The Orient Express is probably the world’s most famous rail route. The long-distance passenger service, synonymous with luxury train travel, was established in 1883 and originally ran from Paris to Istanbul (Constantinople at the time).
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express travels through Europe to Istanbul. Image: Belmond.
Today there are a number of route variations and operators, yet the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express owned by Belmond is among the cream of the crop.
Belmond has announced the creation of three new Grand Suites that will be added to the Simplon-Orient-Express for the 2020 season. The three new additions have been named Vienna, Prague and Budapest after the cities the train visits each year, bringing the train’s total number of Grand Suites to six.
The Vienna Grand Suite reflects the romantic side of the city it’s named after with rich hues of emerald and gold. Image: Belomond
The current suites are named Venice, Istanbul and Paris, and were winners of the ‘AHEAD: World’s Best Suite 2019’ accolade.
A night in one of the Grand Suites starts at £6,200 (about R109,000) per person a night. Each comes with a private bathroom with a shower, double bed, a private living area with underfloor heating, as well as private in-cabin dining, free-flowing champagne and a personal 24-hour cabin steward.
‘Each meticulous suite will draw inspiration from the romance, adventure and style of each great European city we travel to’, says Gary Franklin, Vice President, Trains & Cruises, Belmond. Image: Belmond
The Budapest Grand Suite aims to capture the essence of both sides of the Danube river, taking inspiration from both the Gothic and Ottoman architecture. The suite will be adorned with intricate detailed marquetry and sumptuous silk embroidery patterns.
The Prague suite features hand-embroidered cushions and Cubist inspired mosaic patterns. Image: Belmond
The Prague Grand Suite celebrates Baroque and Gothic architecture and is adorned in rich golds and maroons.
The romance of Vienna is encapsulated with rich hues of gold and emerald green.
The full collection of suites will now include Venice, Istanbul, Paris, Prague, Budapest and Vienna. Image: Belmond
Prices
A classic one-night journey in a Grand Suite starts from £6,200 per person (about R109,000).
A journey from Venice to Vienna, Prague or Budapest in a twin cabin starts from £2,200 per person( about R39,000).
A journey from Vienna, Prague or Budapest to Paris or London in a twin cabin starts from £2,573 per person (about R45,000).
For more details visit belmond.com.
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