I’m currently writing to you from Munich, catching my breath before four of us from the team converge on Venice. Saturday marks the start of a six-day Dolomites adventure, but for me, the expedition begins long before we hit the hiking trails.
I deliberately chose to fly non-stop from Charlotte to Munich for one specific reason: The Brenner Pass. Having spent hours researching the most underrated rail journeys in Europe, I couldn't pass up the chance to trade a cramped connecting flight for the soul-restoring magic of the EuroCity south. As I pack my bags, my mind is already halfway across the Alps. There is a specific kind of geographic poetry in watching the snow-dusted peaks of Innsbruck melt into the sun-drenched, vine-striped hills of the Adige Valley.
In 2026, the "how" of travel has become just as vital as the "where." There is nothing quite like the transition of trading a hearty Bavarian pretzel for sunset cicchetti in a Venetian piazza, finally gliding across the lagoon causeway into Venezia Santa Lucia.
Inspired by my upcoming Alpine transit, I’ve curated a "Top 5" list for 2026 that balances old-world opulence with scenery so distracting you’ll forget your phone exists.
1. The Iconic: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The undisputed heavyweight champion of rail luxury, curated by Belmond, remains the gold standard.
- The 2026 Update: The buzz this year is their new Paris to the Amalfi Coast route.
- The Luxury: Think 1920s Art Deco carriages, 24-hour butler service in Grand Suites, and free-flowing champagne.
- The Scenery: You trade the classic Alpine passes for the French and Italian Rivieras, culminating in clifftop views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
2. The Alpine Jewel: Glacier Express (Excellence Class)
They call it the "slowest express train in the world," and in Excellence Class, you’ll find yourself wishing the conductor would drive even slower.
- The Luxury: A guaranteed window seat, a private concierge, and a five-course regional menu paired with local wines.
- The Scenery: You’ll cross 291 bridges and 91 tunnels between Zermatt and St. Moritz, with the high point being the Oberalp Pass at 6,670 feet.
3. The Modern Muse: La Dolce Vita Orient Express
This is the "it" train of the season—a love letter to 1960s Italian glamour (think Federico Fellini and retro-chic brass).
- The Luxury: Eschewing Victorian lace for "Italian mid-century cool," these cabins feel like high-end Milanese apartments.
- The Scenery: Their "Sicilian Dream" route is the one to watch, hugging the coast with constant views of Mt. Etna and the turquoise Ionian Sea.
4. The Highland Palace: Belmond Royal Scotsman
This feels less like a train and more like a private country estate that just happens to move through the fog.
- The Luxury: It features the only Dior Spa on wheels. You can actually get a massage while the Scottish Highlands roll past your window.
- The Scenery: The "Western Scenic" route through the Kyle of Lochalsh offers the quintessential Scottish palette: misty lochs, purple heather, and rugged glens.
5. The Coastal Secret: El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo
While the world looks toward the Alps, savvy travelers are heading to Northern Spain for the most spacious suites in Europe.
- The Luxury: The "Gran Lujo" suites are nearly four times the size of a standard luxury cabin; they are large enough to house a full bed and a sofa simultaneously.
- The Scenery: This route tracks "Green Spain" from San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela, perfectly wedged between the Bay of Biscay and the Picos de Europa mountains.
If you’re considering traveling a whole new way in 2026, we’d love to help you map it out. Whether you want to dive deeper into one of these luxury routes or need a custom itinerary that connects these iconic rails with your own hidden gems, just let us know.
Hi, I'm John, and I'm told I have a cool accent. I absolutely love travel and I am proud to have built a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.
