Veuve Clicquot and Belmond are serving up some more sparkling experiences to travellers.
The two LVMH brands, which previously teamed up to create a luxury train trip from France to Italy, have unveiled three additional adventures aboard legendary Belmond locomotives. The new Solaire Journeys allow travellers to follow the sun across three continents, with the most prestigious cuvées and delicacies in hand.
Taking place from 22 to 25 April, the first journey runs from Singapore to Malaysia. Guests will enjoy a Champagne brunch overlooking Singapore’s Marina Bay, then board the Eastern & Oriental Express and travel through the verdant jungle to the island of Penang. The train itself is a highlight, too. All of the elegant wood-panelled cabins have been completely restyled for the 2024 season. The piano bar carriage also slings dishes prepared by world-renowned chefs and top-notch bubbly.
Image courtesy of Belmond
Set for 4 to 6 July, the second Solaire Journey begins in Austria and ends in France. The adventure kicks off with two days of culture and gastronomy in Vienna. Travellers will then jump on the historic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and head to the home of Veuve Clicquot in the famous Champagne region of Reims. After a guided tour of the historic vineyards in Verzy, guests will enjoy a tasting of the best cuvées. The journey fittingly culminates with a dinner in the house’s chalk quarries that will be crafted by Michelin-starred chefs Mory Sacko and Jean Imbert. The train will then whisk guests back to Paris.
Image courtesy of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The third and final jaunt is arguably the best. For the first time, Veuve Clicquot is offering a five-night expedition aboard two luxury Belmond trains. Running from 21 to 26 October, the itinerary will see the Hiram Bingham and Andean Explorer (pictured top) chug across South America. Guests will journey from bustling Cusco through the Sacred Valley to the land of the Incas, taking in the awe-inspiring ancient sites and natural wonders of Peru such as Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. On the way, travellers will also feast on tasty fare and fabulous Champagnes selected by Veuve Clicquot’s cellar master Didier Mariotti.
The hard bit will be settling on an itinerary—though nothing is stopping you from taking all three Solaire Journeys, of course.
