Arguably the most romantic mode of travel, there are hundreds of stunning rail journeys to be taken around the world. From watching an outback sunrise to expeditions that gently travel through Japan, it’s a highly rewarding way to see the world and can be done in serious style. Here are eight, once-in-a-lifetime train journeys from cheapest to blow-the-budget.

Guests on the Belmond Andean Explorer can travel across the bare Peruvian landscape in a way like never before. Launched in May 2017, South America’s first sleeper train focuses on the country’s Andean heartland connecting passengers from Cusco, travelling across the highest plains of the Andes to Puno to see the floating islands on Lake Titicaca, and onwards to the city centre of Arequipa. Price quoted is per person and based on two sharing a Deluxe double on a one night journey from Puno to Cusco

The exclusive train has room for only 48 passengers and offers guests refined Andean cuisine in its two dining carriages, and a piano bar in which to unwind. There’s even a spa car for those who need to find their zen.

There are four types of cabin to choose from, each with its own inviting en suite bathroom and shower. The largest – Deluxe double (pictured) or Junior double – allow travellers to enjoy a haven of space with their own living room, and rest their weary heads in plush double beds.

Other smaller cabins are a quaint sitting room by day turning into a bedroom at night.

Take a trip through the scenic landscape of western Japan on a voyage that embraces the history and culture of Kyoto, Matsue, Izumo and Miyajima. Starting your journey in Kyoto, Shimonoseki or Osaka you’ll marvel at the majestic Mount Daisen and enjoy views from the beautiful coastline along the Sea of Japan. Price quoted is per person, based on two sharing a Royal Twin cabin on a one-night journey.

In the formal dining room, guests can watch the Onomichi Channel pass by as they indulge in haute cuisine by top-class chefs.

There are five routes to choose from. They include one way trips from Shimonoseki lasting one night and two days, and a circular tour around Sanyo and Sanin areas lasting three days, where passengers can take in Japan's spectacular natural landscapes.

The luxurious, modern train is 10 cars long and features a lounge and dining room, six sleeper cars. Two sightseeing compartments offer outdoor viewing platforms, meaning you can catch a breath of fresh air with those panoramic views.

Regarded as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, the legendary Ghan travels through the heart of Australia, opening up a land few visitors get to explore. You will see the scenery change from the outback of Katharine to the metropolitan city Adelaide as the Ghan powers along the wide-open tracks of central Australia. Price quoted is per person, based on two sharing a Gold Twin on the three-night journey from Darwin to Adelaide.

There are three service levels available; Platinum, Gold and Red. Platinum cabins (pictured) offer a private lounge with deluxe seating, and by night converts into a comfortable bedroom. Platinum also boasts deluxe extras, from in-cabin breakfasts to access to the Platinum Club where menus feature local cuisine, such as grilled kangaroo fillets.

All food onboard the Ghan is included and the Queen Adelaide Restaurant is bound to delight passengers with culinary wonders, from barramundi (Asian sea bass) to Margaret River cheeses, as well as native Australian saltbush, prepared by talented chefs.

The observation car's large banquettes allow passengers to take in outback sunrises, views of Alice Springs and Australia's unique flora and fauna in comfort too.

With a champagne-gold exterior, and elegant décor in the spacious suites the Shiki-Shima is a 5-star hotel experience from start to finish. Three itineraries are available, with the longest three nights starting from Ueno Station. Price quoted is per person based on two sharing a standard suite on a three-night itinerary. 

The train has 10 carriages, two with observation decks that frame the natural scenery of eastern Japan as it glides along the tracks. On a four-day journey, passengers can visit the Buddhist temples of Ueno in the south, and the hot springs of Noboribetsu in the north.

Exclusivity is the name of the game as the Shiki-Shima only offers 34 passengers a seat. The 17 two-story suites feature marble bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows, plus beds so soft you’ll feel like you’re floating.

