Other luxury train companies can try, but few services are as synonymous with opulent luxury and old-world glamour as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
The original Orient Express launched way back in 1883, while the VSOE is a luxury service inspired by the historic train and operated by Belmond. It’s by far one of the world’s glitziest – and therefore, most expensive – ways to travel. Excitingly, if you’ve got the means to pay for it, a fancy new route for the service has just been announced.
So, where is it going? Well, according to Travel + Leisure, it’s set to journey all the way from Paris to the Amalfi Coast in Italy, and its inauguration will be on May 4, 2026.
The journey departs from the French capital for an overnight journey to Pompeii on the painstakingly preserved 1920s carriages, where guests will enjoy some seriously high-end dining and world-class service.
Once in Pompeii, travellers will disembark and explore the site, before a special boat ride to the lavish Caruso hotel in Positano for a two-night stay.
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Are remarkable views over Amalfi’s rugged cliffs, infinity pools, frescoed ceilings and ridiculously tasteful Italian design your kinda thing? Then you’ll be enamoured by this hotel – there’s more information on this page, and there are some snaps below.
There’s just one tiny catch: journeys as lavish as this obviously don’t come cheap. The price tag for a ticket on the Paris to Amalfi service looks to set you back a hefty £8,600 (that’s almost $11,500).
That fee does include all meals, transfers and excursions, and for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, the itinerary does look pretty dreamy. So, if you’re interested and have some savings to splurge, learn more on Belmond’s website.
While you’re here, check out the gorgeous route from Paris to Tuscany announced by the operator earlier this year.
Did you see that this beautiful Italian spa was named the world’s best in 2025 – and it has Lake Garda views and hiking trails?
Plus: The medieval seaside village named Europe’s most underrated destination right now.
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