Step aboard a legend in motion and experience a journey of luxury and old-world glamour, beginning in what is often described as the best capital city in Europe, to the continent’s most stunning coasts.

Sat in gleaming 1920s carriages, you will, en route, experience breathtaking scenery, centuries of history on this inaugural journey that traverses both the French and Italian Rivieras aboard an iconic train service with off-board activities thrown in from immersive experiences to scene boat rides, historic tours, cooking classes and enjoying local produce informed by local experts.

Other luxury train companies can try, but few services are as synonymous with opulent luxury as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and for the first time next May it is launching the ultimate journey in sophistication and glamour.

Setting off in late spring, it is the perfect time to enjoy all  France and Italy has to offer. So, when and where does this magical mystery tour take place?

The Paris to the Amalfi Coast is launching from May 4 to May 7, 2026, with an estimated departure from  Paris at 11am and an estimated arrival at the ancient city of Pompeii at 3.30pm three fabulous days and nights later.

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, you could be the one of the very first passengers to try this fancy new route, which has just been announced, 

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 Ravello for a two-night stay. 

Operators Belmond promise: “Of course, all the Orient Express’ signature flourishes will be present and correct, including painstakingly preserved 1920s carriages and world-class service.”

However, a gentle word of warning: you might just need to win the lottery to snag a ticket, as it will set you back around £8,600. This kind of lavish doesn’t come cheap. 

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 the Belmond website. There you can find details of all the new routes for 2026.

Included in the hefty price tag is one night aboard the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and two nights at Caruso hotel, a 11th-century palatial hotel in Ravello.

A Belmond spokesperson said: “Guests who book a Historic Cabin on the train will stay in a Superior Garden Room at Caruso
“Guests who book a Suite on the train will stay in a Sea View Junior Suite at Caruso and guests who book a Grand Suite on the train will stay in a Sea View Terrace Suite at Caruso.

“Full breakfast, lunch, dinner and sommelier wines aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are included. At Caruso, enjoy breakfast each morning. One evening will feature an aperitivo and formal dinner at Caruso Grill, while your second night at the hotel features a glamorous gala dinner with local producers and live cooking stations.

Also included is a private live performance in the gardens of Caruso, a VIP tour of Pompeii archaeological sites, a bespoke cooking class, a boat tour along the Amalfi Coast or painting lessons.Luxury car transfers from Pompeii station to Pompeii historical site and from Pompeii to Caruso. Private transfer from the hotel to Naples train station or airport. Bespoke destinations can be arranged upon request and may incur a supplementary charge.