watch the Highlands pass by.
Southern Africa
Rovos Rail
South Africa and journeys across the African continent
Rovos Rail offers something few other luxury trains can match: the opportunity to experience the scale and variety of Africa from the rails.
Departing from its private station in Pretoria, the train operates journeys including Cape Town, Durban Safari and Victoria Falls, alongside longer expeditions through southern and eastern Africa.
Depending on the route, passengers may encounter vast grasslands, mountain passes, historic towns, wildlife regions and landscapes that would otherwise require several separate journeys to experience.
Restored coaches, elegant dining cars, comfortable suites and a relaxed pace recall an earlier age of travel. The rear Observation Car, with its open-air balcony, offers an extraordinary viewpoint.
Europe
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Paris, Venice and other great European cities
Few trains carry the history, glamour and sense of occasion of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Its restored vintage carriages transport passengers into the Golden Age of rail travel, with intricate marquetry, polished craftsmanship, elegant restaurant cars and evenings that genuinely invite you to dress for dinner.
The classic overnight journey connects Paris and Venice, while other departures link cities including Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Florence and Istanbul.
Accommodation ranges from beautifully restored Historic Cabins to larger Suites and Grand Suites. This is not simply transportation between two cities—the entire journey is theatrical, romantic and deliberately unlike modern travel.
