Belmond’s Paris to Italy Train Routes for 2026: Venice, Florence, Portofino and the Amalfi Coast
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has been the gold standard of luxury train travel in Europe, and for 2026, Belmond is expanding its Paris to Italy routes through a series of curated journeys that carry the train’s signature into new territory.
Known as the Villeggiatura by Train series, these itineraries are built around a storied Italian tradition: the act of leaving the city for a prolonged, meaningful stay at a country villa or seaside retreat. Each journey follows a four-day format, beginning with a night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and concluding with two-night stays at a five-star Italian property chosen to reflect the character of its region.
The Onboard Experience: A Living Time Capsule
To step onto the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is to step into the 1920s. The train operates using its original carriages from the Golden Age of Rail, each meticulously restored with marquetry, polished brass, and velvet upholstery.
Gastronomy by Chef Jean Imbert
The culinary program is a primary draw for the 2026 season. Under the direction of renowned Chef Jean Imbert, the three 1920s dining cars — Côte d’Azur, Etoile du Nord, and L’Oriental — serve menus that change with the passing landscape. Beyond the multi-course dinners, these train journeys feature the “Midnight Brunch” in Bar Car ‘3674’, where guests can enjoy lobster rolls and truffle club sandwiches into the early hours.
While smart-casual is acceptable during the day, Black Tie is the firm standard for dinner. Guests are encouraged to wear tuxedos and evening gowns to match the Art Deco surroundings.
Life in Bar Car ‘3674’
The social heart of the train remains the Bar Car ‘3674’. Here, a resident pianist plays on a baby grand piano while white-gloved stewards serve signature cocktails. This is the space where the Orient Express legend truly lives.
Cabin Categories
For 2026, guests can choose from four tiers of heritage accommodation:
Historic Cabins: The original 1920s experience with upper/lower berths and shared facilities.
Suites: A new category featuring private marble ensuite bathrooms and decor inspired by European landscapes.
Grand Suites: Six unrivaled suites (Paris, Venice, Istanbul, Vienna, Prague, Budapest) with 24-hour private butler service and unlimited champagne.
L’Observatoire: The most exclusive addition — a private carriage designed by artist JR, functioning as a duplex “apartment in motion” with a library, secret tea room, and a free-standing bathtub.
The 2026 Villeggiatura Series: Four Iconic Belmond Orient Express Itineraries
Paris to Venice
April 25th–28th, 2026
Crossing the Alps and the Dolomites, this journey follows the original path of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express toward the Venetian lagoon.
The Stay: Two nights at Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, on Giudecca Island in Venice.
Upon arrival at Santa Lucia station, a private boat transfer whisks you across the lagoon to the Cipriani. The following day features a rare, private visit to the Orsoni Fornace 1888, the last glass mosaic foundry in central Venice. This is a “behind-the-scenes” experience where you’ll explore their “Color Library” and watch artisans hand-cut gold tesserae using centuries-old traditions.
For those who prefer a more relaxed morning at the hotel, a private “Art of the Bellini” masterclass is held at the legendary Bar Gabbiano, where you can master the city’s signature cocktail at its birthplace. The journey concludes with a gala dinner at the newly renovated, Michelin-starred Oro. This exclusive culinary event features a bespoke tasting menu by Head Chef Vania Ghedini in collaboration with the legendary Massimo Bottura, offering a refined, modern interpretation of Venetian flavors overlooking the lagoon.
Paris to The Amalfi Coast
May 4th–7th, 2026
Belmond has announced that the 2026 season will feature the inaugural journey of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to the Amalfi Coast. This marks the first time the historic train will travel directly to the southern Italian coast, linking Paris with the Mediterranean.
The Stay: Two nights at Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, an 11th-century palace in Ravello.
As the inaugural journey to the Amalfi Coast, this itinerary features unprecedented access to Italy’s southern treasures. After a night of Art Deco glamour on board, you will disembark directly at Pompeii station for a privately guided VIP tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Grand Suite guests receive a truly exclusive experience: a private visit to the Casa del Larario in Regio V, an area typically closed to the public that is being preserved through the direct support of the Caruso hotel.
Upon arriving in Ravello, the immersion into la dolce vita continues with a choice of bespoke experiences. You may opt for a scenic boat tour to Positano to explore hidden coves and sea caves, or join a local artist for a painting lesson on the hotel’s Loggia terrace. The culinary highlight is a sunset celebration by Caruso’s iconic infinity pool, featuring live cooking stations led by Executive Chef Armando Aristarco. This event showcases the artistry of Cilento artisan producers, featuring rare local delicacies like Menaica anchovies and Gioi Cilento soppressata, accompanied by live performances from local musicians.
Paris to Florence
September 19th–22nd, 2026
Winding through the French countryside into the hills of Tuscany, this route focuses on the traditional rituals of rail travel, while celebrating the Renaissance era. Guests have the service of a personal steward and access to three restored dining cars — Côte d’Azur, Etoile du Nord, and L’Oriental.
The Stay: Two nights at the newly renovated Villa San Michele, a former 15th-century monastery overlooking Florence.
This journey marks the inaugural “Villeggiatura” season for the newly reimagined Villa San Michele, which reopened in April 2026 after a comprehensive 18-month restoration by Luigi Fragola Architects. The programming centers on a theme of “Healing and Rebirth.” Guests will be among the first to experience the hotel’s first-ever permanent wellness sanctuary, the Villa San Michele Spa by Guerlain, which features a “Secret Garden” entrance and treatments inspired by the monastery’s historical apothecary.
The itinerary includes a curated wellness program in partnership with La DoubleJ founder JJ Martin, featuring sound healing and meditation sessions in the property’s “Energy Chapel” and ancient woodlands. For cultural immersion, you may choose a “Hidden Ateliers” walking tour, providing private access to Florence’s most guarded artisan workshops — from master gilders to silk weavers. The stay culminates in a convivial gala dinner led by Executive Chef Alessandro Cozzolino, featuring a “modern-day echo” of Renaissance flavors served on the hotel’s iconic 15th-century loggia.
Paris to Portofino
October 15th-18th, 2026
This route traces the glittering coastlines of the French and Italian Rivieras, offering sweeping Mediterranean views directly from your cabin window.
The Stay: Two nights at Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, perched high above the Portofino harbor.
Returning for its second season, this journey celebrates the “New Golden Age” of the Italian Riviera. The experience centers on the multi-phase transformation of the Splendido by acclaimed designer Martin Brudnizki, which has reimagined the former Benedictine monastery as a grand coastal villa. Guests have exclusive access to the newly launched Dior Spa, a permanent wellness retreat set within the hotel’s tiered Mediterranean gardens.
The 2026 itinerary emphasizes “The Pleasures of Life, Made in Italy.” You can choose between a private sunset boat tour to the medieval Abbey of San Fruttuoso, a guided hike to the Portofino lighthouse, or a hands-on pizza masterclass with the Splendido Grill’s chef. The social highlight is a lively gala dinner at the newly renovated La Terrazza restaurant. Hosted by Chef Corrado Corti, the evening features live music and a menu dedicated to Ligurian seafood and the estate’s own artisanal olive oil, all set against the backdrop of the yacht-filled Gulf of Tigullio.
Closing thoughts
If you’re planning an Italy trip for 2026, building your itinerary around one of these journeys is worth doing early. The Villeggiatura by Train itineraries are limited by season and sell out well in advance, and the Paris to Amalfi Coast route in particular, as the inaugural journey of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to southern Italy, is one of the more notable luxury travel experiences of the year. Full pricing and availability are listed directly on Belmond’s website.
Visit the Belmond Website To Book Your Villeggiatura by Train Journey
