Others may try, but no other train can compare to the vintage glamour of the Venice Simplon-Orient Express.
The world’s poshest train is about to launch a new route linking two ofEurope’s most timeless destinations.
From spring 2026, it will run its first-ever journey fromParisto the Amalfi Coast, a lavish experience connecting the French capital with Ravello on a three-night trip acrossthe French and Italian Rivieras.
But the luxury doesn’t stop there. The trip also includes a two-night stay in a five-star hotel.
It’s by far one of the glitziest ways to travel we’ve seen, and therefore, it’s expensive.
Scroll to the end: we’ve got a full gallery and the pictures areopulent.
Paris to Amalfi: The details
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, operated by Belmond, will make its Paris-Amalfi Coast journey onMay 4, 2026.
Guests will be ferried from A to B in gleaming 1920s carriages with decadent dining options and some added treats.
They’re even throwing in a pitstop in Pompeii.
Passengers will disembark and explore the site, before a special boat ride to the lavish Belmond Hotel Carusoin Positano for a two-night stay.
The resort promises to be your very own ‘private balcony over the Mediterranean.’
The route is part of Belmond’s expanding ‘Villeggiatura by Train’ series, which pairs overnight rail travel with extended hotel stays at Belmond properties across Italy.
So far, the series also includes routes to Venice,Florence, and Portofino.
It comes at a time of rail renaissance across the UK and Europe, as travellers lean into slower and moresustainablemodes of transport.
And this is certainly a more elegant way to lap up la dolce vita than squeezing into a Ryanair seat.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is lauded for its magnificentinteriorsand high-end amenities. The decor is decadent: think plush embroidered armchairs and perfectly manicured plants.
After boarding the train in Paris (and being treated to a complimentary glass of champagne), guests will be shown to their cabins.
One of the most impressive elements of the train are the six private rooms that make up Belmond’sGrand Suite collection.
With 24-hour butler service, spacious marble en-suite bathrooms, tailored bathrobes, and an endless supply of fizz, these rooms are reserved for VIPs.
The food onboard caters to a wide variety of preferences, and all meals are cooked using fresh seasonal ingredients.
Get ready for your next adventure
Hi, I’m Alice Murphy, Metro’s consultant travel editor.
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For passengers in desperate need of a cocktail fix, the bar cart is fully prepared, with a fleet of immaculately turned-out bartenders at the ready.
According to the company’s website, ‘bartenders mix elegant cocktails to the sound of our resident pianist, playing requests on the baby grand piano.’
If that really is true, we’d pay good money to see someone mix an espresso martini to the thumping beat of Drum and Base Father.
Guests will also be treated to private live music sets, privately guided tours of the architecture in Pompeii, a bespoke cooking class, and a scenic boat tour along the coastline.
Oh, there are also painting lessons, if you fancy.
Unsurprisingly, this kind of experience doesn’t come cheap.
Prices for the full itinerary start from about £8,600 per person, including all meals, excursions and transfers.
If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to that, here’s a look inside instead:
