Venice Simplon-Orient-Express holidays

For decades, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has been synonymous with everything that is sophisticated and glamorous in the world of luxury trains. The name echoes like a spell. Since its maiden journey from Paris to Istanbul in 1883 the Orient Express has been intrinsically linked with the finest travel experiences. Now operated by the connoisseurs at Belmond, the train has been lovingly restored, refurbished and returned to its Art Deco-influenced origins. Today the enchantment and romance are as strong as ever and, in an age that prioritises speed and efficiency when it comes to conveying you to your end destination, the experience of travelling slowly and being on a (luxury) journey is even more alluring.

Indeed, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express doesn't simply stand on a par with the world's other great rail journeys, it stands above them – not least because of its fascinating history and enduringly elegant design. The rolling stock is distinctive down to the smallest detail. Made up of original 1920s and 30s European carriages, painstakingly and lovingly restored to their original elegance and splendour. Look out for marquetry panels and designs by artists of the Art Deco movement, including Rene Lalique. The overall result is a beguiling evocation of the golden age of travel. Yet the experience of being onboard transcends its historical origins and feels utterly contemporary and fresh. Luxury at this level is timeless.

The train now visits a number of Europe’s most enchanting cities. Alongside the traditional, classic journey from London to Venice via Paris (or vice versa), you can now take in everywhere from historic Budapest to luxurious Lake Como. There's also the chance to pair your journey on the train with a luxury cruise, perhaps taking in the Venetian Islands or the historic ports of the Adriatic. Or, for the ultimate luxury rail journey, we suggest that the most discerning traveller should secure a berth on the very special, once-a-year departure from London to Istanbul, an incredible journey that recreates the original 1883 route of the Orient Express. The sheer romance of this holiday is simply unmatched.

 


Special experiences on the Orient Express

There is no more memorable an experience than seeing the train for the first time. Arrive early at the station to get caught up in the giddy excitement of it all as you catch your first glimpse of the blue and gold carriages of the Continental Wagons-Lit. The thrill is palpable and these are memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. 

Climb aboard and step back in time to a more refined, congenial and elegant era. Walk through all the carriages to understand that you’re travelling on a page of history, taking the time to read the plaques identifying each carriage and observing the different décor of each one.

Head to your compartment and settle in, meeting the cabin steward who will anticipate and attend your every need. Unpack your tuxedo and ball gown; you can never be overdressed aboard the elegant carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. When dressed to the nines, hang out in Bar 3674, the social hub of the train and mingle with other passengers. Listen to a pianist play period pieces as you sip pre-dinner signature cocktails expertly prepared by the head barman. Alternatively toast your good taste with a vintage champagne from the train’s extensive selection.

Then, settle yourself into one of the beautifully restored restaurant cars, taking note of the fine linen, French silverware and heavy crystal that hint at the extravagance ahead. Perhaps you’ll try lobsters from Brittany or salt marsh lamb from Mont St Michel.

After a four-course culinary adventure, retire to your cabin, which will have been discretely converted into a sleeping compartment, or your Suite if you've gone for that extra slice of extravagance. Spoil yourself with a night cap then climb into bed to be lulled by the movement of the train as it travels across Europe, perhaps having taken steps to arrange a celebration breakfast in the morning so that you can start the next day with another magical memory.

Service onboard the Orient Express

White-gloved service on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

The Orient Express' bar car

Sip vintage champagne in the elegant bar car


Cabins on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

There are 88 double cabins (upper and lower berth) and 11 single cabins modelled on the 1920s originals. Each private compartment is attended by a cabin steward throughout the journey, which means that you are assured of attentive yet discreet service. Want to idle your way across Europe in your pyjamas, plush bathrobes or indeed anything else, mesmerised by the scenery flashing by from the privacy of your bed or sofa? The staff are impeccably trained.

