Take a Once in a Lifetime Experience on the Luxury Orient Express

A Journey Like No Other: What happens on the Orient Express London to Venice

There are train journeys and then there is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. This Orient Express train through Europe is a one of a kind experience. Wondering what happens on the Orient Express? A legend in its own right, this journey from London to Venice is more than just transportation; it’s a romantic step back in time, an immersive experience in luxury, history, and indulgence. A perfect trip for travellers over 50 seeking comfort and style.

If you’ve ever dreamed of living inside an Agatha Christie novel or simply want to trade airport stress for champagne and velvet seats, this is a bucket list trip worth every moment. Read on to discover what happens on the Orient Express.

At Glamorous Gallivant, we believe that travel in your 50s, 60s and beyond should be about rich experiences, slow beauty, and meaningful moments and this legendary train journey captures all three in the most unforgettable way.

Where Did it all Begin

The Orient Express started in 1883, with its famous route from Paris to Istanbul, the gateway to the Orient. However, many variations in the route occurred over the years as the company saw a rise and fall in fortune, with the network running through Europe from London to Istanbul and Athens.

Of course, anyone who knows anything about geography is probably aware that there’s a bit of water between the UK and the rest of Europe. There is a train tunnel, but it’s only used by the Eurostar services, no vintage trains on this route! So the Orient Express experience that we undertook actually took place in three phases, a luxury train from Victoria to Folkestone, a luxury bus that takes the Eurostar to Calais, and finally, a luxury train from Calais all the way to Venice.

Is the London to Venice or Venice to London Route Better?

Obviously, you are going to enjoy the same scenery and impeccable level of service in either direction on the Orient Express train through Europe. However, personally, I wanted to look forward to my arrival in Venice rather than my journey home! Furthermore, I preferred to complete the shorter segments of the trip before I settled down to enjoy the longer, continental experience.

Some guests choose to do the full round-trip orient express experience, but I felt the one-way trip was abundantly indulgent for me otherwise they would have been rolling me down onto to the platform from the highly polished steps.

If you do book a one-way trip, you can easily go the other direction by rail or air. Whichever agency you choose to book with will also assist you with your transfers and hotel accommodation. I booked through The Luxury Holiday Company for my trip but the VSOE Belmond website will also assist with your bookings.

A Welcome Reception for the Orient Express Experience

The adventure for this Orient Express train journey through Europe begins at London Victoria Station, where you board the elegant Belmond British Pullman. The Venice Simplon-Orient Express has its own check in area and welcome lounge. The fellow passengers are generally dressed in smart casual attire, with some people dressed with a strong nod to the 1920’s.

Upon check-in, your will have to say goodbye to any large suitcases until you reach Venice due to a lack of storage space in your cabins. These will be stored in the main luggage compartment and reunited with you upon arrival at Venice. Therefore, make sure you separate what you’ll need for the trip into smaller bags or suit bags.

However, no need to worry about carrying your smaller bags either. These overnight carry-on bags will be taken from you on the platform, stored and taken directly to your private carriage on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express once you reach Calais. All you need now is your handbag, appetite and desire to have fun.

All ABoard at London Victoria Station

What happens on the Orient Express all begins from the moment you arrive at London Victoria. You’re immediately transported to a more refined era where champagne replaces coffee-to-go and porters whisk away your luggage with a smile. The train’s art deco carriages immediately take you to the 1920s, with polished wood, vintage marquetry, and liveried stewards offering a warm welcome.

Bellinis and Brunch to Set the Scene

As you travel through the English countryside in style, seated in your large armchair, the culinary delights begin. Your expectations of what happens on the Orient Express will be heightened as you sip your bellini and enjoy brunch as if Agatha Christie herself were across the aisle.

The first train is the British Pullman where you will be shown to your private table adored with starch white tablecloths and fine silver-ware. A very welcome brunch and bubbles is served on this shorter section of the trip as you make your way to Folkestone.

Make sure you take time to go for a little wander on the British Pullman. It’s carriages are adorned with polished marquetry, hand-painted panels, and intricate wood inlays that echo the golden age of travel. Each carriage tells its own story, lovingly restored with rich mahogany, art deco details, and floral motifs by master artisans. The very ornate toilets also merit a mention.

What Happens on the Orient Express Train through Europe when Crossing the Channel

After a sumptuous brunch aboard the British Pullman, guests are seamlessly transferred by luxury coach to cross the English Channel. There are hostesses on board to ensure your comfort and offer you some little treats. Before you know it, you are arriving in Calais and ready to rejoin the magic of the Venice Simplon-Orient Express on the continent. 