And when it comes to dinner time, no detail will be overlooked as you are waited on by uniformed butlers while you feast on food prepared by Michelin star chefs.

Experience an opulent journey to some of India’s most exciting destinations on the Maharajas' Express. Taking in cities like Mumbai and Jaipur and sights such as Ranthambore National Park and the Taj Mahal (pictured), you can explore India from the comfort of your carriage. Price quoted is per person based on two sharing a Deluxe cabin on a three-night train journey. Packages that include flights with a stay in Delhi, are also available from tour operators such as Wexas Travel, from around £5,355 ($6,915).

There are 23 coaches aboard the train, with four different configurations. Five Deluxe Cabin carriages, six Junior Suites, two Suites and one Presidential Suite (pictured), which has a carriage of its own.

Each carriage will be in the care of a butler, who is on hand to assist with any task from laying out your tux to working the LCD TV.

Dinner aboard the Maharaja Express is a formal affair, with two fine-dining restaurants at your disposal. Should you need to unwind on your trip, the bar offers complimentary Indian beers, spirits, wines and snacks. For those who love to shop, you can peruse the high-end on-board boutique.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime desire for many to say they've travelled on this legendary service that runs between Venice and London, but also offers other itineraries including trips from Verona to Paris. Price quoted is per person and includes one night onboard and all meals on the Venice to London route.

A highlight of the journey is the spectacular food. As soon as you step aboard at Venice Santa Lucia station, you'll be served a glass of fizz, followed by a three course lunch. But you'll want to save room for the four-course dinner with cheese later, whipped up by French chefs.

There are four cabin types, ranging from cosy single rooms that convert from a sitting room by day into a bedroom at night, to Grand Suites elegantly fitted out with fine glass lamps and Baroque furniture. And you won't need to drag yourself from your comfortable bed first thing either, as breakfast is served in-cabin as the train heads towards Paris.

The journey takes you through Italian, Swiss and French countryside, with a short stop in Paris. Finally to complete your journey in the UK, you'll switch to the Belmond British Pullman service, where you'll be served an afternoon tea en route to London Victoria station.

Travel aboard the Golden Eagle to discover the hidden beauty of Iran’s remarkable sites and scenic landscapes. From the desert city Yazd, a centre of the ancient Zoroastrian faith to Isfahan (pictured) which boasts some of the most impressive Islamic architecture of the world, the journey is truly amazing. Price quoted is per person based on two people sharing a Silver Class cabin on the 14-day Heart of Persia itinerary. Packages with international flights are available via Steppes Travel too. 

There are 12 Silver and 21 Gold Cabins on board, plus an Imperial Suite. The most spacious cabin offers a large, double bed, a lounge area with dressing table and private en suite bathroom with power shower and underfloor heating. Plus, there are two large picture windows so you can watch the world go by.

At lunch and dinner, expect to taste Iranian-inspired food, skilfully prepared by the Executive Chef and on board team using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.

Relive the romance of rail travel on the historically-restored railway carriages of the Royal Canadian Pacific train. You’ll travel in 5-star luxury through the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta and British Columbia. And with a maximum of 30 guests, it'll feel like you have the mountains all to yourself. Available by private charter only, price is for train hire for up to 30 passengers on a journey from Calgary to Lake Louise. 

While onboard, guests stay in spacious private staterooms, fully fitted with a three-piece private en suite with shower, washbasin and WC.

Fine dining can be enjoyed in the Craigellachie dining car, where sumptuous meals are served by two senior chefs.

Each sleeping car features a small lounge with sofas and chairs. You can be served afternoon tea in the privacy of your room as the landscape passes you by. Many of the cars also have their own individual platforms, where you can enjoy aperitifs in the outdoors.

To add to the adventure, the Royal Canadian Pacific stops on the tracks at night, often in the wilderness, so passengers can experience the bare, natural beauty of the Rockies in their entirety. 

Want to find out more? See our feature on what it's really like to travel on the Orient Express.