Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

If you’re looking for a true luxury travel experience that captures the glamour of 1920s and 1930s rail travel, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the perfect choice. Owned by the luxury hospitality and leisure company Belmond, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is perhaps the most renowned of all luxury trains in Europe. Often referred to by its abbreviation, VSOE, this European luxury train primarily operates routes from London and Paris to Venice. It also offers longer itineraries across Europe, including destinations such as Istanbul.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express features original luxury compartments from the 1920s and 1930s, along with newly built en-suite compartments that combine modern amenities with Art Nouveau design.

VSOE sleeping cars

There are two types of accommodation on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Standard sleeper compartments — the most historic option — and suites and grand suites, the luxurious choice.

The historic compartments are all in authentic sleeper carriages built in the late 1920s and early 1930s, once used on Europe’s most prestigious night trains. Expertly restored, they remain true to the golden age of rail travel, with only discreet modern additions such as power sockets and air conditioning. Each compartment features a large sofa that converts into an upper and lower berth at night, along with a footstool and a small folding table. The compartments have only a washstand inside, as historic sleeping carriages of the early 20th century did not include en-suite toilets or showers — passengers simply used the shared toilets located at the end of each carriage.

The suites and grand suites on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express do feature en-suite bathrooms with a toilet and shower. They are much more spacious, offering either twin beds or a double bed, along with a small sitting area and table. Although these accommodations are inside original 1920s and 1930s carriages, it is important to note that they are modern 21st-century creations designed to replicate the style of a century ago. While the VSOE has done a fantastic job with their stunning Art Nouveau design, these compartments are not authentic Orient Express ones.

On-board dining

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express features three exquisite dining cars from the 1920s, each with its own distinct character. The Côte d’Azur, adorned with Lalique glass panels, once served Pullman trains bound for the French Riviera. The Étoile du Nord was previously the dining car of the renowned express train of the same name, which connected Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. The L’Orientale boasts elegant Chinese-style lacquered wall panels, adding to its sophisticated ambiance. Dinner reservations are managed by the maître d’ shortly after departure, and passengers can request to dine in their preferred restaurant car.

All meals are included in the price of the journey. Guests must adhere to a formal dress code in the evening, with gentlemen expected to wear a dinner jacket and ladies an equally elegant ensemble. For lunch, smart daywear is required, for example a jacket and tie for men. Casual attire such as jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers is not permitted on board at any time.

VSOE itineraries

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express primarily runs between Paris and Venice, a classic and beautiful European rail route that offers highly scenic views of the Swiss Alps. However, the VSOE also regularly schedules trips to and from other European cities, with this year featuring routes connecting Amsterdam, Brussels, and Lyon with Venice, with also a trip scheduled between Paris and Prague. All of these routes are two-day, one-night journeys.

Once a year, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express embarks on the five-night journey from Paris to Istanbul (and vice versa), widely considered Europe’s grandest luxury train experience. This spectacular trip usually includes stops in Vienna, Budapest, Sinaia, and Bucharest.

More information & booking

For more detailed information about the services offered on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, including prices, itineraries, and a full list of scheduled trips over the next two years, you can visit the Belmond website.