An elegant ride through the French Alps awaits you on the new Venice Simplon-Orient-Express route
The latest Alpine adventure from Belmond will begin in December.
It's hard to beat a trip to the French Alps for a winter getaway. The ultimate snow-capped European adventure will soon be available aboard Belmond's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
As per Rich Report, new routes have been announced for the legendary train that combine the excitement of an Alpine adventure with the joy of slow travel. Starting next winter, passengers will have the option of traveling between Paris and the French Alps, one of the highest mountain ranges in the world. What's even better? As the railcar passes through frosty, picturesque landscapes, you can enjoy them without ever leaving.
Upon its launch on December 2023, the 17-carriage train will travel through the unspoiled countryside of France and up to stations like Albertville, Moûtiers, and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. At Bar Car '3674' in Paris, you will enjoy cocktails followed by seasonal dishes prepared by chef Jean Imbert, who joined the company's culinary team earlier this year. As you gaze out at the stunning Savoie region from your cabin the next morning, enjoy French-style pastries. Before participating in any Alpine activities, you will enjoy a heartier brunch. As you'll have access to three of the region's best ski resorts and terrain, including Mont Blanc; Courchevel and Three Valleys; and Tignes-Val d'Isère, you'll have a chance to explore the world's best slopes.
There is a sense of 1920s glamour throughout the interior of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. The carriages feature glossy cherrywood paneling, velvet furnishings, and Art Deco decor. A new cabin category, consisting of eight luxurious accommodations, will also debut in 2023 to further enhance your luxe journey. Grand Suites feature marble bathrooms, a lounging area that can be converted into a double or twin bed, and a cabin steward on call 24 hours a day. Slippers and a kimono are also complimentary.
“Travel is back but we all must travel better . . . Our goal is to curate guest experiences that will enrich the connections between our guests and the destinations,” says Roeland Vos, President & CEO of Belmond, in a press release. “We will continue perpetuating the legendary art of travel—leading the industry by setting new standards of luxury—standards that are defined by one-of-a-kind authentic experiences and genuine connections.”
The French Alps trip comes just months after Belmond's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express announced that its annual season would be extended for the first time since 1982. There is usually only one train per day between March and November. A one-night excursion to Florence, Paris, Venice, and Vienna was offered throughout December 2022 by the brand.
Are you ready to board? It costs £3,785 per person ($4,582) to stay overnight in the Historic Cabin. It will cost you £7,300 per person ($8,837) if you choose one of the new Grand Suites.
