It is a jewel of Art Deco that parades its finery through the depths of the Old Continent, constituting the dream of every traveler. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is pure luxury on rails. A legendary train that combines the splendor of the early 20th century with the reminiscence of intrigue novels. Florence, Prague, or Istanbul are just some of the cities where its exquisite carriages dock, marked by a sophistication only suitable for the privileged.
Now, Christmas can also be celebrated to the rhythm of its rattling. Because, until now, journeys on this coveted train only took place between March and November, this year there is an important novelty: for the first time, its schedule extends to December, which means its romantic opulence will also be circulating during the festive season.
Snowy Landscapes
Starting in December, the Venice Simplon-Orient Express by Belmond launches ten new routes in addition to the classic ones (Paris-Venice, London-Venice, Paris-Istanbul) that traverse countries like Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands, reaching iconic cities such as Rome, Florence, Vienna, Budapest, Geneva, Brussels, and Amsterdam. These winter journeys that wind through the most magical corners of Europe include new routes like the absolutely tempting Paris-Florence. However, if you wish to travel on Christmas Eve, you will need to choose the Paris-Venice route.
Journeys that are adorned with glamour down to the last detail. Because not only do you get the opportunity to see from the window some of the most beautiful icons of the traveler's imagination (how can one not be moved by the Eiffel Tower or Brunelleschi's dome? How can one not be touched by the snowy landscapes?), but in addition, you enjoy a wonderful dining experience curated by world-renowned chefs. And all this, of course, is accompanied by the finest champagne.
Lobsters from Brittany, Provençal tomatoes, and selected cheeses are possible delights that can be found on the sumptuous four-course dinner with a seasonal menu offered on these journeys. In addition to breakfast in the cabin and lunch the following day, these meals are accompanied by a butler service to attend to all needs.
Formal Dinner
The routes offer trips of one night (up to one week), where travelers board just before dinner to enjoy a fabulous four-course menu with beverages. Lobsters from Brittany, Provençal tomatoes, and selected cheeses are possible delicacies that can be found in the delicious seasonal menu provided on these journeys. And in addition to breakfast in the cabin and lunch the following day, these journeys are accompanied by a butler service to satisfy all needs. All of this starts at a price of €3,390 for a two-day journey with one night onboard.
Live music accompanies throughout the journey, where formal attire is mandatory. The night unfolds in the luxurious suites of the train, in the original carriages from the 1920s and 1930s, each with its own history. Nothing is left to chance in these sumptuous rooms that include fine fabrics in light colors and gleaming wooden panels. All to transport you to the golden age of travel and the nostalgia of legendary routes, as this railway has been doing since 1883.
Traveling on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is to be convinced that, beyond the journey, there exists the magic of the journey itself, always through that landscape that glides past the window like in the tales of Agatha Christie or Paul Theroux. That is why this Christmas arrives adorned with the Belle Époque with these routes that are the quintessence of elegance.