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The Orient Express- 26 Hours Aboard the World's Most Iconic Train

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The Venice Simplon Orient Express (VSOE), renowned as the world's most iconic train, was designed in the late 1800's to transport well-heeled travelers across Europe to Istanbul. Today, Belmond operates the the train which has been fully restored, preserving its 1920s Art Deco style and offers a journey that transcends time. Here's a peek of our trip from Paris to Venice crossing through Switzerland and Lichtenstein before navigating the Brenner Pass into Italy.

Orient Express luxury train Paris to Venice
ALL ABOARD FOR DEPARTURE AT 15;45, DAY 1


Cabins

Orient Express luxury train Paris to Venice
EACH OF THE 8 NEW SUITES FEATURE DESIGNS INSPIRED BY LANDSCAPE THE TRAIN TRAVERSES: COUNTRYSIDE, FOREST, MOUNTAINS AND LAKES


Orient Express luxury train Paris to Venice
WINDOWS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TRAIN IN THE SUITES MAXIMIZES VIEWS ESPECIALLY THOSE OF THE ALPS

The train offers 3 classes of accomodation, Grand Suites, Suites and Historic Cabins. Eight regular suites were added to the repertoire in 2024 to accommodate those wanting creature comforts, like a bathroom 😳, but not quite ready to splurge on a $27,000 for one night in the Grand Suite! These new suites have seating by day which converts into bedding by night and can be configured into one bed or two, while the Grand Suites have a spacious seating area and separate bedroom area.


All suite guests a greeted with a welcome bottle of Veuve Cliquot which is free-flowing throughout the journey.


Orient Express luxury train Paris to Venice
THE COMPACT YET EXTRAORDINARILY ELEGANT HISTORIC CABIN WITH WELCOME CANAPÉS AND GLASSES READY FOR THE BUBBLES

The majoirty of the cabins on the VSOE are Historic Cabins with details that are in keeping with the original design of private quarters and, as such, do not include a bathroom; those can be found of either end of the corridor. Sinks are included in each room. At night the banquet converts into bunkbeds. The cozy rooms still feel luxurious because of detailing like inlaid wooden marquetry and opulant custom fabrics.


Design

Painstaking detail goes into each hand-crafted element of the VSOE.

ART DECO MARQUETRY, LIGHTING AND EVEN TABLEWARE


Orient Express luxury train Paris to Venice
LALIQUE PANELS IN THE COTE D'AZUR DINING CAR

Design elements include Venitian blown glass which is carefully hand etched to create sinks, Venitian custom-made Rubelli fabrics, intricate inlaid wood and hand crafted mosaic floors which are painstackingly placed onto the bathroom floors in small sections. The VSOE is a modern marvel in craftmanship.



Wining & Dining

Orient Express luxury train Paris to Venice
KITCHEN STAFF CREATE IMPRESSIVE ARRAY OF DISHES FROM THEIR CRAMPED QUARTERS

THE DINING CARS OF L'ETOILE DU NORD & COTE D'AZUR


Both the food and the included wines were what you would expect from a high-end restaurant. All the B's were covered- Bordeaux, Burgundy, Barolo and Brunello, why not!?! Caviar is available for a supplement.


Guests traveling from Paris to Venice have dinner after boarding the train in the late afternoon and lunch the following day before an early evening arrival into Venice at approximately 17:30. The Venice to Paris route, on the other hand, serves a 3-course lunch followed by a 3-course dinner on the first day. I will let you do the caloric math on that one!



The Bar Car- Ringing in the New Day

Orient Express luxury train Paris to Venice
"ONE CAN NEVER BE OVERDRESSED ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS" AND BLACK TIE ATTIRE IS DE RIGEUER

FUN NIGHT TO THE WEE HOURS!

Orient Express luxury train Paris to Venice
A BOARDER CROSSING IN SWITZERLAND AT 1AM AFFORDS TRAVELERS A PHOTO OP

It's only one night so even this early bird took advantage of the revalry until the wee hours. The band played all the gilded era hits and seemed to be having just as much fun playing as we guests did listening. Signature cocktails come with a supplement in the Bar Car, 3674, which at the outset seemed a bit exploitive at the rates they charge for the cabins but in the end, we were more than well served and the reasonable tab was well worth the fun!



Impecable Service

Orient Express luxury train Paris to Venice
OUR STEWARD WAS NEVER MORE THAN 5 SECONDS AWAY TO CATER TO OUR NEEDS

Belmond never disappoints when it comes to impeccable service and the VSOE was top notch. The staff truly made the experience even more special and memorable.


TIP- Be sure to let them know if you are celebrating a milestone. My mom celebrated her 80th on the magical train and boy, do they know how to make a girl feel special!


TIP 2- Be sure to send yourself a postcard. There's a post box onboard and VSOE mails the card for you uopn arrival.



Orient Express luxury train Paris to Venice


Ciao for now,


Andrea



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Bo Bryant
Jan 13

What a special trip and what a fabulous way to celebrate your beautiful mother’s 80th birthday!

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