The allure of old-school travel to an exotic locale far afield is no longer a dream: A new route on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express brings the charm of Paris and the luxe appeal of the Amalfi Coast to life.
The latest inaugural route from Belmond hospitality purveyors and the Orient Express to wind its way through Europe, the May 2026 itinerary fuses the best of both worlds: Luxurious train travel meets the promise of an unforgettable Mediterranean aquatic experience. Belmond notes that, in addition to arrival champagne plus afternoon pastry and coffee service, an evening of enchanting cocktails within the train’s Bar Car ‘3674’ awaits. Intrepid travelers should take heed, though, as this experience isn’t associated with the Accor Group’s revamped Orient Express, although the journey should still prove incredibly memorable and refined in its own right.
The European tour, billed by Belmond as a “true celebration of Italian summertime,” the train trek includes one night on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, with the option to book either a Historic Cabin, a Suite or a Grand Suite onboard. Guests should take further note: The choice of room on the Orient Express will dictate lodging at Belmond’s 11th-century “palatial hotel” in Ravello, a package that includes two ultra-luxurious dinners at the Caruso itself.
Following one night on the Orient Express, the choose-your-own-adventure aspect of the one-of-a-kind trip ramps up even further: Guests will experience a gala dinner with live cooking stations during their second night at the Caruso, while live music and a guided VIP tour of Pompeii are part of a suite of covetable activities. The May 2026 Grand European tour of sorts also includes the choice of painting lessons and a scenic Amalfi Coast boat tour, each of which offer an utterly distinctive opportunity for an immersive Italian experience.
The newest Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) train route also includes appropriate attention to detail, including luxury car transfers to and from train stations or other ports of call, while bespoke destination travel arrangements can be booked for a supplementary charge in some cases, Belmond notes.
As to the trip’s planned duo of nights at The Caruso, Belmond notes the property is a fitting capstone to travel on the Orient Express, calling the Caruso “a place of fairytales, where original frescoes and vaulted ceilings converse with contemporary Italian flair.” Across both nights and two unforgettable dining experiences, local and regional favorites will dot the menu. Based on the room booked aboard the train and at the hotel, a variety of customizable activities also await fortunate explorers.
It might seem uncanny to be able to board a luxury train in the year 2026, as luxury sailing yachts and private planes offer a similar promise of remarkable adventure but every detail was carefully considered in crafting the latest Belmond itinerary, the company notes. The potential for otherworldly experiences await, as Belmond encourages passengers to “step aboard a legend in motion and experience the ageless beauty of the Amalfi Coast.”
To inquire about cabin availability and pricing, learn more at Belmond and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
