The travel landscape is always evolving, and experts are predicting that 2025 will be the year of the tailored train vacation. While train travel has long been associated with scenic routes and convenience, it’s poised to take on a whole new level of personalization, luxury, and immersive experiences as travelers seek slower, more meaningful ways to explore the world.
Tailored train vacations offer a perfect blend of nostalgia, relaxation, and adventure, allowing travelers to enjoy breathtaking landscapes while experiencing curated itineraries that cater to personal interests. Whether it’s the charm of historic rail routes in the United States or the sophistication of European train journeys, these vacations are all about savoring the journey as much as the destination. Let’s take a look at why 2025 is being hailed as the year of the train vacation and highlight some examples of unforgettable train journeys in the U.S. and Europe.
Why Train Vacations Are Making a Comeback
As more travelers move away from the hustle and stress of airports, there’s a growing desire for slow travel experiences that offer comfort, flexibility, and environmental consciousness. Train travel checks all these boxes, combining the romanticism of yesteryear with modern conveniences and the possibility of personalization.
Tailored train vacations are designed to go beyond simply getting from point A to point B. In 2025, we can expect to see:
- Customized itineraries that include multi-day stops, guided tours, and niche experiences like wine tastings or historical site visits.
- Luxury sleeper cars and dining experiences that rival five-star hotels and gourmet restaurants.
- Themed journeys that cater to specific interests, whether it’s exploring national parks, historic cities, or culinary hotspots.
- Sustainable travel options, with rail being one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel long distances.
Now, let’s explore some top-tailored train vacation experiences in both the United States and Europe.
Tailored Train Vacation Experiences in the United States
The United States is home to some of the most iconic train routes in the world, and with 2025 being the year of the tailored train vacation, expect a rise in personalized journeys that combine scenic beauty with curated activities. Here are a few standout experiences:
1. Amtrak’s Empire Builder: Pacific Northwest and Beyond
The Empire Builder is one of Amtrak’s most famous long-distance routes, taking passengers from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest. For 2025, tailored itineraries will allow travelers to immerse themselves in some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the U.S., including Glacier National Park and the rugged beauty of the Cascade Mountains.
- Tailored Experience: Travelers can now book packages that include guided hikes in Glacier National Park, brewery tours in Seattle, and private wine tastings in Washington State’s wine country. Sleeper car upgrades offer luxurious accommodations, and onboard dining includes gourmet regional cuisine.
2. The Rocky Mountaineer: Rockies to the Red Rocks
While The Rocky Mountaineer is traditionally known for its Canadian routes, its “Rockies to the Red Rocks” itinerary has captured the hearts of U.S. travelers. This two-day rail journey runs between Denver, Colorado, and Moab, Utah, offering jaw-dropping views of the Rocky Mountains and the red-rock canyons of the American Southwest.
- Tailored Experience: In 2025, expect custom add-ons like luxury stays at historic hotels in Aspen, guided jeep tours in Arches National Park, and private stargazing experiences in Moab. The Rocky Mountaineer also offers premium GoldLeaf service with panoramic windows, chef-prepared meals, and outdoor viewing platforms.
3. Amtrak’s Coast Starlight: The Pacific Coast
Running from Seattle to Los Angeles, the Coast Starlight offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast, passing through diverse landscapes that include the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, the dramatic cliffs of California’s Central Coast, and the bustling urban landscapes of San Francisco and Los Angeles.
- Tailored Experience: In 2025, travelers can book customized packages that include wine country tours in Santa Barbara, private surf lessons in Santa Monica, or exclusive backstage passes to Hollywood studios. Private sleeper cars with en-suite bathrooms and curated dining experiences onboard elevate this classic route to a new level of luxury.
Tailored Train Vacation Experiences in Europe
Europe is a haven for train travel, and with its extensive rail network, it’s easier than ever to explore multiple countries in one journey. Tailored train vacations in 2025 will offer deeper, more personalized experiences, from culinary tours to historical explorations.
1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: The Ultimate Luxury Experience
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the pinnacle of luxury rail travel, and in 2025, it will continue to captivate travelers with its glamorous Art Deco carriages and world-class service. The journey between London and Venice is a trip back in time, offering both elegance and adventure.
- Tailored Experience: Travelers can book private suites with butler service, enjoy champagne receptions, and indulge in multi-course meals prepared by Michelin-starred chefs. For 2025, expect special themed journeys that focus on European art history, with exclusive museum tours in Paris and private access to historic sites in Venice.
2. The Glacier Express: Swiss Alps in Style
The Glacier Express is one of the most scenic train rides in the world, connecting Zermatt and St. Moritz through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Known as the “slowest express train in the world,” this journey offers travelers a front-row seat to Switzerland’s snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and picturesque villages.
- Tailored Experience: For 2025, tailored itineraries include multi-day stops in luxury mountain resorts, guided tours of alpine villages, and personalized activities like skiing, hiking, or spa retreats. The train’s Excellence Class offers panoramic windows, gourmet meals, and an exclusive bar car for the ultimate Swiss experience.
3. Spain’s Al Andalus: Southern Spain’s Moorish Heritage
The Al Andalus train is a luxurious way to explore the rich history of southern Spain. This five-day journey takes travelers through the Andalusian cities of Seville, Granada, Ronda, and Córdoba, showcasing the region’s Moorish architecture, flamenco culture, and delicious cuisine.
- Tailored Experience: In 2025, travelers can expect personalized flamenco shows, private tours of the Alhambra Palace, and gourmet culinary experiences featuring the best of Andalusian cuisine. The Belle Époque-style train includes opulent suites, private lounges, and curated excursions that dive deep into Spain’s fascinating history.
Why 2025 is the Perfect Time for a Tailored Train Vacation
In 2025, travelers are seeking more meaningful and sustainable ways to explore the world. Train travel offers the perfect solution, combining the romance of classic rail journeys with the conveniences of modern luxury and personalization. Tailored train vacations provide travelers with the opportunity to slow down, connect with the landscapes they traverse, and enjoy curated experiences that cater to their unique interests.
Whether you’re admiring the towering peaks of the Alps, winding through the red canyons of the American Southwest, or sipping champagne aboard a luxurious sleeper train, 2025 is set to be the year when train travel takes center stage—allowing travelers to rediscover the joy of the journey itself. So, pack your bags, sit back, and let the rails take you on the adventure of a lifetime.
