There are rail journeys, and then there are experiences. Travel on the famous Venice Simplon-Orient Express is so romantic and luxurious, that calling it a mere “journey” seems a disservice.  Comprised of two heritage trains, the British Pullman from London to Folkestone and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express between Calais and Venice, it is impossible not to be temporarily transported from the mundane realities of life to the roaring 1920s and the Golden Age of rail travel.  This is a journey made of memories that will be treasured for a lifetime — whether it be the sumptuous art-deco sophistication, the on-board service provided by the attentive and immaculately uniformed staff or the gourmet table d'hôte meals served in one of three stunning, vintage restaurant carriages.  And that’s without mentioning the scenery — southbound the train runs via the spectacular alpine scenery of the Gotthard pass into Italy, whilst the northbound direction offers the equally stunning landscapes of the Brenner and Arlberg passes.  Whichever the direction, a journey of a lifetime is guaranteed.