Launching in June 2024, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe will travel to the Ligurian coast for the very first time in its four-decade history, connecting the two iconic destinations of Paris and Portofino.
This new, annual overnight journey from June 20-23 will see the train winding through the French countryside and along the coastline of the Mediterranean Riviera, concluding at Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, where passengers stay for two nights and enjoy a culinary evening with tasting menu.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Connects Cultural Legends
With the recent addition of eight new suites, the train now offers a trio of cabin categories to suit every traveler: the historic cabins where a daytime lounge transforms into cozy upper and lower berth beds; elegant new suites offering twin or double beds with marble ensuite bathrooms; and the Grand Suites, six larger private suites
After settling in and enjoying a French “tea time” in their cabins, guests will gather in Bar Car 3674 for handcrafted cocktails and live music. As the train winds past the cities of Dijon, Lyon and Avignon, a new summer menu by Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert will be served in restaurant cars Côte d’Azur, L’Oriental, and Étoile du Nord. Accompanying each course are handpicked wines from the train’s extensive collection, an homage to Europe’s finest appellations. Then it’s back to the Bar Car to enjoy live music into the night.
The next morning, an indulgent continental breakfast will be served in the privacy of the cabins, to the backdrop of spectacular coastal views as the railway connects France with Italy, moving past the famous towns of Cannes, Nice, and Monte Carlo then crossing the Italian border to Ventimiglia, Savona, and Genoa. In this final leg of the journey, brunch will be served before arriving in Santa Margherita Ligure where the train experience ends and the Italian sojourn continues at Splendido, a former 16th-century Benedictine monastery perched in the lush Ligurian hills.
From Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 23, guests will indulge in the ultimate Villeggiatura—soaking up the sun at the hotel’s recently redesigned salt-water swimming pool, with unrivalled views of the Gulf of Portofino. The journey also includes a tasting dinner and a private film screening under the stars.
For more information, visit belmond.com.