Historic Cabin

During the day, your cabin acts as a comfortable lounge with a large banquette sofa, footstool and small fold out table. There is a washbasin stylishly hidden away in its own cabinet. While, you enjoy a sumptuous dinner in one of the dining cars and drink cocktails in the bar car, your cabin steward will convert your compartment into a cosy sleeping space with upper and lower berths, complete with crisp white linen. Bathrobes, slippers and luxury amenities by Temple Spa are provided.

Suite

For a shot of additional luxury take a Suite, new for 2023. Featuring an en-suite bathroom – all decadent marble and Venetian glass – they bridge the gap perfectly between the Historic Cabins and the ultra-luxury Grand Suites, detailed below. Of course, you can expect all the usual touches, from art-deco flourishes to polished wood and exquisite marquetry. Suites come with a choice of double or twin beds, which convert into a lounge for daytime relaxation. 

Grand Suite

These incredibly spacious suites bring a new level of luxury to the already opulent train. And, in a welcome departure from the faithful reproduction elsewhere, each Grand Suite includes a private en suite bathroom with showers, sinks and toilet, as well as a double bedroom and a sizeable living area. Named after the cities most associated with the train, these suites are designed in keeping with the general Art Deco motif but draw on their namesake’s associations; chic haute couture flourishes, renaissance design, Venetian-style glass lamps, grand Baroque touches and opulent embroidered pillows and rugs that echo the Grand Bazaar can all be seen. There are also more choices of where and when to dine, including private dining in your own suite, complimentary caviar on arrival and free-flowing champagne in your suite at all times. Perfection!.


Historic cabin on board the Orient Express

The 1920s styling of a Historic cabin

The all-new Suites on the Orient Express

The all-new Suites: elegant and private

Grand suite aboard the Orient Express

A Grand Suite: the ultimate in onboard luxury


Suggested itineraries

Grand Canal, Venice
Special offer

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Venice to Paris or London

4-day luxury rail journey from £4,515 pp excl. flights

Save up to £775 pp – ends 30 Sep

A counterpoint to the classic London to Venice route, this journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express begins in Italy's floating city before crossing the Alps in style en route to Paris.

Verona, Italy
Special offer

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Verona to Paris or London

4-day luxury rail journey from £0 pp excl. flights

Save up to £775 pp – ends 30 Sep

Beginning with a luxury city stay and included walking tour in Verona, you'll board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for an unforgettable journey across Europe, steeped in the elegant traditions of 1920s rail travel.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Special offer

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: London or Paris to Venice

5-day luxury rail holiday from £5,145 pp excl. flights

Add a complimentary Eurostar in Premier Class – ends 30 Sep

The ultimate in luxury rail travel, this is the iconic southbound journey from Paris to Venice aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, paired with stays in two luxury hotels.

Florence, Italy
Special offer

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Florence to Paris or London

4-day luxury rail journey from £4,795 pp excl. flights

Add a complimentary Eurostar in Premier Class – ends 30 Sep

Journey aboard the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, starting amid the exquisite architecture of Florence before crossing the Alps in style.

Grand Suite (Artist's Impression), Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Grand Suite Experience

5-day luxury rail journey from £12,085 pp excl. flights

From free-flowing champagne to complimentary caviar, experience the ultimate in luxury rail travel as you journey to Venice in style, enjoying all the indulgences of a Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Grand Suite.

Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: London or Paris to Istanbul

10-day luxury rail journey from £20,440 pp excl. flights

Experience the glamour and style of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express as it returns to its original route, sweeping across Europe through France, Hungary and Romania to the gateway between east and west – Istanbul.

Brussels, Belgium

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Venice to Brussels

7-day tailor-made holiday from £5,285 pp excl. flights

This journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express starts among the exquisite architecture of Italy's floating city before crossing the Alps in style en route to the gastronomy, architecture and cafe culture of Brussels.

Amsterdam Canal Sunset

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Venice & Amsterdam

6-day tailor-made holiday from £5,285 pp excl. flights

Enjoy a luxury stay in the heart of Venice, followed by the glamour of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, pairing fine dining and alpine views en route to the canals and museums of Amsterdam.

