Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Dining on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is simply unforgettable. Breakfast and your afternoon tea are served in the comfort of the passenger's luxury cabins and lunch, dinner and brunch are served by the waiters in one of the three individually styled restaurant cars: Cote d'Azur, Etoile du Nord or L' Oriental. All dishes are freshly prepared on the train by skilled French chefs, with the finest ingredients taken on board along the route.

Situated in the heart of the train is the Bar Car; here guests are invited to indulge in cocktails and coffee while enjoying the music from the resident pianist. The Maitre D' comes to your cabin to take your lunch and dinner reservations in advance, and there is also an à la carte menu and 24-hour compartment service available at an additional cost.

Passengers will travel in private cabins, all exquisitely restored to their former glory; a truly unique travel experience complemented by impeccable personal service.

Cabins convert in moments from daytime seating to a luxurious bedroom, all performed by the cabin stewards while dinner is being served. A private lounge during the day with a banquette sofa, footstool and small table, converts to a night configuration of an upper and lower berth for Historic Double Cabins. Suites and Grand Suites are also available for a truly luxurious and memorable experience.

All Historic double cabins are private, and include a washbasin with hot and cold water, luxurious towels, linen and toiletries and a 24-hour steward service. Luxury, mosaic-tiled lavatories are located at the end of each carriage of the train.

For additional comfort and extra space, Suites and Grand Suites are available on request.

How much luggage can I take onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?

Due to space constraints luggage is limited, per person to; one suitable piece of hand luggage and one suit carrier or overnight bag (to be placed in your cabin) and one suitcase to be checked through for storage in the baggage car (where it will not be accessible until you reach your destination). Please note that your tickets and passports must be kept in your hand luggage at all times and not stored in the cabin or stored luggage.

What time do we need to check-in before we depart?

For the guests departing from London, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has a check-in lounge at London Victoria Station on Platform 2. Check-in is open from 8.30am. You will need to check in by 10am at the latest. Boarding commences about 15 minutes prior to departure. 

What do I need to do if I have a special diet?

If you have any special dietary requirements or requests such as food allergies, vegetarian, vegan, no shellfish, no red meat etc, these must be fully advised at least ten days prior to departure in order to avoid disappointment.

Can I smoke anywhere?

No. Both the Belmond British Pullman and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are non-smoking throughout in accordance with European governmental regulations (this includes the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems) and there aren’t any smoking carriages.

What do I wear onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?

You can never be overdressed on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. During the day, smart daywear is appropriate to ensure that the experience on the train is enjoyed by all. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts and trainers are forbidden. In the evenings, the minimum requirement for gentlemen is a jacket and tie and an equivalent standard for ladies.

Will I need a passport or visa?

Yes, you will need to take a passport, plus a visa if necessary.

When do we board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?

If you are travelling from London Victoria, your journey will begin aboard the Belmond British Pullman, sister train to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, you will remain onboard until you reach Folkestone. You are then escorted by our hostess to a luxury coach for the Channel crossing on the Eurotunnel shuttle. At Calais Ville Station you will disembark the coach and board the luxury carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. 

If starting your journey from Paris, you will board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Gare du L'Est in Paris.

What meals and drinks are included in the price?

All table d’hôte meals are included in the train fare including wine with meals (premium wines at a supplement). All other beverages excluding tea and coffee are at an additional cost and should be paid for at the time of ordering. There is an a la carte menu available for lunch and dinner at a supplement. There is also a 24-hour cabin service available for light snacks, refreshments and alcoholic drinks while the Bar Car is open. Guests departing from London Victoria are served brunch at their table on the Belmond British Pullman, together with a complimentary Bellini. Guests ending their journey in London will be served afternoon tea on board the Belmond British Pullman.

Do the cabins have facilities to charge laptops and electric razors etc?

All cabins have a dual voltage plug, 230/115 volts for electric razors and two 220 volts continental sockets suitable for hairdryers and laptops etc.

Unfortunately, forward-facing seating cannot be arranged as the train’s direction changes several times during the journey.

What wash facilities are available in the cabins?

All of the cabins have their own wash-basin cabinet with hot and cold water, towels and soap. Bathrobe and slippers are available in the cabin for you to use and bathrobes can also be purchased onboard in the Boutique. A lavatory is situated at the end of each carriage. There are no shower facilities on board for those staying in the Historic cabins.

Are the cabins air-conditioned?

There is a centrally controlled cooling system on board, however individual cabins are not temperature controlled separately with cooling. Guests can control the flow and volume of cooled air into their cabins by opening or closing a vent.

How many different types of cabins are there?

There are three types of cabins; Historic double Cabins with an upper and lower berth, Suites with a twin or double bed and en-suite bathroom and Grand Suites which feature a double bed, living area and en-suite bathroom.

The dimensions and layout of the Belmond British Pullman and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are not suitable for wheelchair users. Passengers with slight walking difficulties can be accommodated but it is recommended that they are escorted by an able-bodied passenger. Please make any special requirements known at the time of booking so that requests can be made; such as reserving a cabin closer to the Restaurant Cars (this is subject to availability).

Is there a wi-fi connection on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?

Yes, Wi-Fi is available throughout the train and in all guest cabins. The service is however provided by a mobile device so signal can be intermittent in rural areas. To maintain the ambience of the train for fellow passengers the use of mobile phones and electronic devices should be restricted to the cabin.

If we are celebrating a birthday or special occasion, can we take a cake onboard?

It is not possible to take any food or beverages onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, however special arrangements can be made for birthday/ celebration cakes to be purchased. The cakes will not be individually decorated however. This can be arranged in advance by contacting one of our Personal Travel Planners.

What currency is accepted on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?

Prices are quoted in Euros and it is recommended that passengers have a small number of Euros for onboard purchases. However, most major currencies are accepted, as well major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club and JCB). The exchange rate on board is displayed in the Bar Car.

Will I need to tip the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express staff?

Any gratuities you wish to give are entirely at your discretion.

Will I need insurance for my trip?

As with all holidays and trips abroad, it is advisable to have travel insurance. Our Italy Experts will be able to advise you.

Can I do any shopping on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?

There is an on-board boutique which has an exclusive range of specially designed gifts. These can be gift wrapped and brought to your cabin on request.

Are children permitted on board?

Children are welcome to join us on board, and infants under the age of two at the time of departure travel free. Parents must provide their own food and a bassinet for sleeping. Given the space constraints of a Twin Cabin, we always recommend booking an interconnecting cabin or Grand Suite for our guests' comfort. The ambiance aboard the train is geared towards our adult passengers. For this reason, it is at the Train Manager’s discretion that children may accompany their parents in the bar and restaurant cars.