FOR A TRULY enchanting Christmas this year, A Belmond Train is offering a winter wonderland experience.

For the first time ever, the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is operating throughout December with 10 memorable one-night journeys. Usually, the opulent service runs across Europe from March to November.

Guests will get to gaze upon snow-topped views while sipping champagne — as they head to their preferred festive destination. One can start their Christmas voyage at one of Italy’s cultural epicentres; Venice, Verona or Florence and head towards Paris or vice versa. Aside from Belmond’s Italian routes, an additional itinerary has been planned between the City of Lights and arguably Europe’s most convivial city, Vienna.

Made up of 17 original midnight blue 1920sand 1930s carriages, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express invites guests to first dress up for dinner upon boarding. French chef Jean Imbert, who spearheads Dior’s restaurant Moniseur Dior and boasts almost half a million Instagram followers, serves a seasonal four-course meal utilising local hearty ingredients.

This excerpt has been republished from Hayley Peppin's article for Harper's BAZAAR Australia.

CLICK HERE to read the original article in full.