Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient Express, a legendary train known for its Paris-Venice route, offers its passengers an exclusive literary experience. The prestigious LVMH hotel group is thus launching “Writers on the Rails,” a series of short stories recounting the emotions experienced on board by renowned novelists.
In response to the rising expectations of luxury clients regarding the experience and the LVMH luxury group’s desire to establish itself as a cultural ambassador in the vein of Louis Vuitton and its Art of Travel, the Belmond group has undoubtedly found the perfect synthesis with “Writers on the Rails”.
This series of books is exceptional in more ways than one: famous contemporary novelists were invited to put their personal experiences aboard one of Europe’s flagship Slow Travel trains, the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, down on paper.
These stories of slow, contemplative travel are exclusively reserved for passengers on this luxury train, which runs from March to December between Paris and Venice. This year, Belmond is even offering a new Italian itinerary, with the highly desirable Amalfi Coast as its destination.
Writers of Their Time
As a counterpoint to an era marked by artificial intelligence, which prioritizes speed over reflection and screens over paper books, Belmond has chosen to highlight six writers rooted in their time.
In this literary journey titled “Writers on The Rails”, the brand thus revitalizes the cultural and narrative heritage of its legendary train.
For this inaugural literary odyssey, the lineup is decidedly Anglo-Saxon yet diverse in its roots, featuring English novelist and Sunday Times #1 best-selling author Elizabeth Day; New York Times best-selling American author Ottessa Moshfegh; George the Poet, a London-born spoken-word artist and podcast creator of Ugandan origin; British author Bernardine Evaristo, winner of the 2019 Booker Prize, a Sunday Times bestseller, and international best-selling author; award-winning Chinese-American writer Rebecca F. Kuang; and British author David Nicholls, author of the best-selling novel *One Day*, which has sold millions of copies.
Through their writing, each of these narrators, transformed into a literary travel guide, must answer a simple question: what story might this experience give rise to? The result is an anthology blending the experience of travel with personal emotions evoked by the landscapes seen through the window, as well as the most intimate moments of life aboard the train.
The Golden Age of Travel Revived
“Creating memorable and unforgettable experiences” is at the heart of the Belmond Group’s promise, which beyond hotel services has expanded over the years to include safaris, cruises, and train travel. But not just any trains: palaces on rails embodying a quest that is increasingly resonant with luxury clients, whether aspirational or truly wealthy: Slow Travel.
This philosophy of travel synonymous with leisurely pace, tranquility, and reflection is enhanced by a setting that is both historic and timeless. This is the case with the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, born from the ambition of one man, James B. Sherwood—himself the founder of the Belmond Group—to revive “The Golden Age of Travel.” He set out to do so by purchasing, in 1977, at a Sotheby’s auction in Monte Carlo, two original Art Deco sleeper cars from the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express—in other words, the European and Italian branch of the legendary Orient-Express.
Since its launch in 1982, things have evolved significantly, and the train has become even more comfortable and expanded its fleet. To the point where guests now have access to three categories of accommodations: historic cabins with distinctive decor, Suites, and Grand Suites, all meticulously renovated by the most skilled artisans. The latter not only offer more space but also feature private bathrooms and a dedicated butler service available 24 hours a day.
And for those seeking an even more exclusive experience, the train also features an exceptional private car. Named the Observatory, its interior was recently redesigned by the world-renowned artist JR.
The experience is as much a cultural one as it is a gastronomic one, featuring refined cuisine by Michelin-starred French chef Jean Imbert in the colorful dining cars, along with live performances and signature cocktails in the famous “3674” Bar Car.
To Amalfi via Pompeii
Connecting iconic European destinations—from Paris to Venice—and extending the journey to Vienna, Prague, or Istanbul, the Venice Simplon-Orient Express is introducing a brand-new itinerary for the 2026 season.
The famous luxury train is unveiling its Villeggiatura by Train, inspired by the Italian tradition of seasonal summer getaways, inaugurating a dream route connecting Paris to the Amalfi Coast via the ancient city of Pompeii. In this historic city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, travelers can take part in an exclusive tour of the Casa del Larario Regio V, normally closed to the public.
The final destination in Italy, the Hotel Caruso, an authentic 11th-century palace, the jewel of the town of Ravello (Campania) and the crowning glory of Belmond’s portfolio, offers a breathtaking view of the sea and features the only pool club on the Amalfi Coast. This four-day stay includes various excursions and experiences both on land and at sea. Guests can enjoy a boat ride to Positano, take a cooking class with the hotel’s chef, Armando Aristarco, or participate in a painting class.
Read also > Marguerite, Belmond’s New Luxury Houseboat
Featured Photo: © Belmond
