Step back in time and experience Europe by train – not just any train! The Belmond Venice Simplon Orient Express takes you back to an era of art-deco elegance and sophistication as you travel the storied route between Istanbul and Paris. You’ll experience three nights in a beautifully appointed cabin or suite with an ensuite bathroom aboard this magnificently restored and lavishly decorated train, attended by a steward dedicated to ensure your comfort. You’ll experience overnight luxury accommodations and guided tours in Budapest and Bucharest. Dress to the nines for cocktails and entertainment in Bar Car 3674, and enjoy fine dining and four course chef-prepared meals in elegant dining cars. A Danube cruise and an excursion to Romania’s historic Peles Castle are among the included highlights of the trip.
Other itineraries offered on this magnificent train feature Venice, the Amalfi Coast, Florence and Portofino with overnight stays in Belmond’s exquisite boutique hotels. These trains focus on legendary Italian cuisine and wine tastings.
Other luxury Belmond trains include the Britannic Explorer which takes you on scenic journeys along the Cornish Riviera to the Lake District in Cumbria and Eryri National Park in Wales. Or ride the Belmond Royal Scotsman (renowned for its over-the-top spa cars) past emerald lochs and glens from Edinburgh to the coastal town of Kyle of Lochalsh.
Stress-free European Travel with Eurail
If your plan is to see as much of Europe as you can with a minimum of hassle, buy a Eurail pass.
There are several types of passes:
- The Global Pass allows you to travel to multiple countries with options for 7, 10 or more days of travel up to 3 months. The pass is completely flexible, allowing you to hop on trains at will with no need to buy tickets or make reservations. You can even use it for ferry travel between Italy and the Greek islands with certain restrictions.
- The Eurail Pass Plus gives you the option to make seat reservations, and can reduce the price for upgrades on high speed or overnight trains.
- If your time in Europe is short and you want to focus on one country, buy a One Country Pass which allows unlimited travel in the chosen destination.
- A six day Greek Island Pass often includes 2 free ferry crossings between Italy and Greece. Other ferry routes not associated with Eurail (those between Spain and Italy) do offer discounts for pass holders.
Other benefits of these passes include youth discounts for travelers between 12 and 26. Children under 12 are free if accompanied by a paying adult. Eurail pass holders can enjoy discounts at many attractions, hotels, museums, and buses in a number of locations.
Eurail trains are extremely reliable and offer on-time high speed service between major cities in Europe. But the service doesn’t end there – you can reach mountain villages in Austria, lakeside towns in Switzerland, Tuscan hill hamlets in Italy and seaside retreats in Spain – all included in your pass. Your train will normally drop you in the town center of your destination. Instead of having to find transportation from an airport (sometimes hours away), you’re already in the heart of town. Eurail does not charge baggage fees, and security checks between borders are seamless.
Want to learn more about train travel in Europe? Your Travel Leaders professional is awaiting your call.
