THE VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS | THE GOLDEN AGE OF SEAFARING RAIL
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Step aboard, and you step into another century. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a genuine piece of Art Deco history, the same gleaming carriages, the same routes, the same sense of occasion that made this train famous nearly a hundred years ago. As it glides across Europe, past the Alps, along the Adriatic, into cities that have drawn travelers for centuries, the journey itself becomes the destination. Onboard, you'll settle into vintage cabins finished in polished wood and brass, dine beautifully, and fall into the easy, sociable rhythm this train has always been known for, the kind of evening that used to require a certain kind of glamour, and still does.
Accommodations
The train carries 54 suites and cabins across its heritage carriages, including L'Observatoire, the world's largest train suite, occupying an entire carriage, alongside 6 Grand Suites, 16 Suites with twin or double beds, and 32 Historic Cabins with upper and lower berths.
Wining & Dining
Three restaurant cars: Étoile du Nord, Côte d'Azur, and L'Oriental. Each set the stage for dinners that feel like theatre, alongside the storied Bar Car, '3674,' where the night tends to linger long after dessert.
Where It Travels
Routes connect cities including Paris, Venice, Portofino, Florence, the Amalfi Coast, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, and Istanbul.
Well Suited For
Milestone celebrations, cultural immersion, scenic rail journeys, honeymoons, and travelers drawn to design, heritage, and a slower, more deliberate way of crossing Europe.
The Journey Unfolds
Chapter One - All Aboard
Every great journey begins with anticipation. On the platform of one of Europe's grand railway stations, impeccably dressed stewards welcome you aboard as polished brass, rich wood, and beautifully restored carriages transport you to another era. As the whistle sounds and the train gently departs, the ordinary world quietly slips away.
Chapter Two - A Table in Motion
As landscapes drift effortlessly beyond your window, the dining experience becomes one of the defining moments of the journey. Seasonal menus inspired by the regions you travel through are paired with attentive service, fine wines, and beautifully restored dining cars where every meal feels like a celebration of slow travel.
Chapter Three - Evenings in Bar Car '3674'
As twilight settles across the countryside, the heart of the train comes alive. Cocktails are crafted, champagne flows, and the resident pianist fills Bar Car '3674' with music that drifts from carriage to carriage. Conversations linger well into the evening, and before long, midnight brunch arrives for those not yet ready to retire.
Chapter Four - A Retreat on the Rails
When the evening draws to a close, your private cabin or suite awaits. Thoughtfully restored to reflect the glamour of the golden age of rail travel, each accommodation offers a peaceful retreat where crisp linens, attentive service, and the gentle rhythm of the train create an unforgettable night's rest.
Chapter Five - A New Horizon
Morning arrives quietly. Fresh coffee, warm pastries, and ever-changing scenery welcome another day aboard as mountains, rivers, vineyards, and historic cities unfold beyond your window. Eventually, a new destination comes into view, but by then, you'll discover the journey itself has become one of your most treasured memories.
The VSOE Network — Choose a Journey
A Journey Written in Gold
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express does not simply connect destinations, it turns the space between them into part of the story. Across Europe, each itinerary unfolds through grand capitals, alpine landscapes, storied coastlines, and cities shaped by centuries of art, culture, and intrigue.
From Paris to Venice, Istanbul, Budapest, Prague, Vienna, and beyond, journeys may be brief and beautifully concentrated or extended into sweeping rail odysseys. Days begin with ever-changing views beyond the window; evenings arrive with candlelit dining, polished service, and the quiet glamour of another era.
Whether traveling toward the canals of Venice, the palaces of Central Europe, or the distant allure of Istanbul, every route offers its own rhythm, yet all share the same promise:
the journey will be every bit as memorable as the destination.
The Simplon Suites
Relive a moment back in time, where you belong
Historic Cabins
5.5 sq ft (3.3 sq m) (32)
Take in Europe from the romantic setting it deserves, with your own private historic twin cabin.
Daytime seating converts to 1 upper and 1 lower bed at night
Each cabin has a washbasin with curated amenities for your journey
Shared restrooms are located at the end of each sleeper carriage
Sleeps 2
The Historic Cabins include shared car transfer to the train before departure in Venice, Paris, Florence, Verona, and Rome. Shared car transfer is available when arriving in Venice only.
All Suites & Cabins Include: All dining on-board • In-cabin welcome box • Belmond Mondes magazine • WiFi • 24-hour on-board service • Fine bath amenities
114.9 – 119.8 sq ft (10.67 – 11.13 sq m)
Step into the six Grand Suites, where handcrafted interiors and free-flowing champagne come standard, and the pace of the day slows to something closer to a bygone era of travel. PRAGUE, BUDAPEST, VIENNA, PARIS, VENICE AND ISTANBUL. These grande dames of the rails define elegance, each evoking the spirt and personality of its namesake. They're the only accommodation on the train to feature a private bathroom. Grand Suites are located at the end of the train and can be offered as a ‘private car’ if a guest takes all three suites on a booked journey.
Inside, the Grand Suites' living quarters allow you to dine in private, should you wish. Marbled en-suite bathrooms mean you can refresh in style, and our 24-hour butler service is on hand for anything you need.
