Paris to Verona: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – From Lights to Love
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A Southbound Journey through the Heart of Europe
Experience the definitive transition from Parisian elegance to Italian romance. While many travelers head for Venice, the Paris to Verona route aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a unique opportunity to conclude your voyage in the “City of Love.” Your journey begins at the historic Gare de l’Est, where the gleaming blue-and-gold carriages wait to whisk you away from the modern world and into the golden age of travel.
As the train glides away from the “City of Light,” you will settle into a world of Art Deco opulence. This southward crossing is a masterclass in slow travel; you’ll spend your first evening indulging in world-class gastronomy and cocktails as the French countryside fades into the night. By morning, the landscape transforms into the soaring peaks of the Swiss Alps and the serene lakes of the Gotthard route, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your descent into the historic heart of Northern Italy.
Itinerary
DAY ONE: Parisian Elegance and Alpine Nights
An Evening for the Ages
Your voyage begins at the historic Paris Gare de l’Est in the late afternoon. Step aboard the majestic 1920s carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and feel the city’s energy give way to timeless glamour. After being settled into your private cabin by your personal steward, wander to Bar Car ‘3674’ for a glass of champagne as the train glides through the French countryside toward the setting sun.
A Vision of Gastronomy
As night falls, the dining cars become the stage for an unforgettable culinary performance. In your finest evening attire, enjoy a four-course gala dinner designed by Chef Jean Imbert, where seasonal European ingredients are transformed into modern classics. The sommelier will be on hand to pair each course with the finest appellations from the train’s extensive wine collection.
The Spirit of the Bar Car
The celebration continues in Bar Car ‘3674’. Enjoy signature cocktails and the sounds of the resident pianist, sharing stories with fellow travelers in an atmosphere of “playful spontaneity.” When you are ready, retire to your cabin, which has been expertly transformed by your steward into a cozy, inviting boudoir for the night.
DAY TWO: Mountain Peaks and Italian Romance
Breakfast with a View
Awake to a stunning transformation outside your window. Your steward will serve a classic French breakfast of hot pastries and fresh coffee directly to your cabin. Enjoy this “breakfast in bed” moment as the train traverses the Gotthard route, snaking past the soaring mountains and crystalline lakes of Switzerland.
The Midday Feast
As the landscape shifts again into the captivating hills of Northern Italy, join fellow travelers in the restaurant car for a celebratory three-course lunch. It is the perfect time to visit the onboard boutique for a memento of your journey or simply relax in your cabin as the Italian sun warms the wood-panelled interiors.
Arrival in the City of Love
In the mid-afternoon, the train glides into Verona Porta Nuova station. Your journey concludes in the city of Shakespeare’s most famous lovers, leaving you perfectly placed to explore the ancient Roman Arena and the romantic medieval streets of Verona.
Explore the complete guide to cabins, dining, and the storied history of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
About this trip
The Southbound Alpine Crossing
A journey that begins in the “City of Light” and travels through the dramatic Swiss Alps and the Gotthard route, concluding with an afternoon arrival in the romantic heart of Northern Italy.
3 countries: France, Switzerland, Italy
Departure Months
Select Months – Contact us for live availability
What's included
1 NIGHT ONBOARD THE ORIENT EXPRESS
Retreat to a private cabin within the train’s original 1920s and 30s Wagons-Lits carriages. Each cabin is a masterpiece of Art Deco design, featuring polished wood marquetry, plush upholstery, and luxury linens. Your dedicated steward will transform your cabin from a comfortable lounge by day into a cozy bedroom by night.
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
A 3-course Lunch, a 4-course Dinner with wine and a French Breakfast
COMPLIMENTARY STATION TRANSFER
Enjoy a seamless start to your journey with a complimentary private transfer from your Paris accommodation. We will collect you and your luggage, ensuring a relaxed arrival at Gare de l’Est for your check-in and boarding.
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 Swiss Alps & Gotthard Route: Wake up to the most dramatic portion of the journey. As the train traverses the famous Gotthard pass, you will experience soaring mountain peaks, deep pine forests, and the crystalline blue waters of the Swiss lakes. A stark and stunning contrast to the Parisian boulevards.
The Italian Dolomites: On Day Two, the landscape shifts as you cross the border into Italy. The jagged, pale peaks of the Dolomites provide a breathtaking backdrop for your final afternoon of travel, signaling your approach to the plains of the Veneto.
Art Deco Dining Carriages: Each meal is a journey in itself, hosted in one of three meticulously restored 1920s cars. Admire the floral marquetry of Étoile du Nord, the exotic black lacquer of L’Oriental, or the world-famous René Lalique glass panels found in the Côte d’Azur carriage.
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.
Arriving in the City of Love: The journey concludes in Verona, where the medieval architecture and the ancient Roman Arena await. Arriving by rail allows you to transition smoothly from the vintage glamour of the train to the timeless romance of one of Italy’s most beautiful cities.
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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