The Impression
There’s a kind of magic in the rhythm of a train gliding over the tracks, a lullaby of time and movement that stirs something ancient and exciting within us. It’s no wonder that, for centuries, the Orient Express has been synonymous with glamour, intrigue, and romance. Boarding the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) was like stepping into a dream—one where history’s allure was re-imagined with modern luxury. From the moment I checked in at Paris Gare de l’Est, my anticipation mounted as I caught sight of the train’s gleaming blue-and-gold carriages, poised like jewels on the tracks.
This is an art-deco masterpiece on wheels, where each detail tells a story. Inside, the plush upholstery, polished wood paneling, and intricate marquetry evoke the grandeur of the 1920s. Every corner whispers of a bygone era—the intricately designed glass panels by René Lalique in the dining cars, the opulent seating areas, and the vintage light fixtures, all meticulously restored to reflect the splendor of this iconic journey. There’s no rush to get anywhere—because the train itself *is* the destination. Time seems to slow as I step into my compartment, which has been transformed by my steward into a luxurious sleeping space, ready for the adventure ahead. I can almost hear the whispers of royalty, spies, and film stars who once roamed these corridors.
Taste Onboard
This living legend is a gastronomic experience as much as it is a journey, offering meals that rival any Michelin-starred restaurant. I knew that food on a train could be good, but what awaited me was something entirely exceptional.
Each meal was a celebration, an event to be savored. I marveled at the crystal glassware and silver cutlery placed before me, and the soft clink of porcelain and polished silver, which made each course feel like a ritual. The train’s chefs, led by the legendary Christian Bodiguel, prepare every dish onboard using the freshest local ingredients. For lunch, I delighted in a tender monkfish paired with grilled fennel and a delicate red pepper stuffed with basmati rice—a dish that felt both comforting and refined. Dinner was a five-course indulgence: lobster with avocado and horseradish, followed by succulent roast duck and foie gras, crowned by a raspberry macaron with Sichuan pepper ice cream.
But it’s not just the food that captivates; it’s the entire experience. Dining in one of the three art-deco dining cars—Côte d’Azur, Etoile du Nord, and L’Oriental—is an immersive journey into opulence. The views of Europe’s landscapes change with each stop, but inside, the atmosphere is one of timeless elegance. Whether enjoying a morning mimosas with smoked salmon or a decadent afternoon tea with pastries, the train’s service is nothing short of impeccable.
Soundtrack of Luxury
As the sun dips below the horizon and the first stars begin to twinkle above Europe’s landscape, the train transforms into a haven of laughter, conversation, and music. It’s a place where the night comes alive—not in loud clubs or noisy bars, but in the intimate and elegant confines of the bar car and dining rooms, where the atmosphere hums with excitement.
I made my way to Bar Car 3674, a gleaming sapphire-hued space with plush velvet seating and crystal chandeliers. The resident pianist was already setting the mood with a familiar tune, inviting guests to relax with a cocktail in hand. As the train moved through the French countryside, I sipped a Negroni, feeling the subtle sway of the train as the soft sound of live music filled the air. The camaraderie among passengers was palpable. Everywhere I turned, someone was striking up a conversation, toasting to new friendships, or laughing over shared experiences. There’s something unspoken about this journey—the knowledge that we’re all part of a rare moment in time.
The bar car was alive with stories from around the world, and as the night wore on, the laughter grew louder. Midnight snacks of lobster rolls and truffled sandwiches emerged, and the barmen continued to mix whatever cocktail our hearts desired. I thought to myself, this is the kind of luxury where time feels boundless, where joy and celebration are never in short supply.
The Time Machine
As I settled into my cabin, now transformed into a cozy bed, I thought about the rich history embedded in every inch of this train. From the ghostly echoes of Agatha Christie to the stories of spies, diplomats, and aristocrats, the train feels like a living time capsule, preserving the golden age of travel in a way no other mode of transport can.
Waking up the next morning to the soft knock of my steward and the smell of freshly brewed coffee, I felt the journey had taken me somewhere deeper than just a physical destination. The landscape outside my window had changed—from the verdant hills of France to the alpine vistas of Switzerland, and finally, as the train chugged toward Venice, I understood the power of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to not just transport you across Europe, but to whisk you away to another era. It is more than a train ride; it is a time machine, transporting you through the history of luxury travel, of cinematic dreams, and timeless elegance.
As I neared Venice, my final destination, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This wasn’t just a trip; it was a living, breathing adventure—a once-in-a-lifetime experience I’d treasure forever. And as I stepped off the train, the soft clink of a champagne glass and the last notes of “O Sole Mio” drifting away behind me, I knew I’d forever carry the spirit of the Orient-Express with me.
Visit www.Belmond.com to discover more!
By: Lucas Raven
