In May 2014, the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is adding a new destination to its regular schedule and heading to the birthplace of luxury train travel Brussels, for the first time.
Departures to and from Brussels are available from Venice, Vienna and Budapest, with five new itineraries added to this season’s timetable with durations from one to four nights on board. This marks the first time the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has travelled to Belgium, yet, the country plays a significant role in the train’s history. Not only was the train’s most synonymous detective, Hercule Poirot, born in Belgium but the concept of luxury train travel also has its roots there. Belgian born, Georges Nagelmackers changed the face of railway travel across Europe by creating the fabled and original ‘Orient Express’ train service in 1883 that ran from Paris to Vienna to begin with and later on to Constantinople.
Made up of beautifully restored carriages from various luxury train services of the 1920s and 1930s, including the legendary Orient-Express, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express evokes the golden age of travel. On board guests are treated to fine dining, a personal steward service and exceptional scenery. These new routes take the train through the famed German, Austrian and Swiss countryside. On a select number of journeys between Venice to London and London to Venice, guests can also choose to stopover en route in Brussels where hotel accommodation can be arranged.
Departures start on the 17th May from Venice to Brussels.
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