Veuve Clicquot and Belmond have collaborated to launch a three-part expedition by train throughout Asia, Europe and South America
Taking inspiration from its iconic ‘sunshine yellow, Veuve Clicquot has partnered with Belmond to launch a series of luxurious train expeditions spanning Asia, Europe and South America. These exclusive journeys, known as ‘Solaire Journeys‘, will be hosted aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express (Southeast Asia), Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe), Hiram Bingham and Andean Explorer (Latin America).
The first expedition in the Veuve Clicquot series will depart from Singapore and run through Southeast Asia, aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express. The journey will commence with a champagne brunch overlooking Singapore’s Marina Bay, where guests will receive a welcome pack and itinerary, before transferring to the Eastern & Oriental Express for a scenic voyage to Penang, Malaysia, traversing the heart of one of the world’s oldest rainforests. Guests will experience a cinematic journey from Singapore to Penang and Kuala Lumpur, winding through the untouched beauty of Teman Negara National Park en route through the iconic ‘Jungle Railway’. Aboard the Belmond train, participants will enjoy slow-paced living in cherry wood-panelled cabins, live entertainment in the Piano Bar carriage and dine on a menu tailored specifically to Veuve Clicquot’s clientele. After venturing around the vibrant island of Penang, guests are invited to a gala dinner onboard, paired with prestige champagne, live music and a DJ set that will run into the night.
The second journey comprises an overnight trip from Vienna to Paris, with a stopover in Reims, the historic capital of champagne and the birthplace of Veuve Clicquot. The expedition commences with a Gala dinner in Vienna, a city with historical ties to Veuve Clicquot since 1777 when champagne bottles were transported along the Danube from Reims. Before boarding the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, guests will explore Vienna’s rich heritage. Once onboard, they settle into their Art Deco cabins and gather in Bar Car 3674 for an aperitif followed by a black-tie dinner curated by the Chef, paired with the finest Veuve Clicquot cuvées and accompanied by Veuve Clicquot ambassador, Jean Imbert. After crossing the majestic Alps, guests arrive in Reims, where they are welcomed for a tour led by one of the House’s knowledgeable winemakers, providing insights into Veuve Clicquot’s storied vineyards and heritage
The third journey is a 6-day program that will take guests on an adventure aboard two luxurious Belmond trains: the Hiram Bingham and the Andean Explorer. The trip will commence with a night’s stay at Palacio Nazarenas in Cusco and will be followed by a dinner in Monasterio Chapel with a renowned Peruvian Chef. The Hiram Bingham train transports guests through the Sacred Valley towards the illustrious Machu Picchu. Aboard Pullman-style carriages – South America’s foremost first-class sleeper train with a limited offer of only 35 cabins – guests will savour gourmet cuisine in the dining cars and take in the vistas from the open deck observatory car. The train ride will traverse some of the world’s loftiest railroads while guests will sip on the finest champagnes under the expert guidance of Veuve Clicquot’s Cellar Master, as part of a unique fine dining experience.