Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train (VSOE)
- Jul 16
- 6 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
For more than a century, the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) has represented the pinnacle of luxury rail travel. Synonymous with timeless elegance, impeccable service, and unforgettable journeys across Europe, it continues to attract royalty, celebrities, and discerning travellers seeking an experience that few forms of travel can rival.
Unlike conventional transportation, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is not simply about reaching your destination. Every detail - from the beautifully restored 1920s and 1930s Art Deco carriages to white-glove service and world-class dining - is designed to recreate the glamour of the Golden Age of travel.
Whether you are planning a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, a honeymoon, or simply wish to experience one of the world's most iconic journeys, this guide covers everything you need to know before booking.
Why is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express So Famous?
The carriages you see on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express today were created between 1926 and 1949. They echo the style of carriages previously introduced in the US by George Mortimer Pullman – whose surname remains a byword for luxury rail travel.
Several factors make the train unlike any other luxury travel experience. Each authentic art deco carriage has its own dynamic story and panels at the end of each car reveal all.
Sleeping Car 3309, for example, was marooned in a snowdrift for 10 days in 1929, (the incident that inspired Agatha Christie’s most famous novel, Murder on the Orient Express). Meanwhile, Sleeping Car 3425 is famously associated with King Carol, who escaped Romania with his mistress aboard the train in 1940. Sleeping Car 3544’s varied fortunes ranged from carrying the rich and famous on Le Train Bleu to being used as a wartime brothel.
What are the different routes on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express travels between some of Europe's most iconic cities, including:
Paris
London
Venice
Florence
Rome
Verona
Vienna
Budapest
Amsterdam
Brussels
Istanbul
Each itinerary showcases breathtaking scenery while maintaining the romance of slow travel. But perhaps the most iconic journey would be the Venice-Paris route which takes approximately 2 days 1 night. Travelling through France, Switzerland and Italy, guests witness alpine scenery before arriving in Venice. This is the most iconic route and recommended for first time travellers.
Exceptional Service
Keeping the journey of a lifetime rolling through Europe takes a special kind of expertise. Guests enjoy one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios in luxury travel, with guests leaving with fond memories of the staff's lively personality. Each carriage has its own steward who is available throughout the journey, providing attentive yet discreet service.
Accommodation
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers several accommodation categories, each providing a different level of luxury. Whether it’s unwinding as Europe passes your window, or retreating after an evening in the bar car, even the most convivial traveller will require a quiet space to retire. And where better than your own private suite or cabin onboard the Belmond VSOE.
Historic Cabins
Take in Europe from the romantic setting it deserves with your own private historic twin cabin. Banquette seating offers the perfect vantage point to watch the landscape by day, while convertible sleeping berths - with soft, luxurious bedding transform the cabin into an intimate retreat by night. Morning breakfast can even be served to your bed, should you desire.
8 Historic Cabins per carriage
Daytime seating converts to 1 upper and 1 lower bed at night
Each cabin features a washbasin cabinet and specially curated amenities for your journey
Shared restrooms are located at the end of each sleeper carriage
Historic Cabin prices start from €4,510 / person
Suites
Each of the Belmond VSOE suites is inspired by a fusion of the landscape our train travels through and design from the Art Deco period. Each will immerse guests in diverse European scenery through glorious colours, patterns and textures. Plush fabrics and furnishings channel famed Art Deco designers, such as Dufrene and Lalique.
4 Suites per carriage
Double bed or twin beds
Private marble en-suite bathroom and mosaic floor
Lounge area by day, as your bed converts to seating area
Suite prices start from €10,500 / person
Grand Suites
Encounter the decadent world of Grand Suites — where interiors handcrafted by Europe's finest artisans and free-flowing champagne are simply a way of life — and be swept away in an indulgence known only to the royalty of travel’s golden age.
Inside, the Grand Suites’ exceptionally spacious living quarters allow you to dine in private, should you wish. Meanwhile, marbled en-suite bathrooms mean you can refresh in style with curated vanity sets and avant-garde wellness rituals. For any craving that strikes, our 24-hour butler service is on hand to make your dreams a reality.
