Train rides don’t get much more romantic and luxurious than the Orient Express. Rolling through pieces of France and Italy in sumptuous 1920s train carriages, a glass of champagne in hand and world-class chefs tending to your every need? I don’t mind if we do…for a price, of course.
But soon the Orient Express will become even more romantic. For the very first time, the Venice Simplon-Orient Express will extend its schedule until December. Which means – yes – the most romantic train in the world will run around Christmas.
The extended Express timetable covers ten different routes which include destinations such as Paris, Vienna, amsterdam, Venice, Florence, prague and Budapest. All itineraries are overnight voyages: passengers board just before dinner, enjoy a four-course meal and after-dinner drinks, then depart for an overnight stay in one of the Express’s many sumptuous suites.
The closest trip to Christmas begins on December 20, departing from Paris to Verona and Venice. There are also Paris-Vienna and return journeys on December 17 and 18.
Just in case the idea of working your way around some of The most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe in style isn’t enough, here are some extra-tempting train details. Operated by a luxury hotel company Belmond, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express features refurbished train carriages from the 1920s and 1930s. Accommodation arrangements vary from historic twin cabins to suites with marble baths, unlimited champagne, and 24-hour concierge service. The dining cars alone are something to behold. And we wouldn’t be surprised with a few extra festive touches around Yuletide. Anyone for Christmas carols at the piano bar?
Obviously, the rates for all of this are quite high. The cheapest price for a one-person, overnight journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is £3,353 ($3,500), with the most expensive options reaching £8,400 ($9,850) . To take your mind off things, here are some great photos of the trains and carriages.
Want to go for a snowy ride in December? You can book a suite or find out more here – and get ready to plan that once-in-a-lifetime Christmas luxury train extravaganza! (If you have the money.)
Have you seen the chic new sleeper trains coming to Europe?
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