CIAO! TRAVEL JAZZ EUROPE TOURS

The Venice Simplon Orient Express

Few travel experiences can compare with the Romance & Luxury aboard the famous Venice Simplon Orient Express! The Journey of a Lifetime                  

Now you can arrive or depart the Montreux Jazz Festival in royal style. Whether traveling from Venice, Italy to Montreux or continuing your Jazz Europe Vacation from Montreux through the Golden Pass and onto Paris, your journey aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express is surely the most elegant way to arrive or depart the Montreux Jazz Festival.

ARRIVE MONTREUX IN STYLE aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express - July 01-05      Enjoy two nights hotel accommodations in Venice, Italy, then board the Venice Simplon Orient Express for an unforgettable train journey to Lucerne, Switzerland and onto Interlaken, home of the nearby alp "Jungfraujoch", where you'll enjoy one night's accommodation. On Friday July 05 you'll enjoy a first class train through Switzerland's beautiful Golden Pass to Montreux for the Gala opening concert of the Montreux Jazz Festival!

Your Venice to Interlaken to Montreux Itinerary

July 01 Mon    Arrive in Venice, Italy. Vaporetto* (Water Taxi)  floating down the Grand Canal to your hotel. Perhaps this evening you will enjoy a  romantic dinner overlooking Venice's grand canal and lagoon.

July 02 Tue      After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a midmorning sightseeing tour of the treasures, sites and attractions of Venice. Tonight we suggest a romantic gondola ride at sunset, followed by a Bellini cocktail and dinner at Harry's New York Bar

July 03 Wed    This morning you depart your hotel on a Vaporetto* Venice's St Lucia train station where you board the splendid Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for a mid-morning departure. Throughout your journey you will be attended by your own personal steward. After you have settled into your comfortable compartment it will soon be time for a delicious three-course lunch in one of our beautifully restored restaurant cars.

Mid-afternoon you disembark the train for a walking tour of Innsbruck followed by afternoon tea. Re-board the train in time for dinner. Black-tie or jacket and tie adds to the sense of occasion and atmosphere on board. Why not sip an aperitif in the Bar Car while listening to the sounds of the baby grand piano. Dinner is served as the train travels through the Alps and into Switzerland. After dinner you may want to linger in the Bar and when you are ready, retire to your compartment which has now been transformed into a cozy bedroom.
 

July 04 Thu    Awaken to the smell of fresh croissant and coffee, as continental breakfast is served in your compartment before the train pulls in to Lucerne’s station mid morning. There is no rush, your train manager can assist with sending your luggage along to your Interlaken hotel, freeing you to explore Lucerne (famous for it's Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument and transport museum) a while before departing for Interlaken. Later this afternoon board the GoldenPass Panoramic train to Interlaken, home of the Alpine 4000's (mountains over 13,000 feet high) including the "Top of Europe" The famous Jungfraujoch!

 

July 05 Fri     After a leisurely breakfast you have time to explore Interlaken before catching a mid-afternoon train to Montreux. You'll travel from Interlaken to Spiez to Zweiswimmen, Gstaad, and Chateux D'Oex through Switzerland's unforgettably beautiful Golden Pass aboard Panoramic trains to arrive in Montreux in early evening. Plenty of time to check in to your hotel, unpack, sample some of the fine festival foods and enjoy this evenings Gala opening concert of The Montreux Jazz Festival!

Your Arrive Montreux in Style package includes: 2 nights hotel accommodations with continental breakfast in Venice Italy, 1/2 day Venice sightseeing tour, a journey aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express from Venice to Lucerne, first class train tickets from Lucerne, on to Interlaken and Montreux and one night hotel accommodations with continental breakfast in Interlaken. Not Included: Vaporettos, taxis, baggage transfers in Switzerland and/or any other item. Prices are per person and include all table d'hote meals and accommodations aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express and are based on two persons sharing a cabin. Single supplements are available. Departure date: July 01-05

First Class hotels: Venice - Metropole;  Interlaken - Metropole   $1749           Single Suppl: $819

       Deluxe Hotel: Venice - Bauer, Interlaken - Victoria Jungfrau       $1995           Single Suppl: $879

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

DEPART MONTREUX IN STYLE aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express - July 20-23 After enjoying your stay and the incredible Montreux Jazz Festival, you'll depart Montreux aboard a first class train through the incredible beauty of Switzerland's Golden Pass to Luzern to board the Venice Simplon Orient Express for an unforgettable overnight journey to Paris, France where you'll enjoy two nights hotel accommodations. A perfect way to end your Jazz Europe Vacation

