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Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Venice, Italy

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 bathroom, and historic cabins with a bathroom on either side of each carriage, a nod to how the train was during the 1920s.

Within each cabin, there is a small vanity unit complete with a wash basin. There are no showers or toilets in the cabins excluding the three suites, although there is a toilet located at each side of each carriage. Each carriage has a dedicated steward on hand to assist throughout the journey and the steward will change the couch into bunk beds (castle beds) each evening. There are three dining cabins where lunch and dinner are served as well as a Champagne Bar and Bar Car with a resident pianist.

The Venice Simplon Orient-Express departs from Paris and your journey includes transfers from your hotel in Paris to the train station. 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 sparkling wine as the train sets off. You’ll journey across Paris before arriving at Paris Gare du Nord station in the early evening where some fellow passengers will disembark, and others will embark the train. Before or shortly after reaching Paris, you’ll be served a delicious four course dinner in one of the restaurant cars. 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.

Next morning will be spent crossing the Alps. You’ll be served an early breakfast in your cabin while you journey across the Swiss lakes. After some time to relax, you’ll head to one of the restaurant carts where a scrumptious three course lunch will be served. The afternoon can be spent in your cabin relaxing or in the Bar Car. Crossing Italy towards Venice, you’ll be served afternoon tea in your cabin before arriving late afternoon into Venice Santa Lucia station where your journey ends, and you’ll disembark the train.

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.

OUR RATING: First Class

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Audley Travel Country Specialist Kerry-Ann

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Rooms

Carriages contain nine twin cabins with a shared bathroom on either side. None of the 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 designed wood paneling. While you are 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. There are three suites on board the train which are the size of three standard cabins. The three suites have their own bathroom and 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. Any drink costs are extra.

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.

Location & places nearby

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