The stunning Belmond Venice Simplon Orient Express!
Before we knew it we had landed in Venice, were swiftly through the airport and on to a public bus which took just over half an hour in to the city itself; a short walk to the Vaporetto and we sat back and watched the world go by until our stop and our hotel on the Grand Canal. A lovely day followed with gelato, people watching, a trip to the stunning Belmond Hotel Cipriani to have a tour of the rooms and hotel (I'm always working, but in a nice way), more gelato, wine, shopping, more people watching, more wine, dinner and bed.
A fairly early start the next day, with a lovely breakfast at our hotel overlooking the canal and clear blue sky. By 10 am we were picked up by boat and transported with a few other guests to the main train station - Santa Lucia. Our luggage was whisked away, and we checked in and got our first view of the majestic gleaming Orient Express. That was a WOW moment; the carriages gleaming with grandeur. After being greeted by our cabin steward for the trip, the champagne arrived and then we slowly pulled out of the station with many bystanders waving and wishing us well on our journey.
You are only allowed a small cabin bag and suit carrier with you so if you have other luggage this is stowed away for you until arrival in London. The cabins are certainly 'bijou' but immaculately formed with a sofa sitting area, a small table and foot stool and a tiny cupboard which houses a sink (fabulous toiletries!) and that's it; with a shared loo down the end of the carriage and no showers. Your journey and requirements are explained to you by your own steward who looks after your every wish for the whole journey. Enrico was hilarious and professional all rolled in to one and regaled us with amusing stories and tips for the trip. Even though the cabins are small it was comfortable and cosy and caused us no end of amusement over the 36 hours we were on board.
There are the 3 options regarding accommodation, a cabin, two interconnecting cabins which essentially just gives you more relaxing space and 2 bottom bunks, or 3 suites which are at the front of the train. We got to see these when we stopped for a change of engine in Innsbruck Austria and they were simply stunning, but they do come with a large price tag!
There are 2 sittings for lunch and dinner, and we chose the latter of the 2 for both so we could get settled in. You are given the choice of whether you wish to share a table with other guests or dine alone. There is a bar with a mini grand piano and long sitting areas and a small boutique for necessary items you may have forgotten or for buying a special souvenir. The train passes through some stunning scenery and the day just passed by so quickly so before we knew it, it was time to get glammed up for dinner. The dress code is smart/formal, but most guests donned evening dresses and black tie and we found all our fellow travellers were from many different countries and most celebrating a special occasion. We met some fun and interesting people as we travelled on through Europe and its glorious landscape sipping on G&T's.
On to dinner in one of 3 dining carriages. You are allocated a different one for each main meal so that you get to experience the whole train but not a problem if you choose to stay in your favourite one for meals. It also means that you get to meet and chat to a huge variety of other passengers should you so wish.
So on to the food. Amazing, beautiful, tasty and to an extremely high standard - words just don't do it justice! I was intrigued as to what the food was going to be like considering the tiny areas they must cook in, but it really was to an exceptional standard and presentation was immaculate; as was the service. You essentially have a 3-course lunch and dinner, breakfast in your cabin the following morning and then a fabulous brunch as you travel onwards through France. We had risottos, lobster, duck, fish - the list goes on and if something is not to your taste then they will offer you an alternative. They are also sensitive to any dietary requirements.
Whilst you are dining and enjoying your evening, your cabin is transformed by your room steward into the bunks for sleeping, suffice to say you will need a couple of glasses of wine to climb into the top bunk. The beds are made immaculately with sheets and a duvet and you are also supplied with dressing gowns and slippers for any necessary trips down the corridor to the facilities!
Breakfast is served in your cabin when you wish, and we had a lie in until we pulled into Paris. Many guests alight here and continue their trip with a stay in the city. We took the opportunity to get off and stretch our legs with a walk along the platforms of Gare du Nord and on arrival back to our cabin it had been transformed once more to its daytime splendour. We relaxed and then had an amazing lobster brunch served as we watched the French countryside roll by. All too soon we arrived in Calais and we bid the staff and the beautiful train goodbye, passed through French customs and boarded a luxury coach for our journey through the Eurotunnel.
On arrival in Folkestone you are greeted by a jazz band whilst you await the arrival of the British Pullman for your onward journey to London. After a short wait we boarded, and again more bubbles arrive to greet you! We then spent a lovely couple of hours watching the English countryside go by and admiring the beautifully restored carriages whilst devouring a full British afternoon tea before a 6 pm arrival back to Victoria. Your luggage awaits you on the platform for your onward journey home.
On reflection we both agreed it was one of the most iconic and fun travel experiences you could possibly have; and even though our pockets were somewhat lighter on return (without a doubt) it was worth every penny!