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Questions & Answers |
Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding journeys on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, including information on the train, where the Orient-Express travels to and booking information.
Should you have a question that is not answered in this section, please do not hesitate to contact us. |
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Your Journey on the Orient-Express
Where does the Orient-Express travel to?
When does the Orient-Express run?
How much does a trip on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express cost?
Can you arrange my flights and hotel accommodation?
What sort of service can I expect on board the Orient-Express?
What is my sleeping accommodation like?
Are there showers on board the Orient-Express?
Are all my meals included?
Can you cater for special meal requirements?
Are drinks included in the price?
Are disabled people able to travel on the Orient-Express?
Can I smoke on board the Orient-Express?
Can I buy souvenirs or presents on board the train?
Can children travel on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
What do I take to wear on the Orient-Express?
What languages do the staff on board the train speak?
What currency do I need on board the Orient-Express?
How long does my journey take?
How do I cross the English Channel?
Do I have to take the full journey from London to Venice?
Do you offer a honeymoon package?
Will I need insurance for my trip?
Will there be room in my compartment for all my luggage?
Will I need to tip the Orient-Express staff?
Will I require visas for a trip on the Orient-Express?
Where does the Orient-Express travel to?
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates between London/Paris and continental Europe. The most regular journey however is between London-Paris-Venice, which can be experienced in either direction. There are additional departures between Venice and Rome, as well as from Venice to Vienna, Prague and Budapest and from Paris to Istanbul and Istanbul to Venice.
For more details on where the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train travels to, please see our 'Departures & Prices' section.
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When does the Orient-Express run?
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates annually between March and November. During the Winter the train is refurbished and carefully prepared for the next travel season. See the 'Departures & Prices' section for full details on the exact scheduled departure dates.
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How much does a trip on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express cost?
Trip prices on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express vary according to destination and length of journey. For full details please see the Prices section on this website.
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Can you arrange my flights and hotel accommodation?
Yes. Many passengers make the Orient-Express experience the centre-piece of a European holiday. Your Orient-Express office will be happy to arrange any flights, hotel accommodation and transfers you require, around your trip on the Orient-Express.
(Please note: we regret that we cannot arrange flights departing from North America and Canada).
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What sort of service can I expect on board the Orient-Express?
In short, dedicated. Your Cabin Steward is responsible for your carriage on the Continental train. He will be available at all times and may be called by the bell in your compartment. He will take care of your passport during the journey, change your compartment from day to night configuration and serve your breakfast, afternoon tea and other refreshments as required. The Maitre D’ will come to your compartment to take your lunch and dinner reservations. The Train Manager is on hand throughout the journey to help with any queries.
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What is my sleeping accommodation like?
On the Orient-Express overnight passengers are automatically given their own compartments. Complete with wooden marquetry and brass fittings in original 1920s detail, your compartment will transport you back to a bygone era. Please see the Cabins section of this website for full details.
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Are there showers on board the Orient-Express?
No. These are the original 1920s carriages and as such do not have all the modern amenities such as showers. Each cabin contains a wash basin with hot and cold water.
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Are all my meals included?
Yes. Table d’hôte meals are included in your fare. Continental breakfast and afternoon tea are served in your own compartment, while lunch and dinner are enjoyed in the sumptuous surroundings of the dining cars. The gourmet meals and discreet service are all part of the Orient-Express experience.
An à la carte menu is available for lunch and dinner, and there is a 24 hour compartment service for light snacks and refreshments. These are at an additional cost and paid for at the time of ordering. Passengers departing from London on the British Pullman train are served lunch, together with a complimentary glass of champagne and half a bottle of wine. Passengers ending their journey in London will be served afternoon tea on board the British Pullman.
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Can you cater for special meal requirements?
We will do our best to cater for special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan etc., provided a detailed request has been made at the time of booking. If a special request has not been made, the chefs will endeavour to prepare a dish with the ingredients available on board. We do however regret that we are unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.
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Are drinks included in the price?
Passengers departing from London are served lunch on the British Pullman train, together with a complimentary glass of champagne and half a bottle of wine. On board the continental train drinks are not included in the fare and may be purchased at an additional cost.
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Are disabled people able to travel on the Orient-Express?
We are able to accommodate passengers with slight walking difficulties although we recommend that they are accompanied by an able-bodied passenger. We regret that the dimensions and layout of the train are not suitable for wheelchair bound passengers. Should you have any special requirements please inform your Orient-Express reservations office at the time of booking.
