The Expanding Routes of the Legendary Orient Express by iBestTravel

The legendary Orient Express train is expanding its route across Europe this year, with the announcement of five new boarding points. Famous for an atmosphere that plunges guests back into the first decades of the 20th century, the romantic train made famous by Agatha Christie has also added three new grand suites.

New European Destinations

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has long captured the hearts and imaginations of guests. It is now adding Rome, Florence, Geneva, Brussels, and Amsterdam to its routes on board its 17 restored carriages. Moreover, the new route to and from Venice and Amsterdam connects three European capital cities: Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.

Luxury Journeys and Unique Experiences

Marking a return to the routes of the past, the train returns to Rome for a new journey to Paris, making its way towards Florence, onwards past the Italian lakes and Swiss mountains into France. This overnight journey includes dinner, offering a unique travel experience. Travelers can select from a number of new journeys, including the option to stay overnight at Villa San Michele, Florence, or Castello di Casole, Tuscany, along the Florence route to Paris.

The Geneva to Venice route showcases the famous Brenner Pass, providing breathtaking views as the train winds through the Alps, passing the romantic city of Verona before reaching Venice. According to Gary Franklin, vice president of Trains & Cruises, “During 2020, while the train was unable to operate, we identified some exciting new destinations and routes, offering an increased number of ways to see Europe whether for a long weekend or as part of an extended European tour and reflecting the storied history of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.”

Grand Suites Inspired by European Cities

The train has three new grand suites named after European cities along the train’s route – Vienna, Prague, and Budapest. Each suite features a design inspired by the unique characteristics of each city. The Prague suite showcases hues of golds and maroons with a theatrical feel and Cubist-inspired mosaics. The Vienna suite embodies the “imperial nature” of its namesake, featuring gold and emerald green colors supplemented by classical design elements. Finally, the Budapest suite captures the essence of both sides of the Danube, inspired by Gothic and Ottoman architecture.

Seasonal Operations and Policies

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates throughout Europe from March to November, with the full trip to Istanbul occurring once a year. Consequently, please note that March departures may be impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. For further information regarding the train’s history and its COVID-19 policies, you can visit the official website here.