The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is adding a glamorous new stop to its European routes in 2027, with Monte Carlo joining the itinerary for the first time.
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From May, the legendary train operated by Belmond will travel from Paris along the Côte d’Azur before arriving in Monaco on its onward journey to Venice.
It’s set to become an annual addition to the iconic rail company’s schedule and will allow guests to explore the famously glitzy city, world-renowned for landmarks including the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the star-studded Formula One Grand Prix.
Travellers will start their journey in the French capital, boarding the train’s midnight-blue carriages, all decked out in Art Deco style.
On offer are historic cabins, grand suites, as well as the L'Observatoire carriage, designed by French artist JR. The suite comes complete with a bedroom and en suite bathroom with a freestanding bathtub as well as a spacious living area, library and secret tearoom.
No matter which level of accommodation guests stay in, they can opt to eat dinner in one of the train's two restaurant cars, Étoile du Nord or L'Oriental, before moving onto the Bar Car '3674', where cocktails are accompanied by live music at the piano.
The next morning, guests will enjoy a breakfast of fresh pastries and pressed fruit juices, while taking in views of the beautiful Côte d'Azur.
The route takes passengers along the dramatic red cliffs of the Massif de l'Estérel and winds through Saint-Raphaël towards Cannes and Nice, offering sweeping views across the French Riviera.
Closer to Monaco, the railway cuts into the mountainside before arriving at Monte Carlo station, deep beneath the rock.
According to the company, the decision to add Monte Carlo to the route was an easy one.
“Monaco has long held a special place in the story of European travel, with generations drawn to the Côte d'Azur by its distinctive sense of style, culture, and occasion,” said Pascal Deyrolle, Area Managing Director for Trains – Continental Europe.
“Introducing the destination feels like a natural continuation for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, bringing the romance of luxury rail travel to a locale that has always understood the art of arrival.”
With a slated price starting at €4,870 per person based on two guests sharing a historic cabin, with 24-hour steward service, all meals with the sommelier's choice of wine and unlimited soft drinks, and transfers, many of us might need to start saving ahead of May’s launch.