Belmond has a long history of LGBTQ+ inclusion. They consistently go above and beyond to provide excellent service to our community. I know first hand because I’m a member of Belmond’s LGBTQ Advisory Board. We meet at events around the world and discuss ways we can make the Belmond experience the best it can be for LGBTQ guests and employees.
One of the new ways they’re supporting LGBTQ travelers is by hosting an exclusive and very swanky LGBTQ+ journey from Venice to Paris on board the chic and nostalgic Venice Simplon Orient Express.
The adventure starts November 2, 2021 at the iconic Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice Italy. This isn’t just any hotel – this is a historic property steeped in old-world Venetian charm from the gorgeous views of the 15th-century Palazzo Vendramin to the bar where the bellini was invented, the walls of this hotel hold secrets from the past. The property was a golden Hollywood era hot spot for celebrities, royals, and socialites. In the 1960s the guest list included everyone from Yves Saint Laurent and Hubert de Givenchy to Vanessa Redgrave, Sophia Loren and Catherine Deneuve. The most inspiring part of the Cipriani is that they’ve been able to keep the retro glamour reminiscent of Hepburn in Roman Holiday while evolving to the modern needs of travelers to create a hotel that is both historic and practical for today’s travel adventures.
The first night of the LGBTQ journey starts with a beautifully appointed gala dinner event at The Granaries of the Republic. Honestly, no venue is quite as dramatic as the Granaries of the Republic, Cipriani’s breathtaking events space on Giudecca Island. It might sound familiar because it’s been the venue of choice for many wedding couples including George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin. Historically, the Granaries were used to store spices and salt as far back as the days of medieval merchant Marco Polo, who sourced them on his explorations.
Day two of the LGBTQ Journey with Belmond departs Venice on November 3, 2021, at 11:30 am when we board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for the night. The VSOE is an icon of art deco design hailing from the 1920s. It’s an opportunity to rekindle the romance of the rails as you travel between two of Europe’s most captivating cities. Departing mid-morning, spend your time onboard exploring the carriages, and admiring the vintage flourishes. Relax in your cabin, where a personal steward attends to your every need. Then head to one of the three restaurant cars and savor wonderful, world-class cuisine. Two multi-course meals prepared by French chefs are served on board where you’ll dine amongst the other guests getting to know everyone on board.
On day three you’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast in bed served by your steward directly to your private cabin before arriving in Paris.
Sound like an experience for you? Book your trip today with Source Events.
