Belmond has introduced a new series of journeys to Italy from Paris aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for 2026. The “Villeggiatura by Train” itineraries all begin in Paris and will end in Venice, Florence or Portofino – culminating with a two-night stay at a Belmond hotel in each of those cities.
From Paris to the Amalfi Coast
Departing on May 4, 2026, the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, A Belmond Train, Europe will embark on a three-night journey, linking Paris with the Amalfi Coast. The iconic midnight blue carriages will travel south from Paris towards Pompeii and onward to the clifftop Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast.
The voyage begins with a Champagne welcome aboard as guests settle into one of three cabin categories: historic twin cabins, elegant Suites or Grand Suites. As evening falls, guests can enjoy a menu inspired by the regions along the route, followed by cocktails and live piano music in the train’s Bar Car ‘3674.’
On May 5, guests wake to views of Italian hills while enjoying breakfast served in their cabins. The train then continues south through Italy as lunch is served on board, before arriving in Pompeii. Here, guests disembark for a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Grand Suite guests will also enjoy exclusive access to the rarely opened Casa del Larario Regio V. Alternatively, culinary enthusiasts may join an intimate cooking class at Caruso led by Executive Chef Armando Aristarco.
Guests will then settle in at Caruso, home to a newly restyled La Piscina infinity pool, perched 1,000 feet above the sea. Chef Aristarco will host a live cooking demonstration by the hotel’s wood-fired pizza oven beside the infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean.
The following day invites exploration by land or sea. Guests can embark on a private boat tour to Positano, tracing the coastline and discovering hidden coves, with opportunities to swim and explore. Alternatively, guests can join a painting lesson with a local artist at Caruso’s Loggia terrace, capturing the views on canvas as a keepsake.
On the final evening, guests gather in Caruso’s Wagner Gardens for a gala dinner, beginning with an aperitivo and followed by a fine dining menu created by Chef Aristarco. Set against panoramic vistas of the Amalfi Coast and accompanied by live music, the evening provides a fitting finale to this three-night escape.
Additional 2026 Routes
Complementing this debut, the 2026 season also introduces new itineraries culminating in Venice and Florence. Each will comprise a three-night journey that begins in Paris and ends in a Belmond hotel.
For the train’s classic Venice route, guests will have the opportunity to stay at Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice. Guests travelling to Florence, however, will conclude their journey with a stay in the Florentine hilltops at Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence, following its grand reopening in spring 2026.
Completing the collection, the train will also celebrate the return of its Paris-to-Portofino journey, connecting the French and Italian Rivieras and culminating with a stay at Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, which made its grand reopening this summer, following a renovation by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio.
Good to know: All itineraries include an overnight journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (24h steward service; all meals with sommelier’s choice of wine and unlimited soft drinks), transfers, and excursions.
