
'Orient Express': The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe -- will depart from Paris to Portofino across two days in June.

All change: The new service is being introduced after last November's end to the classic upscale railway company's British Pullman service which linked the Paris-Venice route to London.

Hot spots: This new route will start in Paris at 3 p.m., wind through France past Dijon, Lyon and Avignon, and then trundle along the Côte d'Azur, before crossing into Italy.

Fine dining: Menus on boared the train will be planned by Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert, and any imbibing will be accompanied by either the resident pianist or a swing band in the evening.

Big ticket: Prices start from around $8,525 per person for the three nights, but this being Belmond, passengers will get a lot of swank for their buck.

Destination Italy: The end of the tracks will be in Santa Margherita Ligure, the gateway town to Portofino at 1 p.m. the following day.

Riding in comfort: For those wanting to really push the boat (or train) out, there are eight new suites on board that debuted in 2023.

One-way: The tickets for the train only go in one direction. The return journey will have to be made by regular trains if travelers want to stay on track.

Down the line: It'll be the first time that the train has visited the Italian Riviera, but it won't be the last. It's planned to be an annual event, with 2025 dates to be confirmed.


