Amtrak might not bring the cachet of some of the world's most luxurious locomotives, but say the words "Orient Express," and you start to picture classic train carriages that have been meticulously restored and adorned with cherry wood furniture and paneling, gold and brass accents, and supple crushed-velvet sitting chairs. That is the refined world of high-end train travel aboard Belmond's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
The Orient Express launched service back in 1883 and has welcomed guests ranging from Tolstoy and Trotsky to Judi Dench and Johnny Depp.
Now it's your turn to get on board as the rail line debuts new routes across Europe. Additionally, if you really want to plan the trip of a lifetime, book one of three new Grand Suites -- the Vienna, Prague and Budapest -- that make their debut this season.
You probably know the Orient-Express for its London to Venice trek. However, there are more routes to explore.
Most packages are one night and transit between two of Europe's most compelling cities. (There is also a four-night London to Venice excursion in April 2021, but it's sold out. Call Belmond to get on the waitlist for that one.)
Overnight train routes, which you can pair with stays at Belmond hotels, travel between:
- London–Venice
- London–Verona
- Paris–Venice
- Paris–Verona
You can travel aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Europe from March through November and the train company also offers an annual trip to Istanbul.
These train trips start around 4,000 British pounds per passenger.
