Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is celebrated for its authentic Art Deco interiors and timeless European itineraries. After a three-year pause, the company is expanding its route map with a new destination: Berlin. The inaugural journey departs June 2, marking the start of an annual two-day overnight service connecting London and Berlin via Paris.
The restored vintage carriages—complete with original 1920s design details—offer an elegant blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Each train accommodates just under 200 guests, allowing travelers to experience the sophistication and romance of the golden age of rail travel across sleeper, dining and bar cars that retain their period atmosphere while meeting contemporary standards.
“It felt like a natural progression for the train to broaden its horizons,” said Gary Franklin, managing director of trains and cruises at Belmond, to Conde Nast Traveler. “With a shared Art Deco history and nostalgia for days gone by, pairing the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Berlin seemed to be an easy fit. Stepping on to the train’s 1920s carriages is akin to traveling back in time, while Berlin itself stands as a living monument to the flourishing arts and culture scene that emerged in the city post-war.”
Onboard offerings will reflect the new route’s cultural tone. Guests can expect German-inspired cocktails and a live German band performing in the bar car, enhancing the sense of arrival and celebration as the train travels toward the German capital. Dining onboard continues to emphasize refined menus and attentive service, presented within the train’s classic dining saloons.
The overnight format between London and Berlin creates a unique travel experience: passengers depart in comfortable evening conditions, dine and socialize in period surroundings, sleep in private cabins, and wake to arrive in a destination steeped in history and contemporary culture. The inclusion of Paris on the route adds an extra layer of romance and sightseeing potential for those wishing to extend their stay or combine the journey with additional exploration.
Belmond’s decision to add Berlin follows the company’s tradition of pairing historic train travel with destinations that complement the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express’s aesthetic and narrative. The new service reinforces the brand’s commitment to curated, immersive journeys that celebrate design, cuisine, music and the experience of travelling slowly and deliberately between major European cities.