Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Iconic journeys
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Iconic journeys
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express traces its origins to the inaugural 1883 journey of the original Orient Express, which linked Paris to Istanbul via Venice – cities steeped in romance, history and grandeur. Here, we celebrate the journeys that most closely mirror that legendary route, including departures to and from Venice and Verona and rare journeys to and from Istanbul. These are the train’s most storied legs, evoking the glamour and intrigue of its earliest adventures. Alongside these historic paths, we also highlight journeys that elevate the experience to new heights with the Grand Suite package, offering the finest accommodation aboard the train. Whether retracing the footsteps of early travellers or indulging in the ultimate luxury, our curated selection of iconic journeys invites you to experience the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at its most unforgettable.
The magic of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express lies in its heritage. These journeys retrace the original route of the Orient Express, where aristocrats, artists and spies once travelled in opulent style. Today, the most iconic legs of the journey begin or end in cities that defined its legacy. Venice, with its floating palaces and Renaissance charm, is a fitting departure point – its canals and faded grandeur echo the romance of rail travel. Verona, famed for its Shakespearean love story and Roman amphitheatre, offers a poetic interlude steeped in history. And Istanbul, gateway between East and West, enchants with its skyline of minarets, spice-scented bazaars and centuries-old intrigue. These destinations aren’t just the beginning or end of a journey – they’re part of the story.
Then, there are the Grand Suites. Iconic in themselves, they transform the journey into pure indulgence, with private en-suite bathrooms, double beds, personal steward service and unlimited Champagne. Whether dining on lobster in the Côte d’Azur carriage or sipping cocktails in the Bar Car, these journeys are a celebration of elegance, nostalgia and discovery.
Gondolas in Venice
Views of Verona
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
Whether you begin or end your journey in Venice, Verona or Istanbul, our expertise ensures you stay in accommodations that perfectly complement the elegance of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Each hotel has been hand-picked to reflect the character of its city while matching the luxury and refinement of your rail experience.
In Venice, the Hotel Metropole offers canal-side opulence with antique furnishings, rich fabrics and a celebrated restaurant – an ideal prelude or finale to your journey. In Verona, the Due Torri Hotel blends historic architecture with refined hospitality, located just steps from Juliet’s balcony and the Arena di Verona. And in Istanbul, the Sanasaryan Han, a Luxury Collection Hotel, welcomes guests with Ottoman-inspired design, marble interiors and views of the city’s storied skyline.
To make journeys even more iconic, these stays can be paired with a Grand Suite upgrade aboard the train, ensuring seamless luxury from station to suite, creating a journey that’s as memorable off the rails as it is on board.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates its most iconic journeys seasonally, with Venice and Verona departures typically available from March to December. These routes run multiple times throughout the year (less frequently in from October onwards) offering flexibility and choice. The Istanbul journey, however, is a rare gem – departing only once or twice annually, usually in late summer or early autumn. Due to its limited availability and high demand, early booking is essential to secure a place on this legendary route.
For those seeking the ultimate onboard experience, Grand Suites are available on select journeys and offer the highest level of luxury. With limited availability and high popularity, they must be booked well in advance, regardless of the destination, to ensure your journey is as indulgent as it is iconic.
