The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express gets its name from a combination of its historical roots and modern enhancements.
The “Orient Express” name originates from the original luxury train service that ran between Paris and Istanbul starting in 1883. It’s known for its lavish service and elegant travel experience. The addition of “Simplon” comes from the Simplon Tunnel, completed in 1906, which created a faster route between Paris and Venice.
When the train was revived in 1982, it was renamed Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to reflect both its heritage and its new, glamorous route through Venice.
The name captures the essence of timeless luxury, connecting two iconic cities with a rich history of travel.
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The Original Orient Express
To understand why it’s called the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, we have to go back to 1883 when the original Orient Express train started running between Paris and Istanbul.
The Orient Express quickly became famous for being the most luxurious train of its time. It wasn’t just about getting from one place to another. It was about the experience.
The train was known for its elegance, fancy meals, and exceptional service. It connected Western Europe to the East, with stops in cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Bucharest all the way to Istanbul (then known as Constantinople).
It then became a symbol of high-class travel and excitement, and the name “Orient Express” was soon linked with the idea of luxury rail travel.
The Simplon Tunnel
As we move forward to 1906, something important happened that changed how people traveled between Paris and Venice.
The Simplon Tunnel was completed, which made the journey between Paris and Venice faster and easier. This tunnel cut through the Alps and connected the two cities by direct route.
Because of this, the train service now included Venice in its route, and the name was changed to “Venice Simplon-Orient-Express,” adding the “Simplon” part to honor the new tunnel.
The name now represented both the luxurious past of the Orient Express and the new and improved route that passed through the Simplon Tunnel.
The Revival
Fast forward to 1982, when James Sherwood, an American entrepreneur, decided to bring back the luxury of the original Orient Express.
Sherwood restored vintage carriages from the 1920s and 1930s and recreated the unforgettable experience of the original train. With this revival, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) was born.
The train now ran between London and Venice, and the name “Venice Simplon-Orient-Express” continued to represent the elegance, class, and history of the original journey but with a modern twist.
This train became a dream come true for travelers who wanted to experience the luxury and style of an earlier time while visiting some of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
What Makes the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Special?
Once you board, you’re transported to another time.
The carriages have been carefully restored, keeping their original 1920s and 1930s designs. The interiors are filled with luxury, from plush seating to beautiful wood paneling.
Also, the dining experience is just as extravagant, with gourmet meals served by top chefs in elegant dining cars.
Service aboard the train is exceptional, with dedicated staff attending to your every need.
Each journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a step back in time, where passengers can enjoy the romance and grandeur of a golden age of travel.
Why the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Name Still Matters
The name honors the long history of the original Orient Express while acknowledging the incredible engineering feat of the Simplon Tunnel.
It’s a name that tells the story of both the past and the present, connecting the romance of vintage travel with the modern comforts of today.
To put it simply, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express embodies luxury, history, and the thrill of exploring the world in style.
Ready to Experience the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, now’s your chance to make it happen.
Picture yourself aboard this legendary train, gliding through Europe in the same style as the high-society passengers of the early 1900s.
From the luxury carriages to the world-class dining, every detail is designed to offer you a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Don’t just dream about it. Experience it.
Contact us at Go Luxury Cruiser, and let us help you plan the perfect luxury trip aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
It’s time to make your travel dreams come true!