Orient Express – The World’s Most Legendary Luxury Train

The Orient Express, famously dubbed the “King of Trains,” stands as the ultimate symbol of luxury and continental intrigue. Launched on June 5, 1883, by Belgian entrepreneur Georges Nagelmackers and his Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, it originally connected Paris to Constantinople (Istanbul), traversing cities like Vienna and Budapest.
The train reached its zenith during the interwar period. The addition of the Simplon Orient Express route through the Alps solidified its reputation for opulence. Its Art Deco interiors and gourmet dining attracted royalty, diplomats, and spies, famously inspiring Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” after a train was trapped by snow in 1929.
Following WWII, the rise of air travel and the Cold War’s “Iron Curtain” led to its decline. Direct service to Istanbul ended in 1977, and the official name vanished from timetables in 2009
The Modern Orient Express

Today, the spirit of the Orient Express lives on through the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), operated by Belmond. This modern incarnation uses beautifully restored 1920s and 1930s carriages, maintaining the original Art Deco style and atmosphere.

 

Key features include:

  • Authentic historic interiors
  • White-glove service
  • Fine dining with multi-course gourmet meals
  • Live piano music in the bar car
  • Strictly elegant dress codes in the evening

Popular routes:

  • London – Paris – Venice
  • Paris – Verona – Venice
  • Occasionally: Paris – Istanbul (multi-day journeys)

Cabins and Luxury Levels

Passengers can choose between several accommodation types:

  • Historic Cabin – classic sleeper with daytime seating
  • Suite – private cabin with washbasin
  • Grand Suite – full private bathroom, personal steward, champagne on arrival

Prices vary depending on route and cabin type, typically ranging from  €4,000–10,000 per day.

For the 2026 season, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express continues to offer some of the most exclusive rail experiences in the world. Prices for these journeys vary significantly based on cabin type, ranging from the classic Historic Twin Cabin to the opulent Grand Suite.

 

  1. Paris to Venice (The Classic Journey)

This is the train’s most iconic route, offering a one-night journey through the snow-capped peaks of the Alps. During the trip, the elegance of the 1920s comes to life with silver tableware and white-gloved service.

  • Price: From £3,885 per person in a Historic Twin Cabin.
  • Experience: 2 days, 1 night; includes a four-course dinner and French breakfast.
  1. Venice to Paris (The Return Romanticism)

The journey departing from Venice is the perfect conclusion to an Italian holiday. The dress code during dinner remains strictly black-tie.

  • Price: From £3,885 per person.
  • Experience: 2 days, 1 night; traversing the Italian Dolomites and the Swiss Alps.
  1. Paris to Budapest (The Central European Tour)

A longer adventure that touches upon Vienna and Budapest. This route provides an opportunity to explore the historic cities of Central Europe more deeply while enveloped in the train’s luxury.

  • Price: From £4,275 per person.
  • Experience: Often part of a multi-day itinerary including hotel stays in iconic cities.
    1. Paris to Prague (The Bohemian Route)

    This route is designed for lovers of art and culture, connecting the French capital with the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague.

    • Price: From £3,800 per person.
    • Experience: A one-night luxury crossing through the heart of Europe.
    1. Paris to Istanbul (The Ultimate Expedition)

    The “Legend of Legends.” This journey departs only once a year, lasts for several days, and includes stops in Budapest and Bucharest. This is the most expensive and exclusive route of the Orient Express.

    • Price: From £18,050 per person for a Historic Cabin; up to £64,500 for a Grand Suite.
    • Experience: 6 days, 5 nights; includes luxury hotel stays, private excursions, and all gourmet meals onboard.

    Essential Travel Information

    • Dress Code: During the day, the norm is smart casual (no jeans or sneakers). For dinner, a black-tie dress code is strictly observed, with many guests wearing tuxedos and evening gowns.
    • Pricing & Value: Fares include all onboard meals, select beverages, and steward service. While prices are high—reflecting the meticulously restored vintage carriages—they fluctuate based on demand, so booking early is recommended for the best rates. Despite the high cost, the Orient Express offers a once-in-a-lifetime experiencewhere the romance of pre-war Europe truly comes to life. The unparalleled gastronomy, private steward service, and breathtaking landscapes transform the journey into an unforgettable adventure that goes far beyond mere transportation.

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