TRAIN JOURNEYS - INSPIRATIONS - DESTINATIONS
BY MARGHERITA MARULLO
16 March 2023
It’s safe to say that the majority of us have heard of the upscale, luxury train service: The Orient Express. From its rich, gilded finishings throughout each of the classic art-deco carriages, to the stunning, vintage, craftsmanship found both on its exterior and within its interior, to the well-dressed stewards and porters that appear to be from a bygone era standing at the ready for travelers: Its fascinating historical start back in 1867 to present day, and the evocative train journeys it affords throughout Europe are indeed for the record books, and worth every single penny.
Whether you’ve learned of this iconic train through Agatha Christie’s, 1934 fascinating work of mystery-fiction, or watched its famous film debuts throughout the years, the Orient Express is anything but fictional and was the primary mode of transportation for aristocracy and jet setters back in the heyday when plane travel had yet to be conceived. Both the original Orient Express and the Venice Simplon-Orient Express train services journey through the most magical countries in Europe, not only offering spectacular views of the French countryside, and breathtaking mountain scenes within the Swiss Alps, but also revealing the best of Italy to its passengers, and so much more through its timeless mode of travel.
All aboard the Orient Express to Bella Italia!
Yes, Italy! And, we can’t be more excited to share this news with you. It’s been a long time coming, and due to popular demand from travelers around the world, the original Orient Express train service will begin offering luxurious and leisurely-paced train journeys from Northern to Southern Italy in 2023 through its La Dolce Vita route. Passengers will enjoy traveling through 14 of Italy’s most stunning regions onboard six new trains designed in stunning Italian decor, enjoying stops along the way to sightsee, shop, eat, and drink throughout Italy inclusive through the six itineraries offered.
Classical stops to Rome and Florence are on the route, with a cross-cultural, cross-country option departing from Rome to Paris, Istanbul, or Croatia. Epic journeys to locations such as Venice, Portofino, Siena, Matera, Sicily, and additional ancient areas have been purposely selected to offer passengers the best of Italy and what it has to offer. This fascinating journey is a tribute to timeless, classical Italian films, historical events and sites, tantalizing Italian cuisine, and Italy’s verve for life and simplicity. Keep an eye out on the booking page for its anticipated launch date, as this train journey is sure to sell out quickly upon its debut.
Your departure from the City of Love through Europe’s most scenic countries
There is no better way to travel in 1920s style through the heart of France into the Swiss mountains, ending your magnificent and once-in-a-lifetime journey in the romantic and legendary “City of Canals,” Venice, Italy than by train aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient Express. And, the Paris to Venice (via Innsbruck and Geneva) train ride offers all that and a host of additional inclusive perks for its passengers. This two-day, mesmerizing journey through three of Europe’s most scenic countries allows its travelers to take in the breathtaking, diverse landscapes along its routes while relaxing within its detailed, vintage frame before arriving on Italian soil.
Should you want to venture further into the heart of the Italian countryside, while still enjoying your views of France and the Swiss Alps, both the Paris to Florence, and Paris to Rome Venice Simplon-Orient Express train journeys take passengers right into two of Italy’s most ancient and visited. For those who dream to take a train ride on the original Orient Express to any of these destinations, you’ll be thrilled to know that beginning in 2024 routes from the heart of Paris into Europe will once again be offered to passengers on the revamped icon.
Magical train rides through winter wonderlands
It goes without saying that the Orient Express is known for setting the bar when it comes to luxurious and legendary travel, calculating fascinating routes through a host of intoxicating countries, with new journies being created regularly for their loyal passengers. So, it wasn’t surprising to hear that the Venice Simplon-Orient Express announced their newest feat of offering rail services in the month of December, through and to some of Europe’s most beautiful winter wonders.
And, while this year’s winter wonderland excursions by train have ended, interested travelers have time to book ahead for next December’s (2023) magical routes to the countries of France, Italy, and Austria. From partaking in the festive Christmas displays and events throughout the city of Paris, passengers can set off to the world-renowned Christmas markets found in Vienna, Venice, Verona, Florence, and Rome, experiencing a holiday unlike any other.
A once-in-a-lifetime travel experience by train
Both the Orient Express and Venice Simplon-Orient Express train services are as iconic and legendary as the passengers who have graced their carriages for over 150 years. What travelers will experience on the “most famous film train in the world,” is first-class service at its best, while reminding individuals of the leisurely, less chaotic mode of travel. Each train is a cinematic and artistic expression of a bygone era and the routes they take. Each detailed corridor leading to the elaborately designed carriages connected to one another, each intimate dining, lounge, and bar car, and each inviting, cozy cabin and luxurious suite are a tribute to the timeless and artful experience of traveling by train.
An experience that is so cherished and sought after by so many, it has prompted a resurrection of the original 17 trains from the Orient Express line for travelers to enjoy for many years to come. So, before you book that next flight to Italy, consider traveling on the Orient Express at least once in your lifetime. The time-honored tradition of traveling throughout Europe by train has been taken to a level of unprecedented class, sophistication, and luxury, and should be on everyone’s bucket list. It truly is an unmistakable celebration of the Golden Age of travel.
This article originally appeared published here by the same author.