Jan 19 2012
The Origins Of Luxury Rail Journeys In Europe And The Creation Of The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The carriages that now comprise the Orient Express have an eventful history. They have travelled the Continent, operating for numerous different railway companies, each having established its own distinct personality and developing its own tradition.
Circa the 1870’s in Europe, George Nagelmackers began building luxury rail carriages, introducing the first dining car on a Continental train. Later he added sleeper carriages and in 1883 the first Orient Express train ran from Paris to Giugi in Romania.
In 1906 the Simplon Tunnel was finished, joining Switzerland to Italy under the Alps. It was the longest tunnel in the world and significantly cut the trip from Paris to Venice. By the early 1920s the Orient-Express was running an extended Simplon-Orient-Express tour to Istanbul.
The 1920s and 1930s were the heyday of the Orient-Express services with Aristocracy and celebrities pampering themselves with extravagant meals and fine wines whilst enjoying decadent company intermingled with spies and courtesans. The cessation of cross-border travel during World War II cut short this magnificent era of luxury rail travel.
The Orient Express was reborn when a rail enthusiast acquired and restored over 30 vintage sleeping cars, Pullmans and dining cars. In 1982 the rebirth was complete with the maiden journey of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from London to Venice, and today it continues to carry passengers in comfort and luxury across the Continent on one of the most enchanting trips available.
As you step on board the Orient Express today, you step back into an era of grace and discerning service as you are escorted to your private cabin of sumptuous furnishings, gleaming wood, fresh linen and soft towels. Your cabin is an oasis of restful retreat with views of a continuously-changing panorama.
Dining on board is comparable to the best restaurants with all meals cooked on board by French chefs, using only the freshest ingredients, which are taken on board during the train’s journey.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will not accommodate everyone’s means, but for those that have the money, or save for the journey of their life, this surely is an adventure that will be cherished for ever!
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