When you board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, you’re not just stepping onto a train—you’re entering a world of intrigue and glamor. For over a century, this magnificent train has captured the imagination of travelers, writers, and filmmakers alike. With its dazzling blue-and-gold carriages and luxurious interiors, this living legend is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a moving symbol of elegance and imagination.
On a crisp spring evening at Paris Gare de l’Est, I stood beneath the arching canopy, staring at the train that had long been a fixture in my dreams. The soft hum of anticipation mingled with the clink of champagne glasses being raised aboard. The train’s restoration preserves the grandeur of its 1920s heyday, with Art Deco accents that speak to a time when travel was a true experience, not just a means to an end. Each carriage, from the mahogany-paneled compartments to the Lalique glass in the dining cars, whispers tales of intrigue and glamour—an era immortalized in Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express and in the minds of those who, like me, have longed to experience its magic.
It’s hard not to imagine yourself as a part of that storied past, a royal, a film star, or perhaps a secret agent, living out your own cinematic fantasy. I had packed my finest designer outfits for this journey, fully embracing the sense of occasion that this train demands. And when I stepped into my private compartment, I found myself surrounded by plush velvet, gleaming brass, and the unmistakable scent of polished wood—each detail a nod to an era when luxury and style were paramount.
Dining here is not just a necessity; it’s an art form. As the train pulls away from Paris and winds through the French countryside, the culinary adventure begins. Each meal, prepared by the talented chefs working behind the scenes, is a celebration of Europe’s best ingredients, elegantly presented and artfully paired with fine wines.
The first evening brought with it a dinner to remember—an extravagant five-course menu that I couldn’t help but savor slowly, bite by indulgent bite. Lobster served with avocado and horseradish, a delicate foie gras with rosemary, and a dessert of raspberry macaroons with Sichuan pepper ice cream. Every dish was a masterpiece, cooked to perfection in the train’s onboard kitchen, and served on gleaming silver plates with a side of impeccable service from the white-gloved stewards.
Breakfast, too, is a delight, with fresh croissants, perfectly brewed coffee, and the option of a more indulgent affair, perhaps smoked salmon and eggs with a glass of champagne. Whether you choose to dine in one of the three stylish restaurant cars, each offering its own distinct ambiance, or opt for a private breakfast in your compartment, the culinary offerings never fail to impress. The train’s menus reflect the season, showcasing local specialties sourced at stops along the way—it’s as if the train itself is an ever-evolving feast that mirrors the landscapes it travels through.
Afternoon tea, of course, is a must—a selection of delicate pastries and freshly brewed tea served with elegance, as the train rolls on through the changing vistas of Europe. By the time the sun sets and the bar car opens for cocktails, you’re already immersed in a sensory feast—one where the flavors, the sights, and the sounds of the journey come together in perfect harmony.
But perhaps the true magic of this moving universe lies in the journey itself. It’s not just the opulence of the carriages or the fine dining that makes this experience unforgettable; it’s the way the train transports you through time and space, both literally and emotionally.
As we left Paris behind and began our journey toward Venice, I was immediately struck by the changing landscapes outside my window. From the lush rolling hills of France to the majestic Swiss Alps, every moment seemed like a moving painting, each scene more enchanting than the last. There’s an element of nostalgia in the journey, a sense that time has slowed, and that you’re witnessing Europe in a way few have before.
More than just the passing scenery—it’s about the people you meet along the way, the connections forged in the shared luxury of the experience. As the night unfolded and the piano music filled the air in the bar car, I found myself chatting with fellow passengers from all corners of the globe. There’s a warmth and camaraderie aboard the train that makes the experience even more special. It’s a place where people celebrate life, where toasts are raised not just to new friendships, but to the journey itself.
As we neared Venice, my heart swelled with a bittersweet feeling—the kind that comes when you realize that the experience you’ve dreamed of is almost over. This icon in-motion has a way of making you feel like you’re part of something greater, something timeless. It’s not just a journey between cities; it’s a journey back to a time when travel was not about efficiency or convenience, but about the pleasure of the ride itself.
And was I disembarked in Venice, the shimmering canals greeting me beneath the fading light of the afternoon, I knew this was an experience I would carry with me forever. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is living piece of history, a beautiful, fleeting moment in time that allows you to step into a dream.
Visit www.Belmond.com to discover more
By: Lucas Raven
