Orient Express

Introduction

A work of art in itself and a true Art Deco icon, the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train offers a journey unlike any other. Step aboard and you enter a more gracious, elegant age of travel.

Romance, adventure and style are all intimately bound up in journeys and tours that criss-cross Europe, rolling through sublime scenery to some of the continent’s most alluring cities.

Delightful vintage cabins, gastronomic cuisine and lively on-board entertainment make a journey aboard this iconic train one of the world’s finest travel experiences—a sequence of unforgettable moments.

To discuss itinerary and destination options, and to enquire about available dates and prices, please call us on 01622 608265 or Contact Us

Image credits  to Orient-Express Hotels (UK) Ltd, Matt Hind, Dr Shirley Sherwood, JP Masclet

The Story

A landmark moment in railway history, October 1883 saw the launch of the original Orient Express. Leaving from Paris, it steamed through the Alps, Budapest and Bucharest to Constantinople.

Packed with grandees and unheard of luxuries such as soap by the washbasins, reports swiftly came back of its exquisite food, excellent wine and impeccable service.

This legendary train continued to carry kings, celebrities and shady characters between great European cities up until its 1920s heyday. Many of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express's current carriages date from this era. After World War II other forms of transport nudged it into decline. Its last service as a regular passenger train was in May 1977.

To discuss itinerary and destination options, and to enquire about available dates and prices, please call us on 01622 608265 or Contact Us

Onboard

Please read on to learn more about what you can expect from a journey onboard the Venice Simplon Orient-Express.

Cabins

Travelling in private cabins impeccably restored to their former glory, passengers are assured of a truly unique travel experience complemented by the very best personal service.

Each cabin has an 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 luxurious bedroom, all performed by cabin stewards whilst passengers enjoy a gourmet dinner in the restaurant car.

Double Cabins feature a single cabin room, whilst Cabin Suites feature the ultimate luxury of two inter-connecting cabins. Toilet facilities are available in each carriage, luxuriously appointed and maintained to the highest standards by the onboard stewards.

Dining

Dining on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is an unforgettable delight. All dishes are freshly prepared on the train by skilled French chefs, with the finest supplies taken onboard during the train's journey.

Lunch, dinner and brunch are served by waiters in one of the three individually styled Restaurant Cars: Cote d’Azur, Etoile du Nord or L' Oriental. Breakfast and afternoon tea are served to passengers in the comfort of the train's luxury cabins.

Table d'hôte meals are included in the fare, while an à la carte menu and 24-hour compartment service is available additionally. The Maitre D' will come to your cabin to take your lunch and dinner reservations in advance of your meal.

The Bar Car

Famous for its delicious cocktails and welcoming atmosphere the Bar Car 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.

Transformed and designed by Gerard Gallet from a dining car, the Bar Car is the ideal rendezvous to enjoy relaxed conversation before or after dinner, and to warm to the skills of the resident pianist.

Dressing for the occasion is all part of the experience. The guide is that you can never be overdressed aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. But whilst you relax in the Bar Car ponder this question – which came first, the baby grand piano, or the carriage that surrounds it?

Sample Menus

The onboard chefs will be delighted to cater for any specific dietry requirements, provided a detailed request is made at the time of booking.
Take a look at the sample menu below for a taste of the culinary delights that passengers can experience during their journey (please note that menus are subject to change without notice)...

Boutique

The intimate onboard boutique is located at the rear of the Lalique car. What better way to remember this memorable journey, than to enjoy a gift from the Collection Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

These train inspired home accessories include their original art nouveau brass table lamp and hand blown French crystal. Plus, classically fashioned ladies' and gentlemens' accessories in luxury pure silk, cashmere and velvet. So whether you are choosing something for yourself, or selecting a gift for a friend, it will forever remain a beautiful memento of your journey.

