Five extraordinary railway journeys with food and wine themes

Sometimes, travel is important, not arrival. Especially if your journey includes extraordinary foods and drinks along the way. The number of high-end rail operators is increasing, and they travel by train with a culinary themed program. This is part of the growing trend of culinary rail tours where guest chefs, luxury rails and drinks are comparable to the views through the windows. I'll introduce five trips like this on my upcoming book, National Geographic's Lifelong 100 Train Trips, The World's Ultimate Vehicles (to be released in October 2025).

Amazing New Zealand trip

Great Journeys New Zealand has just begun signing | Flavors from Aotearoa New Zealand Tour, an 18-day culinary railway adventure from Auckland to Queenstown. It rides some of the most extraordinary scenic trains in the country, including the Northern Explorers, Coastal Pacific Ocean and Transal Pine. This new journey combines scenic train routes from North Island to South Island linked by crossing the Cook Strait on a scenic ferry journey. It is a trip packed with curated culinary experiences that showcase New Zealand's local produce, wine and cultural heritage. Highlights include high tea from Geelong Tea Estate, not to mention visits to the vineyards in Marlborough, a Maori herbal medicine tour and Christchurch food walking tour. Prices start at NZD 16,499 ($9,656) per person and are based on double occupancy (as with all the trips discussed here).

Royal Scottish

The Royal Scotsman's Scotch Malt Whisky Tour is a four-night trip on a Royal Scotland luxury train. Expect 24-hour steward service and all meals on the train, including Scottish breakfasts, multi-course lunches and dinners, and all drinks including alcoholic beverages. Whiskey is at the heart of this trip, with private tours of Ben Romach Distillery, visits to the Rosiemchas Estate and tastings of specialist single cask whiskey. Guests will receive a one-year membership of the Scotch Malt Whisky Association and a visit to the headquarters. There is an exclusive whiskey nose and tasting with whiskey expert and a wealth of author Charles McLean. This trip promises to be lively with traditional ceilings on board and evening entertainment on observation vehicles. Return trips from Edinburgh include a visit to the Glenmorangi House and Glenmorangi Distillery, the historic Tomatin Distillery and Taribaldin Distillery. During the trip, there are time for wild swimming, archery and fly fishing. Prices start from £9,100 ($11,980).

Napa Valley Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train runs from Napa to St. Helena. This is a six-hour excursion featuring renovated antique train cars that evoke the romance of the gorgeous rail travel of the early 20th century. These are 100-year-old Pullman train cars, renovated with etched glass partitions and refined wood. Traveling through the 43,000-acre grape landscape with Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Zinfan del grapes, the train offers an ideal way to taste vintage and experience the beauty of America's most famous wine-growing region. The classic trip is a legacy that takes a round-trip from Napa to St. Helena, with wine tastings taking place in a multi-course lunch highlighting outdoor railroad cars, seasonal wine country cuisine, and stops for a tasting seated by St. Helena Winery, Charles Krug and V. Satuy. Prices starting from $514.80

Ladolce Vita Orient Express

The first luxury train made in Italy, the Ladolce Vita Oriente Express debuted in April 2025. The inspiration for the train is Ladolce Vita from the phrase “The Sweet Life,” which is synonymous with the country's design and cultural talent of the 1960s. The train has several themed trips, with the truffle route from Rome to Niza Monferrato and Rome, followed by a three-day trip, including an onboard dinner under the direction of three-michelin star-dyed chef Heinz Beck, followed by live music and entertainment. Niza Monferrato. Piedmont is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site vineyards and its truffles. An optional experience is available at a local winery and a truffle-based lunch. In the afternoon, the train sets out on an overnight trip to Rome. The price is 8,320 euros ($9,210).

Eastern Express and Oriental Express

Traveling between Singapore and Malaysia, this luxurious train is a collection of tomorrow's taste, and dishes with Andre Chiang. Chef Chen is a train star chef and these special trips were joined by Michelin-starred guest chefs Vicki Chan, Jason Liu and Jongsik Im and acclaimed bartender and mixologist Shelley Tai. Starting from Singapore, there is an evening dinner prepared by Shevchen and his guest chef. Highlights include visiting Tamannegara National Park. Here you can explore the endangered Malay tiger habitats and join nature photographers and conservationists in the afternoon in the jungle. On Penang Island, you can visit George Town Old Quarter, explore with the chef's company and learn about Peranakan cuisine. Prices start from $7,350.