Venice Simplon-Orient-Express...

Belmond’s new three-night itinerary starts from US$10,975

Belmond has long been hailed as a trailblazer of slow luxury travel, and its newest sleeper route aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express promises a blend of history and glamour.

Starting May 2025, the world's most luxurious train will whisk travellers from Paris on an overnight journey through the French countryside and into the rolling hills of Tuscany.

The new route follows the success of the Portofino route launched in 2024, which resumes in summer 2025, joining a roster of legacy journeys offered by Belmond, including Istanbul to Paris, Lyon to Venice and Amsterdam to Verona.

Portofino route

Titled ‘Paris to Tuscany by a Legend of the Rails’, the three-night journey begins in Paris with a Champagne welcome and includes one night aboard the luxury train, a visit to historic city Siena and two nights at Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel and luxurious farm estate nestled among vineyards in the Tuscan hills.

Passengers can choose between three art deco-styled onboard accommodations, including Historic Cabins with banquette seating that transforms into intimate bedrooms at night. The never level up, Suites are similar but with an ensuite bathroom and more space and the premium option, Grand Suites, come with giant windows, free-flowing Champagne and 24-hour butler service.

Dining highlights include a seasonal table d'hôte menu crafted by Chef Jean Imbert and inspired by the regions the train travels through, followed by signature cocktails and live piano music in Bar Car ‘3674’.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Bar Car

The journey also includes a guided tour of Siena’s Unesco-listed medieval centre, with curated cocktails in the tower of Palazzo Pannocchieschi d’Elci, a 13th-century aristocratic palace, overlooking the city.

At Castello di Casole, a medieval castle surrounded by truffle-rich forests and olive groves, guests will spend two nights in a Junior Suite.

Facilities include an infinity pool, a spa and four dining venues, including Tosca for Tuscan flavours and Bar Visconti for cocktails and tapas.

Guests will also enjoy a ‘Sagra’-style lunch in the main courtyard, with live cooking stations, local food producers and traditional music showcasing the region’s culinary and cultural heritage.

Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, in Tuscany

Among guest experiences, tours, foraging walks and yoga sessions are all complimentary, as well as exclusive stargazing sessions in the outdoor amphitheatre led by an astronomer.

Following the inaugural Tuscany journey in May 2025, the train will return in June with the Portofino route for a three-night journey travelling through the French countryside, the Riviera and the Ligurian Coast and culminating at the iconic Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, which reopens in June after a major phase of its multi-year renovation, which includes adding Italy’s first Dior Spa.

Prices for Paris to Tuscany start from US$10,975 per person, and for Paris to Portofino from from US$13,275 per person.

For more information, visit belmond.com

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