Paris to Portofino: A Belmond Itinerary for a Dreamy European Escape
There’s something undeniably chic about slipping from one iconic destination to another, especially when Belmond is your host along the way.
Picture this: Parisian elegance, countryside daydreams, and the sun-kissed glamour of the Italian Riviera, all woven into one seamless itinerary. It’s the art of slow travel, elevated to its most luxurious. All aboard!
Courtesy of Belmond
Start in Paris: Palace Perfection at Le Meurice
Your journey begins at the legendary Le Meurice, where timeless elegance meets the artistic soul of Paris. Nestled opposite the Tuileries Garden, this palace hotel has played host to everyone from Salvador Dalí to modern-day royals. Settle into your room, indulge in pastries on your private balcony, and let the Parisian rhythm unfold.
Perhaps it's a leisurely stroll along Rue Saint-Honoré, or an evening at Alain Ducasse’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant inside the hotel itself. Either way, your Paris stay is the perfect prologue.
Images courtesy of Dorchester Collection
Wake Up in the French Countryside: Belmond on Rails
Next, board the train for an effortlessly romantic transfer, the kind of travel that feels like a film set. Glide through the changing landscapes as city scenes fade into rolling vineyards and storybook villages. If you’re lucky enough to book a private suite aboard Belmond's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, you’ll wake up cocooned in Art Deco elegance with views of the sun rising over the French countryside.
Images Courtesy of Belmond
Portofino Calling: The Grand Dame of Liguria
Step off the train and your Italian escape begins. You’ll check in to the newly transformed Belmond Splendido, perched high above the pastel harbor of Portofino, where glamour and the Riviera’s rustic charm meet. This legendary retreat has welcomed the world’s jet set for decades, and after its recent renovation, she’s looking more spectacular than ever. It’s recently undergone a major renovations as well.
Spend your days unwinding poolside with sweeping views of the Ligurian coast, exploring Portofino’s hidden boutiques, or savoring Italian hospitality on your private terrace.
Image courtesy of Belmond Splendido
Private Charter to Cinque Terre: The Water’s Edge Perspective
No visit here is complete without taking to the water. A private boat charter whisks you along the rugged coastline to Cinque Terre, where candy-colored villages cling to the cliffs and the sea sparkles in every direction. It’s the ultimate vantage point, away from the crowds, with champagne in hand.
Belmond Images, Portofino
La Dolce Vita, in True Belmond Style
Back in Portofino, sunsets on the terrace at Splendido await. Order a Spritz, the quintessential aperitivo of the Riviera and watch the boats bob in the harbor below. It’s slow, it’s indulgent, and it’s exactly the kind of European summer escape worth savoring.
Ready to plan your Paris-to-Portofino escape? Let’s create a Belmond itinerary designed entirely around you, complete with VIP perks, insider access, and all the details handled. It’s also VERY limited and on select dates, so it’s good to look ahead.
