Telegraph Travel Awards 2013: Best rail tour operator Orient Express's trains set the standard for all other tourist trains. Since the first run of the British Pullman and continental Orient Express in 1982, they and the four trains created since then have become a byword for quality. The carriages themselves are models of craftsmanship in wood, brass, glass and textiles, creating the perfect ambience for train travel at its best. Complementing such luxury are the miraculous creations of the small galley kitchens, serving food that would distinguish a high-end dining kitchen. The Orient Express is best known for its traditional run between London/Paris and Venice, but it also makes other journeys through central and eastern Europe. On itineraries longer than one night, hotels are used because the train offers an authentic 1920s experience of luxury train travel, and that did not include showers. For a six-day holiday of a lifetime, the train annually replicates as far as possible the original 1883 route of the first Orient. Generously sized cabins with en-suite shower are provided on the sumptuously appointed Royal Scotsman, which tours the most scenic parts of Scotland, with some themed journeys focusing on country homes and gardens, whisky and golf. Themes or events are common in the itineraries of the Northern Belle, comparable with the British Pullman but using more modern coaches. The air-conditioned Eastern & Oriental Express offers three itineraries from Bangkok taking three or six nights, visiting some of the most impressive sights of Thailand and Laos. The carriages and en-suite cabins were designed to be redolent of the train in the 1932 film Shanghai Express. Named after the rediscover of the Inca ruins at Machu Picchu, the Hiram Bingham from Cuzco has become the way to reach the Inca ruins for day or longer trips, with brunch and a gourmet dinner served on the train. Rocky Mountaineer, operating within British Columbia, Alberta and Washington State, has built up a fine reputation for the service quality of its trains over four main routes through the Canadian Rockies and along the west coast. Using hotels for overnight stops ensures that no part of the spectacular mountain scenery is missed, and the dome cars, open veranda and on-train cooking in Gold Leaf have made it the finest way to experience the Canadian Rockies. Ffestiniog Travel has built up a loyal clientele with its escorted rail tours and bespoke rail-based booking service. Besides the more common tours of Switzerland and Austria, Ffestiniog Travel visits smaller countries such as Kosovo, Macedonia, Romania and Vietnam. Clients have the warm feeling that profits go to support the heritage Welsh Highland and Ffestiniog railways. Anthony Lambert See more Luxury train suites around the world