Discovery Trains Portrait: Yulia

What has been your most memorable train journey?

The trip that stands out the most for me was a train journey in China. Not only because I experienced it with my husband — I usually travel alone to test itineraries — but also because it was a real challenge. China isn’t like Europe: ticket reservations can be complex, and you often have to pick up tickets at the station. Yet everything went smoothly, and I felt a genuine sense of accomplishment. During that trip, I tested almost every kind of train, from high-speed services to overnight sleepers. That experience was invaluable in designing our itinerary The Must-See Sights of the Chinese Empire.

Do you have a favorite train in the world?

My favorite is The Canadian, the transcontinental train , the transcontinental train that runs between Toronto and Vancouver. It’s arguably the best regular train in the world, with excellent onboard dining and panoramic cars where you can relax, watch the landscapes roll by, and even enjoy informal talks with fellow passengers. After three days together, you end up sharing stories and a drink with new friends.

Yulia in front of VIA Rail’s Canadian, her favorite train in the world © Discovery Trains

What about in Europe? Any favorites there?

In Europe, I’d pick the Rovaniemi night train in Finland, also known as the Santa Claus Express. It’s one of the best regular night trains I know: excellent value, with private toilets and showers in first class, and incredible views of forested landscapes under the midnight sun.

Yulia in Rovaniemi, in front of the Santa Claus Train © Discovery Trains

There’s even a photo of you with Santa Claus?

Yes — it was hilarious standing next to Santa in June! The village operates year-round, and Santa actually talks to you. Around him, the elves and staff are all busily creating this cartoon-like atmosphere.

In Rovaniemi with Santa Claus © Discovery Trains

What kind of routes do you prefer?

The train journeys I love most are those that run alongside water. That feeling of moving between land and sea is unbeatable. For example, the stretch from Marseille to Nice along the French Riviera, the coastal trains in Italy’s Cinque Terre, the fjord-hugging railways of Norway, or even sections of the Trans-Siberian near Lake Baikal — those are the moments that make train travel magical.

 Long live trains that run along the water © Discovery Trains

Have you also tested luxury trains?

Absolutely. The first special train I tried was the Orient Silk Road Express train— more of a high-comfort experience than classic luxury, with rich decoration inspired by Uzbekistan, attentive service, and excellent local cuisine. I’ve also traveled on the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and the Spanish Al Ándalus.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a legendary train. What left the strongest impression on you?

What really stood out was the impeccable service on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. I immediately recognized the hallmarks of high-end hospitality — the kind I learned early in my career while working in a five-star hotel in Paris: never imposing your opinion, always anticipating guests’ needs.

But what surprised me most was how unpretentious the atmosphere felt. Before boarding the Orient-Express, you tend to worry about not being dressed well enough — Do I look elegant enough? Do I have the “right” accessories? You expect a certain level of judgment. In reality, it’s nothing like that. Even though everyone makes an effort to dress up, you never feel scrutinized or evaluated, either by the staff or by fellow travelers. It’s undeniably elegant — but never intimidating or showy.

Yulia with her partner Laure and the VSOE management team © Discovery Trains

Which luxury train is your favorite?

I adore the Al Ándalus. It’s not ultra-luxury like the VSOE, but its historic charm and comfort are exceptional. The Belle Époque cabins are spacious, and the train is part of Spanish railway heritage — that history gives it soul.

With the head of onboard dining on the Al Andalus © Discovery Trains

You split your time between France and Switzerland. How did that come about?

Before Discovery Trains, I worked at an agency specializing in the Trans-Siberian Railway. When the Ukraine war began, we had to rethink our flagship destination. We wanted something nearby but richly complex — and Switzerland emerged as an obvious choice. Despite its size, the Swiss rail system is beautifully dense, with panoramic and regional lines, and combinations of train, bus, and boat that make planning journeys fascinating.
My partner Laure and I took an extensive train trip across Switzerland to study it firsthand, and that trip was decisive in shaping our Swiss offerings. Today, I split my life between Paris and Lausanne — and I truly love this country.

Yulia and Laure’s first trip to Switzerland © Discovery Trains

Did you fall in love with Switzerland ?

Yes — absolutely. I had been living in France for fourteen years, but I had never visited Switzerland. It felt a bit intimidating: people said it was both incredibly beautiful and very expensive. From my very first professional trips, I was completely won over. I found the country welcoming and a really pleasant place to live. At the same time, my husband found a job in Switzerland, and we decided to move there. Today, I split my time between Paris and Lausanne.

In Geneva © Discovery Trains

Do you have a favorite Swiss train?

Without hesitation, the Bernina Express — or rather its route. Between St. Moritz and Tirano, you go from Alpine heights to near-Mediterranean landscapes in just over two hours, a journey that perfectly matches its nickname from glaciers to palms.

At Alp Grüm, a spectacular stop on the Bernina Express route © Discovery Trains

What do you like most about Switzerland?

A bit of everything. The cities, the mountains, the people… but also how close you are to the countryside. In Switzerland, you can leave the city, drive for a short while, and suddenly find yourself in a small village with cows grazing in the fields. I really love that. I grew up in a small village in Russia, so maybe it subconsciously takes me back to my roots.

Switzerland seen from the train  © Discovery Trains