Orient-Express trains recapture the glamour and elegance of a bygone era
The name Orient-Express conjures up elegant long-ago travellers standing on the platform as smoke billows out from the steam engines of a bygone age.
Though established as a standard international public rail service from Paris to Istanbul in the 1880s, the Orient-Express soon became synonymous with luxury and intrigue – murder mystery queen Agatha Christie even set one of her novels on board.
Over the years the routes and the trains changed until the public service gave way to Europe’s new faster trains in 2009. But it is still possible to enjoy the luxury of the Orient-Express on this legendary train which has captured the imagination of aristocrats, writers, spies and movie stars.
Journeys are operated using vintage carriages dating to the 1930s and 40s and the service and amenities are reminiscent of the golden age of rail.
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Fine dining: the Northern Belle is part of the Orient-Express family |
The Venice Simplon route, between London and Paris and Venice, is now complemented by departures from Venice to the exciting cities of Vienna, Prague, Budapest and Krakow with a special once-yearly journey to Istanbul.
The magic of this special train has also reached Asia with the Eastern & Oriental Express running through the lush beauty of the Malay Peninsula from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur into Thailand.
And members of the Orient-Express family can be found in the Hiram Bingham in Peru and the Royal Scotsman, the Northern Belle and the British Pullman running in the UK.
A company spokesman said: “Imagine arriving at the station to be greeted by our uniformed staff who offer a warm welcome at the start of, what is perhaps, your first experience with the Orient-Express or, for many, a welcome return to the golden age of travel. There is no more special sight than seeing the train for the first time, whether you are boarding the umber and cream British Pullman at London’s Victoria or the blue and gold Continental Wagons-Lits in Venice, Calais or another of our European destinations. This memory will last a life time.“
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Golden age: the Orient-Express still uses vintage carriages |
The European trains consist of 1930s and 40s vintage carriages with double compartments featuring upper and lower sleeping areas and washing facilities and a lavatory in each carriage.
The bed linens are crisp damask, in keeping with the age of the compartments, and most of the trains offer three dining cars.
The Etoile du Nord boasts wonderful marquetry and the Côte d’Azure stunning Lalique glass panels which are complemented by the fine table linens, fresh flowers and sparkling silver and glassware.
The table d’hôte menus created by a team of chefs led by Christian Bodiguel provide a highlight to any journey.
The Eastern & Oriental service offers four categories of elegant compartments all fully air-conditioned and with en-suite facilities and there is also an observation car, piano bar and boutique.
Orient-Express Asia launched a series of new rail voyages through Thailand, Malaysia, Laos and Singapore in November. The Chronicles of Southeast Asia offer an extensive programme of excursions, overnight off-train experiences and guest lectures.
In London, a luxurious new British Pullman check-in lounge recently opened at Victoria Station and the British trains are gearing up for a full schedule of festive lunches, dinners and day trips in the run-up to Christmas.
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Luxury and opulence: the Presidential compartment on the Eastern & Oriental |
Orient-Express also operates top-of-the-range hotels and earlier this year opened two new properties in Siciliy, the Grand Hotel Timeo and Villa Sant’Andrea which underwent extensive renovation following their acquisition in January.
And in Asia the company offers the chance to experience Myanmar on its luxurious river cruiser the Road to Mandalay.