The iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) will embark on a series of exciting new scheduled rail voyages taking it up to Scandinavia in 2013 and visiting Stockholm for the first time in its history.

Ever since its creation nearly 130 years ago, the Orient-Express has been a symbol of intrigue and luxury and renowned for linking the far corners of Europe. Next year will see the Venice Simpleton Orient Express make its debut into the heart of Scandinavia on an elegant, scenic and unique two-night rail voyage from Venice to Stockholm, via an overnight stop in Copenhagen.

Departing Venice on 8 April 2013, the Venice Simpleton Orient Express will travel through Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Germany before heading via Copenhagen to Stockholm linking three historically rich and diverse cities by an extraordinary rail experience.

The Venice Simpleton train will make its return journey, departing Stockholm on the 12 April for Venice, again via an overnight stop in Copenhagen.

Gary Franklin, Managing Director of Orient-Express Trains & Cruises says that ‘it is with real excitement that we announce in 2013 the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will be travelling to Denmark and Sweden. This is the most romantic of journeys coupled with stunning scenery, elegant service and culinary treats all bound up in the original and iconic 1920’s carriages of the train. This voyage through six countries will provide memories that will last a lifetime’

The vintage 1920’s and 1930’s Art Deco carriages of the Venice Simpleton Orient Express transport guests to a more elegant age of travel. Romance, adventure and style are all intimately bound up in journeys and tours that criss-cross Europe, rolling through sublime scenery to some of the continent’s most alluring cities including Venice, Prague, Budapest, Krakow and Dresden with one special journey to Istanbul once every year.  It is a symbol of love, romance, elegance and grandeur and transports guests on their journey in true vintage luxury. These routes to Scandinavia open up a new chapter for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and add an exciting new dimension to the schedule.

Once guests are ensconced in their plush, marquetry panelled cabin, white gloved livered stewards will be on hand to look after their every need. Dressed in their finery, guests dine in the beautiful original Art Deco dining cars, enjoying the finest cuisine meticulously created by the Head Chef, Christian Bodiguel, with an ever changing landscape to enjoy. Delightful vintage cabins with their original features and lively on-board entertainment make a journey aboard this iconic train one of the world’s finest travel experiences.

The highlight of these new voyages is the Venice to Stockholm journey, which commences in true style with a two-night stay at Hotel Cipriani. The hotel, an Orient-Express property, is celebrated as one of the most famous and luxurious hotels in the world and is ideally situated with superb views across the entrance of the Grand Canal to the renowned St. Marks Square. Departing Venice, the 44-hour rail voyage winds through the heart of Europe before heading up to Scandinavia, with an overnight stay in Copenhagen, and provides plenty of time to unwind and enjoy the authentic rail experience on the world’s most famous train.