Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Is this the original Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
Yes. These are the original carriages dating from the 1920's. Original designs and parquetry have been restored to its former glory and the refurbishment also ensures the safety of passengers.

Where does the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express travel to?
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates between London/Paris and continental Europe. The most regular journey however is between London-Paris-Venice, which can be experienced in either direction. There are additional departures between Venice and Rome, as well as from Venice to Vienna, Prague and Budapest and from Paris to Istanbul and Istanbul to Venice.

When does the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express run?
The Orient Express operates between March and November each year. Please refer to schedules for exact dates and departure times.

What is included in the journey price?
Prices include State Cabin accommodation, table d'hôte meals daily, non alcoholic beverages, entertainment and all applicable taxes. Prices do not include insurance, gratuities for Crew members and souvenirs.   

What sort of service can I expect on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
In short, dedicated. A Cabin Steward is responsible for your carriage on the Continental train. He will be available at all times and may be called by the bell in your compartment. He will take care of your passport during the journey, change your compartment from day to night configuration and serve your breakfast, afternoon tea and other refreshments as required. The Maitre D’ will come to your compartment to take your lunch and dinner reservations. The Train Manager is on hand throughout the journey to help with any queries.

What is my sleeping accommodation like?
On the Orient-Express overnight passengers are automatically given their own compartments, complete with wooden parquetry and brass fittings in original 1920s detail. Each compartment has its own washbasin cabinet with hot and cold water as well as towels, fresh linen and toiletries. Facilities include 24 hour steward service, international electric sockets and individually controlled heating. Some compartments are fitted with a personal safe. There are no shower facilities on-board however toilet facilities are located at either end of the sleeping car.
By day, all compartments feature a sofa, foot stool and table. By night the compartments convert into a comfortable bedroom. Accommodation on board the train is as follows:
Single Compartments: one single bed and washing facilities.
Double Compartments: upper and lower beds and washing facilities.
Cabin Suite: 2 inter-connecting compartments.
Note: single compartments do not inter-connect with double compartments.

Are all meals included?
Yes. Table d'hôte meals are included in the fare. Continental breakfast and afternoon tea are served in the passenger's compartment, while lunch and dinner can be enjoyed in the dining car.
An a la carte menu is available for lunch and dinner and there is 24 hour compartment service for light snacks and refreshments. These are at an additional cost and paid for at the time of ordering.
Passengers departing from London on the British Pullman train are served lunch, together with a complimentary glass of champagne and half bottle of wine. Passengers ending their journey in London will be served afternoon tea on board the British Pullman.

Are special meal requirements catered for?
Orient-Express will do their best to cater for special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, provided a detailed request has been made at the time of booking. If a special request has not been made, the chefs will endeavor to prepare a dish with the ingredients on board. Orient-Express is unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.

Are beverages included in the price?
On board the continental train, wine and bar drinks are not included in the fare and may be purchased at an additional cost. Complimentary morning coffee is available in the Bar Car. Passengers departing London on the British Pullman train receive a complimentary glass of champagne and half a bottle of wine.

What do I take to wear on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
You can never be overdressed on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express! Dinner provides you with a marvelous opportunity to recreate the style and glamour of a bygone age. At dinner the minimum requirement for gentlemen is a suit and tie and an equivalent standard for ladies however some travellers will wear black tie or evening dress. During the day “casual but smart” is the rule. At lunch for instance, gentlemen might wear jacket and tie. At no time during your journey will jeans be acceptable.

If you are travelling as a day time passenger only, for example from London to Paris, it will not normally be possible for you to change for dinner. However it would be appreciated if you could dress according to the minimum standards.

Are there any luggage restrictions?
Overhead luggage racks are provided in each compartment on-board the train for the storage of a limited amount of luggage (sufficient for 2 small suitcases approx. 70x45cm). It is suggested that only items required during the journey be packed separately in an overnight bag or suit carrier. It is recommended that large items are check-in for storage in the baggage van. Checked luggage will not be accessible until passengers reach their destination.

