Julian Holland
Inspiration • September 2017
Great gourmet railway journeys
Luxury trains with Michelin-starred meals are all the rage this year, with the launch of Portugal’s restored Presidential Train and the futuristic Shiki-shima train in Japan. Railway book author Julian Holland picks five of the world’s tastiest journeys
Presidential Train, Portugal
Having hosted kings, presidents, heads of state and popes since 1890, Portugal’s Presidential Train was restored to its former magnificence in 2010 and now hosts a unique gastronomic journey up the beautiful Douro Valley. Travelling inland from the coastal city of Porto, the train winds its way up the valley, world-famous for the vineyards that cling to its slopes to produce Douro and Port wines. In addition to an off-train wine-tasting experience at the Quinta do Vesuvio estate, passengers are treated to a four-course tasting menu with wine pairings created by renowned Michelin-starred chefs – recent exponents have included Scandinavian superstar Esben Holmboe Bang and Pedro Lemos of Porto – followed by live music in the bar carriage.
Shiki-shima Train, Japan
Operated by the East Japan Railway Company, the Champagne-coloured Shiki-shima train travels from Tokyo’s Ueno station across the Tohoku region of Honshu to the northern island of Hokkaido. Carrying only 34 passengers in absolute luxury, this futuristic train features superb detailing by internationally famous designer Ken Okuyama, while the dining car offers a French-inspired menu from Katsuhiro Nakamura, the first Japanese chef to receive a Michelin star. The train operates on traditional 3ft 6in gauge track on two-day and four-day circular tours from spring to autumn, and on three-day tours during the winter.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The ultimate in luxury travel, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates between London, Paris, Milan and Venice, as well as other European destinations, between March and October. Overseen by the head chef, Frenchman Christian Bodiguel, the onboard cuisine – much of it prepared from fresh produce obtained en route – is served in three opulent Art Deco dining cars: the Etoile du Nord, L’Oriental and Cote d’Azur, which were built in the 1920s but are now fitted with modern kitchens.
Belmond Hiram Bingham, Peru
Named after the American explorer who discovered the lost Inca citadel of Macchu Picchu in 1911, the luxury Belmond Hiram Bingham train operates along the Urubamba Valley from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the nearest station to this historic site. The train has two dining cars, a bar car and observation car, all decorated in a 1920s Pullman style. A live local band provides the ambience in the bar car, where passengers can sip a pisco sour while the Peruvian scenery glides past. Brunch is served on the outward journey, with an Andean-inspired, four-course dinner on the return, both prepared by the onboard chef and accompanied by a selection of fine Peruvian wines.
Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland
Carrying just 40 passengers, this luxury train operates two, three and four-night tours from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands from May to October, taking in national parks, lochs, mountains, castles, gardens, distilleries and golf courses. Dinner, served in the mahogany-panelled dining cars, is a highlight of these journeys, with some of Scotland’s Michelin-starred chefs preparing regional specialities using local seafood, wild salmon, game and Aberdeen Angus beef.
Railway Day Trips (Collins, £14.99) by Julian Holland is out now
This article has been tagged Destination, Travel Tips