Slow travel is for people who want a balanced itinerary where you can pace yourself and eliminate the stress of rushing around.
Life can be stressful sometimes... But so can holidays! With packed itineraries, delayed flights, and a sea of tourists; people often return home after a holiday feeling the exact opposite of relaxed.
If this sounds like you, slow travel may be the answer.
Slow travel can mean many things, whether it's renting a secluded cottage in the south of France, sipping white wine and cooking with fresh local produce or cruising from one beautiful destination to another on a vintage train...
More and more people are choosing to sit back and watch the world slip by from their windows.
Here are some of our favourite leisurely train journeys available at the moment...
London to Venice on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express - 1 day
Your journey begins at St Pancras as you board your morning Eurostar service, destination Paris. Upon booking, you will have the option to choose an earlier departure time to take some time exploring the city before you step foot onto the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
When you board this iconic train, you will be shown your comfortable private accommodation. Settle into your quarters and take the time to gaze out of the window as the cityscape quickly turns to lush French countryside.
Next, make your way to the dining car for a sumptuous and leisurely dinner. Later on, pay a visit to the bar car for a cocktail or two and some live music provided by the resident pianist. When the night draws to a close, it's time to retire to your room for a luxurious sleep on crisp sheets.
When you awake, you are greeted with coffee and a continental breakfast to enjoy from the comfort of your cabin. Take this time to admire the magnificent mountains outside.
Spend the morning however you wish; exploring the train, enjoying drinks and petit fours in the bar car with your fellow guests; the choice is yours.
In the afternoon, you will be invited to the restaurant car for a beautiful three-course lunch followed by a relaxed afternoon of aperitifs as you draw closer to Venice.
Feeling refreshed after your slow cruise from France to Italy, step onto a complimentary water taxi which will take you to your Venice accommodation.
Highlights of this Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Journey Include:
- Eurostar crossing with meals and drinks
- One night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- 24-hour steward service
- A welcome glass of sparkling wine
- Four-course dinner
- Coffee, tea and petits fours
- Breakfast served in your cabin
- Three-course lunch
Scotland's Classic Splendours on the Royal Scotsman - 4 days
Meander through the fine Scottish Highlands with this spectacular luxury train journey through Scotland. As you leisurely glide past some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, take in the sumptuous luxury only a tour like this has to offer. During your multiple destinations, discover some of the finest historic and natural locations Scotland has to offer. Explore Scotland over 4 days as you go seal watching, take a boat trip to Eilean Donan Castle, visit Ballindalloch Castle and explore the Rothiemurchus Estate among many other adventures.
On board the Belmond Royal Scotsman, take a moment to savour the finest details found nowhere else; the polished wood panelling, authentic Scottish wools and specially designed Belmond tartan.
Indulge in the finest culinary with multiple-course meals served by talented local chefs. Each meal will be accompanied by wine and the whiskey selection will be like nothing you've ever seen. Sit back and relax as the Scottish landscape flows past, before retiring to your very own luxury quarters where you are left with nothing short of the finest facilities. For a luxury train journey that is both relaxed and lavishly spectacular, the Classic Splendours tour is the epitome of elegant rail travel.
Highlights of this Scottish luxury train journey include:
- Four nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman luxury train
- 24-hour steward service
- All meals included
- Unlimited complimentary alcoholic beverages
- A choice between a boat trip to see wild seals or a visit to Eilean Donan Castle
- A trip to Ballindalloch Castle
- A visit to Rothiemurchus Estate
- A visit to Rothiemurchus Estate with a choice of country pursuits
- A guided tour of Glamis Castle and gardens
- Traditional entertainment on board
Bangkok to Singapore on The Eastern & Oriental Express (not available until 2024)
Aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train, this journey will allow you to discover a wonderful region of the world that will take you to the highlights of the area. This three-night luxury train journey from Bangkok to Singapore is filled with culture, romance and luxury.
From Bangkok, Hualampong railway station you board the Eastern Orient Express luxury train for a journey of a lifetime. You will be directed to your cabin by one of the Eastern & Oriental Express stewards. Settle into your luxurious cabin, but before too long you will head to one of the dining cars for a delicious four-course dinner, served with seasonal ingredients. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the Bar Car and observation cars enjoying the wonderful views pass you by.
On the second day of your luxury train journey from Bangkok to Singapore, you will arrive at Kanchanaburi, where you can choose from a couple of exciting tours. Either opt to head onto the Classic Tour, which will take you to Thai-Burma Railway Museum and to the River Kwai Bridge. Or, for those who feel a little more energetic, you can select the Tracks to Unseen Thailand, where you will cycle through rice paddies and visit a local farm. There is another option, should neither of these tickles your fancy, which is the Local Flavour Tour, this tour will have you head to the wet market, take a raft cruise and cooking course. The afternoon will see you rejoin the Eastern & Oriental Express train to Kuala Kangsar. You will enjoy lunch and dinner aboard the Eastern Orient Express before having time to spend at your leisure aboard.
Day three of this luxury train journey from Bangkok to Singapore will begin with breakfast in bed. Spend the morning onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express train, admiring the views pass by your window. A three-course brunch will be served late morning, as the train arrives at Kuala Kangsar. You will disembark the Oriental Express luxury train at Kuala Kangsar and via coach transfer you will head to Labu Kabong, where you will be greeted by the local villagers with a traditional welcome ceremony. Take the guided tour of the rice paddies or take part in some hill trekking, where you will be able to see some of the most sublime views. Re-join the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train late afternoon for a cocktail party, which will be accompanied by piano music. Dinner will be served early evening.
The final day of your Bangkok to Singapore luxury train tour will have you arriving in cosmopolitan Singapore.
Included with this Orient Express journey
- 24-hour steward service
- Four-course dinners
- Continental breakfast served in your cabin
- Three-course lunches
- Cruise the River Kwai and visit the War Museum
- Visit a rural Malaysian village with a selection of excursions
- Guided tour of Kuala Kangsar
- House wines, house spirits and local beers are inclusive
If you have any questions or would like any assistance selecting a slow train holiday, please don't hesitate to contact our dedicated concierge team...