3 Grand Suites per carriage
24-hour butler service
Free-flowing champagne
Private in-cabin dining
Spacious marble en-suites
Private arrival and departure luxury car transfers
Exclusive Grand Suite keepsakes
Grand Suite prices start from €14,070 / person
Dining
Take your seat in the dining car for the adventure of a lifetime, where extravagant cuisine is served around the clock and live entertainment plays long into the night. Marvel as fresh seasonal supplies are loaded to the train at stops along the journey, and then expertly prepared by world renowned chefs in our onboard kitchen. Depending on the itinerary, you can expect the following:
Breakfast
Lunch
High Tea
Dinner
Aperitifs
Dinner is a grand event of this journey - dress your finest black tie attire - you can never be overdressed on the Belmond VSOE. With the last morsel of dinner now finished, it’s time for the evening to really begin. Follow the sound of our grand piano to the bar car, where you’ll encounter our resident pianist setting the tone while classically trained barmen shake fresh cocktails. Order your favourite tipple, request your favourite song, and settle in for an evening of chance encounters with like-minded travellers… and after that, midnight brunch.
Popular questions from our guests
How much does the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express cost?
Prices typically start from around €4,510 per person for a Historic Cabin, with Suites and Grand Suites costing considerably more. Longer journeys, such as Paris to Istanbul, are priced higher due to their extended duration.
What is included in the fare?
Table d'hôte meals are included in your train fare along with our sommelier's selection of wines when served in the restaurant cars. The fare generally includes luxury accommodation onboard, gourmet meals, steward service, and selected beverages. Additional premium wines, champagne, and optional experiences may incur extra charges depending on the journey.
How long is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express journey?
Journey lengths vary by route. The classic Paris to Venice itinerary is typically one night, while special journeys such as Paris to Istanbul span several days.
What is the difference between a Historic Cabin, Suite, and Grand Suite?
Historic Cabins offer the authentic Art Deco experience with shared restroom facilities nearby. Suites include a private marble bathroom and additional living space, while Grand Suites provide the most spacious accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, dedicated lounge areas, and enhanced services.
Is there a dress code onboard?
Yes. During the day, smart casual attire is appropriate. For dinner, guests are expected to dress formally, with many choosing black tie, tuxedos, cocktail dresses, or evening gowns.
When should I book the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
We advise guests to book six to twelve months in advance. Grand Suites, popular departure dates, and iconic routes often sell out much earlier.
Is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely. The train is a popular choice for honeymoons, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, and other celebrations. Special arrangements can often be made to personalise the experience.
Can I combine the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with a wider European itinerary?
Yes. Many travellers combine their rail journey with luxury stays in destinations such as Paris, Venice, Florence, Lake Como, or the French Riviera. A bespoke itinerary allows you to maximise your time in Europe while complementing the experience aboard the train.
When is the Best Time to Travel?
The operating season generally runs from spring through autumn. Popular travel periods include:
Spring; Beautiful countryside, mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Summer; Longest daylight hours and the widest selection of departures.
Autumn; One of the most scenic seasons, particularly through the Alps and Northern Italy.
Many experienced travellers consider September and October to offer the ideal combination of pleasant weather and stunning landscapes.
What can I bring on board?
Due to space constraints, luggage is limited, per passenger, to one suitable piece of hand luggage, one suit carrier or overnight bag to be placed in your cabin and one suitcase to be checked through for storage, which will not be accessible until your final destination. Do keep your passports with you at all times and do not pack them in your cabin or stored luggage.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is part of Belmond's extraordinary collection of luxury hotels, trains, river cruises, and safari lodges. As a Belmond Bellini Club partner, Foray Travels can unlock exclusive privileges across participating Belmond hotels that perfectly complement your rail adventure.
Combined with our status as a Forbes Travel Guide Endorsed Agency and Virtuoso member, guests benefit from expert luxury travel planning, personalised service, and access to preferred partner amenities such as daily breakfast, hotel credits, room upgrades (subject to availability), and VIP recognition whenever eligible. Whether you're pairing the train with stays at Hotel Cipriani in Venice or Splendido in Portofino, we ensure every part of your Belmond journey is thoughtfully curated.
For enquiries, please kindly request a quotation or contact our friendly concierge team via WhatsApp:
