Oriënt Express: The legend lives on
Description
De Oriënt Express: A legendary train.
The world's most celebrated train, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express carries passengers across Europe in the style of a bygone era.
The glamorous carriages, sumptuous cuisine and personal service, which is beyond comparison, make a journey on the VSOE the perfect place for a celebration or special holiday.
Bombed, shot at and marooned in snow drifts, the history of the Orient-Express is both legendary and colourful.
The carriages which today form the famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express each have a history of their own, with long years of service criss-crossing the frontiers of Europe, operating for a variety of railway companies. The carriages have taken on characters of their own as intriguing as the characters of those who travelled within their cosy confines.
The fabled train was however saved by entrepreneur and rail enthusiast, James B. Sherwood. In 1977 he bought two of the trains carriages at a Sotheby's auction in Monte Carlo. The next few years and US$16 million were spent locating, purchasing and restoring some 35 vintage sleepers, Pullmans and restaurant cars. On 25 May 1982 the legend was reborn when the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express made its maiden run from London to Venice.
Today, the gleaming carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express continue to transport passengers across Europe in exquisite surroundings on one of the most romantic journeys in the world.
The world of the Orient-Express is now truly international and passengers can enjoy a similar experience on board the Eastern & Oriental Express in S.E Asia and the Road To Mandalay in Myanmar (Ancient Burma).
Introduction
Step aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and you step back into a more gracious, elegant age.Your personal steward, instantly available to attend your every comfort, will show you to your compartment of gleaming wood, polished brass, soft towels and crisp linen. Your comfortable compartment is a restful retreat offering panoramic views of ever changing landscapes.
Your meals on board will be unforgettable. Set the tone with a visit to the Bar Car, famous for its delicious cocktails and welcoming atmosphere. Then on to one of our three dining cars, softly muted lighting enhances the mood while fine linen, French silverware and heavy crystal invite you to prepare for a meal to remember.
Meals on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are an unforgettable delight.
All dishes are freshly prepared onboard by French chefs, with the finest supplies taken onboard during the train's journey.Lunch, dinner and brunch is served by the Italian waiters in one of the three individually styled Restaurant Cars: Lalique, Etoile du Nord or Chinoise. Breakfast and afternoon tea are served in passengers' compartments. Table d'hôte meals are included in the fare, while an á la carte menu and 24-hour compartment service is available additionally. The Maitre D' will come to your cabin to take your lunch and dinner reservations.
Famous for its delicious cocktails and welcoming atmosphere the Bar Car is the heart of the train. It is truly a unique, intimate and stylish experience that resounds to the voices of royalty, heads of state and celebrities such as Gregory Peck, Alan Whicker and Cher.
The journeys of the Orient-Express :
- London-Paris-Venice (& vice versa)
- London-Paris-Venice-Rome
- Venice-Rome (& vice versa)
- Venice-Budapest-London
- Venice-Vienna-London
- Venice-Prague-Paris-London
- Paris-Budapest-Bucharest-Istanbul
- Istanbul-Bucharest-Budapest-Venice
