New Orient Express route will cost luxury train passengers from £11 per mile
The Orient Express is to set out on an ultra-luxury trip to Italy.
The iconic train firm recently struck London from its list of destinations after more than 40 years serving the English capital due to complications caused by Brexit. As much as a blow as this was for Continental cooperation and train fans in the UK, it is possible to catch the Orient in Paris by hopping on the Eurostar at St Pancras and whizzing under the Channel.
If you do so this June, then you'll be able to hop aboard what is arguably the most famous train in the world as it sets off to a new destination.
The people behind the modern version of a train which first steamed off in 1883 have scheduled a trip to the Ligurian coastline for summer 2024. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe as it is technically known will wend its merry way from the French capital to Portofino, Italy across two days in June.
The new route starts in June (AFP via Getty Images)The journey begins at 3pm in Paris where it heads towards Dijon, Lyon and Avignon Côte d’Azur, into Italy where it terminates at Santa Margherita Ligure, the gateway town to Portofino at 1om the following day. Guests will then be taken to Splendido, A Belmond Hotel in Portofino.
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As the train only goes one way, after you've enjoyed being pampered at the plush, five-star hillside hotel, you'll have to find you own way back to wherever you're going.
This may prove a somewhat painful realisation given the cost of the journey. Prices start from around $8,525 (£6,680) per person for the three nights. When broken down per mile travelled, that comes to about £11 per mile.
The reason why is that the train experience offered is arguably the most luxurious you're likely to enjoy on any of the world's rail networks. Menus are planned by Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert are are accompanied by either the resident pianist or swing band in the evening. Guests are encouraged to dress as fancy as possible for dinner, with black tie the chosen option for most men.
"Settle into your comfortable cabin, where plush upholstery, gleaming marquetry and soft lighting set the scene for the glamour to come. Against this elegant backdrop, your personal journey will slowly unfold," a description of the journey from Belmond tempts.
"Your steward serves indulgent pastries with tea and coffee in your cabin as the train begins its journey south through France. It will wind past the compelling cities of Dijon, Lyon and Avignon to reach Toulon on the sparkling Mediterranean coast.
"Before dinner, enjoy a glass of champagne or a refreshing aperitif in Bar Car ‘3674’. Then make your way to one of the magnificent dining cars, infused with the vision of Chef Jean Imbert. His menus pay respect to the regions and cultures touched on the journey and reinvigorate time-honoured classics with a modern twist.
"Accompanying the feast are bottles from the train’s wine collection, an homage to Europe’s finest appellations. After dinner, the bar is waiting to welcome you back. Enjoy signature cocktails, tinkling piano music and playful spontaneity into the early hours."
Once off the train, the Splendido continues the high end nature of the trip. It is a 16th-century monastery overlooking Portofino’s famous harbour that has newly renovated rooms and a saltwater pool. Guests can look forward to a five-course tasting menu by Imbert followed by cocktails.
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