The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express experience has always been something more than a mere train journey. Since the Orient Express made its first departure from Paris in 1883, it has captured the imagination of the world. This page answers the practical questions so you can focus on the extraordinary ones.
Dress code for dinner
Jacket and tie minimum • Black tie welcomed
Luggage allowance
1 cabin bag • 1 suitcase in baggage car
WiFi on board
Yes • All areas
Air conditioning
Yes • All cabins and public areas
On Board Information
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express carriages are the originals from the 1920s and 1930s, beautifully restored to their former grandeur. Each carriage is individually decorated — no two cabins are alike — and the combination of marquetry panels, Lalique glass and bespoke craftsmanship gives the train an atmosphere that no modern vehicle can replicate.
Historic Twin Cabins have their own washbasin with hot and cold water. During the day the cabin is a comfortable private lounge with banquette seating; while you dine, your steward converts it to upper and lower sleeping berths with crisp linen and a feather duvet. A lavatory is shared at the end of each carriage.
Twin or Double Suites offer everything the Historic Twin Cabin does, with the addition of a private en-suite bathroom including shower, washbasin and toilet. The choice of double or twin bed configuration is available.
Grand Suites are the ultimate accommodation on the world's most famous train. Each of the six is individually designed around a European city. They include a separate bedroom and living area, private en-suite bathroom, space for private dining, complimentary champagne and caviar, and exclusive transfers.
All cabins and public areas are air conditioned, and the train now has WiFi throughout. Guests are kindly asked to keep their phones on silent while on board.
Dressing for dinner is a central part of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express experience, and one that guests consistently say enhances the atmosphere for everyone on board. As the saying goes on the train, you can never be overdressed.
For dinner, the minimum requirement for gentlemen is a jacket and tie. Many guests choose to wear black tie, and this is actively encouraged. Ladies should wear smart evening wear or cocktail dresses for dinner. The overall effect of a dining car full of well-dressed passengers, by candlelight in original 1920s Art Deco surroundings, is something that stays with you long after the journey is over.
During the day, smart casual clothing is the norm. Shorts, jeans and trainers are not acceptable on board at any time, including during the day. This applies throughout the train, including in the cabins and the Bar Car.
Storage space in the cabins is limited, as befits a 1920s railway carriage. The allowance is:
- One piece of hand luggage, suit carrier or overnight bag per person, which travels in your cabin
- One suitcase per person, which is checked into the baggage car and is not accessible until your final arrival station
We strongly recommend travelling with compact, well-organised luggage. A medium-sized suitcase and a small overnight bag or garment bag works well for most journeys. Large suitcases or excess luggage create practical difficulties in the cabins and corridors.
Luggage is loaded onto the train before departure so you do not need to carry it on board yourself. Your cabin steward will ensure it is placed correctly in your cabin or the baggage car.
Dining on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is one of the great pleasures of the journey. Three beautifully restored 1920s restaurant cars each have their own character and atmosphere, and the quality of the cooking — prepared entirely from scratch in an extraordinarily small galley kitchen — is remarkable by any standard.
Etoile du Nord is resplendent with its wonderful marquetry panels, depicting flowers and leaves in a variety of exotic woods. Cote d'Azur features the celebrated Lalique glass panels depicting scenes of the French Riviera coastline. L'Oriental is decorated in black lacquer with gilded details, providing an exotic and intimate atmosphere.
All three cars are laid with fine white linen, fresh flowers, heavy silverware and crystal glasses. The table d'hote menus are prepared by skilled chefs using the finest seasonal produce, with supplies taken on at stations along the route. Menus change according to the season and the route, but the standards remain consistently exceptional.
Breakfast and afternoon tea are served in your cabin by your personal steward. Lunch and dinner are served in the restaurant cars, and the timings of your seating will be arranged with the Maître D' on board. All table d'hôte meals include the train sommelier's selection of wines when served in the restaurant cars
Grand Suite guests have the additional option of dining privately in their suite at any point during the journey.
A small boutique on board carries a collection of specially created Venice Simplon-Orient-Express gifts and memorabilia. Luggage tags, scarves, cufflinks, stationery and other insignia items bearing the distinctive VSOE branding make for elegant mementos of the journey or thoughtful gifts for those who were not fortunate enough to come along. The boutique is particularly popular on longer journeys where passengers have more time to browse.
Travel Information
All travellers must be in possession of a valid passport for the entire journey. UK and EU citizens travelling within the EU and Switzerland do not currently require visas for any of the VSOE's standard European destinations.
Istanbul: Passengers from some countries travelling to or from Istanbul will require a visa. Full details and assistance can be provided at the time of booking. We recommend applying well in advance of travel.
Non-EU and non-UK passport holders should check visa requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate well in advance of travel. It is the responsibility of each traveller to ensure that all travel documents are in order and in their possession when travelling.
Regulations can and do change. Always verify your requirements close to the date of travel at World Travel Guide and at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which also publishes travel advice for each country. This advice should always be read before departure.
All inclusive holiday prices on this site are per person based on twin occupancy unless otherwise stated, and include the following:
- Cabin accommodation on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Historic Twin, Suite or Grand Suite as applicable)
- All table d'hote meals while on board
- Hotel accommodation with buffet or continental breakfast at your destination hotel
- Economy class flights at contract rates where applicable, including airport taxes, security charges and departure tax
- All transfers throughout your holiday (see Transfers section below)
Prices for single occupancy of accommodation are available on request. Where a hotel stay covers two different price bands the holiday price will be adjusted accordingly.
Travel insurance is essential for all journeys on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and is a condition of booking. A journey of this value requires comprehensive cover including cancellation, curtailment, medical expenses and personal liability.
We recommend arranging cover at the time of booking, which ensures that cancellation cover applies from the outset. UK residents can arrange travel insurance online through Allianz Travel Insurance.
Transfers are included in most package holidays on this site. Transfers are generally by private car, though a minivan or coach may be provided where a large number of passengers arrive or depart at the same time.
For train only bookings transfers will be provided by water-taxi in Venice and departures from Paris will be transferred from central hotels by private car.
Grand Suite guests receive exclusive private car or boat transfers at both ends of their journey as part of the Grand Suite service.
Each hotel included in our packages has its own character and style. We offer a range of properties at different price points reflecting their standard and what you should expect. Many hotels offer room upgrades, and while some properties may have views from certain rooms, this does not mean all bedrooms automatically have them. View rooms usually carry a supplement and we are happy to advise on this at the time of booking.
Hotel check-in and check-out times are typically between 12 noon and 14:00. Rooms cannot be guaranteed outside of these times. Most hotels will store luggage for guests arriving before check-in time, allowing you to explore the city while your room is being prepared.
Most itineraries can be customised to incorporate your preferred hotels from our selection, or to extend your stay at any destination. Please call us to discuss your requirements.
Most Venice Simplon-Orient-Express itineraries can be tailored to your own personal requirements. This might mean extending your hotel stay by a night or two, combining two destinations in one trip, or requesting a specific cabin type or particular departure. We are also happy to arrange pre or post-journey stays in cities along the route — Paris, Venice, Prague, Vienna and Budapest all reward a longer visit.
Your financial protection is guaranteed: payments received for holidays starting in the UK that include a flight element are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Train only bookings are covered by the bond of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Ltd and their insurers.
Flight Information
The following applies to flights booked as part of a package holiday with us. If you are arranging your own flights independently, these conditions do not apply.
Airlines do not open bookings for flights until 10 to 11 months prior to travel. We cannot book flights without a deposit being paid, and flights are subject to availability until confirmed in writing. All air tickets, including Club Europe or Club World, are issued at contract rates and once booked cannot be changed in any way.
European flights within our packages may be with British Airways in Euro Traveller class or with other suitable airlines. Upgrades to Club Europe are available subject to availability for a supplement. Itineraries and prices to and from Italy are based on flights to and from London Gatwick. Flights may also be available from other UK airports
Please note that most airlines charge for pre-assigning seats more than 24 hours before departure. Business class lounges are available at most airports, though where space is restricted this may be limited to executive club members.
We are not always able to confirm aircraft type and flight timings at the time of booking. The timings and aircraft details shown on your confirmation invoice are for guidance only and are subject to alteration. Final timings will be shown on your travel documents, which are sent approximately two weeks before departure. You must check these documents immediately on receipt to verify your flight times.
It is possible that flight times may change even after tickets have been issued. We will contact you as soon as possible if this occurs. Any change in flight timings or aircraft type does not entitle you to cancel or change other arrangements without paying our normal charges.
Under EU law you have rights in certain circumstances to refunds and compensation from airlines in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay. These rights will be publicised at EU airports and by airlines. Reimbursement in such cases is the responsibility of the airline and does not automatically entitle you to a refund from us.
For infant status, a child must be under 2 years of age on the date of the return flight in order to qualify.