Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will launch a new three-night journey through Italy in 2025.
Launching in May, the three-night journey to Tuscany will connect Paris with Belmond’s celebrated farm estate – Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel.
The new itinerary, which continues the train’s development of slow luxury travel itineraries to iconic destinations including Amsterdam, Cannes, and Istanbul, will coincide with the return of its much-loved Portofino route in June, culminating at the iconic Splendido, A Belmond Hotel.
A New Adventure
For the first time, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will depart Paris on 11 May, travelling through the rolling hills of Tuscany before arriving the next day at Castello di Casole, a breathtaking 1,300-hectare farm estate.
The journey begins with a champagne welcome as guests settle into their cabins with the choice of three lavish accommodations, including the characterful Historic Cabins, the Suites, and the opulent Grand Suites. Guests will enjoy the timeless beauty of the countryside over pastries, tea, and coffee, and as night falls, chef Jean Imbert will present an exceptional menu inspired by the regions the train travels through. In the famous Bar Car ‘3674’, drinks continue to flow throughout the night, complemented by live piano music.
Awakened by idyllic Italian vistas, a leisurely breakfast is served in the comfort of the cabins as the train makes its way towards the city of Arezzo. Here, a transfer awaits to lead travellers through the lush Tuscan landscape towards the medieval city of Siena, where a typical local lunch sets the stage for a cultural afternoon. Guests will embark on a private guided tour of Siena’s UNESCO-listed historic centre, celebrated for its architectural grandeur and timeless allure, an exclusive visit to Palazzo Pannocchieschi d’Elci, a majestic 13th-century aristocratic palace overlooking Piazza del Campo, and the iconic site of the world-famous Palio di Siena horse race.
The day concludes at Castello di Casole, which dates back to Etruscan times, surrounded by verdant vineyards, olive groves, and abundant wildlife, and where guests will spend two luxurious nights.
In the evening, an exclusive stargazing session will take place in the outdoor amphitheatre, under “one of the most beautiful skies in Italy”, according to Astronomitaly, the network of Astronomical tourism. Guided by astro tourist experts, guests will explore the night sky constellations, navigating through stars, galaxies, planets, and nebulae using state-of-the-art telescopes for an unforgettable celestial journey.
At the estate, the hotel’s courtyard will come alive with the Festa del Villaggio, a weekly convivial village celebration mirroring the traditions of Tuscany by gathering local producers and creative artisans over warming dishes and live musical entertainment.
Furthermore, the hotel offers a range of guest experiences from wellness activities, including biking, hiking, yoga or indulge in a relaxing spa treatment at Essere Spa or a sound healing experience across the hotel’s expansive grounds, available for an additional fee.
The following day, a morning stroll through the estate brings the Tuscany experience to a peaceful close before guests continue their personal onward journey.
A Return to Portofino
Following the success of the first voyage in June 2024, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will once again make its annual journey to Portofino, delivering an unmatched luxury rail experience through the French countryside, the Riviera, and the Ligurian Coast before arriving at Splendido.
On this iconic journey, which winds through the glamorous French Riviera, guests will be able to choose from four luxurious accommodation options, including the L’Observatoire sleeper carriage designed by acclaimed artist JR, which offers the most exclusive and spacious accommodation on the train. The evening’s ambience is elevated with a visit to Bar Car ‘3674’, where travellers can sip champagne or bespoke cocktails before enjoying a fine dining experience by chef Imbert, celebrating regional flavours. The journey continues with incredible views of the Côte d’Azur, across captivating destinations like Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo, and Genoa.
After disembarking in Santa Margherita Ligure, travellers are transferred to Splendido, reopening after a new, major phase of its multi-year renovation led by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, which captures the spirit of Ligurian craftsmanship and design. For the 2025 season, the grand dame will continue its evolution revealing an entirely new main building, with a focus on new rooms and communal areas, including a new signature bar, breakfast area, retail space and Dior Spa.
Upon arrival at Splendido, guests are welcomed by the stunning views of the Gulf of Tigullio. They might choose to unwind by the pool, explore the new wellness spaces or enjoy dinner at DaV Mare, situated at the sister hotel, Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, down by the harbour. The evening is perfectly rounded off with drinks at Splendido’s newly renovated cocktail bar, a historic spot once visited by Elizabeth Taylor and Humphrey Bogart.
On the third and final day, the hotel’s many attractions continue to impress with the option to play tennis on the panoramic courts led by a professional from LUX tennis; soak in the sun by the heated, saltwater pool; savour homemade pizza at the Pool Grill restaurant; or relax with bespoke treatments at the newly launched Dior Spa.
Further afield, guests can take the hotel shuttle to Portofino’s Piazzetta, or enjoy nature walks and kayaking, arranged through the Concierge. The evening culminates in an aperitif in the gardens, followed by a Gala Dinner at La Terrazza, featuring Chef Corrado Corti’s cuisine and live entertainment.