Adventures Cinematic rail
Rank 09
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Still the cinematic-rail archetype — CNT's 2024–25 route launches keep it culturally ahead of peers.
Photograph by Tangopaso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, resized
Why it is here
Multiple Condé Nast Traveler features on the Portofino 2024 journey, Tuscany 2025 hotel-linked trips, and the L'Observatoire carriage (2025) keep Belmond VSOE culturally ahead of Accor's parallel Orient Express brand. Robb Report's luxury-trains survey positions Belmond VSOE at the apex of old-world rail opulence. Intensity is intentionally low — the product is dress-code theater and steward service, not speed.
Who it is for
Guests who want dress-code theater, steward service, and a journey that photographs as myth — not speed.
Sources
- On the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, All the Train's a StageParis–Portofino journey as cinematic-rail theater.
- The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Just Unveiled Its Glamorous New CarriageL'Observatoire / JR suite carriage launch.
- How Luxury Trains Are Bringing Old-World Opulence Back to TravelBelmond VSOE positioned at apex of luxury-rail boom vs Accor Orient Express brand.
