Ever heard of the Orient Express? Readers of Agatha Christie should be familiar with her novel, “Murder on the Orient Express”. It was also used in the James Bond movie “From Russia With Love”. The Orient Express is the name of a long-distance passenger train originally operated by the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits. Its route has changed many times, and there are actually several privately run trains that use the name as well. Although the original Orient Express was simply a normal international railway service, the name has become synonymous with intrigue and luxury travel.
The original route, which first ran on October 4 1883, was Paris-Munich-Vienna-Giurgiu. At
As I mentioned before, there’s another train which carries the name Orient Express. This is the Venice Simplon Orient Express (VSOE). The Venice Simplon Orient Express is a privately-run train (in fact, two trains, one on each side of the Channel) of restored 1920s, 30s, & 50s coaches, providing a once-a-week service London-Paris-Venice between March and November. The complete London-Venice journey costs around £1,200 per person one way, including meals. Established in 1982, this luxury train caters primarily to tourists.
The sleeping-cars have 1- & 2-bed compartments that convert to private sitting rooms with sofa and coffee table for daytime use. There are three dining cars, each with individual design and decoration. Different meal sittings are served in each – you can experience all of them! There’s also a bar car, complete with armchairs and a grand piano. Meals and afternoon tea are included in the fare, but drinks are extra on the Continental train. Expect to see spectacular scenery on board, such as Swiss lakes in