Belmond Luxury Train Journeys: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Royal Scotsman Guide

1. The Belmond Heritage of Luxury Rail

Now part of the prestigious LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton family of luxury houses, Belmond began its journey in 1976 when American entrepreneur James B. Sherwood purchased the storied Hotel Cipriani in Venice. Shortly thereafter, Sherwood began scouring Europe to acquire and painstakingly restore original 1920s and 1930s Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits (CIWL) sleeper and dining cars that had once carried kings, diplomats, and literary legends like Agatha Christie.

In 1982, the reborn Venice Simplon-Orient-Express made its maiden run from London to Venice. Today, Belmond operates the world's most distinguished fleet of luxury trains and boutique river barges across Europe, South America, and Asia.

2. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE)

The flagship of the collection, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, operates signature routes between Europe's most enchanting cultural capitals:

• Paris to Venice (and Venice to Paris): The classic overnight journey. Board in Paris in the late afternoon, enjoy formal black-tie dinner as the train enters the Swiss Alps, wake to mountain vistas over breakfast in bed, and arrive in Venice at the Santa Lucia station overlooking the Grand Canal.
• London & Paris to Verona, Vienna, Prague & Budapest: Multi-night continental voyages exploring Central Europe's imperial capitals.
• The Annual Paris to Istanbul Expedition: A legendary 5-night historic passage traversing seven nations, recreating the original 1883 Orient-Express journey with private palace tours and gala receptions in Budapest and Bucharest.

3. Historic Cabins vs. Suites vs. Grand Suites

Choosing your accommodations on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express defines your onboard experience:

4. Gastronomy & Bar Car 3674

Dining aboard the VSOE is an affair of gastronomic excellence. Overseen by acclaimed French Chef Jean Imbert, menus highlight seasonal ingredients collected fresh along the route—Brittany lobsters, Mont-Saint-Michel lamb, Italian truffles, and Alpine cheeses.

After dinner, passengers gather in Bar Car 3674, the glamorous epicenter of the train. Adorned with plush blue velvet and polished brass, guests sip signature cocktails like the Guilty 12 while a resident pianist plays classic Cole Porter and Gershwin on the baby grand piano into the early hours of the morning.

5. The Royal Scotsman (Scottish Highlands)

Departing from Edinburgh's Waverley Station, The Royal Scotsman is the most exclusive country-house hotel on wheels. Accommodating just 40 guests in handcrafted Edwardian state cabins, the train meanders through pine-clad glens, along wild sea lochs, and past ancient clan castles.

Highlights of the Scottish Highlands circuit include:

• Open-Air Observation Veranda: An open observation platform at the rear of the train where guests can feel the fresh Highland air and photograph the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
• The Bamford Haybarn Spa Car: The first pampering wellness spa on rails in Europe, offering bespoke facials and deep tissue massages amidst the mountains.
• Exclusive Estate Visits & Tastings: Private clay pigeon shooting at Rothiemurchus Estate, private tours of Ballindalloch Castle, and tastings from the train's cellar of more than 50 single malt Scotch whiskies.
• Motionless Overnight Stabling: Unlike traditional trains that rumble throughout the night, The Royal Scotsman stables on quiet railway sidings overnight to guarantee peaceful sleep.

6. Hiram Bingham, Eastern & Oriental & Les Bateaux

Belmond's rail mastery extends far beyond Europe:

7. Inclusions, Rates & Dress Code

Belmond journeys operate on a virtually all-inclusive basis:

• All gourmet multi-course meals (breakfasts, three-course lunches, afternoon teas, and four-course dinners)
• Sommelier-curated house wines, beers, and spirits with all meals
• 24-hour dedicated cabin steward and butler service
• All guided off-train excursions, castle entries, and private distillery tastings on multi-day itineraries like The Royal Scotsman

Dress Code: On the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, black-tie formal wear (tuxedos or dark suits with bowties for gentlemen, evening gowns or elegant cocktail dresses for ladies) is celebrated and embraced at dinner. Jeans and sneakers are strictly prohibited onboard.

8. The Vincent Vacations / Signature Advantage

Because Belmond trains host very small guest contingents (40 to 120 guests maximum), popular departures sell out up to a year in advance. Booking through Vincent Vacations—an elite member of Signature Travel Network—unlocks exclusive privileges: