Welcome aboard! Prepare yourself for a thrilling adventure filled with captivating moments, luxurious experiences, and a touch of unexpected chaos. Join us as we chronicle our travels from the bustling streets of London to the romantic charm of Paris, and ultimately, to the heart of the Eternal City, Rome.
The Grand Departure: A Dash of British Charm
Our journey begins at St Pancras International station in London, the very heart of the Eurostar network. After a delightful cappuccino at Benugo (a must-try!), we effortlessly navigated the security checkpoints, our shiny new passports proudly bearing a fresh stamp. With mere minutes to spare before departure, the platform buzzed with activity as throngs of travelers joined us, eagerly anticipating the adventure ahead.
Climbing aboard the train was a bit of a challenge, but thankfully, a kind gentleman extended a helping hand to Kevin, proving that a little grey hair can work wonders. As we settled into our seats, the train glided smoothly through the countryside, the journey surprisingly uneventful, much to our delight. But alas, this was no ordinary train. The journey under the English Channel flew by before we even realized it, and we were soon arriving at Paris Gare du Nord.
Paris: A City of Romance & Olympic Dreams
We hailed a taxi and were whisked away to our luxurious accommodation – the Hyatt, boasting a stunning view from our 30th-floor room. The Eiffel Tower shimmered in the distance, beckoning us to explore. Later, I ascended to the top floor, capturing a breathtaking photo of the iconic landmark.
Despite being familiar with Paris, we decided to make the most of the beautiful weather and take a leisurely stroll to the Eiffel Tower, eager to see the Olympic rings adorning its majestic structure. Our route took us past the Arc de Triomphe, where we marveled at the Olympic memorabilia on sale.
As we approached the Eiffel Tower, we were surprised by the extensive scaffolding and security measures. The iconic landmark is being transformed into a temporary beach volleyball stadium for the upcoming Olympic Games. The usual view from the surrounding park was obscured, but this unexpected twist only heightened our sense of anticipation. We snapped some photos and made our way back to the hotel, stopping at a bakery for a quick lunch. Oh, the giant éclairs in the window! We resisted, but with great effort!
The Venice Simplon Orient Express: A Journey Back in Time
The following day marked a momentous occasion: our departure aboard the legendary Venice Simplon Orient Express. The anticipation was palpable as we gathered at the station, but chaos ensued as the baggage arrangements changed at the last minute. Despite the confusion, we eventually made our way to the waiting bus. The air conditioning was a welcome relief after the initial heat, finally kicking in after a short delay.
Our cabin steward, Alex, greeted us with a warm smile and guided us through our cozy cabin. These historic carriages, dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, exuded timeless elegance. While they have been beautifully refurbished, they retain their original charm. Each carriage boasts a shared toilet, while our cabin offered a private wash basin. We were delighted to discover a luxurious writing set, complete with postcards, paper, envelopes, and a pen. The beautiful toiletries were a lovely touch, perfect for keeping us refreshed on our journey.
A delightful surprise awaited us: two glasses of Veuve Clicquot and a selection of delectable pastries, some filled with creamy custard. As we unpacked, navigating the compact space of our cabin, we were treated to a refill of the bubbly, setting the stage for a truly relaxing experience.
A Night of Elegance and Exquisite Delights
Our evening began with a formal dinner at 7:15. Kevin donned a tuxedo, while Vicki sparkled in a sequined top, as befitting this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Men could have opted for suits, but we felt this special occasion deserved a touch of extravagance. We toasted the journey with a glass of Veuve Clicquot, followed by an exquisite wine pairing for our dinner.
The starter, langoustine and avocado with the tiniest croutons I’ve ever seen, was a delightful prelude to the main course – a choice between sea bass and veal. To conclude our culinary journey, we indulged in a rich chocolate torte with hazelnut ice cream, a perfect ending to a truly memorable evening.
Returning to our cabin, we found it transformed for the night, with the lounge area converted into double bunks. While the train was undeniably noisy and swaying throughout the night, the beds were surprisingly comfortable, and we managed to get a good night’s sleep.
A Scenic Morning & Italian Hospitality
After getting dressed, we awoke to a delightful breakfast of fruit salad, rolls, pastries, and tea, served in the comfort of our cabin. The morning was spent gazing out the windows, mesmerized by the passing scenery. We glided through picturesque Genoa, the bustling city of Bologna, and the enchanting Cinque Terre, marveling at the beauty of the Italian countryside.
Lunch was served with the same flair as dinner. Stuffed courgette flowers, sea bass, roasted poultry, or tuna, followed by apricot clafoutis, all washed down with Veuve Cliquot and Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. We retired to our cabin for a relaxing snooze before arriving in Rome.
The chaos of arrival and the Italian hospitality that awaited us is a story for another time. But let’s just say that this whirlwind journey through Europe was an unforgettable experience, filled with surprises, laughter, and the undeniable magic of travel.
