The improvement of the tourism in Veneto runs on the tracks of the Orient Express
The Orient Express is a legendary train that connected Paris to Constantinople (nowadays Istanbul) throughout a long journey of 77 hours. Its first journey was in 1883 and its service came to an end in 1977.
It is considered a place of mystery and adventure, thanks to many novels and films that made it their scenery. It was undoubtedly the most famous train ever. How many of us have dreamt of being aboard this amazing means of transportation?
The modern Orient Express: the Venice-Simplon
Does the Orient Express still exist? Yes! Thanks to the British group “Belmond Management Service” that operates in the tourism sector, the convoy has been put back into motion. The group has in fact created different routes with luxury trains.
In particular, in 1982 the Venice-Simplon Orient Express was inaugurated as a private train for long distance travel, complete with renovated wagons from the twenties, that connects London, Paris, Verona and Venice. Practically, this gives you the best way to live an adventure of times past with modern comforts.
A luxurious train to experience another era
The train is luxurious, but its style is refined. You are welcome on board by qualified stewards dressed in blue and golden uniforms. You can book one of the comfortable cabins of mind-blowing charm, that take you back in time.
The compartments to choose from are standard singles, doubles or the suites. They are arranged differently to suit day and night. All include a sink, towels, bathrobes and slippers.
You can enjoy traveling by the standards of another era, in complete privacy if you want. You can taste the delicacies of the restaurant, listen to the piano player or simply admire the changing panorama along the journey. Traveling aboard this train is a unique experience that takes you back to the beginning of ‘900.
The routes of the Venice-Simplon Orient Express: from London to Venice
The Venice-Simplon Orient Express has basically these routes and of course, can be travelled both ways:
- Venice – Paris
- Venice – London
- Verona – Paris
- Verona – London
Generally, the journey includes one day and one night. For example, the train leaves Victoria Station in London during the day and arrives at Verona Porta Nuova the afternoon of the day after. That is enough time on board to enjoy the experience.
Why does the improvement of the Veneto region runs of the tracks of this train?
Most and foremost, because it is a privilege. The Orient Express route was a historic one and the fact that the North East of Italy was chosen as the final destination is a reason for the region to take pride.
London and Paris are two big, symbolic capitals well known worldwide. The fact that they were chosen to be connected with two cities like Verona and Venice from the region of Veneto, is significant in many ways and related to the tourism of the region.
It is quite charming to think that a Parisian wakes up in the morning expecting to have a coffee at Saint Mark’s square in Venice. It is romantic to think that a Londoner wants to relive the story of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet travelling at Verona.
Resonance to a world-wide level: make Veneto region known everywhere
Veneto’s improvement in tourism is connected to the Orient Express, because it introduces the region to many travelers. We are talking about a train that has been identified with another era, and its allure worldwide make it an excellent ambassador to the cities it stops by. It can be used as an alternative means of transportation by extra European travelers, that usually fly into a big capital and then make their way to Veneto.
Whomever starts off from London or Paris arrives in Veneto to stay in two Italian cities that are historically important and does it by traveling the continent on train tracks.
Maybe Venice has a lesser need to be made known worldwide, but it could be a great opportunity to introduce those travelers to nearby areas as well. In any case, it is a unique opportunity for the region to step up its presence on the tourist map.
Type of tourists that arrive in Veneto
If Veneto is interested in attracting high end travelers, it cannot afford to not consider the contribution of the Venice-Simplon. A connection of this type brings a high-end quality demanding traveler to Veneto.
A night on board the Orient Express can cost between 3.000 – 4.000 Euro and up depending on the season and the type of compartment chosen. It is a cost that not many travelers can easily afford, but it certainly points out that these travelers expect to find the same level of luxury and service at the cities they arrive into.
While at Verona, the traveler can go wine tasting of Amarone in one of the many famous “cantine”. In Venice, they can stay in one of the fascinating, luxurious, historical hotels, just at a stone’s throw from the famous Bridge of Sighs.
Therefore, the improvement of the tourism in Veneto runs on the tracks of the Orient Express, because it improves the region’s recognizability to the high-end tourist.
Now, make yourself at home in your compartment, turn on the light of the small reading lamp, open your book and the journey described in Agatha Christie’s novel is about to begin.
