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.

Cabins


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.

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

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

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

FUN NIGHT TO THE WEE HOURS!

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

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.

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