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The Orient Express about to leave Strasbourg for Vienna in summer 2009. It's ended its days as an Austrian Railways sleeper train. Photo courtesy of Olivier. This morning we embark on the highlight of our holiday – a timeless journey on board the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient Express. The opulence of this train has fired the imagination of many writers, most famously Agatha Christie who penned Murder on the Orient Express after a journey in 1931.
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Step aboard the historic carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and uncover a hidden jewel, glittering and timeless.An uncontested icon of the rails, this train has long captured the hearts and imaginations of glamorous guests. Three elegant dining carriages exude culinary sophistication, from Lalique glass inlays in Cote d’Azur to black lacquer panels in L’Oriental. The Bar Car glows with a champagne sparkle while the resident pianist fills the air with sweet melodies.
A steward in blue and gold livery waves with a white-gloved hand, welcoming you on board with a knowing smile. Settle in to your cabin, adorned with art-deco details and French-polished cherry wood, and sit back as a grand voyage begins. HistoryIn 1977 Belmond’s founder, James B Sherwood, purchased two vintage train carriages at a Monte Carlo auction.Recognising a renewed appetite for sophisticated travel, he searched far and wide to unearth stately rail relics in private gardens, museums and railway sidings. Cars from famous vintage trains, including Le Train Bleu and the Rome Express, deserved a noble return to service, but required a specialised level of craftsmanship to be restored.
Luckily a handful of artisans were found for the task, and they began the painstaking process of returning the carriages to their former glory.Following years of careful restoration, the iconic midnight-blue cars finally rolled onto the rails in 1982, ready to escort guests in peerless luxury on a classic journey between London and Venice. DestinationsTake the classic route from London to Venice, the gateway to the Orient. This breathtaking journey through rural French farmlands and Swiss Alpine valleys can be travelled in either direction, or both.
Go further afield with Paris to Istanbul, an authentic adventure over six days to the edge of Europe. Delve into culture with stops in Budapest and Bucharest before arriving in soulful Istanbul.Paris to Berlin is the newest journey in the repertoire, a thrilling voyage connecting two of Europe’s most vibrant cultural hubs. The tradition of the grand tour thrives with a luxurious escape on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
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Orient Express CostPrices to travel on the Venice Simplon Orient Express range from around £2,200 for a twin or single room from Berlin to London, to Cabin Suites from around £3,520. However, you can also travel in style in a Grand Suite from £6,500 and if want the most magnificent trip money can buy then you can pay £40,000 for a Grand Suite that covers a 5-night stay including hotels in Istanbul, Bucharest, Budapest and Paris. So whether you want a touch of glamour in one of the twin or single cabins or full on luxury there are prices to suit different budgets.Orient Express PricesFor prices on orient express for 2019 and 2020REKINDLE THE ROMANCE OF A BYGONE ERAThe Venice Simplon Orient Express is synonymous with old world glamour and decadence, and the service first ran in 1883 and changed routes several times.
Over the years the train service became renowned as the height of luxury and comfort.
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