Can I smoke on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
Out of courtesy towards your fellow travellers but also to comply with the strict Italian and other European countries regulations, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates a no smoking policy on board both the British Pullman and the Continental Train.

Can the Orient-Express accommodate people with a disability?
The Orient-Express is able to accommodate passengers with slight walking difficulties but recommend that they are escorted by an able bodied passenger. Unfortunately due to the dimensions and layout of the train, it is not suitable for wheelchair bound passengers.

Can children travel on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
Yes. Children aged 11 or under on the date of departure and sharing a Double cabin with one adult at full fare receive a reduction of 20%, children under 2 travel free when sharing accommodation.

How long does my journey take?
Journeys on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express can last from one to several days. The traditional and most popular route between London and Venice takes two days with one night on board.

How do I cross the English Channel?
Passengers traveling to/from London will experience the British Pullman carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient Express between London and Folkstone. The channel crossing is normally by coach transfer via the Euro tunnel shuttle. If for any reason Orient-Express are unable to use the Euro tunnel service, alternative services may be used.
An Orient Express hostess will escort the passengers during their transfer and via customs and immigration.

What is the check-in procedure?
London, Paris, Venice, Prague & Rome: check-in is 60 minutes prior to departure. Boarding takes place 20-30 minutes prior to departure.
All other stations: 30 minutes prior to departure.
VSOE staff members are not available until the arrival of the train. The Chief Cabin Steward will greet passengers beside the train to check tickets and assist with luggage.

What languages do the staff on board the train speak?
French, English and Italian are spoken by most stewards on board the Continental train.

Do you offer a honeymoon package?
A journey on the Orient-Express is a romantic occasion to remember in itself. With advance notice it may be possible for the Orient-Express staff to provide a bottle of champagne in your cabin, flowers, a special cake or a gift. Orient-Express staff will also be delighted to make any special arrangements for your trip should you have any.

What currency do I need on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
It is recommended that passengers have a small amount of Euros for on board purchases. Most major currencies are accepted, as well as travellers’ cheques, Eurocheques, and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, and JCB). The exchange rate on board is displayed in the Bar Car.

What are the Customs and Immigration procedures on the train?
Passports are held by the Cabin Steward. Passports and customs formalities take place at all frontiers and passengers will not normally be disturbed at frontier crossings or during the night. Passports will be returned to passengers immediately prior to disembarking.

Can I use my mobile phone onboard?
For the comfort of fellow passengers, the use of mobile phones and pagers is restricted to the traveller's compartment. At all other times, passengers are asked to have mobile phones and pagers switched off.

Will I need to tip the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express staff?
Any gratuities you wish to give are entirely at your discretion.

Are there any special security arrangements on board?
There is a discreet security presence and it may be necessary for passengers to make themselves and their luggage available for inspection. All compartment doors are fitted with a security chain and compartments should be locked upon leaving. Some compartments have a safe and keys can be obtained from the steward.

If I need assistance what staff are onboard to help?
The following staff are available for passengers assistance:
Pullman Steward: The steward on the British Pullman train who will serve meals and any other drinks or refreshments required by the passenger.
VSOE Hostess: The hostess who will accompany passengers throughout the Channel crossing.
Cabin Steward: The steward responsible for carriage on the continental train, Available at all times and can be called by the bell in the passenger's compartment. He will take care of passports, change the compartment from day to night configuration, and serve breakfast and other refreshments in the passenger's compartment as required.
Maitre d'Hotel: The Maitre D' will go to the passenger's compartment to take lunch and dinner reservations. The Restaurant Cars have tables for parties of 2 or 4 persons. He may ask passengers to join others to complete a table during busy periods.
Train Manager / Chef du Train: The train manager will be on hand throughout the journey. He will assist with passenger queries.