Step aboard the historic carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and uncover a hidden jewel, glittering and timeless.
An uncontested icon of the rails, this train has long captured the hearts and imaginations of glamorous guests. Three elegant dining carriages exude culinary sophistication, from Lalique glass inlays in Cote d’Azur to black lacquer panels in L’Oriental. The Bar Car glows with a champagne sparkle while the resident pianist fills the air with sweet melodies. A steward in blue and gold livery waves with a white-gloved hand, welcoming you on board with a knowing smile. Settle in to your cabin, adorned with art-deco details and French-polished cherry wood, and sit back as a grand voyage begins
History
In 1977 Belmond’s founder, James B Sherwood, purchased two vintage train carriages at a Monte Carlo auction.
Recognising 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 specialised 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 between London and Venice.
Destinations
Take the classic route from London to Venice, the gateway to the Orient. This breathtaking journey through rural French farmlands and Swiss Alpine valleys can be travelled in either direction, or both. Go further afield with Paris to Istanbul, an authentic adventure over six days to the edge of Europe. Delve into culture with stops in Budapest and Bucharest before arriving in soulful Istanbul.
Paris to Berlin is the newest journey in the repertoire, a thrilling voyage connecting two of Europe’s most vibrant cultural hubs. The tradition of the grand tour thrives with a luxurious escape on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Below are the Journey Dates for the 2020/2021 season

London or Paris TO Verona or Venice on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
(departs on Thursdays and Sundays as per tables below)
This Luxury train departs from London Victoria railway station at 10.00am and arrives into Venice St Lucia railway station the next evening at around 18.25pm, it also stops in Verona, Italy around 16.35pm prior to arriving into Venice. This overnight journey can also be taken from Paris!
FROM LONDON or PARIS
To Verona or Venice
Thursday Departures | | | | | |
10 September 2020 | 17 September 2020 | 22 October 2020 | 12 November 2020 | 18 March 2021 | 25 March 2021 |
01 April 2021 | 08 April 2021 | 22 April 2021 | 29 April 2021 | 13 May 2021 | 20 May 2021 |
03 June 2021 | 17 June 2021 | 01 July 2021 | 08 July 2021 | 15 July 2021 | 22 July 2021 |
29 July 2021 | 05 August 2021 | 12 August 2021 | 02 September 2021 | 09 September 2021 | 16 September 2021 |
23 September 2021 | 07 October 2021 | 21 October 2021 | 04 November 2021 | - | - |
FROM LONDON or PARIS
To Verona or Venice
Sunday Departures | | | | | |
20 September 2020 | Sunday 04 October 2020 | 11 October 2020 | 25 October 2020 | 09 May 2021 | 16 May 2021 |
23 May 2021 | 30 May 2021 | 13 June 2021 | 27 June 2021 | 19 September 2021 | 26 September 2021 |
10 October 2021 | 17 October 2021 | 24 October 2021 | 31 October 2021 | 07 November 2021 | - |
Venice or Verona TO Paris or London on the Venice Simpson-Orient-Express
(departs on Wednesdays and Saturdays as per tables below)
This Luxury train departs from Venice St Lucia railway station at 11.30am, Verona 13:00pm and arrives into London Victoria railway station the next evening at around 18.00pm, it also stops in Paris if you or your customers wished to leave the train in the French capital!
FROM VENICE or VERONA
To Paris or London
Wednesday Departures | | | | | |
16 September 2020 | 21 October 2020 | 04 November 2020 | 17 March 2021 | 24 March 2021 | 31 March 2021 |
07 April 2021 | 14 April 2021 | 21 April 2021 | 28 April 2021 | 12 May 2021 | 19 May 2021 |
02 June 2021 | 09 June 2021 | 23 June 2021 | 07 July 2021 | 14 July 2021 | 21 July 2021 |
28 July 2021 | 04 August 2021 | 11 August 2021 | 17 August 2021 | 08 September 2021 | 15 September 2021 |
22 September 2021 | 06 October 2021 | 03 November 2021 | - | - | - |
FROM VENICE or VERONA
To Paris or London
Saturday Departures | | | | | |
19 September 2020 | 26 September 2020 | 10 October 2020 | 24 October 2020 | 10 April 2021 | 15 May 2021 |
22 May 2021 | 05 June 2021 | 26 June 2021 | 18 September 2021 | 25 September 2021 | 23 October 2021 |
06 November 2021 | - | - | - | - | - |
Whats Included
- One night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express luxury train
- Each cabin has a washbasin, hot and cold water, towels, bathrobes and slippers
- Many cabins have adjoining doors and can be converted to ‘Cabin Suites’
- WC’s are located at either or both ends of each sleeping car
- Bespoke amenities and complimentary designer bathrobes
Meals
- Three dining cars
- A three-course lunch on the outward journey
- Fine-dining silver service
- A sumptuous four-course dinner
- A continental breakfast served in your cabin
- A delicious three-course brunch and afternoon tea as you journey towards London
- Guaranteed table of 2 at guest’s preferred sitting time and dining car, or the choice to dine privately in the suite
- Complimentary alternative “A la Carte” menu during lunch or dinner
- Private dining for lunch or dinner in guests suite if preferred
- Complimentary “A la Carte” celebration breakfast in the suite (to be pre-ordered the day before)
- Complimentary Caviar on arrival and free-flow champagne served throughout in the suite
Other Services
- Specially created monogrammed gifts
- Sample the finest Champagnes in our exclusive bar
- Enjoy the evocative sound of the baby grand piano, played by our resident pianist
- Exclusive car or boat transfers between station and city centre accommodation (or vice versa) at the start and end of your train journey
- Check-in at your hotel/curb-side meet and greet as appropriate
For more information, availability and prices for the Venice Simplon Orient- Express please email sales@railtourguide.com
Other Routes in which the Venice Simplon Orient-Express operates
- Paris to Venice (1 Night)
- Paris to Verona (1 Night)
- Venice to London (1 Night)
- Verona to London (1 Night)
- Venice to Paris
- Verona to Paris
- London–Venice–London (2 Nights*)
- Venice–Prague–London, Venice–Budapest–London (2 Nights*)
- Venice–Prague (1 Night) or Venice-Budapest (1 night)
- Prague–London or Budapest–London (1 Night)
- Venice–Vienna–Paris (1 Night)
- Venice–Vienna–London (2 Nights*)
- Vienna–Paris (1 Night)
- Vienna–London (1 Night)
- London–Berlin or vice versa (1 Night)
- Paris–Berlin or vice versa (1 Night)
- Innsbruck–London (1 Night)
- London–Paris (Day Journey)
- Paris–London (Day Journey)
Please contact for more information on Other Routes available sales@railtourguide.com
Istanbul Suite
- Hand-carved timber
- Embossed leather
- Exaggerated metal details
- Embroidered pillows and rugs echo of the Grand Bazaar
Paris Suite
- Light and classic this chic suite draws on the French capital’s grand architecture with flourishes of haute couture.
Venice Suite
- Silk, woven fabrics, glass lamps and Venetian furniture reflect grand Italian Baroque and renaissance design.