In 1977 Belmond’s founder, James B Sherwood, purchased two vintage train carriages at a Monte Carlo auction, after searching far and wide for stately rail relics in private gardens, museums and railway sidings. Cars from famous vintage trains, including Le Train Bleu and the Rome Express were also found and all were painstaking restored by a handful of artisans. By 1982, the carriages were ready to take guests on a classic journey between London and Venice, aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, as it came to be known …
“Three elegant dining carriages exude culinary sophistication, from Lalique glass inlays in Cote d’Azur to black lacquer panels in L’Oriental. The Bar Car glows with a champagne sparkle while the resident pianist fills the air with sweet melodies.” —Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
These photos, by Francesco Innocenti, who quit a law firm to travel the world, showcase the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in all its utter ultra-luxe glory. See more of his adventures @framboisejam on Instagram.
There are three grand suites on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, each designed to reflect the spirit of the city they are named after; this suite is the Istanbul.
Take the classic route from London to Venice, or travel from Paris to Istanbul, a six day journey with stops in Budapest and Bucharest before arriving in Istanbul. Paris to Berlin is the newest journey added to the repertoire.
All images via @framboisejam