Your Montreux to Paris Itinerary

July 20 Sat    Depart Montreux mid morning for a trip aboard the Montreux Oberland Bernois Panoramic Express through the unforgettable beauty of Switzerland's Golden Pass to Lucerne. You'll have some time to explore the city with its Chapel Bridge and Lion monument. Later this afternoon you will be welcomed aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express bound for Paris! Throughout your journey you will be attended by your own personal steward. After you have settled into your comfortable compartment it will soon be time for cocktails in the Bar. A leisurely four-course dinner is served, prepared on board by our skilled French chefs.  After dinner you may want to linger in the Bar and when you are ready, retire to your compartment which has now been transformed into a cozy bedroom

July 21 Sun    Continental breakfast is brought to you by your steward before your arrival in Paris, mid morning. Taxi to your hotel and perhaps enjoy a brasserie lunch along the Seine. Afterwards you'll check-in and freshen up before your afternoon sightseeing tour of Paris. Tonight choose from hundreds of restaurants, jazz clubs, or perhaps The Crazy Horse Saloon!

July 22 Mon   With Paris, the world is your oyster! Shop along the Champs Elysees, enjoy the Impressionists at the Musee D'Orsay, Explore the Louvre, Notre Dame, the sights from the Eiffel Tower or just a lazy cruise along the Seine in a Bateau Mouche! As for dinner, why not try the Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower? A great way to end your trip of a lifetime!

July 23 Tue    After breakfast, its time to prepare to return home. We suggest a Taxi* to the airport for your flight home

Your Depart Montreux in Style package includes: first class train tickets from Montreux to Lucerne, journey aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express from Lucerne to Paris and 2 nights hotel accommodations with continental breakfast in Paris, France and a half day Paris sightseeing tour. Not Included: Taxis, baggage transfers in Switzerland and/or any other item. Prices are per person and include all table d'hote meals and accommodations aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express and are based on two persons sharing a cabin. Single supplements are available. Jules Verne reservations must be made well in advance, please request at time of booking. Departure date: July 20-23

First Class hotels: Paris - Regina;             $1679                     Single Supplement $679

       Deluxe Hotel: Paris - Intercontinental       $1899                     Single Supplement $859

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL SAVINGS ON THE VENICE SIMPLON ORIENT EXPRESS

Travel aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express from Venice, stopover in Switzerland for the Montreux Jazz Festival and continue on to London aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express and receive a 50% reduction on your companions VSOE fare.

Dates:     July 10 Depart Venice, Arrive Zurich, train to Montreux 11,12,13,14,16,17; 18 Depart Montreux to Zurich, and board VSOE to Paris

              July 17 Depart Venice, 18,19,20 - Montreux, 21 depart Montreux for Interlaken, 22 Depart Interlaken for  Lurcerne, 23 depart Lucerne   for Zurich, 24 Depart Zurich on VSOE to Paris

Rates: First Passenger: $2020, Companion Passenger $1010 = 50% off!

Note: Above fare is for The Venice Simplon Orient Express train journey only. Add the 6 nights Land Only or 7 night Complete Air  Montreux Package price. Venice and London accommodations are available from $179 per room night. Please add $192 for round trip Zurich to Montreux first class rail fare and reservations per person.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 A HISTORY OF THE VENICE SIMPLON ORIENT EXPRESS

The history of 'luxury' train travel can be traced back to 1864 when the innovative railway builder, George Mortimer Pullman, created a train in Britain, featuring the ultimate in nineteenth century technology and opulence and was far more advanced than anything that existed in Europe. In the 1870's the first sleeping carriages and parlour cars in Britain went into service and for the first time meals were served on board a train. The first all Pullman train in Europe, the Pullman Limited Express, began operating in 1881. It ran from London to Brighton and was the first train to be illuminated by electricity.Shortly afterwards, by connecting trains to ferries, George Mortimer Pullman made safe and comfortable train travel between London and Paris a reality.

Georges Nagelmackers, a young Belgian railway enthusiast, also began building luxury railway carriages and gradually proceeded to do for continental train travel what Pullman had for Britain. In 1881 after experimenting with several demands, Nagelmackers introduced the first restaurant car aboard a continental train. With sleeping carriages and restaurant cars in place, Nagelmackers was finally able to fulfil his dream and on 4 October 1883 the first Orient-Express train service was inaugurated. The initial route ran from Paris to Giurgi (on the Danube in Romania), via Strasbourg, Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest. By the turn of the century, the great age of rail travel was in full swing. The Simplon Tunnel - at 12½ miles, the world's longest - was built in 1906, cutting the trip from Paris to Venice significantly, and by 1921 the Orient-Express was running an extended Simplon-Orient-Express route to Istanbul.

