Luxury hospitality brand Belmond has created a series of hedonistic ‘Solaire’ rail journeys with free-flowing Veuve Clicquot champagne. Gemma Harris reports
Two iconic LVMH brands, Belmond and Veuve Clicquot, have unveiled a series of exclusive rail adventures. Following in the tracks of their previous collaboration (a luxury train trip from France to Italy), these new Solaire journeys allow travellers to follow the sun across multiple continents.
Staying true to the champagne house’s famous sunshine yellow label, the Solaire journeys will encompass experiences from sunrise to sunset, “centred around harmony with nature and unforgettable culinary experiences”.
Aboard Blemond’s trains, the luxury champagne brand provides free-flowing fizz and exclusive tastings of Veuve Clicquot’s most prestigious cuvées, paired with fine-dining by world-renowned chefs. Having created the first-ever vintage champagne, the cellar masters guide guests through the nuances of each vintage. 
The first Solaire trip was held in April 2024. In this case, guests embarked from Singapore aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express for a journey to Malaysia. Tickets started from US$6,800 per passenger based on two sharing a pullman cabin. The four-day journey then took guests to Malaysia’s Taman Negara National Park and Penang Island.
The Solaire journeys continue this summer, crossing Europe on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train between July 4 and 6. Guests will begin by enjoying cultural experiences in Vienna, including gallery visits and a grand gala by Chef Andreas Dollerer.
Once on the art deco train, there will be further culinary experiences, such as a black-tie dinner helmed by Jean Imbert accompanied by insights from Cellar Master Didier Mariotti. After arriving in the birthplace of the champagne, guided tours and a visit to the UNESCO-listed Veuve Clicquot chalk quarries await guests. Returning to Paris, the trip starts from £6,900 per passenger based on 2 sharing a historic twin cabin.
The final journey will take place this autumn, between October 21 and 26. A first of its kind, this five-night expedition exploring ancient sights and natural wonders will allow guests to explore South America aboard not one but two Belmond trains, the Hiram Bingham and Andean Explorer. Highlights include a visit to Machu Picchu, sunrise at Lake Titicaca, a traditional boat ride and Peruvian cuisine.