There’s a special kind of magic in the rhythm of a train—a slow, hypnotic movement that gently lulls you into a dreamlike state as you travel through landscapes that seem to belong more to fantasy than reality. Boarding the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is not simply about reaching a destination—it’s about the journey itself. A journey where time feels suspended, and each passing moment is an invitation to sink deeper into a world of opulence, history, and endless possibility.
My adventure began in Paris, with the famed Gare de l’Est as the backdrop. The blue and gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express gleamed like a relic of another era, beckoning us to step aboard and take our places in a story centuries in the making. As the train began to roll away from the station, there was no rush to get to Venice, Budapest, or Prague. The journey itself was the destination, and we were all part of an exclusive cast in this ever-evolving drama. The train wound its way through France, across the Swiss Alps, through Verona, and finally to the City of Water—Venice. Each stop was just a footnote in a much grander tale; the train itself, with its decadence and romance, was the true star.
The Golden Age of Travel Reimagined
Like stepping into a time machine—one that transports you straight into the glamor of the Roaring Twenties. Each carriage has been meticulously restored to evoke the spirit of Art Deco elegance, from the deep wood paneling and plush velvet seats to the gleaming brass fixtures and the soft, atmospheric lighting that bathes everything in a golden glow.
My cabin was a cozy haven of old-world charm. The walls were adorned with polished brass, while the windows framed breathtaking views of the European countryside. When I first entered, I was struck by the sense that every detail had been carefully considered, from the vintage suitcases tucked in the corner to the brass monogrammed fittings. It was like staying in a whimsy suite from the golden age of travel, yet with all the modern conveniences one could wish for.
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The bathrooms, with their polished wood and crisp white towels, were outfitted with luxurious touches like Officine Universelle Buly toiletries and glass sinks—comfortably indulgent, yet never ostentatious. The classic design aesthetic, combined with the rhythmic motion of the train, made it feel like we were traveling not just through space, but through time.
Seamless Elegance and Unobtrusive Charm
One of the most striking aspects of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express experience is the impeccable service. The staff, dressed in blue and gold livery, exude an air of effortless elegance, but there’s nothing stiff or overly formal about them. My personal steward, Lino, was charming and attentive, ensuring that my every need was met while also offering fascinating anecdotes about the train’s storied history. There was a warmth to his service that made the luxurious surroundings feel more intimate, and less like an imposition.
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Throughout the journey, I noticed how the crew worked in perfect harmony—quietly attending to guests without ever interrupting the atmosphere. Whether it was delivering a perfectly brewed coffee to my cabin in the morning, or offering a nightcap in the bar car, they never missed a beat. There was a sense of camaraderie among the passengers as well, with many of us bonding over our shared love for this rare, timeless experience.
A Culinary Journey Within A Journey
The culinary experience aboard this living legend is nothing short of extraordinary. Breakfast, served in my cabin with buttery croissants and freshly brewed coffee, was a calm, indulgent start to the day. For lunch and dinner, the three luxurious dining cars—Côte d’Azur, L’Étoile du Nord, and L’Oriental—offered distinct atmospheres, but the quality of the food was consistently exceptional.
The menu, curated by renowned chefs and prepared fresh onboard, changes with the seasons and the regions the train travels through. A highlight of my trip was the exquisite lobster served with avocado and horseradish, followed by a decadent dessert of raspberry macaroons paired with a Szechuan pepper ice cream that was as surprising as it was delightful.
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But what truly elevates the dining experience is the way the train itself becomes a part of the meal. Each course, prepared with locally sourced ingredients, tells the story of the places we pass through—from the vineyards of France to the alpine meadows of Switzerland. In the evening, as we glided past the twinkling lights of distant towns, the dining cars transformed into elegant salons, with candlelight flickering and silverware gleaming.
Of course, no meal is complete without a drink, and the Bar Car ‘3674’ with its velvet lounges and resident pianist, provided the perfect setting for an after-dinner digestif. Whether it was a classic martini or a Negroni, the cocktails were made to perfection, and the atmosphere was always filled with an air of a love affair between our moving smaller world within and the bigger world outside.
A Journey Like No Other
What sets them apart from any other travel experience is the sense of immersion you feel in the moment. It’s not just about the luxury, though there is plenty of that—it’s about the timelessness of it all. You’re swept away into a world where your worries fall away, and where everything, from the meals to the conversations, feels like part of a grand narrative.
As I sat in the bar, a glass of champagne in hand, watching the landscape of Europe unfold outside, it felt almost like we were suspended in a dream. The gentle clinking of crystal, the soft strains of the piano, and the warm, intimate glow of the interiors all made it clear: this was no ordinary journey. I could almost imagine the train carriages filled with the great and the good from a bygone era—royalty, film stars, spies, and writers—each with their own story to tell.
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And when I awoke the next morning, gently rocked by the motion of the train, it was impossible not to feel a sense of gratitude for having experienced something so special. As the day began with a fresh cappuccino and a plate of fresh pastries delivered to my cabin, I couldn’t help but smile at the thought: the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express had turned my dream into a reality, and it had done so in the most elegant and unforgettable way.
A celebration of the art of travel itself. From the moment you step aboard, you are transported into a universe where every detail is carefully considered, where history and luxury blend seamlessly, and where time slows down to make way for moments of pure indulgence. Whether you’re in it for the food, the service, or the sheer beauty of the journey, one thing is certain: it’s an experience like no other. And when the train finally reaches its destination—whether that be Venice, Budapest, or beyond—you’ll know that the journey itself was the true destination all along. Akin to life itself, if I may say so.
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