Belmond's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has introduced a new luxury train route from Paris to Italy's Amalfi Coast. The three-day excursion takes passengers through the French and Italian Rivieras, passing through cities like Lyon, Cannes, Florence, and Rome before arriving in Pompeii.
This new route, which premiered in spring, is offered annually and has already begun booking for 2027. The journey includes two nights at the Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello, a restored 11th-century palace known for its infinity pool and gardens. The hotel also features new dining and bar options, including Adagio, a botanical cocktail bar, and Il Pantaleone, a restaurant offering tasting menus. Guests at the hotel can participate in complimentary mini-cruises, cooking classes, and painting lessons, or take a boat tour of the Amalfi Coast.
The Orient Express experience evokes a bygone era, with passengers encouraged to dress in formal wear for dinner, reminiscent of the Art Deco period. Accommodations range from Historic Twin Cabins, where seats convert to berths, to Grand Suites with private bathrooms. The train features a restaurant car and a bar car with live piano music, serving as the social hub.
The journey departs Paris in the morning and arrives in Pompeii the following afternoon. From Pompeii, travelers can opt for a tour or proceed directly to the Hotel Caruso.
For travelers seeking a more accessible option, the Italian private train company Italo offers high-speed service from Venice to Naples, a short ferry ride from Amalfi. First-class tickets on Italo, which include champagne, lunch, and espresso, cost approximately $150 and pass through Florence and Rome. First-class passengers have access to a station lounge with Wi-Fi, television, and snacks.