Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: A World Of Luxury and Elegance

From the moment my boat arrived to take me from my hotel

to Venezia Santa Lucia Railway Station, I knew I was in for a treat. As I stepped aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, I was transported back to the Golden Age of Travel. The Art Deco-style lounge and glamorous interiors of the train set the scene for what would be an unforgettable journey. Sumptuous carriages dressed in glossy cherry wood paneling and period design details exude a sense of luxury and elegance that is hard to find in modern-day travel. Settling into my own sleeper cabin, I couldn’t help but admire the attention to detail in the restoration, craftsmanship, and service. It was evident that every aspect of my journey had been carefully considered and crafted by Europe’s finest artisans. From the personal transfer that whisked me from my hotel to the train station in Venice, a destination forever associated with this iconic journey, to the gracious welcomes and attentive service aboard the train, every detail was perfect.

The journey took us between two of the most charming canal cities in the world: Venice and Amsterdam. We made our way across the Dolomites and the Alps and passed through seven countries in total, which offered plenty of moments to marvel at the beauty of the ever changing landscape from the comfort of our private cabins or the lingering over drinks in the lounge. And then there was the gastronomy! The cuisine was simply exquisite, made from the finest ingredients and recipes taken from along the train journey. Our evening began in the piano lounge, where a musician entertained passengers as our bartender expertly mixed the drinks for our elegant cocktail hour. The service was attentive and friendly, and for an additional unique experience, guests staying in one of the beautifully hand-restored Grand Suites could enjoy a special dinner with the Train Manager in one of the three restaurants onboard. I also loved the breakfast service in the cabin, which was followed later in the day by an indulgent afternoon tea and a seamless turn-down service.

Image credit: Name Person

No travel wish list would be complete without a nostalgic trip on this glamorous sleeper train. Evocative of days gone by, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the modern-day approach to slow travel, and one which allows guests to venture back in time. The personalized service, luxurious accommodations, and delicious cuisine make it a perfect choice for those who appreciate cultural experiences and reliving the golden days of travel. For me, this was not just a journey, but an unforgettable experience that exceeded all of my expectations. It was truly a journey of a lifetime, one that I will always treasure and hold close to my heart.

From March to December, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers several starting points and routes across continental Europe from many of its most beloved destinations, including Venice, Paris, Prague, Rome, Budapest, Geneva, Florence, Verona, Lyon, Innsbruck, Vienna, and a special limited edition classic journey to Istanbul.