Legendary luxury train: traveling on the Orient Express
Even today, the Orient Express offers what is arguably the most exclusive train journey in the world.
Everything you need to know at a glance
To this day, the Orient Express remains one of the most legendary and luxurious train journeys in the world. Since its maiden voyage in 1883 from Paris to what was then Constantinople (now Istanbul), it has combined nostalgic travel, European history, and exclusive comfort on the rails.
You can experience the charm of this legendary train through journeys such as the “Venice Simplon-Orient-Express” in restored original cars or the “La Dolce Vita Orient Express” in replica cars as they travel through Italy. On the Orient Express, travelers enjoy leisurely journeys along curated routes, Art Deco design, elegant suites, and fine dining in the dining car.
The Legendary Orient Express
The train glides smoothly along the tracks as the scenery passes by the window. In the dining car, you treat yourself to a glass of champagne. With the Orient Express, you’ll experience the pure luxury of this legendary train journey.
In 1883, the Orient Express made its maiden voyage from Paris to what was then Constantinople (now Istanbul). On board the train were numerous journalists and writers, as well as railway staff who have always been on hand to anticipate the every wish of guests on this luxury journey.
However, things didn’t run quite so smoothly back then: the train covered the approximately 3,100-kilometer route in just over 81 hours. Some sections of the route were not yet fully completed, so transfers were necessary. The rail networks of the countries the train passed through each had their own peculiarities, and locomotives had to be changed time and again.
In 1977, the train ran between Paris and Istanbul for what was to be its last trip for the time being. Until 2009, shorter routes were still served, such as between Strasbourg and Vienna.
Traveling on the “Venice Simplon-Orient-Express”
On the trains operated by “Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a Belmond Train,” you’ll take a brief journey back in time to the Golden Twenties of the last century. But you won’t have to sacrifice modern comforts – nostalgia is combined with contemporary luxury.
To achieve this, original Orient Express cars have been meticulously restored. Take, for example, the legendary bar car numbered 3674, the heart of the train. In this car, whose opulent interior echoes the regal Orient Express blue, you can raise a cocktail to the sound of piano music. And in the three dining cars, you’ll be treated to culinary delights.
The interior of the sleeper cars on board also pays homage to the iconic design of bygone eras with magnificent Art Deco elements. We recommend booking one of the chic cabins or suites – for example, the spacious Grand Suite with a double bed, a marble bathroom, and free-flowing champagne to top it off.
Platinum Card holders can also look forward to a special perk aboard the “Venice Simplon-Orient-Express”: When booking through the Platinum Travel & Lifestyle Service, you’ll receive an exclusive three-course fine-dining experience for two – available before or after departure, depending on your itinerary.
“La Dolce Vita Orient Express”: Experience Italy in Luxury
The Accor hotel group is also bringing back the charm of the luxury train under the “Orient-Express” brand. Starting in 2024, train travelers who value exceptional luxury and indulgence can enjoy carefully curated routes on the “La Dolce Vita Orient Express” as they journey through Italy.
Although the cars for this train adventure are merely replicas of the original Orient Express, you can still expect unparalleled design with timeless elegance – a tribute to the Italian interior design style of the 1960s. In the bar car, you can watch olive groves, vineyards, and villas glide by while sipping a delicious espresso.
You’ll spend the night in cabins featuring a cozy sofa that converts into a bed at night. Or you can book one of the spacious suites with a double bed and a sitting area. The interior, with its warm terracotta tones and luxurious textiles, creates a cozy atmosphere. And through room service, you can order delicious Italian specialties to your suite.
“La Dolce Vita Orient Express”: The Routes
Choose the itinerary that’s right for you from a variety of tailor-made routes, such as:
- Venice to Rome with one night
- Sicily to Rome with two nights
- A round-trip journey from Rome via Venice, Matera, Taormina, and Palermo with four nights
- Rome to Nizza Monferrato and back on the so-called Truffle Route with two nights
Enjoy a glamorous stay even after you arrive
If you’d like to experience even more of Italy after your train journey, simply stay a few days longer at your chosen destination. With the American Express Platinum Card, you don’t have to forgo exceptional luxury even when you’re off the train.
With this card, you’ll enjoy attractive benefits during your stay through the hotel programs The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels + Resorts, such as a credit of at least USD 100 for in-hotel expenses. In Rome, for example, we recommend the stylish “Maalot Roma” or the opulent “Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome.”
Which American Express card will accompany you on your train trip?
Timeless elegance and pure luxury on the rails
Traveling on the Orient Express is more than just getting from point A to point B. Thanks to various providers, you can experience luxury rail travel throughout Europe on curated routes – sometimes in original cars from this legendary train. During these leisurely journeys, you’ll enjoy numerous luxurious amenities aboard the elaborately designed trains.
Your Platinum Card or Gold Card from American Express is your ideal travel companion. With these cards, you’ll receive benefits such as included insurance and car rental perks – handy for getting around flexibly and comfortably once you arrive at your destination station.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Yes, you can still experience the charm of the Orient Express today. Various operators are bringing this legendary luxury journey back to life, for example on the classic route from Paris to Istanbul.
The Orient Express made its maiden voyage in 1883. At that time, the journey ran from Paris to what was then Constantinople, now Istanbul.
The classic route from Paris to Istanbul is particularly appealing for a trip on the Orient Express. But routes through Italy also have their charm, such as the trips from Paris to Florence, Portofino, or Amalfi. On every route, you can look forward to luxurious and leisurely travel.
