The charms of a European Christmas can now be enjoyed in the utmost luxury from Europe’s most iconic train service. The Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has, for the first time ever, extended its itineraries into the month of December. Each trip will be in a historic carriage, dating from the 1920s and 1930s, including Historic Cabins and six Grand Suites, each named after the cities that have inspired their designs – including Paris, Vienna, and Venice. The distinct midnight-blue carriages will glide through some of Europe’s most picturesque winter-scapes as they whisk guests away for a journey of a lifetime to Florence, Paris, Venice, and Vienna.
Guests will enjoy the atmospheric festive markets and traditions of each city, before stepping aboard to be enveloped by the glamour and razzmatazz of the historic carriages. Once inside, guests can relax into the warmth of their private cabin and enjoy the snow-topped scenery of the European countryside. A formal dinner awaits in the plush dining cars, where chef Jean Imbert will serve gourmet fare from a winter-inspired seasonal menu. Bon vivants can then take to the social heart of the train, the Bar Car, for an evening of cocktails and conviviality, while the pianist plays raucously into the night until the last person retires to bed.