For business travellers who like their downtime to feel cinematic, Belmond’s 2026 season is shaping up to be one of its most evocative yet.
The Venice Simplon‑Orient‑Express already synonymous with old‑world glamour is expanding its Italian offering with new curated itineraries and an extraordinary partnership that brings travellers face‑to‑face with one of the world’s most compelling archaeological sites.
The headline experience is an exclusive, after‑hours exploration of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that rarely feels quiet. Guests will wander its ancient streets in near‑silence, guided through frescoed villas, bathhouses and marketplaces before continuing on to Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast. Perched high above the Tyrrhenian Sea, the former 11th‑century palace offers a serene counterpoint to the intensity of Pompeii — a place to decompress, dine al fresco and absorb the sweep of the coastline.
Alongside this, the 2026 season introduces new Italian rail itineraries culminating in Venice and Florence, designed for travellers who want to blend the romance of rail with the ease of a fully curated journey. One standout is a three‑night route from Paris, combining the train’s lacquered marquetry and white‑gloved service with stays in Belmond’s landmark hotels. It’s a seamless, indulgent way to move between Europe’s cultural capitals without the friction of airports or transfers.
For business travellers, these itineraries offer something increasingly rare: time that feels both restorative and meaningful. The Venice Simplon‑Orient‑Express has always been about slowing the pace — swapping notifications for polished brass, and conference calls for the soft clink of crystal in the dining car. Adding destinations like Pompeii and Florence deepens that sense of narrative, turning a trip into a story rather than a commute.
Belmond’s strategy is clear: elevate the journey itself. In an era where premium travel is often defined by efficiency, these routes champion experience — the kind that lingers long after the return flight.