The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the epitome of luxury, overnight train travel.
The elegant train line operates 60 routes through 17 European cities from Amsterdam to Istanbul. It is comprised entirely of vintage cars that were once hitched onto the original, iconic Orient Express fleet that traversed Europe in the 1920s and 1930s. Back then, it was renowned for luxury and sophistication, drawing wealthy and celebrity clientele, according to Smithsonian Magazine.
Today, it still exudes a similar opulent air, and with starting prices to match. Overnight cabins range from $9,000 to $26,000 per night, depending on the tier of accommodation, according to the company's website.
I recently splurged on a $9,000 ticket to ride in the train's cheapest option, the historic cabin, from Paris to Venice, Italy, in 30 hours.
For the most part, I found that the experience was worth the splurge. I'd never felt so regal in my life, from the moment I stepped on board to the second I reluctantly disembarked at the end of my journey. But some standard amenities were missing for me, given the high price.
Here's a breakdown of why the overnight trip was — and wasn't —worth $9,000.