Double or twin bed configuration available
Sleeps 2 adults & 1 child age 11 or under using the sofa bed
Key Features: Double or twin bed configuration • Daytime, plush lounging area • Spacious en-suite marble bathroom with walk-in shower and fine toiletries
Grand Suite Inclusions: Ensuite marble bathroom with shower • Caviar on arrival and free-flowing Veuve Clicquot Brut champagne throughout the journey in the cabin • Possibility to book the whole carriage (three Grand Suites) and enjoy the unbridled decadence of occupying an entire carriage. A group of six guests can share this private adventure, which includes a secluded dining experience • Choice of French breakfast or à la carte Celebration Breakfast (on request) served in the suite. Optional private in-suite dining or alternatively a guaranteed table for two at lunch and dinner in one of the restaurant cars at a preferred sitting • Complimentary plush bathrobes and matching slippers to be taken away or shipped to the guests home address • Complimentary transfers on departure / arrival (within the limits of the destination city)
Grand Suites
71 sq ft (6.6 sq m)
Our re-imagined suites, restored by French craftsmen, blend Art Deco design with the landscapes we travel through, immersing guests in vibrant colours, patterns, and textures inspired by designers like Dufrene and Lalique.
16 Double bed or twin beds
Private marble en-suite bathroom and mosaic floor
Lounge area by day, as your bed converts to seating area
Sleeps 2
Suites
L'Observatoire Suite
A Private Residence on the Rails
More than a suite, L'Observatoire is a private world that happens to travel by train. Conceived as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express's most exclusive accommodation, it offers an extraordinary sense of space, artistry, and privacy rarely found aboard any rail journey.
Every detail has been thoughtfully composed, from handcrafted interiors and curated artwork to intimate spaces designed for quiet reflection, conversation, and celebration. As Europe unfolds beyond your window, the suite becomes both your sanctuary and your front-row seat to one of the world's most iconic journeys.
Guests enjoy separate living and dining areas, an elegant marble bathroom, and a beautifully appointed bedroom complete with a freestanding bathtub. Whether savoring breakfast in the privacy of your suite, enjoying a candlelit dinner prepared exclusively for you, or simply watching the countryside drift past with a glass of champagne, every moment is designed to feel deeply personal.
L'Observatoire is not simply the train's finest accommodation, it is an experience reserved for those who believe the journey itself should be unforgettable.
Highlights
Private full-carriage suite with separate living, dining, and sleeping spaces
Personal cabin steward available throughout your journey
Private in-suite dining upon request
Complimentary premium wines, champagne, and spirits
Luxurious marble bathroom with shower and freestanding bathtub
Exclusive lounge access and elevated onboard amenities
Private transfers between the train and your accommodation (where included with the itinerary)
L'Observatoire Hidden Tearoom
Seasonal Dining
Dining aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is an experience that evolves with the journey itself. Menus celebrate the regions through which the train travels, with seasonal ingredients sourced along the route and transformed into refined cuisine by world-class chefs. Every meal becomes another chapter in the story, whether it's breakfast as the Alps unfold beyond your window or an elegant multi-course dinner beneath the glow of Lalique glass.
Each of the train's historic dining cars possesses its own distinctive character and design, creating an atmosphere where exceptional cuisine, attentive service, and timeless surroundings come together. It's a style of dining that feels less like a meal and more like a celebration of slow travel.
Étoile du Nord
Originally built in the 1920s, Étoile du Nord reflects the elegance of Europe's golden age of rail travel. Rich marquetry, intricate craftsmanship, and beautifully restored interiors preserve the romance of an era when every journey was considered an occasion.
For guests seeking an even more intimate experience, the Imperial Table offers private dining for small groups, perfect for milestone celebrations, family gatherings, or simply sharing an unforgettable evening together.
L'Oriental
Inspired by the glamour of legendary international rail journeys, L'Oriental offers a more intimate and dramatic setting. Deep lacquered finishes, refined detailing, and Art Deco influences create an atmosphere that feels sophisticated, warm, and quietly theatrical.
Its distinctive character makes it one of the train's most memorable dining venues, inviting guests to linger over exceptional cuisine while immersed in one of the world's most iconic rail experiences.
Côte d'Azur
The Côte d'Azur dining car is celebrated for its magnificent René Lalique glass panels, whose luminous artistry transforms every meal into an elegant occasion. Rich history and remarkable craftsmanship combine to create one of the train's most visually stunning interiors.
Today, guests dine surrounded by beautifully restored details that pay tribute to the glamour of the Riviera and the golden age of luxury travel, making every service feel as timeless as the journey itself.
Life On Board - Bar Car '3674'
As daylight fades, Bar Car '3674' becomes the social heart of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Guests gather over handcrafted cocktails, vintage champagne, and fine spirits while the resident pianist fills the carriage with music that drifts effortlessly through the train.
Conversations linger long into the evening as Europe glides quietly beyond the windows. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply embracing the magic of the journey, Bar Car '3674' captures the spirit of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, where unforgettable moments often begin with a single drink.