Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Adds Brussels to Schedule

In May 2014, the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will add a new destination to its regular schedule, visiting Brussels for the first time.

Departures to and from Brussels are available from Venice, Vienna, and Budapest, while five new itineraries, from one to four nights, will also be added to this season’s timetable.

Starting with a Venice to Brussels departure on 17 May, passengers will soon be able to enjoy new routes through the famed German, Austrian, and Swiss countryside.

On a select number of journeys between Venice to London and London to Venice, guests can also choose to stopover en route in Brussels, where hotel accommodation can be arranged.

Double cabins cost from £1,670 (approx. US$2,775) per person, including meals.

Belgium plays a significant role in the train’s history. Not only was the train’s most synonymous detective, Hercule Poirot, born in Belgium, but the concept of luxury train travel also has its roots there.

Belgian born, Georges Nagelmackers changed the face of railway travel across Europe, by creating the fabled and original ‘Orient Express’ train service in 1883 that ran from Paris to Vienna to begin with, and later on to Constantinople.

Made up of beautifully restored carriages from various luxury train services of the 1920s and 1930s, including the legendary Orient-Express, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express evokes the golden age of travel.

On board guests are treated to fine dining, a personal steward service and exceptional scenery.