Luxury train travel is entering a new golden age with Belmond’s announcement of its latest route: the Paris-to-Amalfi Coast journey aboard the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, launching in May 2026.
The new itinerary blends timeless rail elegance with the glamour of the Italian coastline, offering a three-night adventure that spans France and Italy before culminating in a stay at one of Belmond’s renowned coastal retreats.
A Journey from Paris to the Amalfi Coast
The experience begins in Paris, where guests board the train’s polished blue-and-gold carriages and are greeted with champagne and live piano music. Once aboard, passengers can choose between beautifully restored twin cabins, suites, or grand suites featuring marble bathrooms and vintage décor. Dinner is served in the train’s art-deco dining cars, where white-gloved service, crystal glassware, and regional French cuisine recall the opulence of 1930s travel.
As the train winds through the French countryside and northern Italy, guests wake to views of the Alps before arriving near Naples. An exclusive excursion to Pompeii follows, offering a private guided tour of the ancient site before continuing toward the Amalfi Coast.
The journey ends at Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello, an 11th-century clifftop property overlooking the sea. There, guests spend two nights enjoying curated experiences such as private cooking classes, boat excursions along the coast, and candlelit dinners under the stars.
A Celebration of Slow, Experiential Luxury
This new itinerary is part of Belmond’s “Villeggiatura by Train” collection – a series of luxury journeys that link iconic cities with the brand’s finest properties. The Paris-to-Amalfi route follows the success of other themed experiences designed for travelers who see the journey as part of the destination itself. Prices start at around €10,000 per person, including all meals, accommodations, and curated activities, positioning the trip firmly within the ultra-luxury segment.
Belmond’s decision to connect two of Europe’s most romantic destinations highlights a growing demand for immersive, nostalgic travel experiences. In an era of fast air travel, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express emphasizes slower rhythms and sensory indulgence – elegant dining, artful interiors, and breathtaking scenery. The train’s restoration and attention to detail have made it a symbol of craftsmanship and continuity in an industry defined by constant reinvention.
With departures scheduled for spring 2026, the new route promises a return to the golden age of rail travel – where elegance, comfort, and adventure coexist. For travelers seeking more than just a destination, Belmond’s Paris-to-Amalfi journey offers the ultimate expression of refined exploration: a voyage where the journey itself is the luxury.
