Champagne, Lobster and Caviar... The Venice Simplon Orient Express

I was lucky enough to get tickets for a journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Unquestionably, it was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had.

My adventure started with a night in Venice. That afternoon, I enjoyed getting wonderfully lost in the winding alleyways, and finding sights at every turn.

The next morning, a Venice Simplon-Orient-Express representative escorted me to the station. I arrived on the platform and saw the iconic train waiting for me.

"impeccably-dressed staff welcomed me aboard. I felt like a star on a movie set!"

The on board experience

Once I had boarded, I was shown to my cabin. I enjoyed a glass of champagne as I marvelled at my surroundings. It really was hard to believe that I was aboard a train!

My room was beautiful, with a plush patterned sofa and dark wooden furniture. It had also been meticulously designed to make the most of the space. A cleverly hidden wash-basin matched a seat that could be swiftly converted into a bed.

I also managed to take a peek at the most luxurious accommodation available on board, the stunning Grand Suite. Think polished wooden wall panelling in-laid with beautiful gold art-deco patterns. The suite has a sitting area, dining table, double bed and even a marble en-suite bathroom – the epitome of elegance! As a Grand Suite guest, you can also enjoy free-flowing champagne and private in-cabin dining. So, it's the perfect option for a special occasion.

As the day went on, the glitz continued. Lunch was at the Etoile du Nord restaurant. Deep green velvet armchairs and crisp white tablecloths made for an elegant atmosphere. After three delicious courses of fine French food freshly prepared on board, I slipped back to my cabin where I enjoyed a leisurely afternoon taking in scenes of the snow-capped mountains we passed by.

As the night drew in, I changed into my finery for an evening of glamour. First, I went to the 3674 bar car for a pre-dinner glass of champagne before heading to the Cote D’Azur restaurant car for a delicious four-course meal.

To finish off a beautiful evening I went back to the 3674 car for a nightcap, where I sipped on delicious espresso martinis, listened to the baby grand piano and soaked up the magical atmosphere.

Sleeping on the rails

While I was gone, train staff had been busy transforming my cabin into a cosy bedroom. Complete with a comfy bed, bathrobe and slippers!

After a wonderfully comfortable night’s sleep I enjoyed a morning coffee and continental breakfast as I took in the views from the cabin before a steward stopped by to stow away the bed and return the plush sofa.

"I feasted on a tempting selection of fresh bread, smoked salmon, eggs and lobster - a sumptuous start to the day"

As if the in-cabin breakfast I’d had was not enough, I then went for a special culinary treat at the L’Oriental restaurant car, where I feasted on a tempting selection of fresh bread, smoked salmon, eggs and lobster – a sumptuous start to the day.

The whole experience was such a luxury and the butlers really couldn’t do enough to make every guest’s trip special.

Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or want to tick a trip on this iconic train off of your bucket list, I couldn’t recommend this experience enough.