The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), a Belmond Train, is arguably the most famous train in the world. It has defined luxury railway travel since it began running in May 1982, the culmination of an ambitious effort by Belmond’s founder, James B. Sherwood, to resurrect the “golden age of travel.” Operating between March and December, it’s comprised of 16 meticulously restored 1920s and 1930s carriages which travel between some of Europe’s most extraordinary cities, including Rome, Vienna, Florence, Paris, Venice and Istanbul.

Now Belmond has announced a new Italian journey series for the VSOE, which they call Villeggiatura by Train, continuing its tradition of connecting Europe’s most romantic cities with Belmond’s iconic hotels, including its highly anticipated new route from Paris to the Amalfi Coast.

The term “villeggiatura” is an Italian phrase for a leisurely summer vacation and a slow pace, which seems apt for this new series of rail trips.

The first Villeggiatura by Train trip will be launched on May 4th, 2026, when the VSOE will embark on a historic journey from Paris to the Amalfi Coast for the first time with a stop in the ancient city of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trip concludes with a two-night stay at Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast, situated in the striking Amalfi hilltop town of Ravello.

The voyage begins with a champagne welcome aboard, followed by a celebratory dinner, and then after dinner drinks and live piano music in the train’s Bar Car ‘3674’. Guests awake to views of the Italian hills while enjoying breakfast in their cabins. The train then continues south through Italy as lunch is served on board, before arriving in Pompeii.

“This journey offers guests a unique way to experience one of Italy’s most celebrated coastlines – with its cliffs, villages, and sea views revealed in a way that only the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express can provide.”

At the Caruso, Executive Chef Armando Aristarco will host a live cooking demonstration by the hotel’s wood-fired pizza oven, which is adjacent to the infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean. The evening unfolds with regional wines, local delicacies and traditional Cilento music against the glittering backdrop of the Amalfi Coast. The next day, guests can embark on a private boat tour to Positano, tracing the coastline’s hidden coves and azure waters, with opportunities to swim and explore mythical sites.

Or they can join a painting lesson with a local artist at Caruso’s Loggia terrace, capturing the breathtaking views on canvas as a personal keepsake. On the final evening, guests gather in Caruso’s Wagner Gardens for a gala dinner, set against panoramic vistas of the Amalfi Coast and accompanied by live music.

During the 2026 season, Belmond will also introduce other Villeggiatura by Train Italian itineraries to Venice, Florence, and Portofino, each one a three-night journey. The Paris to Venice route will include a stay at Hotel Cipriani, the city’s most glamorous retreat. The Paris to Florence excursion includes a stay at Villa San Michele in the Florentine hilltops following its grand re-opening in April, 2026. The Paris to Portofino trip will include a stay at Splendido in the Italian Riviera, which recently reopened after a renovation by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio.

I’ve covered the VSOE in my new book, National Geographic’s 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Train Rides, along with other Belmond trains, which include The Royal Scotsman, the British Pullman, and the Hiram Bingham in Peru. It’s no exaggeration to say that that Belmond offers some of the most rarefied train excursions in the world.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Amalfi Coast to our Italian routes, continuing to connect our legendary train with our Belmond hotels,” said General Manager of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Pascal Deyrolle. “This journey offers guests a unique way to experience one of Italy’s most celebrated coastlines – with its cliffs, villages, and sea views revealed in a way that only the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express can provide.”

Prices for Villeggiatura by Train start from £8,600 per person ($11,544) based on two guests sharing on the Paris to the Amalfi Coast itinerary, including a shared Historic Cabin on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and two nights in a Superior Garden View Room at Caruso. Each of the new Villeggiatura by Train journeys include an overnight journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, including 24 hour steward service; all meals with sommelier’s choice of wine and unlimited soft drinks, as well as transfers and excursions. For more information, visit Villeggiatura by Train — Paris to the Amalfi Coast.