Luxury train to connect Paris and Italy, costs $8500/ person
In June 2024, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe, will initiate an exciting new route from Paris to Portofino. Over two days, passengers will traverse France, savoring the scenic Mediterranean Riviera vistas before arriving at the esteemed Splendido Hotel in Portofino, Italy. However, this route won't go near Venice. This inaugural journey to the Italian Riviera is a historic event for the train, with intentions to establish it as an annual itinerary.
Route and schedule details
Departing from Paris at 3:00 p.m., the train will pass through Dijon, Lyon, and Avignon in France before traversing the Côte d'Azur and crossing into Italy. The journey will end in Santa Margherita Ligure, the gateway town to Portofino, at 1:00 p.m. the following day where guests will stay at the Splendido Hotel for two nights. However, train tickets are one-way. Passengers must take a regional train back to Genoa and Milan before continuing to Paris on the high-speed Frecciarossa.
Onboard experience and pricing
Starting at around $8,525 (over Rs. 7 lakh) per person, the three-night experience promises luxury with menus designed by Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert and live music from a resident pianist or swing band in the evening. The train also features eight new suites that debuted in 2023, offering various cabin categories for travelers, including historic cabins, suites with marble ensuite bathrooms, and six luxury grand suites inspired by cities like Paris, Venice, Istanbul, Vienna, Prague, and Budapest.
Guests are in for a treat
After check-in, passengers can convene in the Bar Car '3674' to indulge in expertly crafted cocktails while enjoying live piano music performed by a resident pianist. During the journey, three restaurant cars—Côte d'Azur, L'Oriental, and Étoile du Nord—will present a fresh summer menu to patrons, complemented by carefully selected wines from the train's extensive collection. The next morning, guests will be treated to a continental breakfast served in their cabins, followed by a special brunch.
Splendido Hotel and activities
The Splendido Hotel is a 16th-century monastery overlooking Portofino's famous harbor. Guests will enjoy a five-course tasting menu by Chef Imbert on Friday night, followed by cocktails. On Saturday, they will be treated to a private outdoor film screening on Portofino's famous Piazzetta. The hotel also offers newly renovated rooms, a saltwater pool, and two resident restaurants: the newly launched Splendido Grill and the iconic open-air La Terrazza.
