Luxury train with free flowing champagne and special extra with one big catch

For countless people, train journeys conjure up images of being squashed into a packed carriage during the morning rush hour, or perhaps enjoying a few beverages whilst heading to a delightful day out in their local city.

However, whilst numerous trains across the UK are rather disappointing with their grimy fabric seating, venture onto the continent and you'll discover a far more pleasant experience - though it might cost you an entire year's wages.

Whilst we might become furious at a £200 fare from London to Manchester, across in Italy, the globe's most costly train adventure is 100 times pricier than that, though you'll journey in considerably greater opulence.

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The Venice Simplon-Orient Express boasts some genuinely lavish compartments, with a grand suite from Paris to London priced at £23,000 per night.

The locomotive itself, which runs from March through November annually, comprises a collection of refurbished 1920s and 1930s carriages, adorned with art deco flourishes, featuring pieces by renowned glass artist René Lalique, reports the Express.

The priciest route could leave you more than £60,000 lighter for the grand suite on a five-day expedition travelling from Istanbul to Paris.

YouTuber Ryan Trahan chose to fork out the money for the voyage to discover precisely how pleasant a railway journey could be, though the indulgence began before he'd even climbed aboard.

He said: "This is such a fancy seat that they have people come to your hotel to greet you and take you onto a boat. That boat then takes you across the canal, where they take you to the station."

Upon entering his room, he was greeted by a luxurious suite adorned with ornate wood panelling, art deco fixtures and a full double bed. The suite also boasts its own lounge area and a marble-clad bathroom.

According to the company's website, one of the major perks of the Grand Suite is "24-hour cabin service complemented by free-flowing champagne."

In the dining car, he was treated to an equally lavish experience, with a three-course lunch, a private afternoon tea filled with sweet delights, and for dinner, three more exquisitely presented courses, including langoustines and sea bass with caviar.

He said: "I don't know if I managed to capture this, but this is one of the most magical days of my life."

Boarding the train for a second leg from Paris to Budapest, he spent his final night sipping cocktails and enjoying the onboard pianist. He added: "I'm having a great time, this doesn't even feel like real life. It truly just feels like I'm in a movie right now.

"I've learnt a lot about myself from this experience. I really love trains. I want there to be more trains in America. This has to be one of the most beautiful routes in the world."