St. Charles's Church, Vienna

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Vienna to Paris or London

4-day luxury rail journey from £5,840 pp excl. flights

Board the world’s most elegant train for a luxury journey to remember as you're transported not just from Vienna to Paris but all the way back to the glamour of the Roaring Twenties.

Danube River, Budapest, Hungary
Special offer

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Budapest to Paris or London

5-day luxury rail journey from £5,140 pp excl. flights

Add a complimentary Eurostar in Premier Class – ends 30 Sep

From the Ottoman treasures of Budapest to the 1920s fineries of the world's most elegant train, this is luxury rail travel at its finest.

Murano, Venice Islands

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Venice’s Islands

4-day luxury rail journey from £5,375 pp excl. flights

Before travelling on the world’s exclusive train, hop between Venice’s archipelago, centring on a luxury stay on your very own private island.

Arena di Verona

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Verona Opera

5-day luxury rail journey from £5,075 pp excl. flights

This spectacular short break combines a journey on the world’s most elegant train with a stay in a converted palace and tickets to the opera at the iconic Arena di Verona.

Varenna, Lake Como

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Lake Como

7-day luxury rail journey from £7,540 pp excl. flights

Travel from London to Verona onboard the world’s most famous train, finishing off with a truly opulent stay on the shores of Italian lake country.

Cannes, France
Special offer

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: London or Paris to Cannes

5-day luxury rail journey from £4,945 pp excl. flights

Save up to £370 pp – ends 30 Sep

Enjoy a slice of the high life as you pair the world's most iconic train with the glamour of the French Riviera – a summer journey not to be missed.

Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Istanbul to Paris or London

9-day Luxury rail journey from £19,950 pp excl. flights

This is your chance to retrace the route of the original Orient Express, but in reverse, travelling in unmatched style between Istanbul and Paris. You'll also be treated to luxury stays in Bucharest, Budapest and the French capital.

Roman Forum, Rome
Special offer

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Rome to Paris or London

4-day tailor-made holiday from £4,440 pp excl. flights

Add a complimentary Eurostar in Premier Class – ends 30 Sep

Journey aboard the world's most famous train from the ancient wonders of Rome, though the heart of alpine Europe, to the City of Lights – Paris.

St Mark's Square, Venice

Northern Italy Cruise & Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

11-day tailor-made holiday from £7,875 pp excl. flights

Experience one of travel's great pairings as you combine a cruise among the treasures of Northern Italy with the luxurious delights of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Burano at sunset, Italy

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Northern Italy Cruise

12-day tailor-made holiday from £8,360 pp excl. flights

Discover Venice and its surrounds in unmatched style as you pair the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with a luxury Venice lagoon cruise.

Mykonos, Greece
Special offer

The Adriatic, Mykonos & Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

11-day luxury rail & cruise holiday from £8,520 pp excl. flights

Save up to £1,220 pp – ends 30 Sep

Take the world’s most famous train to Venice for a luxury all-inclusive cruise with Regent Seven Seas, visiting Croatia, Montenegro and the magical Greek island of Mykonos.

Dubrovnik, Croatia
Special offer

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Adriatic cruise

14-day luxury rail & cruise holiday from £11,280 pp excl. flights

Save up to £1,275 pp – ends 30 Sep

Journey from Paris to Venice on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express luxury train, then explore the history and beauty of the Adriatic on an all-inclusive Regent Seven Seas cruise.

Turquoise stone beach in Rovinj, Croatia
Special offer

Adriatic Odyssey with Ponant & the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

14-day luxury rail and cruise holiday from £11,390 pp excl. flights

Save up to £625 pp – ends 30 Sep

From the medieval walls of Dubrovnik to the romantic waterways of Venice, experience the best of the Adriatic aboard Ponant's L'Austral. Following a stay in the city of canals, you'll experience the old-world glamour of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Vltava River, Prague

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: London to Paris & Prague

4-day luxury rail journey from £4,675 pp excl. flights

A journey on the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, travelling from Paris to medieval Prague. Enjoy a city stay in luxurious hotel accommodation and, of course, a night onboard the train itself.

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