The Orient-Express: What We Know After Arranging It Many Times
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express lives up to its reputation. Here is what you need to know before booking.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is one of the rare iconic travel experiences that consistently meets expectations. After arranging it many times, we have a clear picture of what makes the journey work — and what does not.
The route.
The most popular route is London St Pancras to Venice, typically overnight. Paris to Venice is a shorter journey. There are also seasonal routes to Istanbul, Prague, Vienna and beyond.
The Grand Suites versus the Classic Cabins.
The Grand Suites represent a fundamentally different experience than the classic blue-and-gold carriages. For a milestone journey, the investment is worth considering.
The dining car is half the experience.
The three-course dinner with silver service and the passing European landscape is genuinely atmospheric. Book early.
Booking timing.
The Orient-Express books out, particularly for summer departures and the Grand Suites. We recommend booking 6 to 9 months ahead.
How to pair it.
London departure to Venice, then Lake Como or the Amalfi Coast, is a natural combination.
The Orient-Express is not for everyone — it is slow, it is atmospheric, and it rewards those who are willing to invest time as well as money. For those clients, it rarely disappoints.
Let us help you think through it.
We work through these conversations carefully, one journey at a time.
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