Italian luxury hospitality group Arsenale has acquired Golden Eagle, the Manchester-headquartered pioneer in rail cruising, creating what both companies describe as the first truly global group in luxury rail tourism.
Golden Eagle, established more than 35 years ago, is renowned for its award-winning service and iconic journeys including the Trans-Siberian Railway and Silk Road. Operating two luxury trains, and holding exclusive charter rights for the Silk Road Train in Asia, the company also runs 12 immersive European tours, with four new itineraries scheduled to debut in 2026 and three more in 2027.
The partnership will enable Golden Eagle to launch a fleet renewal programme supported by Arsenale’s rail manufacturing expertise, while accelerating its expansion in Asia. Operations will be coordinated from Dubai and Manchester, strengthening Arsenale’s global presence across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, where the group is preparing to launch the Dream of the Desert service in Saudi Arabia.
Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale, said: “With the acquisition of Golden Eagle, we have created the first truly global group in luxury rail tourism. This is not simply an acquisition, but the foundation of an international platform.”
Tim Littler, Founder of Golden Eagle, added: “Our new partnership with Arsenale represents a pivotal moment for the luxury rail industry, poised not only to elevate standards of opulence and service but also to redefine the essence of slow travel on a global scale.”
The move unites two family-led businesses and signals a significant expansion for the luxury rail sector, blending Italian design expertise with Golden Eagle’s legacy of immersive rail journeys.