ON BOARD THE BELMOND VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS

In the annals of travel writing, one legend has sparked wonder in every era: the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Few experiences can rival that offered by this celebrated train, born during the golden age of rail travel. Its historic coaches await you. Step on board for a voyage beyond time, and let yourself be transported by the magic of the legend.

The saga began in the last century – in 1977 to be precise – when an English entrepreneur by the name of James B. Sherwood acquired a set of coaches at auction with the idea of transforming them into a luxury train. Indeed, in order to expand his project, he embarked on a quest for similar carriages right across Europe. In 1982, the first Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express departed, conveying its passengers from northern France to La Serenissima in Italy. 

Promising an unforgettable journey through some of Europe’s most exquisite scenery, the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has, right from the start, been a byword for glamour and romance, elegance and timeless luxury. Now as in yesteryear, the aura of its resplendent blue coaches continues to fire the collective imagination. A theater of extraordinary events and encounters, this legendary train makes the hearts of travelers the world over beat faster: writers, film directors, aristocrats, intrepid explorers and anyone with romance in their soul… 

The Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a journey within the journey. A dazzling example of craftsmanship, the train reveals the creative passion of those who polish it, restore it and lavish it with care during those months of the year when it is not in service. Each detail is meticulously curated, each coach carefully maintained, each cabin luxuriously appointed, offering an immersion into the extravagance of the 1920s together with every modern amenity.  

Unique savoir-faire and an array of time-honored techniques are required to preserve this miracle in motion with its polished wood, subtle gilding, precious marquetry and lustrous fabrics. 

On board, time seems to stand still and every moment is an invitation to enchantment and exploration. Whether you choose to relax in your luxurious cabin, to savor the fine cuisine in one of the three elegant dining cars, or to enjoy the convivial ambiance of the champagne bar, the on-board crew provide every guest with bespoke service and a memorable experience. 

As night falls, the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express reveals a new dimension to the delight of passengers in the famous Car 3674, where animated conversations are accompanied by the notes of a grand piano. The carriages glide smoothly through the darkened landscape and – after a night of festivities – breakfast is served in your cabin with a view over the mountains of Italy. Every instant on board is a memory to be cherished for eternity. 

The art of travel attains its ultimate expression in this escape from the everyday, where the voyage itself becomes an adventure. A pioneer of luxury tourism, Belmond has perpetuated this heritage to perfection, transforming a mere journey into a unique experience with its elegant fusion of tradition and innovation. Indeed, this skillful reinvention without ever losing its essence is what makes the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express a timeless travel icon.