The 1920s and 1930s were the heyday of the legendary train. Elaborate meals, decadent company and fine wines characterised this era of rail travel. Royalty, celebrities, courtesans and spies intermingled as they travelled in opulence throughout Europe. The Orient-Express has always been involved in mystery and intrigue, both fictional and real. Most famous of all is Agatha Christie’s novel ‘Murder on the Orient-Express’ in which her detective Hercule Poirot investigates the murder of a passenger. The Hollywood movie, starring Albert Finney as Mr Poirot, was partly filmed aboard the train and in replica carriages in a studio.As a star of six motion pictures the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express most recently helped Cruella da Ville make her escape to Paris in 102 Dalmations. There have been a total of 19 books written about the train and even a piece of music entitled ‘Orient-Express Variations’ has been written.

In reality the various carriages of the Orient-Express have been the scenes of history and intrigue. For example, Sleeping Car 3425 was a part of the Orient-Express service used by King Carol of Romania. Whilst His Majesty King Boris III of Bulgaria, a keen railway enthusiast, used to take to the footplate and drive the train himself. The fabled train was however saved by entrepreneur and rail enthusiast, James B. Sherwood. In 1977 he bought two of the trains carriages at a Sotheby's auction in Monte Carlo. The next few years and US$16 million were spent locating, purchasing and restoring some 35 vintage sleepers, Pullmans and restaurant cars.On 25 May 1982 the legend was reborn when the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express made its maiden run from London to Venice.

Today, the gleaming carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express continue to transport passengers across Europe in exquisite surroundings on one of the most romantic journeys in the world.
 

The Venice Simplon Orient Express Today

 

Step aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and you step back into a more gracious, elegant age.

Your personal steward, instantly available to attend your every comfort, will show you to your compartment of gleaming wood, polished brass, soft towels and crisp linen. Your comfortable compartment is a restful retreat offering panoramic views of ever changing landscapes.
 

Your meals on board will be unforgettable. Set the tone with a visit to the Bar Car, famous for its delicious cocktails and welcoming atmosphere. Then on to one of our three dining cars, softly muted lighting enhances the mood while fine linen, French silverware and heavy crystal invite you to prepare for a meal to remember. Meals on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are an unforgettable delight. All dishes are freshly prepared onboard by French chefs, with the finest supplies taken onboard during the train's journey.

Lunch, dinner and brunch is served by the Italian waiters in one of the three individually styled Restaurant Cars: Lalique, Etoile du Nord or Chinoise. Breakfast and afternoon tea are served in passengers' compartments. Table d'hôte meals are included in the fare, while an á la carte menu and 24-hour compartment service is available additionally.

The Maitre D' will come to your cabin to take your lunch and dinner reservations.

Sample Brunch Menu

Brouillard d'Oeufs au Saumon fumé
Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon

Homard Rôti au Beurre de Cresson
Broiled lobster with fresh cress butter

Pommes Rosettes
Potato and chive whirls

Tarte Tatin
Caramelized apple tartlet

Café de Colombie
Colombian Coffee

-------------------------------------------

Sample Dinner Menu

Homard rôti à l'Américaine
Fricassée de Legumés printaniers
Baked lobster tail
Lobster and brandy sauce
Stirfried spring vegtables

Magret de Canard et Fois gras au Parfum de Truffes blanches
Roast duck supreme, white truffle flavoured "foie gras"

Panaché de Pâtissons et petite Oignons
Baby pumpkins and silver onions

Pommes Cocotte
Sautéed potatoes

Plateau de Fromages de France
Fine French cheeses

Croustillants au chocolat noir et Glace à la Bergamote
Crispy bitter chocolate and bergamot ice-cream dessert

Mignardises
Café de Colombie
Colombian Coffee

 

YOUR VSOE COMPARTMENTS

Travelling in private compartments, passengers are attended by Cabin Stewards throughout the journey, and are assured of attentive yet discreet service. Each compartment has its own original washbasin cabinet with hot and cold water, and at night-time becomes a comfortable bedroom, complete with soft towels and crisp linen.

Passengers may select from two types of compartment: Double and Single. Cabins convert in moments from daytime seating to a comfortable bedroom.

Double Compartment (night time)

A private lounge during the day with a banquette sofa, footstool and small table converts to night configuration with an upper and lower bed. A washbasin with hot and cold water is enclosed in a cabinet and towels and toiletries are provided. Facilities include 24-hour steward service called by a bell, international electric sockets (230 volts) and 115 volt socket for razors, individually controlled radiators supply heating. Some compartments are fitted with a personal safe. Overhead luggage racks are provided for the storage of a limited amount of luggage and two coat hooks and two hangers for hanging up clothes.