To discuss itinerary and destination options, and to enquire about available dates and prices, please call us on 01622 608265 or Contact Us

Destinations

Journeys onboard the Orient Express run annually from March to November and include all table d'hôte meals, service and private accommodation. The Venice-Simplon Orient Express visits the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Poland and Turkey.

The Signature Journeys

London - Venice
London - Venice (Return)
Venice - London
London - Venice - Rome
Paris - Budapest - Bucharest - Istanbul
Istanbul - Bucharest - Budapest - Venice
Venice - Krakow - Dresden - London

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express also travels between several other European destinations, including...

Paris - Venice
Venice - Paris
Venice - Prague - London
Venice - Budapest - London
Venice - Vienna - London
Rome - Venice
Venice - Rome

We are delighted to tailor-make your journey onboard the Venice-Simplon Orient Express into an inclusive holiday featuring luxury hotel stays, city tours, sightseeing and Opera - just Contact Us with your requirements and wishes, and allow us to do the rest.

To discuss itinerary and destination options, and to enquire about available dates and prices, please call us on 01622 608265 or Contact Us

Example Itinerary

Below, we have provided details of one of the most popular journeys onboard the Orient Express - a trip from London to Venice.

Please Contact Us to discuss itinerary options for an Orient Express journey to your preferred destinations. Whether you wish to travel independently, or as part of a small escorted tour, we are sure to have the ideal holiday solution for you.
 

London to Venice - The Classic Journey

Depart London mid-morning for your luxurious overnight journey to Venice, where you arrive late afternoon the next day.

Day 1 - As you board the gleaming carriages of the British Pullman train at London Victoria station, your steward will show you to your reserved seat. Sit back and enjoy Brunch served with a Bellini as you travel throughout the Kentish countryside. After crossing the channel board the blue and gold carriages of the Continental Wagons-Lits.

Throughout your journey you will be attended by your own personal Steward. After you have settled into your comfortable private cabin it will soon be time to dress for dinner. Why not sip a pre-dinner cocktail before making your way to one of the magnificent restaurant cars. Here you will be served a delicious four-course dinner, prepared by our skilled French chefs. After dinner you may want to linger in the bar car, listening to the sound of the baby grand piano. When you are ready, retire to your cabin, which has now been transformed into a cosy bedroom.

Day 2 - You awake to the magnificent scenery of the Swiss Alps as breakfast is served in your cabin at a time to suit you. Spend the morning in the Bar Car chatting to fellow guests over coffee. Enjoy a leisurely three-course lunch served in another of the beautiful restaurant cars. While away the afternoon with a visit to the on board Boutique to purchase souvenirs, or relax in your cabin and admire passing scenery as the train travels through the Italian Dolomites. Later, afternoon tea is served in your cabin as you travel through the Brenner Pass. All too soon it is time to prepare to disembark as the train crosses the Venetian Lagoon and pulls into Santa Lucia station.

Please note: the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express route is subject to change without prior warning due to last minute railway engineering works or similar.

Day Trips

• Best of British
• Christmas
• Fine Dining
• Flower Shows
• Signature Journeys
• Seasonal Events
• Special Occasions
• Sporting Spectacle
• Steam Hauled
• The Dinner

Weekend Breaks

Loch Lomond & The Highland Games Weekend

Discover the beauty of Loch Lomond, the largest expanse of freshwater in Great Britain and the annual Highland Games at Balloch Country Park on the banks of the beautiful Loch.

Inverness Weekend

Enjoy a wonderful break in Inverness. Originally a fortress fought over by warring highland clans, and now the capital of the Highland Region, Inverness lies quietly on the banks of the beautiful River Ness.

St Andrews Golf or Spa Weekend

Join the Northern Belle for a weekend break at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, where you'll have the choice of playing memorable rounds of golf, or the opportunity to while away the time with a selection of spa treatments.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo Weekend

Enjoy the music and pageantry of this world-renowned event within the imposing battlements of Edinburgh Castle, and enjoy Edinburgh's many other fascinating attractions.