In a historic move, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the world's most iconic luxury train route, is set to venture to Italy's Ligurian coast for the first time in June 2024. Departing from Paris and concluding in the picturesque town of Santa Margherita Ligure, this two-day journey promises an unparalleled experience for those with budgets stretching to the lavish price tag of $8,500 for a one-way ticket.
This excursion follows closely on the heels of the Orient Express discontinuing its British Pullman service linking the Paris-Venice route to London in November. Despite its name, this new route does not include a visit to Venice, instead beginning its journey in Paris, winding through France past Dijon, Lyon, and Avignon, before tracing the scenic Côte d’Azur and finally crossing into Italy.
The culmination of the journey is in Santa Margherita Ligure, serving as the gateway town to the renowned Portofino, where guests will be transferred to the illustrious Splendido Hotel for a two-night stay. While the train tickets are one-way, the return journey offers an experience on a crowded regional train back to Genoa and Milan, followed by a return to Paris on the high-speed Frecciarossa.
With prices starting from around $8,525 per person for the three-night experience, passengers are assured of a lavish journey curated by Belmond, the parent company of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert designs the menus, accompanied by entertainment from a resident pianist or a swing band in the evening.
For those seeking the epitome of luxury, the train offers eight new suites onboard that debuted in 2023. The journey's opulence extends to the stay at Splendido, a 16th-century monastery overlooking Portofino's famous harbor, where guests will indulge in a five-course tasting menu by Chef Imbert and enjoy cocktails on Friday night. Saturday brings a private outdoor film screening on Portofino’s famous Piazzetta.
This inaugural trip to the Italian Riviera is not a one-time event. It is set to become an annual occurrence, with dates for 2025 yet to be confirmed. For those who can't partake in this exclusive journey, a slightly less glamorous replication can be achieved by taking the Frecciarossa from Paris to Milan, followed by an Intercity train to Santa Margherita Ligure.
Additionally, 2024 marks the debut of the Orient Express La Dolce Vita train in Italy, an unrelated venture from Accor, offering travelers another luxurious option to explore the scenic beauty of the Italian landscape. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express continues to redefine luxury travel, introducing discerning patrons to new and breathtaking destinations, making history with every meticulously planned journey.
