Join us on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for the world’s most romantic train journey: Paris to Venice over the Alps in April 2027: Enjoy luxury, history, fine dining and spellbinding sights: Save up to £3,348 for two with your exclusive CountryClubuk Member rates and VIP privileges

Join us on the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a Belmond Train, for the classic journey from Paris to Venice via the Swiss Alps on 12 April 2027. Experience the world’s most romantic train journey: enjoy luxury, beauty, history, fine dining and spellbinding Alpine scenery in spring — all with your exclusive CountryClubuk rates and VIP privileges, including savings of up to £1,674 per person (up to £3,348 for two sharing).

Here it is, the world’s great train journey of our imaginings — a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For details, please read on!

The first Orient-Express pulled out of Paris for Istanbul in 1883 for the 1,700-mile trip across Europe and thus began a love affair we are experiencing to this day. It is, and will always be known as ‘The King of Trains and the Train of Kings’. We shall step inside those palatial legendary original rail cars with their inlaid marquetry, polished brass, sumptuous upholstery and antique fixtures, to make our way across Europe in a frisson of excitement—everybody stops to look as the Orient-Express pulls into a station, or glides under a bridge. It is simply the most famous, most fascinating train in the world.

The mystique, the opulence and glamour of the Orient-Express linger on, from the genuine carriages to the silver and crystal, the personal stewards and the white-gloved service, as faultless as one would expect of this grand hotel on wheels. Carriages are meticulously maintained to ensure an authentic experience, from the original sleeping cars of the 1920s and ’30s, the three dining cars and elegant bar car with its baby grand piano. Each carriage has a history—if only it could tell! Such as carriage 3309, which became stuck in a snowdrift outside Istanbul and gave rise to the scene in the famous film.

And now, as the Orient-Express pulls out of the Paris Gare de l’Est on our journey to Venice on the classic route over the Alps taking the Gotthard Pass, we shall have time to relax and let the atmosphere of the train sink in. There’s much to marvel at. This magically discreet service is all part of the experience, as is dressing for dinner—black tie is not compulsory, but oh how it adds to the romance!

And then there’s the famous Orient-Express Bar Car 3674 with its baby grand piano. This is truly the place to be for the de rigueur pre-dinner drink—perhaps a bottle of Orient-Express Champagne—and to revel in the ambience of the train as it rolls through the countryside towards Venice—gliding up into the Alps, on to Verona and, eventually, to Venice. As the sun dips and the vintage lights glow against the polished wood and brass, the pianist begins to play airs from that older era; all create the mood of romance, mystery and delight.

A delicious four-course dinner is already being prepared by the Michelin Star Chef and his team. He takes his inspiration from what is seasonal and local—but to the Chef of the Orient-Express ‘local’ extends to choice ingredients from across the train’s far-flung destinations. There may be lobster with truffles, fillet of sole with caviar, venison with cranberries, salt marsh lamb and ginger, fine cheeses, and scrumptious sweet creations such as coffee bavaroise, Amaretto sorbet, and fantasies of chocolate and fruits. Whatever is on the menu will be delicious, beautifully presented and served. Service on the Orient-Express is unmatched—and dinner is a leisured, glamorous delight. It will be followed, at the time of our choosing, by a nightcap or two, before retiring to our historic cabin, to be rocked to sleep by the train as of old.

We awake to views of the Alps in their springtime glory. It’s a magical awakening, and from here on the beauty and fascination of the scenery is unparalleled pleasure. We shall travel through the astonishing Gotthard Pass between Basel and Airolo, a masterpiece of railway engineering and breathtaking sights. The route delivers stunning visions of the mountains and towns on both sides of the Italian border. We’ll pass the three-castled town of Bellinzona, the great lakes Lucerne and Como, and picturesque Lugano and Chiasso as mountain landscape gives way to vineyards en route to Verona. As these visions soar around us there will be, first, a delicious continental breakfast, and later, a gourmet three-course lunch before an afternoon repast of exquisite cakes and pastries as we make our way through the Dolomites.

