Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Holidays
This famous art-deco icon, complete with vintage carriages, will transport you back to a more sophisticated time and provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate a special occasion in style.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Holidays
Getting to know you
A crucial part of our process, discuss your plans with us either by phone, video or in person.
Helping you to design your trip
Entirely tailor-made, there is complete flexibility to incorporate all your requirements.
On-hand support, when you need it
Our team are on hand to answer any questions and ensure you are fully ready, and excited, for your trip.
Full confidence whilst you are away
Enjoy full support from our UK team and trusted local partners throughout your journey.
We’re pleased to confirm that Pettitts Travel will not apply any surcharges to our package holidays when we are operating as a tour operator, regardless of changes in global costs. The price you agree at the time of booking is the price you will pay, a commitment we have proudly upheld for the past 38 years.
Train Information
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train is quite unlike anything you will ever experience. The inaugural journey took place in 1883 and the train itself has seen an immense transformation over the years.
Originally the service used British Pullman luxury carriages in which it served culinary excellence to upper class guests and royalty travelling between Paris and Istanbul. Today the British Pullman trains transport guests from London to Paris from where they will step aboard the elegant Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
The 1920s is often referred to as the golden age of travel although travelling by rail is still recognised as having style and sophistication. Throughout the ages novels and films have been based around the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, creating intrigue and desire to travel on this prestigious train. Today the vintage carriages have been lovingly restored to their former glory, recreating one of the finest luxury train experiences the world has ever known.
On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express you will be surrounded by grand interiors, glistening crystal and polished woods. Guests can relax in their private cabins and watch the countryside roll past whilst enjoying impeccable service from their personal steward.
So look ahead with unbridled delight as you embark on a voyage abecome part of the ever-changing history on your Venice Simplon-Orient-Express holiday.
Cabin Information
The private Venice Simplon-Orient-Express cabins have been impeccably restored to their former glory. Passengers are assured of a truly unique travel experience complemented by a 24-hour cabin steward.
The cabin suite converts in moments. From comfortable banquette seating for the day from which to admire the views to a bedroom at night which has been transformed by a steward, complete with soft towels and crisp linen, whilst guests enjoy a gourmet dinner. The twin cabin features a room with upper and lower berths and an original washbasin cabinet with hot and cold water.
Train Routes
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a variety of routes that take you on a journey through beautiful continental countryside, starting and ending in iconic European cities.
Classic Routes:
- Venice - Paris (1 night)
- Paris - Venice (1 night)
Other Routes:
- Florence - Paris (1 night)
- Venice - Brussels or Amsterdam (1 night)
- Geneva - Venice (1 night)
- Venice - Vienna or Budapest - Paris (4 nights)
Signature Routes:
- Paris - Istanbul (5 nights)
- Istanbul - Venice (5 nights)
Dinner & Dining
Signature dining is an integral part of your unforgettable journey aboard this iconic train with all culinary experiences overseen by Head Chef Jean Imbert and his team. Blending the Orient Express’ gastronomic heritage with Chef Imbert’s passion for seasonal and fresh produce, all meals are prepared classically and with precision. Specific dietary requirements can be catered for with notice at time of booking.
Recline as you take in the atmosphere of the three beautifully restored restaurant cars, all uniquely different and offering a magical dining experience. The Côte d’Azur showcases beautiful Lalique glass, L'Oriental, is decorated in black lacquer with an exotic note and Etoile du Nord is resplendent with floral marquetry.
At the heart of the train is the Bar Car '3674', its stylish interiors offers a welcoming and glamorous setting for coffee, aperitifs and nightcaps before or after dinner. As well as the buzz of happy guests chatting you can also listen to the resident pianist on the baby grand.
Your journey aboard the Orient-Express will include a sumptuous four-course dinner on the first evening, a traditional French breakfast served in your cabin and a delicious three-course lunch before arriving in Venice or Paris.
