| History of the Orient Express | General Information | Compartments |
Accommodation
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express' cars are the originals from the 1920s, now beautifully restored. All cabins have their own wash-basin facilities. Double Cabins have upper and lower berths. Single Cabins have one lower berth. A lavatory is situated at the end of each carriage. Crisp damask sheets and fine blankets provide a cosy atmosphere at night while during the day the berths are transformed to offer comfortable banquette seating from which to enjoy the passing scenery.
For extra comfort and space, why not reserve a Cabin Suite, formed of two connecting Double Cabins. At night you can choose between two lower berths or keep one cabin as a living area and use the upper and lower berths in the other cabin for sleeping. See accommodation for more details.
Dress Code
In keeping with the spirit of the occasion, you can never be overdressed on board. Many gentlemen choose to wear black tie for dinner, with ladies opting for stylish cocktail dresses, which enhances the atmosphere for all passengers. At the very least we ask gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie for dinner. During the day, smart casual clothing is the norm for all passengers, excluding jeans and trainers.
Luggage
Space is restricted to one suitable piece of hand luggage, one suit carrier or overnight bag per person, which will go in your cabin. One suitcase to be checked-in for storage in the baggage car which is not accessible until your final arrival station.
Dining
The three restaurant cars each offer a truly magical dining experience from scenic lunches to romantic dinners. The "Etoile du Nord" restaurant car is resplendent with its wonderful marquetry, the "Côte d'Azur" features stunning Lalique glass panels and the black lacquer decoration in "L'Oriental" provides an exotic backdrop. Whichever you choose, you are assured of a unique style and atmosphere.
Fine white table linens, fresh flowers, sparkling silver and glassware are the ideal setting for the table d'hôte menus. These are prepared by a skilled team of chefs led by Head Chef Christian Bodiguel and are a highlight of any journey.
Fine wines and champagnes are also available to compliment your meals at an additional cost.
Boutique
Why not commemorate your journey with a wonderful memento from the collection of specially created insignia gifts. Spoil yourself or someone special with a charming reminder of your trip on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
English Channel
The British Pullman carriages, which have Day car seating, will carry you in style between London and the Channel, where you will transfer onto luxury coaches for your Eurotunnel shuttle service. The Channel crossing is approximately 30 minutes long and hostesses will escort you and assist with customs and immigration formalities. Upon arrival in France, you will be met by the Wagon-Lits sleeper carriages, on which you will travel for the rest of your European adventure.
Visas
All EU citizens must be in possession of a ten year passport valid for at least six months after the expected UK return date. Currently visas are not required for EU citizens visiting any of the European countries featured on this site with the exception of passengers travelling to / from Istanbul. Visa details for these passengers will be given at the time of booking. If you are not an EU passport holder then please check with the relevant embassy or consulate in good time. It is your responsibility to ensure that all your travel documents are in order and in your possession when travelling.
However, regulations can change and it is the responsibility of the traveller to check that they have all the appropriate documentation prior to travel. Further information can be found at http://www.worldtravelguide.net and further UK passport information can be found at www.ukpa.gov.uk. Any non UK nationals should check with the relevant Embassy for passport/visa regulations.
Political and other conditions can also vary over time in different countries and travellers are advised to check with the Foreign Office regarding any travel advice prior to travelling.
Holiday Prices
All prices and supplements shown on this site are per person based on double occupancy and include :-
- A Double Compartment or Cabin Suite (as applicable) on board the VSOE.
(Note: passengers travelling on a day sector only, normally occupy a seat in the restaurant car for the whole journey unless a private compartment - with supplement if applicable - has been reserved).
- All table d'hôte meals whilst on board.
- Accommodation and buffet breakfast* in a regular room at your hotel.
*(Note: Continental breakfast only is included at some hotels, see hotel description).
- Economy class flights at a contract rate where applicable and shown in itinerary. These include airport taxes, security charges and departure tax. Please also see Flight Information below
- All transfers throughout your holiday. (See note on regional air connections).
- Where your hotel stay covers two different price bands then your holiday price will be adjusted accordingly.
Prices for single occupancy of accommodation on request.
Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for ensuring peace of mind and indeed is a condition of booking. You can arrange travel insurance online here.
Transfers
Transfers are included in all holidays on this site. Apart from Venice, where transfers are a combination of road and motorboat, transfers are generally by private car. However a minivan or coach may be provided where a large number of passengers arrive and depart at the same time.
Your Hotel(s)
Each hotel has its own style and character. We offer a range of properties on this site at a wide range of prices that give an indication of the standard and therefore your expectation. Many offer room upgrades and whilst some hotels may be situated overlooking pleasant views it does not mean that all bedrooms automatically do. Usually there is a supplement for 'view rooms' and we will be pleased to give further advice on this. Note that hotel check-in/out time is usually between 12 noon and 14:00 and rooms cannot be guaranteed outside of these times.
Customised Itineraries
Most itineraries can be tailored to your own personal requirements, including your own combination from our selected hotels.
Your protection
Payments received for holidays commencing in the UK that include an air element, are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority licence (no 3141) and bond of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Ltd. All other holidays are protected by a special account set up by their bankers and held in trust on your behalf.
Your Flights
Please note that the airlines do not open bookings for flights until 10-11 months prior to travel and we cannot book flights without deposit and they are subject to availability until confirmed in writing. Note that all air tickets (including Club Europe or Club World etc) are issued at contract rates and once booked cannot be changed in any way.
European flights: all flights are with British Airways in Euro Traveller class and upgrades to Club Europe are available, subject to availability, for a supplement. Holiday itineraries and prices to/from Italy are based on flights to/from London Gatwick. Flights are also available to/from London Heathrow for a supplement. Flights to/from other European destinations are from London Heathrow.
Please note that British Airways levies a charge to pre-assign seats more than 24 hours prior to departure, if you would like to do this, please ask for details. Business class lounges are available in most airports, but where space is restricted, this may be limited to the airline's executive club members.
Connecting regional flights : These are available to/from Heathrow or Gatwick from selected regional airports provided your international flight is with the same carrier. Connecting flights attract a supplement. Note that connecting flights do not include the transfer between Victoria Station and the airport or vice versa where applicable.
Flight timings and aircraft : we are not always in a position at the time of booking to confirm the aircraft type and flight timings. The flight timings and type of aircraft detailed on your confirmation invoice and/or itinerary are for guidance only and are subject to alteration and confirmation. The latest timings will be shown on your travel documents which will be despatched to you approximately two weeks before departure. You must accordingly check your documents immediately on receipt to ensure you have the correct flight times. It is possible that flight times may be changed even after tickets have been despatched - we will contact you as soon as possible if this occurs.
Any change in flight timings, and/or aircraft type will not entitle you to cancel or change other arrangements without paying our normal charges.
Other flight information : Please note the existence of a "Community list" (available for inspection at http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air-ban/list_en.htm) detailing air carriers that are subject to an operating ban with the EU Community.
Under EU Law, you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/ or compensation from the airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. Reimbursement in such cases is the responsibility of the airline and will not automatically entitle you to a refund of the price of your arrangements from us. Your rights to a refund and/or compensation from us are set out in our Booking Terms & Conditions. If the airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to the air transport users council on 020 7240 6061 www.auc.org.uk
Please note that in accordance with Air Navigation Orders in order to qualify for infant status, a child must be under 2 years of age on the date of its return flight
