It's impossible to talk about high-end rail travel without acknowledging the Orient Express.

The celebrated train first rolled out of Paris in 1883, bound for Istanbul. Known as "the king of trains", the Orient Express famously carried European Royals. Today, its rightful heir is Belmond's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which crisscrosses Europe from March to Octopber, stopping in cities like Paris, Berlin, Venice and Istanbul on itineraries that range from daytrips to 10-night extravaganzas. In the three decades since the Venice Simplon-Orient Express debut, Belmond's fleet has expanded to include trains in Asia, the U.K. and South America. In 2016, the company unveiled the Belmond Grand Hibernian, which chugs across Ireland from whiskey tastings to private castle tours. In 2017 the Belmond Andean Explorer began whisking passengers through the Peruvian altiplano in bright cabins. Travelers explore islands on Lake Titicaca, view ancient cave paintings and relax in the piano bar car after dining on modern Peruvian fare.

In 2013, Cruise Train Seven Stars debuted on Kyushu Island, claiming the title of Japan's first luxury sleeper train The same year Tren Crucero began rolling past volcanoes and cloud forests in Ecuador.

In 2014, Imperial Russia began high-end journeys on the Trans-Siberian Railway, tracing 14-day routes from Moscow to Beijing and in 2015 Canada's Via Rail added the upgrade Prestige Class to departures of the Canadian.

Most recently, Japan's ultraluxury Train Suite Shiki-Shima departed on its maiden voyage in 2017 with a front observation car offering a conductor's -eye view, deluxe suites with fireplaces and a lounge car designed to evoke sunlight coming through the trees.

Well-traveled people are looking for new experiences and trains provide an overland adventure on which visitors get a feel for the country while enjoying exceptional service.