Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
In the 1860s, the age of railway travel was dawning. Most
railroads in Europe were dirty and uncomfortable, definitely not a
means for long-distance travel. A man named Georges Nagelmackers
set out to change this after visiting America and discovering the
Pullman Car's possibilities for overnight rail expeditions. Georges
tried to partner with George Pullman, the Pullman Cars' inventor,
to bring the experience to Europe, but he was denied. As such,
Nagelmackers set out to improve upon the original and create an
even more luxurious and comfortable rail car. His vision was a
hotel-like train filled with marquetry and elegant, plush seating
that followed a route from Paris to Istanbul. In 1883, the Orient
Express was born.
Like its predecessor, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express follows
numerous routes through Europe, highlighting fantastic destinations
like London, Paris, Venice, Verona, Florence, Rome, Geneva,
Innsbruck, and Istanbul. Many of the journeys, such as that between
Venice and London, feature just one night on the train. Longer
trips, including the flagship route between Paris and Istanbul, are
also featured. Those tours that begin or end in London follow a
slightly different course than those that commence on the
continent.
To further enhance the air of old-world romance, many of the
carriage's antique systems remain in place. Old coal-powered stoves
heat the cabins, and the windows are fully operable to allow
breezes during the warmer months. In 2017, the Venice
Simplon-Orient-Express received a modern upgrade with the addition
of air conditioning to the train. Thoughtful attendants clad in
royal blue and gold uniforms are found throughout the train,
available to tend to guests' every need, whether serving a meal or
offering a history lesson on the train.
