Launching in June 2024, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe will travel to the Ligurian coast for the first time in its four-decade history, connecting Paris and Portofino. This new annual overnight journey will see the train winding through the French countryside and along the coastline of the Mediterranean Riviera, concluding at Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, where guests will reside for two nights.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express departs Paris on June 20, 2024. With the recent addition of eight new Suites, the train now offers a trio of cabin categories: The Historic Cabins where a daytime lounge transforms into cozy upper and lower berth beds; lavish new Suites offering twin or double beds with marble en-suite bathrooms; and Grand Suites, six vast private suites. Guests during the day can gather in Bar Car 3674 for handcrafted cocktails and live music by the resident pianist. As the train winds past the cities of Dijon, Lyon and Avignon, a new summer menu by Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert will be served in restaurant cars Côte d’Azur, L’Oriental and Étoile du Nord. Accompanying each course are handpicked wines from the train’s extensive collection.
The next morning, a continental breakfast will be served in the privacy of the cabins as the railway connects France with Italy, moving past the towns of Cannes, Nice and Monte Carlo. As the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express crosses the Italian border, guests can admire the cities of Ventimiglia, Savona and Genoa. In this final leg of the journey, a brunch will be served before arriving in Santa Margherita Ligure where the train experience ends and the Italian sojourn continues at Splendido.
Splendido is a former 16th-century Benedictine monastery located in the Ligurian hills. From June 21 to 23, guests can soak up the sun at the hotel’s recently redesigned saltwater swimming pool, with views of the Gulf of Portofino. These vistas can also be admired from the rooms and suites, the terraced gardens surrounding the hotel as well as the two on-site restaurants—the newly launched Splendido Grill and the open-air La Terrazza. Guests will be treated to a five-course tasting menu by Chef Jean Imbert at La Terrazza, followed by drinks in the cocktail bar.
For the grand finale of this three-night experience, guests can enjoy a private film screening under the stars on the iconic “Piazzetta,” the heart of the port town, where Splendido’s sister hotel, Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, is located.
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