FAQs

Q) WHERE DOES THE VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS TRAVEL TO?

A) The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates between London/Paris and continental Europe. The most regular journey is Paris-Venice and vice versa. In order to join the VSOE in Paris, we recommend clients take the Eurostar from London which is included as part of your overall journey. 

Q) WHEN DOES THE VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS RUN?

A) The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates annually from March to November. During the winter the train is refurbished and prepared for the next season.

Q) WHAT SORT OF SERVICE CAN I EXPECT ON BOARD THE VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS?

A) 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.

Q) WHAT IS MY SLEEPING ACCOMMODATION LIKE?

A) 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. 

Q) ARE THERE SHOWERS ON BOARD THE VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS?

A) 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.

Q) ARE ALL MY MEALS INCLUDED?

A) Yes all meals are included in your journey including a four-course dinner, breakfast and a three-course lunch before departure. Please click here for more information about meals on board the British Pullman and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express trains.

Q) CAN YOU CATER FOR SPECIAL MEAL REQUIREMENTS?

A) We endeavour 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, we have not received your dietary or food allergy requirements, we may not be able to cater for your specific needs on board. We regret we are unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.

Q) ARE DRINKS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

A) Please click here for more information about what beverages are included on board both the British Pullman and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express trains.

Q) ARE GUESTES REQUIRING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE ABLE TO TRAVEL ON THE VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS?

A) 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.

Q) WILL THERE BE ROOM IN MY COMPARTMENT FOR ALL MY LUGGAGE?

A) 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.

Q) WILL WE REQUIRE VISAS FOR A TRIP ON THE VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS?

A) 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.

Q) CAN I SMOKE ON BOARD THE VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS TRAIN?

A) No. To comply with Italian and other European regulations, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train operates a no-smoking policy.

Q) WHAT DO I WEAR ON THE VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS TRAIN?

A) Please click here for more information about the dress code for your Venice Simplon-Orient-Express holiday.

Q) WHAT LANGUAGES DO STAFF ON BOARD THE TRAIN SPEAK?

A) French, English and Italian are spoken by most stewards on board the continental train.

Q) WHAT CURRENCY DO I NEED ON BOARD THE VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS TRAIN?

A) 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.

Q) WILL I NEED INSURANCE FOR MY TRIP?

A) As with all holidays arranged by Pettitts Travel, it is a requirement to have adequate travel insurance.