Making tracks in style

A ride on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express offers a splendid view of the Lake Leman, Switzerland. [Photo provided to China Daily]

There's no air conditioning on this hot summer day. No toilet en suite. No Wi-Fi.

But the train I've just boarded is one of the world's most legendary luxury accommodations: the Venice-Simplon Orient Express.

This is luxury 1929-style, though the food, service and atmosphere promise to rival 2015's best.

"Mr Peters, I know we have a bottle of champagne for you there on your table, but as we are in Italy, may I offer you a glass of prosecco first before the trip departs?" asks Riccardo, the blue-jacketed cabin steward proffering an open bottle.

Well, yes.

I've just settled into my cabin at Venice station, the Italian starting point of the legendary train. It has been 42 degrees in the Canal City for three days now, and a splash of sparkling wine, in an exquisitely cut crystal glass, looks like heaven.

Riccardo comes back in a few minutes, in case I need a refill. I decide he's my new best friend.

As I settle into the cozy wood-paneled cocoon that will be my home for the next 30 hours, I take stock of my surroundings.

There's still and sparkling water. There's a small, comfortably stuffed matte-gold sofa with a discreet pattern. There's a royal-blue robe with the glittering script VSOE topped by the embroidered gold crown of the company logo.