Pulling into Venice’s Santa Lucia station is a cinematic moment you won’t forget. There’s no highway, no taxi rank—just the lapping of water against marble steps. The train door opens, and you step directly into a postcard.
The station itself is a chaotic ballet of travelers, but you feel separate, serene. You’ve already had your pampering for the day. A water taxi awaits, ready to whisk you to your hotel on the Grand Canal. The Orient Express trip is over, but its rhythm lingers.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Venice or Verona to Paris
Practical Tip: Book the Venice departure for the early afternoon.
This gives you a full day to explore before boarding. Arriving into Paris at dawn is magical, but arriving into Venice at twilight is pure romance. Remember: the dress code matters—no jeans in the dining car. It’s part of the fun, a gentle invitation to play adult dress-up for a weekend.
This journey costs a pretty penny—think thousands of euros per person. But consider it an investment in memory, not just transport. You won’t remember the cost; you’ll remember the taste of that croissant while the Alps slid by your window.
