The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the most storied set of carriages in the world. It promises to take you not just across Europe, but to transport you back in time. With its polished wood, sumptuous upholstery and antique fixtures, the train epitomises the glamour and elegance of the Golden Age of travel. The Train Passengers are welcomed aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express by white-gloved stewards in blue and gold uniforms who take care of them throughout the trip. They are shown immediately to their exquisite, vintage cabin where their luggage will already be stowed. The train is made up of the famous sleeping cars, three dining cars, a bar car complete with grand piano and resident pianist, and a boutique. Each carriage features polished wood, beautiful marquetry, plush fabrics and antique details such as candlesticks and hooks to hang pocket watches. The cabins are single or twin, or two can be configured together as a suite. During the daytime a plump sofa lines one of the walls; when passengers return from dinner their cabin steward will have cleverly transformed it into cosy bunk beds with crisp sheets and fine blankets. An upholstered ladder leads to the upper berth. After breakfast, while passengers taking a stroll along the train, the steward whisks away the beds to return the cabin to a sitting area. Cabin Suites are two twin cabins joined together, offering a choice of sitting and sleeping options. Each cabin has a washbasin conceealed in a closet, while lavatories are found at the end of each carriage. https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/venice-simplon-orient-express/ Location The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express travels through continental Europe; its classic journey is the weekly overnight route to and from London and Venice via Paris, through the Alps and across the Venetian lagoon. The two routes are slightly different, allowing for different views: for London to Venice the train passes through the Gotthard tunnel and for Venice to London it goes through the Arlberg tunnel instead. For the ultimate celebration, passengers can take the London to Venice trip as a return journey. Each journey brings its own stunning, ever-changing scenery: the Eiffel Tower illuminates the Paris skyline as guests enjoy dinner, while the snow-covered Alps greet them when they awake the following day. En route to Berlin ancient castles crown craggy cliffs as the train passes through the Rhine Gorge. There are one-night, two-day journeys between some of Europe’s most beautiful, historic and romantic cities including Paris, Venice, Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Four-night, five-day journeys link Venice and Paris with an overnight stay at a Budapest hotel; and Venice to Paris with two-night stays in either Prague or Vienna. Just once a year the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express makes a five-night journey between Paris and Istanbul. This thrilling journey includes overnight stops in Budapest and Bucharest and daytime halts in Sinaia and Varna for excursions to these fascinating destinations. The train then travels from Istanbul to Venice. Creating new levels of luxury accommodation aboard the historic train; three new private ‘Grand Suites’ were launched aboard the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, creating new levels of luxury accommodation aboard the historic train. Named after the romantic cities to which the train travels, Paris, Venice and Istanbul; interior designs of each cabin reflect the spirit of each city whilst staying true to the original 1920s Art-Deco design. Working with the very best craftsman including a traditional glassblower who has created the spectacular glass sinks and delicate light fixtures and famed mosaicist Jerome Clochard, an expert in the restoration of ancient mosaics, who piece by piece created the stunning patterns using marble, onyx, Venetian granite and Italian glass. Master atelier, Philippe Allemand has created the striking marquetry, an ancient skill that has passed through generations and has worked with the train since its restoration in 1997. The delicate process requires the layering of hundreds and thousands of exotic pieces of wood that are lacquered to create the most luxurious finish. Timeless Elegance The elegant new suites transport guests back to the golden era of travel, when travel by train pioneered the way for travelers to cross international borders. Authentic interior designs evoke the nostalgia and glamour of a bygone era which is complemented with spacious interiors and ensuite bathrooms. 2018 Dates: September 26-30 & October 24-28, Budapest-Paris only September 29-30 & October 27-28 You can take a blink of the train, at Nyugati Railway station on the 2nd and the 3rd day of the classic 5 day journey! Photo: VSOE Press