The Exquisite Journey: From Paris to Italy on a Luxurious $8,500 One-Way Train Ride
Embark on an opulent voyage from Paris to Portofino aboard the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Indulge in luxury beyond compare, as this legendary train weaves through Europe's picturesque landscapes A once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits you on this extraordinary journey
Farewell London, and welcome Italian Riviera!
After removing the UK capital from its itinerary, the "Orient Express" is now set to journey to the Ligurian coastline in the summer of 2024.
The train known as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe, will journey from Paris to Portofino over two days in June. In November, the company discontinued its British Pullman service, connecting the Paris-Venice route to London. Despite its name, this new route will not pass through Venice. The VSOE will depart from Paris at 3 p.m., travel through France, including Dijon, Lyon, and Avignon, before continuing along the Côte d'Azur and crossing into Italy.
The train journey concludes in Santa Margherita Ligure, the entryway to Portofino, at 1 p.m. the next day. Participants will then be taken to Portofino and will be staying for two nights at the renowned Splendido hotel - its full name being Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino.
Night train interior from Austrian rail operator OBB - Mini-cabin.
OBB
Solo sleeping pods are set to transform train travel in Europe. However, the experience comes to an end once the one-way train tickets are used up. If a return journey is desired, passengers must brave the crowded regional trains to get back to Genoa and Milan before continuing their journey back to Paris on the high-speed Frecciarossa.
The train journey will feature fine dining from a Michelin-starred chef.
Experience luxury with Belmond, starting at approximately $8,525 per person for three nights. Indulge in Michelin-starred cuisine curated by chef Jean Imbert, and enjoy live music from a resident pianist or swing band in the evenings.
For those wanting to really push the boat (or train) out, there are eight new suites onboard that debuted in 2023.
Naples, Italy
Medard David/Adobe Stock
Orient Express returns to Italy after nearly 50 years
Leave your heart (and wallet) in Portofino
Meanwhile, at the Splendido - a 16th-century monastery with stunning views of Portofino's iconic harbor, guests can enjoy newly renovated rooms and a saltwater pool. On Friday night, they will be treated to a five-course tasting menu by Imbert in person, followed by cocktails. The following day, they will be treated to a private outdoor film screening on Portofino's famous Piazzetta.
This will be the inaugural visit of the train to the Italian Riviera, with plans for it to become an annual event, and dates for 2025 are yet to be confirmed.
If you're not able to make the luxurious trip, a more affordable option is taking the Frecciarossa from Paris to Milan, and then an Intercity to Santa Margherita Ligure. The Splendido is closed until June 8, with the cheapest room costing $3,124 per night. A midweek stay at the end of September is slightly more affordable at $1,927 per night. Alternatively, the three-star Hotel Nazionale has doubles from $272, or from $437 with a sea view. For those on a tighter budget, Santa Margherita Ligure is a good alternative. In 2024, the Orient Express La Dolce Vita train will debut in Italy, a separate venture from Accor.
