When you think of the name Orient Express, you may have visions of train travel at the turn of the century or maybe even an Agatha Christie novel! Little do most people know that the Orient Express is STILL operating its luxury train line more than 120 years after the first train departed from its station. This fascinating history dates back to 1883 when the first Orient-Express train service was inaugurated. The initial route ran from Paris to Giurgi (on the Danube in Romania), via Strasbourg, Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest.
These trains continued to run until May of 1977. However, its final run consisted of just one shabby sleeping compartment and three day cars. Thankfully, the train was saved by entrepreneur and rail enthusiast, James B. Sherwood when in 1977, he bought two of the train’s carriages at a Sotheby’s auction in Monte Carlo. Over the next few years, Sherwood spent over $16 million dollars locating, purchasing and restoring some 35 vintage sleepers, Pullmans and restaurant cars.
On May 25th, 1982 the legend was reborn when the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express made its maiden run from London to Venice.
Today, these beautiful trains run a myriad of routes that will suite any traveler young or old. The legendary Venice-Simplon Orient-Express offers a travel experience like no other, in the traditional style of a bygone era. Imagine traveling to exciting cities in such as Venice, Paris, London, Budapest, Prague, Istanbul, Vienna and Rome. Within the United Kingdom, there are also British Pullman, Northern Belle, and Royal Scotsman trains that offer excursions that range from short day trips to week long tours throughout the UK. If you are a bit of an adventurer and are looking for a more exotic destination, the Orient Express has trains that will guide you through beautiful Southeast Asia and even to Machu Picchu in Peru!
This summer, why not travel in the style of decades past on the historic trains of the Orient Express?
Travel writer Deborah Woodward is the publisher and webmaster of http://www.SmartSeniorTravel.com
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