All table d’hôte meals include the sommelier’s selection of wines, plus water, tea and coffee are complimentary in the restaurants and in your cabin. For a supplement there is an à la carte menu for lunch and dinner and a 24-hour cabin service for light snacks, refreshments and alcoholic drinks whilst the Bar Car ‘3674’ is open.
Dress Code
A holiday aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers the perfect opportunity to don your finery and dress to impress as the train travel through beautiful European scenery.
During the day the dress code is smart-casual, with the exception of jeans which are not allowed at any time. At lunch men will typically wear a jacket and tie and women will wear a smart ensemble.
For dinner women typically wear evening gowns and for men, black tie.
When does the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express run?
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates annually from March to November. During the winter the train is refurbished and prepared for the next season.
What sort of service can I expect onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
You will be looked after at all times by your cabin steward. The cabin steward takes care of your passport during the journey, changes your cabin from day to night configuration and serves your breakfast, afternoon tea and other refreshments. The maitre d’ comes to your cabin to take your lunch and dinner reservations. The train manager is on hand throughout the journey to help with any queries.
What is the sleeping accommodation like onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
You are allocated a private cabin which serves as a lounge during the day and is transformed into a bedroom at night. There are also eight suites and six grand suites available to book aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express which add further opulence to your journey.
Are there showers on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
As these are original 1920s carriages there are no showers or bath facilities. Each cabin contains a wash basin with hot and cold water, towels and soap. A lavatory is situated at the end of each carriage.
Are all meals and drinks included on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
Yes all meals are included in your journey including a four-course dinner, breakfast and a three-course lunch before departure. All table d’hôte meals include the sommelier’s selection of wines, plus water, tea and coffee are complimentary in the restaurants and in your cabin. Other drinks are chargeable.
Does the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express cater for dietary requirements?
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express endeavours to cater for special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free etc, and will be pleased to note your personal requirements in advance. If, prior to departure, they have not received your dietary or food allergy requirements, they may not be able to cater for your specific needs on board. They regret we are unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.
Are guests requiring special assistance able to travel on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
The train is able to accommodate passengers with slight walking difficulties but we recommend you are escorted by an able-bodied passenger. Please make this evident at the time of reservation, or at least prior to departure, so that we may try and allocate you a cabin closer to the restaurant cars. This is subject to availability. Re-assignment to a different cabin may not be possible at check-in. Travel is subject to the conditions of carriage, which are available on request or at www.belmond.com The dimensions and layout of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Is there room for luggage in my room on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
Despite having luggage racks in our cabins space constraints require that 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 stored in the baggage car where it will not be accessible until you reach your destination.
Are visas required when travelling on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express passes through Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland, and on selected departures such as the 'Signature Routes' also travels through the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. Please ensure that you and your party comply with all passport, visa, customs and other formalities and regulations including obtaining vaccination certificates where necessary. Passport, visa and health regulations are subject to change, and you are advised to check with the appropriate embassy or authority well before your journey/holiday commences. Passage may be refused to a passenger who does not have the correct documentation. If a visa is required for a particular European country it will still be needed even if you are only passing through that country. For example, a citizen of South Africa will require a visa when in transit through France. Failure to obtain a visa from the French authorities prior to travel may result in the passenger being unable to board the train in London or Venice. Visas cannot be obtained at border crossings. It is the passenger’s own responsibility to ensure that they comply with visa or vaccination requirements. All passengers must be in possession of a full passport with a minimum 6 months validity.
Is smoking permitted onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
No. To comply with Italian and other European regulations, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train operates a no-smoking policy.
What currency is used on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
Prices are quoted in Euros and it is recommended that passengers have a small number of Euros for on-board purchases. However, most major currencies are accepted, as well as travellers’ cheques, Euro cheques and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and JCB). The exchange rate on board is displayed in the bar car.
Is travel insurance required when travelling on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
As with all holidays arranged by Pettitts Travel, it is a requirement to have adequate travel insurance.
