Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

When you think of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a legendary luxury train that connects major European cities in timeless style. Also known as Orient Express, it’s not just a train—it’s a moving palace of polished wood, crystal chandeliers, and white-glove service that’s been carrying travelers since the 1920s. This isn’t a commute. It’s a journey back to an era when travel was an event, not a transaction.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express runs between cities like London, Paris, Venice, and Istanbul, using restored 1920s and 1930s carriages with original brass fittings, velvet curtains, and hand-painted murals. Each cabin is a private suite, complete with a steward who turns your bed at night and serves champagne before dinner. You’ll eat in dining cars where meals are cooked by chefs using recipes from the golden age of rail, paired with fine wines and served on fine china. The Orient Express doesn’t just move you—it immerses you in history, style, and quiet luxury.

What makes it different from flying or even high-speed rail? It’s the rhythm. There’s no rushing. You watch the Alps roll by from your window, sip coffee in the bar car while a pianist plays, and talk to strangers who become friends over shared stories. It’s slow travel at its most refined. And while you can’t book a ticket for under $2,000, what you’re paying for isn’t just a seat—it’s a memory you’ll carry for life. This train has been in movies, books, and dreams. It’s the only way to travel like a 1930s aristocrat, and it still exists today.

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to ride through Europe in a time capsule, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is your answer. Below, you’ll find real stories, travel tips, and insights from those who’ve taken the journey—from how to pick the best route to what to pack when you’re traveling in style.