Eventually we shall arrive: Venice lies before us as we cross the Venice Lagoon and roll in to Santa Lucia station. Was it not Robert Louis Stevenson who held that to travel was more important than to arrive? On this journey, all who have imagination will agree. But the world’s most romantic city awaits us, and to have arrived on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has to be the most magical of opening scenes . . .

CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT LEVEL OF INDULGENCE—ALL WITH YOUR EXCLUSIVE COUNTRYCLUBUK RATES AND VIP PRIVILEGES, DELIVERING SUBSTANTIAL MEMBERS-ONLY SAVINGS

Historic Cabin: The authentic 1920s–30s experience that captures the golden age of rail travel. By day, your private compartment becomes a comfortable lounge with banquette seating and polished marquetry; by night, it transforms into cosy upper and lower berths with crisp linens, evoking the gentle rhythm and charm of classic journeys.

From £3,689 pp (RR from £4,243) — saving £554 per person / £1,108 for two sharing. Reserve the Historic Cabin.

Suite (Double or Twin): Spacious modern comfort with a step up in refinement. Enjoy fixed double or twin beds that remain made up throughout the journey, a private marble en-suite bathroom with decadent details, and elegant Art Deco touches inspired by the landscapes you’ll glide through — the perfect bridge between heritage and contemporary luxury.

From £7,956 pp (RR from £9,145) — saving £1,189 per person / £2,378 for two sharing. Reserve the Double or Twin Suite.

Grand Suite: The pinnacle of onboard indulgence. These ultra-spacious suites feature a separate plush sleeping area with a large double bed, a dedicated living and lounging space, a full marble en-suite bathroom (complete with shower), 24-hour butler service, free-flowing champagne, and the option for private in-cabin dining — ideal for special celebrations and the ultimate romantic escape.

From £11,198 pp (RR from £12,872) — saving £1,674 per person / £3,348 for two sharing. Reserve the Grand Suite.

All prices per person, sharing basis, subject to availability.

To check availability and options, and for all further details, call Member Services on 020 7399 2960.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS ICONIC ORIENT-EXPRESS JOURNEY

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a Belmond Train, on the classic Paris to Venice route over the Alps

One night’s luxurious accommodation in your chosen cabin or suite category

All meals on board: sumptuous four-course dinner with sommelier’s selection of wines, three-course lunch, French breakfast served in your cabin or suite, and afternoon tea

Dedicated steward service to attend to your every request

The full scenic journey through the Alps and on to Venice

Our carefully selected Venetian hotels allow you to arrive in style by train and then linger in the magic of Venice. Each offers its own distinct character:

Ca’ Sagredo Hotel — A magnificent 15th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal, where history, art and luxury blend seamlessly. Wake to views of passing gondolas and the Rialto Market from elegant rooms and suites filled with period furnishings, frescoes and stuccoes. This noble residence feels like a private museum with impeccable service — the quintessential grand Venetian palace experience. Read our feature here.

Hotel Metropole — An intensely romantic and theatrical 5-star boutique hotel overlooking the lagoon on Riva degli Schiavoni. With its eclectic collection of antiques, oriental touches and lush garden courtyard, it offers a deeply personal, faraway charm. Many rooms enjoy breathtaking views towards San Giorgio Maggiore — perfect for those who love intimate, character-filled luxury with a touch of the unexpected. Read our feature here.

Starhotels Splendid Venice — A refined palazzo hotel in a privileged yet peaceful spot in the Mercerie, just steps from St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. Blending rich Venetian colours, precious fabrics and canal views, it offers elegant rooms and suites with a private water entrance for gondolas or water taxis. It delivers authentic Venetian elegance in a central but tranquil setting — ideal for effortless exploration. Read our feature here.

Simply let us know your preferred hotel when you enquire, and our team will arrange everything at preferential CountryClubuk member rates, including water taxi transfers and return flight if required.

Subject to availability at the time of booking. The CountryClubuk Full Rules and Terms & Conditions apply, as well as the Belmond Terms and Conditions and those of our other partners.

View the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Classic route to Venice on the Belmond website here.

Exclusively, CountryClubuk Members receive preferred rates and VIP priority access and privileges to this iconic experience.