16 dramatic photos show what it's like to ride Europe's swankiest train — a once-in-a-lifetime journey with breathtaking views

Joey HaddenJan 15, 2024, 12:45 IST

Business Insider's reporter captured a scenic route on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a luxury overnight train.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is one of the most luxurious overnight trains in the world.
I took the historic train from Paris to Venice in November.

I recently traveled on the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, one of the most luxurious trains in the world.

The luxury overnight train is comprised of nearly 100-year-old carriages from the iconic Orient Express fleet, and travels through Europe on 10 different routes with destinations from Italy to the Netherlands.

For my trip on the train, from France to Italy with stops in Switzerland, naturally, I had to bring my camera.

From the moment I stepped onboard to the time I disembarked, I had stunning views, from the bar cart to my cabin window.

Onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the dramatic views are nonstop.

The Venice Simplon-Orient Express travels through Switzerland.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I took the luxury train comprised of historic Orient Express carriages from Paris to Venice on a route through Switzerland and saw jaw-dropping scenery.

A landscape in Switzerland from the author's cabin window onboard the luxury train.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The window in my cabin opened halfway, so I was able to get clear views of the environment around me.

The train passes a forest on the route.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I saw the majestic Swiss Alps for the first time.

A close-up of snow-topped trees in the Swiss Alps.Joey Hadden/Insider

As we passed small towns, I wondered what it would be like to live amid the epic mountain range.

Homes beneath the Alps.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Every so often, the train stopped for 15-20 minutes, and I was able to step outside for a closer look at my surroundings.

The train stops in Switzerland.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The sunrise views were particularly stunning.

The train crosses a bridge during sunrise.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

As we entered Italy, the surrounding landscapes changed.

The train passes through Italy.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

While there were still mountains, the snow was gone, and the architecture shifted to more colorful homes.

Houses in Italy, as seen from the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Throughout the trip, looking out the window felt as entertaining as watching TV — without the headache.

A view of the route from the cabin window.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Even indoors, the views were dramatic. With a cohesive, art-deco design, the vibe felt formal from the moment I stepped onboard.

A corridor leads to the train's bar car.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The cabins and suites were marvelous. Every piece of furniture and decorative detail appeared to be thoughtfully planned out.

A grand suite accommodation on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (the author did not stay in this cabin).Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The service included big and small luxuries, like afternoon tea.

The author pours afternoon tea served in her cabin.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The communal cars from the restaurants to the bar looked like they were designed in the 1920s.

Inside the luxury train's bar car.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

And at night, the bar car came to life. Musicians performed and passengers dressed to the nines. I felt like I was traveling back in time.

Guests gather and socialize in the bar car.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

On my first luxury train ride, every detail felt dramatic.

Decorative details in a communal train car.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

And I don't think I'll ever forget it.

The author prepares to board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I hiked to an abandoned mining mill in the California desert that was the site of a shootout. Today, only ruins and rusty cars remain.

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

16 dramatic photos show what it's like to ride Europe's swankiest train &mdash; a once-in-a-lifetime journey with breathtaking views