Boarding the Venice-Simplon Orient Express Continental train

In Calais, the Venice-Simplon Orient Express Continental train stands majestically waiting for you. A beautiful blue, cream and gold train, decorated with VSOE livery. The staff line up outside the train awaiting your arrival and before you board, you are given time to snap those once in a life time moments.

Our appointed steward, Luca, introduced himself and welcomed us on board and to our private cabin for the journey and our orient express experience. The cabins are art deco cabins that transform into cozy bedrooms by night. For the ultimate splurge, the new Suites or the Grand Suites offer en-suite marble bathrooms, double beds, and private dining.

Note: There is no air conditioning on board, so if you suffer from the heat, I would avoid the hot summer months to experience the orient express adventure.

Dining on Rails: A Culinary Experience

Meals are a highlight of the Orient Express train through Europe, and dressing for dinner is integral to what happens on the Orient Express. It is all part of the fun (think cocktail dresses and jackets). Do not worry about being over-dressed on this train, most people are dressed in their very best attire. The evenings, in particular, are a show-case of finery.

There are 3 elegant dining carriages and guests are asked to chose an evening dining time to ensure the evening service runs smoothly. The food is five-star, freshly prepared onboard using seasonal local ingredients. Expect multi-course dinners with French flair, including anything from lobster to fillet steak.

For breakfast, a beautifully plated tray is served in your cabin to enjoy in a relaxed fashion as you take in the stunning Italian scenery whooshing past your window. Following a very chilled morning, a three-course lunch is prepared for you in the dining carriages as you approach the Venetian Lagoon.

Fancy a Cocktail

Yes, there is a bar car complete with a pianist on a baby grand piano, champagne cocktails, and the unmistakable feeling that you’re living in a more elegant era. I’m sure by now, this is ticking all the boxes of what you believe happens on the Orient Express.

When we visited the bar car in the evening, I have to say, it was very busy but we did manage to find a seat. There were also couples standing around the bar and piano. Although, I did note that outside peak hours, there was always room to sit and relax.

What Happens upon Arrival in Venice on the Orient Express

You’ll roll into Santa Lucia station mid-afternoon, just steps from the Grand Canal. From here, you’re moments away from Venice’s timeless beauty: St. Mark’s Square, romantic gondola rides, art-filled palazzos, and more bellinis at Harry’s Bar.

After 24 hours of glamour on rails, Venice feels like the perfect continuation of a storybook escape. Venice is a magical destination so if you can spend some days in this historic city then you must. My 48hour Itinerary in Venice is a superb addition to this trip.

Accessibility Limitations on the Orient Express

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train through Europe is an extraordinary experience, but one rooted in a time before modern accessibility. If you or your travel partner have reduced mobility but are able to navigate a few steps and confined spaces with support, it may still be possible with careful planning and realistic expectations.

Contact Belmond in advance to discuss specific needs. They’ll give honest guidance and recommendations.

However, please bear in mind:

• The historic carriages (built in the 1920s–30s) have very narrow hallways and tight compartments
• Steps are required to board and move between cars with no lifts or ramps
• Bathrooms are also small and not wheelchair accessible
• If you have limited mobility but do not use a wheelchair full-time, the staff may be able to assist with steps, luggage, and getting to/from your cabin

What is Included in your Venice Simplon-Orient Express Experience

This trip of a lifetime includes your luxury accommodation on board. All your gourmet meals are included and a welcome glass of champagne when you board. Tea, coffee, and soft drinks are available throughout your journey but cocktails and fine wines are an additional cost.

The cost of your train journey is inclusive of all service charges, and any gratuities (not expected) are at your own discretion.

How Expensive is the Orient Express

This isn’t a budget trip but for those craving affordable luxury, you can book well in advance, choose a HIstoric Cabin, and make it the centrepiece of a larger European adventure. The cost will vary depending upon your route, cabin type, and the time of year. At present, the route from London to Venice starts at around £3,500.00/person for a Twin Cabin. 

Who is this Iconic Rail Trip For

This journey is perfect for:

• Couples celebrating a milestone
• Solo travellers seeking an unforgettable adventure
• Lovers of history, design, and slow travel
• Those in the 50+ crowd looking to enjoy life’s finer pleasures without rushing

On my trip, it was a mixture of ages and nationalities. The majority, perhaps, were in the over 40 age bracket, but that said, we met a young American couple on their honeymoon.

For those of us over 50 who crave luxury with meaning, this journey is a bucket-list classic. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply want to savour slow travel at its most opulent, the VSOE delivers.

Yes, it’s indulgent. But it’s also intimate, storied, and surprisingly soul-stirring. My advice? Pack something fabulous, toast yourself with champagne in the bar, and let this once-in-a-lifetime experience become part of your personal legend.

Find more luxury travel ideas for midlife adventurers on Glamorous Gallivant because life’s too short for ordinary journeys.

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