Our journey on the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express began from the moment our host met us in the hotel lobby to get us prepared for what is a trip of a lifetime. The train passes through five countries: Italy, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and France.

Once all our baggage was tagged and train tickets were handed to us, we boarded the water taxi to make our way to Venezia Santa Lucia train station which is where we would be boarding the train from. After a scenic ride on the Grand Canal, we arrived at the train station and waited for the train to arrive on the platform.

When she did arrive, she was a beauty; the iconic blue exterior and white roof glistening in the morning sunshine as the train pulled into the station.

Our VSOE hosts left us in the hands of the train stewards who boarded us into our carriages after a couple of signature photos at the door. Before heading to our cabin, we decided to take advantage of the photo opportunities whilst the bar and restaurants were empty.

As we arrived at our cabin there were glasses of champagne awaiting us so we could just sit back and enjoy, get comfortable and unpack in our cabin. Our champagne glasses were topped up again by our carriage steward.

Before heading for our lunch, we decided to drop by the onboard boutique shop to browse the VSOE collection and made a few purchases. Lunch was served in the (Etoile du Nord) Green restaurant, there are three restaurant carriages onboard the train and you are given the opportunity to try all three for each meal served onboard. The waiting staff were very friendly and accommodating to all our dietary needs, there was plenty of champagne and wine to accompany our lunch.

After lunch we went to the Bar 3674 for some cocktails whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery unfold. The bar staff were friendly and informative, and advised for us to try some of their signature cocktails which are highly recommended. A cocktail named after the Bar '3674' is a must.

Afternoon tea is served in the cabin where your steward will bring you warm pastries, cakes and tea whilst you enjoy some more beautiful scenery of Northern Italy.

It was time to get ready and all dressed up for dinner since we had chosen to have the first sitting, this time in the (Cote d'Azur) Blue restaurant. The tables are all laid out beautifully with crockery to match with each restaurants colour scheme. More champagne awaited us at the dinner table with the different courses to follow accompanied by our choice of wine and finishing with a lovely coffee.

After dinner we moved to the bar car to enjoy a couple of nightcaps with live entertainment in full flow. There is some waiting around the bar while the second set of diners are finishing off their aperitifs. Once they vacated the bar, we were able to get a seat and order some different cocktails to try. 

The atmosphere in the bar was very lively and cosy with the resident pianist setting the tone and the bar staff mixing and creating cocktails. They often checked up on us to see what we would like to drink, and they were very attentive. If you stay in the bar late into the night, they offer what is called a 'midnight brunch' consisting of a little snack of lobster rolls and truffled club sandwiches; a very nice touch and very welcome if you were an early diner. The bar and pianist are there till the last guest is ready to retire to their cabin and we were not far off enjoying and soaking up the atmosphere till 2am.

The cabins are made up into beds when you return and are very cosy with warm blankets and little heaters provided if you need.

We awoke to the French countryside with a very misty morning giving an eerie feel. Stepping out of the cabin and enjoying the morning views from the large corridor windows while sipping a hot tea brought to the cabin by my steward was a nice start to the morning.

It was time to get ready and head towards the (L'Oriental) Gold restaurant for breakfast of warm pastries and tea or coffee followed by your choice of a hot breakfast from the menu. At this point we were not too far from our arrival into Paris and had time to pack our baggage in the cabin and relax in the bar and enjoy the views.

After settling our bar tab from the night before it was soon time to return to our cabins and get ready for our arrival into Gare de l'Est close to noon. Upon arrival into Paris all the train staff come out onto the platform to bid all the guest’s farewell.

The train itself has a lovely old-world charm to it and that’s what makes the journey a memorable experience.

For more inspiration, take a look at our Venice Simplon-Orient-Express page.