Belmond is one of the best-respected travel companies in the world. From five-star hotels and restaurants to high-end river cruises, safaris, and sleeper trains, the company offers some of the most luxurious travel experiences available today. Today, I want to focus on Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Running from London to Venice, Paris to Berlin, or Paris to Istanbul, the beautifully-restored vintage train delivers an unrivaled historic travel experience.
1977, Belmond’s founder purchased two vintage train carriages at an auction in Monte Carlo. Here’s what he did with them:
“Recognizing a renewed appetite for sophisticated travel, he searched far and wide to unearth stately rail relics in private gardens, museums and railway sidings. Cars from famous vintage trains, including Le Train Bleu and the Rome Express, deserved a noble return to service, but required a specialized level of craftsmanship to be restored. Luckily a handful of artisans were found for the task, and they began the painstaking process of returning the carriages to their former glory. Following years of careful restoration, the iconic midnight-blue cars finally rolled onto the rails in 1982, ready to escort guests in peerless luxury on a classic journey.”
– About the Venice Simplon Orient Express
The train is made up of restored sleeping cars from the 1920s and ’30s, three dining cars, a stylish bar car, and a boutique car. The baby grand piano in the bar car is played by the train’s resident pianist whenever the bar is open. Passenger accommodations include single and twin cabins, as well as suites. While the passengers have their dinner in one of the dining cards, their cabins are transformed by staff from sitting rooms to sleeping rooms. The cabins are then converted back to sitting rooms when the residents go to breakfast. The pictures both of the train and of the scenery through which it passes are astounding.
And in case all this isn’t enough to tempt you (and me), the company is offering a special one- or two-night trips they are calling “The Party.” The experience kicks off with a 1920’s speak easy party “to rival any Jay Gatsby could have thrown.” Guests are encouraged to dress in 1920s period costume to give the trip an extra authentic feel. The experience will include entertainment along the way, with surprise performances both on and off the train.
You can read all about the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, The Party, and Belmond’s other vacation adventures on the company’s website, and on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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December 13, 2019 at 7:30 am
My parents took a trip on this to Venice and said it was Fab.U.Lous!
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December 13, 2019 at 9:34 am
I’ll bet! It looks absolutely stunning.
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December 13, 2019 at 8:33 am
In 2013, my husband and I took a “bucket list” trip on Rovos Rail from Cape Town, South Africa to Victoria Falls. It was a six day adventure on a beautifully restored Edwardian train. We could see elephants, giraffes and ostriches from the train windows. It was amazing! Check it out: https://www.trainsafaris.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI26OGtdyy5gIVB7zACh1GXggZEAAYASAAEgK4-fD_BwE
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December 13, 2019 at 9:34 am
OMG, that sounds phenomenal!
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December 13, 2019 at 3:02 pm
I’m not much of a party girl but this would be a dream adventure.
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December 13, 2019 at 3:42 pm
It really does look so inviting!
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December 13, 2019 at 4:23 pm
This is at the top of my travel wish list. (sigh, back to work)
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December 14, 2019 at 12:02 am
Lol. Samesies.
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December 13, 2019 at 6:22 pm
1954 my grandmother (who raised me) took me on the train from St. Louis to San Francisco and back to St. Louis. I still remember that trip. Bet the cost was 10% of it would be today. There were no airlines back there. I am leaving Sunday to be home with my frmily for the holidays. Back home 12/30. I may or may not check in ofter during the period. Hal i
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December 14, 2019 at 12:03 am
I wish you happy travels and very happy travels. “See” you in 2020!
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