Luxurious Orient Express Unveils New Itineraries For December

Fans of European vintage train travel have a new option this winter.

For the first time, the Venice-Simplon Orient Express will be making 1-day trips in December, giving customers a chance to experience the wonders of winter aboard a luxury train.

There will be a dozen different itineraries to choose from in December:

• Venice to Paris (December 2)
• Verona to Paris (December 2)
• Venice to Paris via Rome and Florence (December 7)
• Florence to Paris (December 7)
• Paris to Florence (December 8)
• Paris to Venice via Rome and Florence (December 8)
• Venice to Paris (December 12)
• Verona to Paris (December 12)
• Paris to Vienna (December 17)
• Vienna to Paris (December 18)
• Paris to Verona (December 20)

While the trips sound magical, the price isn’t cheap. Tickets run about $3,000 per person, depending on the dollar to euro exchange rate at the time of booking.

Travelers will have their own private sleep cabin, ranging in size and whether bathrooms are private or shared. They will be served gourmet meals, afternoon tea, cocktails, and more in dining and bar cars.

Officials promise winter-themed menus to go with the journey, with dishes featuring local ingredients.

There will be midnight brunch, live piano music, and more to keep your belly full and your senses entertained.

The Orient Express

The Venice-Simplon Orient Express has been traveling the rails of Europe for many years. It features restored train carriages that are close to 100 years old and upgraded to vintage luxury.

As an example, the dining car, L’Oriental, dates to 1927 when it served passengers between Paris and Amsterdam. When added to the Orient Express, it was restored and refitted with black lacquer panels.

Rooms include historic cabins, grand suites, and suites that operators say “take design cues from the stunning nature our train passes through: forests, mountains, countryside, and lakes.”

Operated by Belmond, the Orient Express runs from spring to fall throughout Europe.