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Can I smoke on board the Orient-Express?
Out of courtesy towards your fellow travellers but also to comply with the strict Italian and other European countries regulations, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates a no smoking policy on board both the British Pullman and the Continental Train.
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Can I buy souvenirs or presents on board the train?
Yes. The Collection Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a range of exclusively designed gifts. This includes such items as silk scarves and ties, exclusive luggage, jewellery, leather belts and trinket boxes. Smaller items can be purchased on board while larger gifts can be ordered through our mail order catalogue. Visit Orient-Express Gifts to purchase gifts on-line.
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Can children travel on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
Yes. Children aged 11 or under on the date of departure and sharing a Double cabin with one adult at full fare receive a reduction of 20%, children under 2 travel free when sharing accommodation.
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What do I take to wear on the Orient-Express?
You can never be overdressed on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. The historic decor of the train and its atmosphere encourages everyone to dress to suit the occasion. Dinner provides you with a marvellous opportunity to recreate the style and glamour of a bygone age. For evening dinner many travellers will wear black tie or evening dress. At least as a consideration for your fellow passengers you will need to meet our minimum requirements of a suit and tie for gentlemen and an equivalent standard for ladies. During the day “casual but smart” is the rule. At lunch for instance, gentlemen might wear jacket and tie. At no time during your journey will jeans be acceptable.
If you are travelling as a day time passenger only, for example from London to Paris, we realise it will not normally be possible for you to change for dinner. However it will be appreciated if you can dress according to our minimum standards.
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What languages do the staff on board the train speak?
French, English and Italian are spoken by most stewards on board the Continental train.
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What currency do I need on board the Orient-Express?
On the Orient-Express prices are quoted in Euros, it is recommended that passengers have a small amount of Euros for on board purchases. Most major currencies are accepted, as well as travellers’ cheques, Eurocheques, and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, and JCB). The exchange rate on board is displayed in the Bar Car.
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How long does my journey take?
Journeys on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express can last from one to several days. The traditional and most popular route between London and Venice takes two days with one night on board. See the Departures and Prices section for details on our journeys to other European cities.
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How do I cross the English Channel?
Passengers travelling from or to London will experience the British Pullman carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express between London and Folkestone. The comfort of passengers is paramount, for that reason the channel crossing will be by coach and the Eurotunnel shuttle. Our Orient-Express hostess will escort you throughout the cross channel journey.
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Do I have to take the full journey from London to Venice?
No. The Orient-Express stops at Paris, Buchs, Innsbruck and Verona. You may travel, subject to availability, between any of these destinations. For example, you can travel London to Paris, Paris to Venice, Innsbruck to London, or any other combination to suit your itinerary. On other Orient-Express routes it may be possible to travel for just a part of the full journey. Please see the 'Select Your Journey' section of this website.
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Do you offer a honeymoon package?
A journey on the Orient-Express is a romantic occasion to remember in itself. We can with advance notice provide a bottle of champagne in your cabin, flowers, a special cake or a gift. Orient-Express will also be delighted to make any special arrangements for your trip should you have any. Further details are available on request from your Orient-Express office.
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Will I need insurance for my trip?
As with all holidays and trips abroad, it is advisable to have travel insurance. Your Orient-Express office will be able to advise you.
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Will there be room in my compartment for all my luggage?
Despite having luggage racks in our cabins, space constraints require that luggage is limited, per passenger, to one suitable piece of hand luggage, one suit carrier or overnight bag (to be placed in your cabin) and one suitcase to be checked through for storage in the baggage car, where it will not be accessible until you reach your destination.
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Will I need to tip the Orient-Express staff?
Any gratuities you wish to give are entirely at your discretion.
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Will I require visas for a trip on the Orient-Express?
The Orient-Express passes through the UK, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and on selected departures, also travels through Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Turkey. If you require a visa for a particular European country, the visa will still be needed even if you are only in transit through that country. Failure to obtain the appropriate visa will result in the passenger being unable to board the train. It is the passenger’s own responsibility to ensure that they comply with any necessary visa or vaccination requirements. All passengers must be in possession of a full 10 year passport. Currently visas are not required for EU citizens visiting any of the European countries, with the exception of Romania and Turkey. Turkish visas will be issued on entry to the country on payment of a fee. Passengers travelling to Romania will have their visas taken care of by Venice Simplon-Orient-Express providing that full passport information is provided on the booking form. If you are not a passport holder of the EU then please check with the relevant embassy or consulate in good time.
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