Vacation On The Orient Express

On the 22nd of June, I boarded the Orient Express for an 11-day vacation across Europe. It was one of the best vacations I’ve ever had. Here is a trip report about where I went and what I did.

To provide you with the most luxurious and relaxing vacation available, the “Orient Express” has been designed to provide guests with an extraordinary experience. Packed full of inclusions, the train is sure to be a memorable one!

I just love accents. Ever since I was little, I’ve been fascinated by them. I recently took a trip to the Orient Express — which by the way is one of the best vacations you can take, it’s so breathtaking!

The VSOE is one of the most recognized and luxurious train services in the world available to all passengers from all continents. The service, which was put into operation in May 1883, has every year welcomed a unique selection of high-profile travellers, VIPs and celebrities.

This fall, London, Venice and Istanbul have to offer something for all those wishing to take a break of serenity.

Special experiences

There is no more memorable an experience than seeing the train for the first time. Arrive early at the station to get caught up in the giddy excitement reverberating through the air. It could be at London’s Victoria station, where you board the umber and cream carriages of Belmond’s British Pullman or at Calais or Venice, where you’ll get your first glimpse of the blue and gold carriages of the Continental Wagons-Lit. The thrill is palpable and these are memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Climb aboard and step back in time to a more refined, congenial and elegant era. Walk through all the carriages to understand that you’re travelling on a page of history, taking the time to read the plaques identifying each carriage and observing the different décor of each one.

Head to your compartment and settle in, meeting the cabin steward who will anticipate and attend your every need. Unpack your tuxedo and ball gown; you can never be overdressed aboard the elegant carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. When dressed to the nines, hang out in Bar 3674, the social hub of the train and mingle with other passengers. Listen to a pianist play period pieces as you sip pre-dinner signature cocktails expertly prepared by the head barman. Alternatively toast your good taste with a vintage champagne from the train’s extensive selection.

Vacation On The Orient Express

Then, settle yourself into one of the three beautifully restored restaurant cars, taking note of the fine linen, French silverware and heavy crystal that hint at the extravagance ahead. Perhaps you’ll try lobsters from Brittany or salt marsh lamb from Mont St Michel.

After a four-course culinary adventure, retire to your cabin, which will have been discretely converted into a sleeping compartment. Spoil yourself with a night cap then climb the upholstered ladder to your upper berth or snuggle down under luxury linens on the bottom bunk to be lulled by the movement of the train as it travels across Europe, perhaps having taken steps to arrange a celebration breakfast in the morning so that you can start the next day with another magical memory.

Service onboard the Orient Express

White-gloved service on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

The Orient Express' bar car

Sip vintage champagne in the elegant bar car

Cabins on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

There are 88 double cabins (upper and lower berth) and 11 single cabins modelled on the 1920s originals. Each private compartment is attended by a cabin steward throughout the journey, which means that you are assured of attentive yet discreet service. Want to idle your way across Europe in your pyjamas, plush bathrobes or indeed anything else, mesmerised by the scenery flashing by from the privacy of your bed or sofa? The staff are impeccably trained.

Twin Cabin

During the day, your cabin acts as a comfortable lounge with a large banquette sofa, footstool and small fold out table. There is a washbasin stylishly hidden away in its own cabinet. While, you enjoy a sumptuous dinner in one of the dining cars and drink cocktails in the bar car, your cabin steward will convert your compartment into a cosy sleeping space with upper and lower berths, complete with crisp white linen. Bathrobes, slippers and luxury amenities by Temple Spa are provided.

Cabin Suite

For a shot of additional luxury take a Cabin Suite, which comprises two interconnecting Twin Cabins. This way you have more space and, after dark, a choice of bed configurations as the suites afford you option of having two lower berths to sleep in. Alternatively, use one cabin for sitting up during day time and the other for retiring to at night.

Grand Suite

Three new incredibly spacious suites bring a new level of luxury to the already opulent train. For the first time, and in a welcome departure from the faithful reproduction elsewhere, each Grand Suite includes a private en suite bathroom with showers, sinks and toilet, as well as a double bedroom and a sizeable living area. Named after the three cities most associated with the train – Paris, Venice and Istanbul – these suites are designed in keeping with the general Art Deco motif but draw on their namesake’s associations; chic haute couture flourishes, renaissance design, Venetian-style glass lamps, grand Baroque touches and opulent embroidered pillows and rugs that echo the Grand Bazaar can all be seen.

For the ultimate experience on your Venice Simplon-Orient-Express rail journey spoil yourself with a Grand suite and enjoy more room in which to relax, your own bathroom to freshen up in, more choices of where and when to dine, including private dining in your own suite, complimentary Caviar on arrival and free-flowing champagne in your suite at all times, which could be incentive enough.

Twin cabin on board the Orient Express