Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Travel between a collection of magnificent cities on board the classic carriages, which will transport you back to the Golden Age of travel with their gleaming French-polished cherry wood marquetry, opulently embroidered upholstery, and vintage fittings.
Every part of your journey is designed to help you capture a little of the magic of a bygone era, whether that’s the gentle clinking of solid crystal glassware in the bar car, or the traditional hospitality of your besuited steward. Travelling on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, and one which more than lives up to its reputation.
Life on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
From exquisite fine dining to sophisticated lounges and unparallel service, spend your days on board doing as much or as little as you like.
Carriages
The train is made up of sleeping cars dating back to the 1920s and 30s, plus three dining cars, a bar car with an elegant baby grand piano which is played every evening before and after dinner, and an on-board boutique. The most famous carriages are undoubtedly the three dining cars, where all the guests of the train come together for sumptuous cuisine in the most genteel surroundings. The vibrant 3674 Bar Car, with its blue zebra and gold detailing, is also a guest favourite.
Food
The cuisine on board is truly exceptional – its presentation is as such it’s hard to believe that it has been created on board a moving locomotive. Chef Jean Imbert blends the rich heritage of the train with his own passion for fresh seasonal produce to create moments of culinary perfection.
You will be asked to choose from one of two sittings each meal, where you will enjoy multi-course dining of the highest calibre, accompanied by perfectly paired wines. Each afternoon, you will also be offered a sumptuous afternoon tea.
Service
While the carriages have differed over the years, the exquisite service remains unchanged. Every stay is unique to each guest, with your finely attired stewards available for your every whim and to transform your cabin between a sitting area or sleeping bunks. Whatever you need, capture the attention of a liveried blue-and-gold attendant and you’ll find every request taken care of. The stewards are specially chosen for their excellent attention to detail, and many have worked on board the train for decades.
Cabins & Suites
The restored 1920s sleeper cabins are some of the most luxurious train accommodations in the world. Each one is beautifully appointed with exquisite craftsmanship, such as bespoke soft furnishings and polished wood.
Historic Cabins
Take in the spellbinding sights of Europe from the romantic setting it deserves with your own private historic twin cabin. Banquette seating offers the perfect landscape sweep past by day, while convertible sleeping quarters transform the cabin into a restful retreat by night.
The restored 1920s sleeper cabins are some of the most luxurious train accommodation in the world. Each one is beautifully appointed with exquisite craftsmanship, such as bespoke soft furnishings and polished wood.
- Each cabin has a washbasin with hot and cold water
- Lounge area by day, seating converts to converts to 1 upper and 1 lower bed at night
Suites
Each suite on board is inspired by a sumptuous fusion of the landscapes you’ll traverse through on your journey, and Art Deco design. These reimagined suites have been fully restored by expert French craftsmen, boasting plush fabrics and furnishings. Each with double or twin bed options, a convertible lounge area, you’re guaranteed a luxury stay on board.
- Fixed double or twin beds
- 24-hour steward service
- Lounging area by day (bed converts to banquette sitting area)
- Complimentary amenities and slippers
- Complimentary kimono
Grand Suites
Enter the decadent world of your Grand Suite, where handcrafted interiors, free-flowing champagne and private in-cabin dining are yours to savour. With only six Grand Suites on board, a stay here promises to be enveloped in luxury and indulgence. As you step inside, you’ll be transported to an era where luxury knew no bounds and your every desire is but the tinkle of a bell away, with butlers on hand to attend to your every need.
- Sofa in the living area, which can be converted into a smaller bed
- Private ensuite bathroom with shower, washbasin, and toilet
- 24-hour steward service
- Free-flowing champagne throughout your journey in your suite
- Guaranteed table for two for lunch and dinner; option of private in-suite dining
- All table d’hôte
- Champagne breakfast in your suite
- Complimentary bathrobes and slippers
- Grand suite guests departing from or arriving into London are provided with private transfers
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Image Gallery
Browse Venice Simplon-Orient-Express’ fabulous image gallery below and discover more about life on board.
Curated By Imagine
At Imagine Cruising, we expertly curate unique and immersive experiences to create once-in-a-lifetime holidays that you’ll remember forever, paired with Venice Simplon-Orient-Express rail journeys.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express FAQs
Where does the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express route begin and end?
One of, if not, the finest locomotive in Europe, this regal locomotive offers the opportunity to tour through this spellbinding continent, exploring some of its most incredible cities en route. Depending on the holiday package, you could be travelling any of the below routes.
London – Verona
London – Venice
Verona – London
How long is the trip on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
The three itineraries between London and Italy and are all one-night durations.
London – Verona – One night
London – Venice – One night
Verona – London – One night
What do I wear on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train?
You can never be overdressed on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train! For dinner, we ask for formal evening attire and many guests like to don black tie and wear their most glamorous finery for the occasion. Smart daywear is appropriate during the day. Jeans are not acceptable at any time.
What is included on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
Your fare includes your cabin and all full-board dining. Whereas food is included on board, drinks are not. Still, the bar is well stocked with handpicked wines, which you can purchase for an additional cost.
Do you sleep on the Indian Pacific trip?
Yes, all itineraries vary between one- and several-night durations, so you will enjoy a comfortable and cosy night’s stay on board the train.
Does the train accommodate for special dietary requirements?
We will do our best to cater for special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan etc, provided a detailed request has been made at the time of booking. If a special request has not been made, the chefs will endeavour to prepare a dish with the ingredients available on board. We do, however, regret that we are unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.
Can someone with mobility limitations travel with us?
Wheelchairs cannot be used on board the train. The dimensions and layout do not allow wheelchair passage through the corridors. Guests would need to be able to make their way from their cabin to the bathroom at the end of the carriage and would also need to be able to embark and disembark the train on foot. It is not possible to fix a ramp from the platform to the train door.
Can I make dining reservations in advance?
In order to comfortably accommodate all passengers, meals have multiple seating times. Preferences for seating times can be noted in advance, however reservations will be confirmed once on board.
Is there Wi-Fi on board?
Wi-Fi is available throughout the train in all guest cabins. The service is provided by a mobile device so signal can be intermittent in rural areas. To maintain the ambience of the train, we ask that the use of mobile phones and electronic devices be restricted to your cabin.
Is there air conditioning on board?
There is a centrally controlled cooling system on board, however individual cabins are not separately temperature controlled. Guests can control the flow and volume of cooled air into their cabins by opening or closing a vent.
How should I plan to pack?
Hand luggage (Ex. Purse, Passports, Tickets, Cameras, Medication, Jewellery.) These items must always be kept by the passenger and not checked in. Passengers traveling to or from London must carry their hand luggage on and off the cross-Channel transport.
Cabin luggage Items required during the journey should be packed separately in an overnight bag or suit carrier. This will be taken from the passenger at check-in and delivered to their cabin by staff.
Through luggage Items not required for the journey should be packed separately in sturdy baggage. At check-in this luggage will be labelled appropriately, stored in the baggage van and will not be accessible until passengers reach their destination.
Can I smoke on board the train?
No. To comply with Italian and other European regulations, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train operates a no smoking policy on board both the British Pullman and the continental train. This also includes electronic cigarettes/vaping.
What languages do staff speak on board?
French, English and Italian are spoken by most stewards on board the continental train.
What currency do I need?
Prices are quoted in Euros, and it is recommended that passengers have a small number of Euros for onboard purchases. However, most major currencies are accepted, as well as major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club and JCB). The exchange rate on board is displayed in the Bar Car.
Will I need to tip the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express staff?
Any gratuities you wish to give are entirely at your discretion.