For travellers seeking a slower, more immersive way to explore Europe, vintage luxury trains are making a comeback. Several new routes launching in 2026 promise to combine the romance of rail travel with curated cultural experiences, from Andalusian flamenco to truffle hunting in Piedmont.
Al Andalus: A New Seven-Day Journey Through Southern Spain
The Al Andalus train, which began operations in early 2026, now offers a seven-day route between Seville and Madrid. Covering more than 480 kilometres, the itinerary includes stops at Alcázar de San Juan, Cádiz, Córdoba, Jerez, Aranjuez, and Mérida. Passengers can explore ancient Roman ruins, royal palaces, and beach towns, or attend equestrian and flamenco shows.
The train itself is a restored set of 14 original Wagon-Lit Company carriages from 1929—the same series once used by the British monarchy on journeys between the Côte d'Azur and Calais. At 450 metres, it is the longest train on Spanish tracks, accommodating just 64 passengers across two restaurant cars, a bar car, a kitchen car, seven sleeping cars, a playroom, a generator car, and a crew car. Onboard, guests enjoy 24-hour room service, four 1920s-style lounges, traditional Andalusian cuisine prepared by celebrated chefs, and live entertainment.
Accommodation options include the Grand Class Room (with two single beds that convert into armchairs by day) starting at €11,200 for solo travellers and €13,200 for two, and the larger Deluxe Suite Room (with a double bed and hydromassage shower) from €13,800 for one or €15,800 for two.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Paris to the Amalfi Coast
The iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express introduces a new route from Paris to Italy's Amalfi Coast, with its inaugural journey running from 4 to 7 May 2026. The trip offers views of the French and Italian Rivieras, plus off-board experiences such as a boat tour along the Amalfi coast, cooking classes with local producers, painting sessions, and a guided visit to Pompeii.
Passengers spend one night aboard the train in carriages from the 1920s and 1930s, followed by two nights at the 11th-century Caruso hotel in Ravello. Onboard entertainment includes live piano music, while the hotel hosts a gala dinner with live cooking stations. Grand Suite passengers also receive a private tour of the historic Casa del Larario Regio V, normally closed to the public. Luxury car transfers are included, with bespoke itinerary additions available at extra cost.
For those interested in combining rail travel with nature, consider exploring four European national parks accessible by train.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express: Italian Flair from 2026
While the full Orient Express relaunch is expected in 2027, Accor's La Dolce Vita train offers a preview with eight unique itineraries spanning 14 Italian regions. The train, which made its inaugural journey in April 2026, features interiors by Milan's Dimorestudio inspired by mid-century designers like Gio Ponti and Gae Aulenti.
Options include a three-day trip from Sicily to Rome (stopping in Palermo, Taormina, and Maratea), a two-day round-trip between Rome and Montalcino for Tuscan wine lovers, a truffle-focused journey from Rome to Nizza Monferrato, and a four-day golf-themed route through Apulia, Siena, and Tuscany. The train offers 31 cabins, 18 suites, 12 deluxe cabins, and the signature La Dolce Vita Suite.
These new services reflect a broader trend in European travel: a return to slow, experiential journeys that connect passengers with local culture and landscapes. For those seeking bucket-list experiences, Europe's top bucket-list experiences offer further inspiration.
