Get ready to see the Italian Riviera like never before.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a Belmond Train, unveiled a Paris to Portofino itinerary this week that will whisk you along the Ligurian coast for the first time in its four-decade history. Launching in June 2024, the new overnight journey will trail through the French countryside and along the coastline of the Mediterranean. The trip will conclude at Splendido, one of Belmond’s plush Portofino hotels, as part of the three-night experience that will go from June 20 to 23 June 2024.
You’ll kick off the lavish journey by boarding the train in Paris. Once aboard, you’ll find that the railcars are dripping in 1920s-inspired décor. Think lavish Art Deco furnishings, including plush seats and bedding, jazzy light fixtures, and ornate wall panels. Stewards will serve up pastries with tea and coffee in your cabin as you breeze past Dijon, Lyon, and Avignon toward Toulon. For a bit of bubbly, head to the Bar Car 3674 for a glass of Champagne before indulging in a region-inspired menu crafted by Jean Imbert, of Hôtel Plaza Athénée fame. Handpicked wines from the train’s collection will also be served with the feast.
Image courtesy of Mattia Aquila / Belmond
By morning, you’ll wake up to a French breakfast in your cabin as the railway connects France with Italy. Moving past the famous towns of Cannes and Monte Carlo, you’ll start taking in the sights of vibrant cities beyond the Italian border such as Ventimiglia, Savona, and Genoa. A delicious brunch will be served before you disembark in Santa Margherita Ligure. Following a transfer, you’ll arrive at Belmond’s Splendido hotel in Portofino.
The glamorous haven, formerly a 16th-century Benedictine monastery, is found perched in the verdant hills with exceptional views of the Gulf of Tigullio (seen at the top of post). You’ll be living la dolce vita there for three days as you soak up sun at Splendido’s recently redesigned salt-water swimming pool and view gulf vistas from your room or suite, which is inspired by the Palazzos in the region. You’ll also have access to the terraced garden surrounding the hotel, plus its two resident restaurants: the new Splendido Grill and La Terrazza.
Image courtesy of David Notion / Belmond
The latter is a coveted hot spot where Imbert will prepare a five-course tasting menu for you on Friday. And you can nab after-dinner drinks in the cocktail bar, which has served legends such as Elizabeth Taylor, Humphrey Bogart, and Liza Minelli. The final night of your trip ends with a private film screening under the stars on the iconic “Piazzetta.” Set in the heart of the port town, the spot is surrounded by colourful fisherman houses next to Splendido’s sister hotel, Splendido Mare.
Ready to climb aboard? You can book the 2024 Paris to Portofino journey now at belmond.com. Prices start at US$8,525 for two guests sharing a Historic Cabin on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with a Garden View at Splendido. The rate includes your overnight journey on the train, two nights at Splendido, the bespoke dinner, and all transfers in Paris and Portofino. Ciao.
