One of the most celebrated rail journeys in the world, the Venice Simplon Orient-Express is a memorable trip. The train has been lovingly restored in Art Deco style, with polished wood and sumptuous upholstery throughout. Accommodation on the train consists of: Grand suites and suites with private bathrooms, and historic cabins, a nod to how the train was during the 1920s. Added to the train in 2024 was the opulent L’Observatire. An entire, exclusive use carriage designed by acclaimed artist JR and inspired by astronomical observatories. Guests of L’Observatire will enjoy a private bedroom, freestanding bath, lounge area and even their own library.
Within each historic cabin, there is a small vanity unit complete with a wash basin. There are no showers or toilets in these cabins, although there is a toilet located at either end of a carriage. Dedicated stewards are on hand in each carriage to assist throughout the journey and they will change the couch into bunk beds (castle beds) each evening. The suites enjoy double or twin beds and private marble en suite bathrooms. The more spacious and decadent grand suites have the addition of a lounge area, a personal steward and free-flowing champagne.
There are three dining cabins where lunch and dinner are served as well as a Bar Car with a resident pianist.
The Venice Simplon Orient-Express journeys across Europe on various routes, the most typical being between Paris and Venice. On arrival at the station, you’ll be met by your dedicated steward and board the legendary Orient Express. You’ll be served a glass of champagne as the train sets off.
Next it will be time to dine, you’ll be seated in one of the dining carriages and enjoy a delicious seasonal menu paired with wines by the resident sommelier.
The rest of the evening is yours to relax in your cabin, which will have been transformed into a bedroom, or spend time in the Bar Car with other guests enjoying snacks and drinks.
Next morning you’ll be served a light breakfast in your cabin. Depending on your exact journey route, you may later enjoy a scrumptious three course lunch before disembarking.
The journey is subject to change without prior warning due to international railway constraints.
There is a strict dress code on board. Smart day wear and formal evening wear is required. Dressing up is encouraged.
OUR OPINION:
One of the most celebrated and famous train journeys in the world, a trip on the Orient is like transporting back in time to the heyday of rail travel in the 1920s and 1930s.
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Photos of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
English countryside, British Pullman
The British Pullman, Venice Simplon Orient-Express
Mountain scenery, Venice Simplon Orient-Express
Bar Car 3674, Venice Simplon Orient-Express
Train exterior, Venice Simplon Orient-Express
Staff, British Pullman
Rooms
The accommodation on the train consists of six grand suites, eight suites, forty historic cabins and L’Observatoire.
Most carriages contain nine twin cabins with a shared restroom on either side. None of these cabins have shower facilities. Within the cabin there is a banquette and a table as well as a washbasin and towels. Each cabin is decorated in Art Deco style with highly polished wood panelling. While you’re having dinner, your cabin steward will transform the sofa into a bedroom with single bunk beds. Two interconnecting twin cabins become a cabin suite which are double the size of the standard cabins and have a banquette at one side and single bunk beds on the other side.
The eight suites are configured as either twin or double bed. These more spacious cabins, double the size of the historic cabins benefit from their own marble en-suite bathrooms. The six grand suites are equivalent to the size of three historic cabins. They have a dedicated butler service, free flowing champagne, and en suite marble bathroom with walk-in shower.
You'll be given keys for your cabin. Wi-Fi is available throughout the train.
Location
Starting in Venice, the train travels across Europe, stopping briefly at each country border until you reach Paris. At Paris you will disembark to maybe stay the night, and then take the Eurostar to the UK.
Food and drink
There are three dining carriages on the train, and you'll be allocated a specific carriage for each meal. There are two sittings for each meal. Food served is prepared on board by French chefs. Menus are set menus and are included in your booking along with a selection of wines. Other drinks including those in the bar car will be charged on the spot.
The experienced chefs are excellent at curating menus for various dietary requirements.
Facilities and activities
There is an on-board boutique shop which is located close to the Bar Car 3674 where you can purchase Orient Express memorabilia.
Tour ideas in Venice
Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Venice Simplon-Orient-Express as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.
Experiences while staying here
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.
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Mask making experience, Venice ![Carnival Masks in Street Market, Verona]()
Mask making experience, Venice
Mask making experience, Venice
Learn about the history of Venice’s vibrant and elaborate masks and try your hand at making your own with materials such as brocade edging and bright acrylic paints.
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Panoramic boat tour of Venice ![Palace canal and Bridge of Sighs, Venice]()
Panoramic boat tour of Venice
Panoramic boat tour of Venice
Travel along the waterways of Venice by boat, viewing the city from the water on this two-hour tour. You’ll see the different areas of the city and will even have the opportunity to view the lagoons and outlying islands.
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St Mark's Square & Doge's Palace secret histories tour ![View of St Mark's and the Doge's Palace, Venice]()
St Mark's Square & Doge's Palace secret histories tour
St Mark's Square & Doge's Palace secret histories tour
This half day tour takes you to the iconic Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Square, and St Mark's Basilica. You will also have the opportunity to see some hidden areas of the Doge’s Palace not always open to the public.
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Venice and nearby places
- Verona 65 miles away
- Ravenna 71 miles away
- Dolomites 72 miles away
- Bologna 81 miles away
- Alta Badia 82 miles away
- Lake Garda 83 miles away
- Sirmione 84 miles away
- Gardone Riviera 87 miles away
- Modena 88 miles away
- Madonna di Campiglio 91 miles away