Paris to Vienna: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – A Grand European Voyage
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There is perhaps no more poetic way to link the “City of Light” with the “City of Music” than aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. This overnight journey from Paris to Vienna is a masterclass in Art Deco glamour, whisking you from the historic platforms of Paris into the imperial heart of Vienna. As the legendary blue and gold carriages glide across Western Europe, you are invited to trade the frantic pace of modern life for a world of polished marquetry, velvet upholstery, and silver-service dining.
The voyage celebrates the journey as much as the destination. Connecting two of the world’s most romantic capitals in a single, seamless movement of luxury, the experience is defined by the clinking of crystal in the Bar Car and the rhythmic hum of the rails. Join an expedition that captures the very essence of Continental elegance, where every mile travelled is a tribute to the golden age of travel.
Itinerary
DAY ONE: All Aboard in Paris
A Timeless Departure
Board the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Paris Gare d’Austerlitz and settle into your private cabin. Your journey begins with a celebratory glass of champagne as you familiarise yourself with your surroundings. A sanctuary of polished marquetry and plush upholstery.
Dinner and Dancing
As evening falls, the social heart of the train comes to life. Dress for the occasion and head to one of the splendid 1920s Restaurant Cars for a sumptuous four-course dinner, prepared on board by our expert chefs. After dinner, you may wish to carouse in the Bar Car with a cocktail as the resident pianist plays into the night. While you socialise, your steward transforms your cabin into a cosy, inviting boudoir for the night ahead.
DAY TWO: Alpine Vistas & Imperial Vienna
The Scenic Route
Your steward serves a Continental breakfast tray of melt-in-the-mouth pastries, fresh juice, and aromatic coffee directly to your cabin. Spend the morning at total leisure, gazing through the window as the train winds past dramatic Alpine peaks, undulating meadows, and crystal-clear lakes.
A Leisurely Finale
Relax over a delicious, leisurely brunch as the train continues its elegant progress across the continent. Before arriving in the Austrian capital, perhaps browse the onboard boutique for an exclusive memento of your voyage. The journey concludes as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express arrives in Vienna, where you disembark for your onward stay in the “City of Music.”
Explore the complete guide to cabins, dining, and the storied history of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
About this trip
A Symphony of Two Capitals
The Paris to Vienna voyage is a masterclass in European elegance, linking the artistic soul of the Seine with the imperial grandeur of the Danube. This overnight journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express carries you across the heart of the continent, through the rolling vineyards of France and the dramatic, snow-capped peaks of the Swiss and Austrian Alps. It is a route designed for those who believe that the distance between two great cities is best measured in champagne toasts, four-course galas, and the timeless rhythm of the rails.
Route: Paris - The French Countryside - Vienna
Departure Months
Select Months – Contact us for live availability
What's included
1 NIGHT ONBOARD THE ORIENT EXPRESS
Retreat to your private 1920s cabin, a masterpiece of Art Deco design featuring polished marquetry, plush upholstery, and fine linens. Whether you choose a Historic Twin, a Suite, or a Grand Suite, your cabin serves as a timeless sanctuary as you cross the heart of Europe.
TRAVEL & ATMOSPHERE
Step into the “Golden Age of Travel” as you traverse the continent in a living museum. You have full access to the train’s historic social spaces, including the legendary Bar Car ‘3674’ with its resident pianist, and the three uniquely themed dining cars: Côte d’Azur, Etoile du Nord, and L’Oriental.
À la carte meals
Savour a sumptuous four-course dinner in one of the beautifully restored Restaurant Cars, where seasonal menus are prepared on board by world-class chefs. The culinary experience is complemented by a French breakfast served in your cabin and a sophisticated three-course brunch as you glide towards Vienna.
COMPLIMENTARY STATION TRANSFER
Your journey begins with total peace of mind. We provide a complimentary private transfer from your Paris accommodation directly to the station for departure, ensuring your arrival is as seamless as the voyage itself.
DEDICATED STEWARD SERVICE
Your voyage is supported by 24-hour personal steward service. Your steward is available to attend to your every request, from serving your breakfast in bed and refreshing your cabin to providing historical insights into the train’s storied past.
Sightseeing highlights
The French Countryside at Sunset: Leaving Paris in the late afternoon provides a beautiful window into the French interior. Watch the light change over the rolling hills and rural villages of the Grand Est region while you enjoy your first glass of champagne.
The Alpine Crossing: As you transition from the rolling plains of France into the heart of Central Europe, the scenery transforms into a dramatic Alpine panorama. Gaze through your cabin window as the train winds past snow-capped peaks, undulating emerald meadows, and crystal-clear lakes that define the breathtaking borders of Switzerland and Austria.
A Gallery of 1920s Design: The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a rolling museum of Art Deco heritage. Each Restaurant Car offers a unique visual journey: admire the intricate René Lalique glass panels in Côte d’Azur, the elegant black lacquer of L’Oriental, or the classic marquetry of Etoile du Nord.
Gastronomy by Jean Imbert: Experience a new era of culinary excellence. Celebrated French chef Jean Imbert has reimagined the onboard menus, blending classical precision with seasonal ingredients sourced from local artisans along the route to Paris.
Vienna’s Imperial Approach: The final leg of the journey offers a glimpse into the heart of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. As the train nears the Austrian capital, the architecture shifts to the grand, imperial style of the Habsburg era, culminating in your arrival at the historic Vienna Westbahnhof.
The Bressenden difference
HERITAGE & HISTORY – Step into a Living Time Capsule.
Every carriage on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has a story, from transporting royalty across Europe to surviving the shifts of the 20th century. Bressenden Travel provides guests with detailed insights into the train’s historic “consist,” helping travelers discover the secret past and unique craftsmanship of the very cabin they occupy.
LOCAL SPECIALIST – Maître d’ & Head Chef Jean Imbert.
While on board, you aren’t just a passenger; you are a guest of world-renowned culinary experts. Learn about the provenance of your meal during an informal “Kitchen Talk,” where the staff explain how they source fresh lobsters from Brittany or seasonal salt-marsh lamb to be prepared in a kitchen no larger than a walk-in wardrobe.
ICONIC AMBIENCE – The Social Heart of the Journey.
Evening begins in the legendary Bar Car ‘3674,’ where the “Golden Age” of travel remains a daily reality. The resident pianist performs jazz standards on a baby grand piano, while the clink of crystal and the hum of conversation create a sophisticated atmosphere that has captivated travelers for over a century.
AUTHENTIC DINING – A Gastronomic Gala on Rails.
Passengers experience three distinct dining environments, each with its own personality. From the Lalique glass-adorned Côte d’Azur to the exotic black-lacquered L’Oriental. Meals are multi-course events paired with exceptional wines, ranging from elegant silver-service breakfasts to the famous midnight brunch.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE – Seamless Planning & Protection.
Bressenden Travel manages the intricate details of the booking process, from cabin selection to advice on station transfers. Benefit from expert guidance, low deposit schemes, and the peace of mind that comes with booking a luxury journey through a protected travel partner.
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