A ROMAN Holiday

This June, the

will travel to the Ligurian coast for the very first time in its four-decade history, connecting the two iconic destinations of Paris and Portofino.

This new, annual overnight journey will see the train winding through the French countryside and along the coastline of the Mediterranean Riviera, concluding at Italy’s Splendido, A Belmond Hotel. Steeped in history and glamour, Splendido offers a cinematic escape perched in the hills overlooking Portofino and makes for the perfect backdrop to a special culinary evening hosted by Jean Imbert, the train’s renowned chef.

As the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express departs Paris on 20 June, guests can soak up the Art Deco ambience of their accommodations, which range from Historic Cabins that convert to sleeper berths by night, through to the recently-added Suites, with twin or double beds and marble ensuite bathrooms.

After settling in with a French goûter afternoon tea in their cabins, guests will enjoy a new summer menu presented by chef Imbert in the restaurant cars Côte d’Azur, L’Oriental, and Étoile du Nord accompanied by handpicked wines from the train’s extensive collection in an homage to Europe’s finest appellations. The evening continues in the lively Bar Car ‘3674’, where The Uppertones – an energetic three-man-band featuring trombone, vocals, piano, and drums – will play Swing, Boogie and Calypso tunes long into the night.

A continental breakfast will be served in cabins to a backdrop of spectacular coastal views as the train passes through the famous towns of Cannes, Nice, and Monte Carlo before crossing the Italian border and the cities of Ventimiglia, Savona, and Genoa – the former capital of one of the world’s most powerful maritime republics. A delicious brunch is served before the train arrives at Santa Margherita Ligure, where guests disembark and transfer to the Splendido in Portofino for a two-night stay. — NICK WALTON