Ever since Georges Nagelmackers launched the first Orient-Express in 1883, the name has served as the ultimate shorthand for cinematic romance, continental intrigue, and uncompromising luxury.
But if you’ve tried to book a trip recently, you might have noticed something fascinating. The modern luxury landscape has ushered in a strategic evolution for this legendary brand, fracturing it into two distinct, high-stakes empires.
To understand the Orient Express today is to appreciate a brilliant brand split. Hospitality titan Accor now owns the historic trademark, aggressively expanding the brand into a glamorous ecosystem of new mid-century-inspired trains, ultra-luxury hotels, and record-breaking superyachts. Meanwhile, Belmond (under the LVMH umbrella) continues to operate and preserve the definitive, original Art Deco rolling stock that travelers have romanticized for over a century.
For the discerning voyager, this rivalry has sparked a golden era of experiential travel. Ready to choose your own adventure? Here is how you can experience the magic of the Orient Express across land, sea, and city today.
1. The Classic Rail Journey: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train
- The Experience: This is the legendary classic. Composed of meticulously restored 1920s and 1930s vintage carriages, it represents the purest continuation of the original rail journey.
- The Highlight: Belmond’s highly anticipated Villeggiatura by Train series connects the iconic rail journey to the brand's most celebrated Italian hotels. For an unforgettable itinerary, step aboard the train's brand-new historic route from Paris to Pompeii. You'll indulge in flawless white-glove service and midnight brunch in the champagne car before disembarking on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.
2. The Modern Rail Icon: Orient Express La Dolce Vita (Accor)
- The Experience: Representing Accor's fresh, independent vision for rail travel, this train offers a deliberate stylistic departure from Art Deco nostalgia.
- The Highlight: The train's interiors are an exquisite, high-octane tribute to the La Dolce Vita era of 1960s and 70s Italian design. Accommodating just 62 guests, the train snakes through scenic, curated routes stretching from the historic palazzos of Rome and Venice to the sun-drenched coastlines of Portofino and the hills of Matera.
3. The Open Ocean Voyage: Orient Express Corinthian (Sailing Yachts)
- The Experience: In a bold move that extends the brand's legacy to the open sea, Accor has launched its ultra-luxury cruise arm with the world's largest wind-powered sailing yacht.
- The Highlight: Freshly christened at the historic Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard, the magnificent 220-meter Corinthian features an intimate collection of 54 expertly tailored suites and five onboard restaurants helmed by multi-Michelin-starred Chef Yannick Alléno. The yacht spends its summers charting exclusive Mediterranean and Adriatic courses before embarking on a 14-night transatlantic journey to winter in the Caribbean.
4. The Venetian Masterpiece: Orient Express Venezia at Palazzo Donà Giovannelli
- The Experience: The brand’s expansion into permanent, land-based luxury hospitality is encapsulated by this freshly minted Venetian hotel.
- The Highlight: Following an intensive, eight-year restoration of a 15th-century palace—once home to the Duke of Urbino—the property seamlessly marries historical preservation with contemporary codes of luxury. Renowned designer Aline Asmar d’Amman conceptualized the 47 guestrooms and salons, while three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck oversees a culinary program designed to rival the city's finest dining rooms.
5. The Roman Flagship: Orient Express La Minerva, Rome
- The Experience: As the flagship for Accor’s hotel portfolio, this urban sanctuary proves that the Orient Express spirit is just as captivating in a historic palazzo as it is on the tracks.
- The Highlight: Set inside a regal 17th-century palace just steps from the Pantheon, the hotel honors Roman heritage through a refined, narrative-driven design. The crown jewel of the property is its sophisticated rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views of the Eternal City's domes—the perfect space to enjoy a negroni while channeling the timeless romance of classic European journeying.
Which Orient Express experience is at the top of your bucket list? Are you a classic Art Deco purist, or ready to set sail on the Corinthian? Let's start planning your epic train adventure together. Click the button below to get started.
Hi, I'm John, UK and USA passport holder but world citizen for sure. I absolutely love travel and I am proud to have built a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.
