The Orient Express experience has always been something more than a mere train journey. Ever since 1883, when the Orient Express made its first journey from Paris to Istanbul, it has captured the imagination of the world.
Throughout, the train has been the temporary home of aristocrats, royalty, spies, film stars and writers – as well as, of course a certain fictional Belgian detective.
There is no more special sight than seeing the train for the first time, whether you are boarding the umber and cream carriages of the British Pullman at London’s Victoria station or the blue and gold Continental Wagons-Lits in Venice, Calais or another of it’s European destinations. This memory will last a lifetime.
Step aboard the Orient Express and you step back into a more gracious and elegant age. Today, the glamour and romance lives on, and, in an age that too often reduces travel to speed and convenience, the experience is more alluring than ever.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is distinctive down to the smallest detail. The train is composed of original 1920s and 30s European carriages, painstakingly and lovingly restored to their original elegance and grandeur. They boast exquisite marquetry panels and designs by artists of the art deco movement, including René Laliqué.
The service is perfectly in keeping with the setting. Once your journey starts, settle into your private cabin and watch Europe’s finest scenery gliding by. Whilst on board, you will have a personal steward, who will provide attentive, yet discreet service. Your steward will show you to your compartment of polished brass, gleaming inlaid wood, crisp linen and soft towels. Your comfortable compartment provides a restful oasis, offering panoramic views of the ever changing landscape.
Your meals on board will be unforgettable. Set the tone with a visit to the Bar Car, famous for its delicious cocktails and welcoming atmosphere it is the heart of the train. It is truly a unique, intimate and stylish experience that resounds to the voices of royalty, heads of state and celebrities such as Gregory Peck, Alan Whicker and Cher. Dressing for the occasion is all part of the experience. Our guide is that you can never be overdressed aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Then on to one of our three dining cars, softly muted lighting enhances the mood while fine linen, French silverware and heavy crystal invite you to prepare for a meal to remember.
In the dining cars, the attention to detail is breathtaking: the linen, the silverware and the crystal glassware are all alluring parts of the experience. The overall result is a beguiling evocation of the golden age of travel. Yet, like all true classics, it transcends its historical origins and feels utterly fresh and contemporary. At this level, luxury is timeless.
Meals on board are an unforgettable delight. All dishes are freshly prepared onboard by French chefs, with the finest supplies taken onboard during the train’s journey.
Brunch, lunch and dinner are served in one of the three individually designed Restaurant Cars: the Lalique, Etoile du Nord or the Chinoise with service provided by attentive Italian waiters. Breakfast and afternoon tea are served in passengers’ compartments.
Travelling in private compartments, passengers are attended by Cabin Stewards throughout the journey, and are assured of attentive yet discreet service. Each compartment has its own original washbasin cabinet with hot and cold water, and at night-time becomes a comfortable bedroom, complete with soft towels and crisp linen. Cabins convert in moments from daytime seating to a comfortable bedroom. For added comfort, cabin suites, made up of two interconnecting double cabins, are recommended.
The train now visits some of Europe’s most evocative destinations. The traditional route between London, Paris and Venice (or vice versa) is now complimented by departures from Venice to the exciting cities of Vienna, Prague, Budapest and Krakow. For the most discerning of travellers, the Orient-Express invites you to embark on its annual, very special departure to Istanbul, re-creating the original journey of 1883. The sheer romance of the on-board experience is entirely undiminished.
Enjoy the uncompromising luxury of the authentic period carriages, and the finest quality of service, amid some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
A variety of journeys is available, which can be taken individually or as a centrepiece to a European holiday. Choose to travel on the train and make your own arrangements, or enjoy a holiday that incorporates visits to exciting cities, such as Venice, Vienna, Prague and Istanbul.
Whatever your destination, you can be sure of superb service, a veritable feast of sumptuous menus and perhaps, in the hectic world of the 21st century, a nostalgic reminder of a time when the journey was as important, if not more so, than the destination.
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