The carriages which now make up the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express have a colourful history. They have crisscrossed the Continent, operating for several different railway companies, each having established its own distinct character and creating its own tradition.
Circa the 1870’s in Europe, George Nagelmackers began creating luxury train carriages, introducing the inaugural dining car on board a Continental train. Later he added sleeper cabins and in 1883 the first Orient Express train ran from Paris to Giugi in Romania.
In 1906 the Simplon Tunnel was completed, joining Switzerland to Italy beneath the Alps. It became the longest tunnel in the world and significantly cut the trip from Paris to Venice. By 1921 the Orient-Express was running an extended Simplon-Orient-Express journey to Istanbul.
The years between the wars were the peak of the Orient-Express services with Royalty and dignitaries indulging in elaborate meals and fine wines whilst enjoying decadent company interspersed with spies and courtesans. The cessation of cross-border travel during World War II curtailed this glorious era of luxury rail travel.
The Orient Express was reborn when a railway enthusiast purchased and restored over 30 vintage sleeping cars, Pullmans and dining carriages. In 1982 the rebirth was accomplished with the maiden run of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from London to Venice, and today it continues to carry passengers in luxurious comfort across the Continent on one of the most enchanting trips available.
When you journey on board the Orient Express today, you step back into an age of grace and discerning service as you are shown to your private cabin of sumptuous furnishings, gleaming marquetry, crisp linen and soft towels. Your compartment is an oasis of restful retreat with views of a continuously-changing landscape.
Meals on board are comparable to the best restaurants with all courses cooked on board by French chefs, using only the finest ingredients, which are taken on board during the train’s journey.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is not going to be a trip for everyone’s budget, but for the people that have the money, or save for the journey of a life-time, this certainly is an experience that will be remembered for many years!
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