Luxury Travel on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with iBestTravel
Date: 8 October 2023
A little before 10.30 am, a royal blue train arrived at Venice’s Santa Lucia station, halting gracefully. Many passengers anticipated a steam locomotive, only to discover a modern engine pulling 16 luxurious carriages. “This train is far too heavy for a steam engine; it’s been years since they used one,” explained the attendant welcoming guests. With luggage seamlessly handled by stewards, passengers strolled along the train, searching for their compartments as red carpets rolled out, welcoming them aboard.
Experience Luxury on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
I was here to embark on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, recently enhanced with new carriages, offering sumptuous suites that feature double beds and private bathrooms, each reflecting themes of lakes, mountains, and forests. While historical carriages are equipped with couchettes transformed into bunk beds by night, the new suites provide a dining area for meals and a discreet bathroom with wooden touches, glass sinks, and mosaic-tiled showers, complete with both handheld and rainfall showerheads.
Dining Experience Worth Remembering
To celebrate our 11am departure, our personal butler, Lino, presented a chilled bottle of Veuve Clicquot alongside appetizer blinis adorned with cream and Petrossian caviar. The opulent beginning to our journey was complemented by a focus on gourmet dining. Relaxed in VSOE-embossed slippers, I explored the compartment, discovering a boxed Dyson hairdryer and luxury Guerlain products. The ambiance continued to impress, with upgraded USB charging ports and sockets, showcasing significant improvements since my last trip in 2016. Lino returned to reveal another delightful feature: large windows framing the corridor, offering panoramic views from both sides of the train.
Lunch on the Move
As picturesque landscapes of fields and farms passed by, the dining car manager invited guests to choose between two lunch sittings. Opting for the earlier sitting, I followed the enticing aroma to the first of three dining cars. The journey included rotation among meal settings, allowing passengers to relish various decors and cuisines while also providing opportunities for conversation and new connections.
Evening Elegance
Settling into the dining car, I appreciated that wine and Champagne were included, a much-welcomed update since my last visit. As we journeyed through tunnels, romantic table lamp glow illuminated gourmet plates of blue tuna tartare and medallions of roasted chicken with smooth mash, finished off with a strawberry tiramisu soaked in espresso. Midway through the journey, we unexpectedly halted in Verona due to a technical issue, providing an excellent opportunity for exploration, far from any mountain passes.
Late Night Serenity
Back in my suite after dinner, I indulged in a moment of tranquility, gazing out the window. Lino soon returned with afternoon tea, featuring more Champagne, bite-size salmon pastries, and decadent chocolate rounds. As the scenic Dolomites emerged in the evening light, I marveled at the perfect lines of cypress trees and vineyards. The train continued its elegant journey, through dark tunnels, towards our upcoming dining experience.
Dining Under Stars
With the gentle aroma of fresh perfume trailing, we made our way to the next dining car, with its nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of the 1920s. Enjoying delectable lobster bisque and perfectly prepared veal, we traversed into Austria as dusk enveloped the sky. The captivating beauty of the villages illuminated by nighttime glowed like precious jewels as I savored the moments of nostalgia.
The Night Sky Experience
As a frequent traveler on sleeper trains, I often prepare the space for rest, but on this journey, everything remained in place with the gentle swaying of the train. At dawn, I awoke to a beautiful sunrise over Strasbourg’s misty fields, an unexpected delight. Lino greeted me with a selection of baked viennoiseries, coffee, and a refreshing Bloody Mary. After indulging in a hot shower and admiring the morning views, it was time for brunch, gathering all passengers once again in the dining car for a final taste of luxury, where Champagne flowed freely, and caviar made another appearance.
In Summary
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express journey is a remarkable experience that embodies luxury travel, aiming to capture the essence of historic train travel while ensuring modern comforts and extraordinary cuisine. This adventure is not only a feast for the eyes but also a culinary journey that captivates the heart and soul of every traveler.