 
 

 
.

Cabin Suite

Combining two interconnecting cabins to create a private lounge with a banquette sofa, footstool and small table and a sleeping compartment with an upper and lower bed. A washbasin with hot and cold water is enclosed in a cabinet and towels and toiletries are provided. Facilities include 24-hour steward service called by a bell, international electric sockets (230 volts) and 115 volt socket for razors, individually controlled radiators supply heating. Some compartments are fitted with a personal safe. Overhead luggage racks are provided for the storage of a limited amount of luggage and two coat hooks and two hangers for hanging up clothes in each of the compartments.

 



 
The sleeping car

The VSOE staff will be happy to assist you throughout your journey on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express:

Pullman Steward:
Your steward on the British Pullman train will serve your meals and any other drinks or refreshments you may require.

Cabin Steward:
The steward responsible for your carriage on the VSOE will be available at all times and may be called by the bell in your cabin. He will take care of your passport during the journey, change your cabin from day to night configuration, serve breakfast and other refreshments in your cabin as required.

Train Manager:
The Train Manager will be on hand throughout the journey. He is there to help should you have any queries while on board. If you should wish to speak to him, please tell your steward who will contact him on your behalf.
 

BAR CAR

Famous for its delicious cocktails and welcoming atmosphere the Bar Car is the heart of the train. It is truly a unique, intimate and stylish experience that resounds to the voices of royalty, heads of state and celebrities such as Gregory Peck, Liza Minelli and Cher.

Transformed and designed by Gerard Gallet from a dining car, the bar car is the ideal rendezvous to enjoy relaxed conversation and warm to the skills of our resident pianist. Dressing for the occasion is all part of the experience. Our guide is that you can never be overdressed aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

But whilst you relax in the Bar Car ponder this question – which came first, the baby grand piano, or the carriage that surrounds it?
 

 

BOUTIQUE
Our intimate onboard boutique is located at the rear of the Lalique car. What better way to remember this memorable journey, than to enjoy a gift from The Collection Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

These train inspired home accessories include our original art nouveau brass table lamp and hand blown French crystal. Plus, classically fashioned ladies and gentlemens accessories in luxury pure silk, cashmere and velvet.

So whether you are choosing something for yourself, or selecting a gift for a friend, it will forever remain a beautiful memento of your journey.

 
 

VSOE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Is this the original Orient-Express?
Yes. These are the original carriages dating from the 1920s, the hey day of luxury train travel. Original designs and marquetry have been restored by craftsmen with minute attention to detail. In 1982 some £11 million was spent carrying out these refurbishments. As well as being restored to its former glory, the refurbishment also ensured the safety of passengers and the smooth running of the train.

How long does my journey take?
The traditional route between Venice and Lucerne or Lucerne to Paris takes two days with one night on board.

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.

Are drinks included in the price?
On board the continental train drinks are not included in the fare and may be purchased at an additional cost.

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 endeaver 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.

Will I need to tip the Orient-Express staff?
Any gratuities you wish to give are entirely at your discretion.

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.

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 travel agent or Orient-Express office at the time of booking.

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 Compartments section above for full details.

Will there be room in my compartment for all my luggage?
No, probably not. It is strongly advised that you only take into your compartment, one or two light cases packed with everything you need for your journey on board. All extra luggage can be checked in at the start of your journey where it will not be accessible until you reach your destination.

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 travelers will wear black tie or evening dress. 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.

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.

What currency do I need on board the Orient-Express?
On the Orient-Express prices are quoted in French Francs and Euros, it is recommended that passengers have a small amount for French Francs or Euros for on board purchases. Most major currencies are accepted, as well as travellers’ cheques, and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Diners Club). The exchange rate on board is displayed in the Bar Car.

Can I smoke on board the Orient-Express?
There is a no smoking policy on board the British Pullman. On the Continental train smoking is permitted in the Bar Car and in your compartment but not in the Restaurant Cars during meal times. Passengers are asked not to smoke pipes or cigars at any time.

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.

What languages do the staff on board the train speak?
French, English and Italian are spoken by most stewards on board the Continental train.

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.

Will I require visas for a trip on the Orient-Express?
The Orient-Express passes through the UK, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy. Currently US Citizens require only a passport for these countries. All passengers must be in possession of a full 10 year passport.

Will I need insurance for my trip?
As with all holidays and trips abroad, it is advisable to have travel insurance. Ciao! Travel offers and strongly recommends travel insurance. Please request a brochure.
 

                        Reserve Now! 

                Ciao! Travel: Tel. (619) 297-8112   (800) 942-CIAO

                                Email: jazz@ciaotravel.com

                                                                                Terms and Conditions