The "Orient-Express" is the oldest-established of Europe's transcontinental trains. It began running between Paris and Vienna in 1883 and was the first to be composed entirely of rolling-stock belonging to the International Sleeping Car Company. The cars of that date were six-wheelers, with four-berth compartments, and lighting was by means of old-fashioned German petroleum lamps.
Ever since its creation 124 years ago, the Orient-Express train has been a symbol both of luxury and of pioneering routes to distant parts. The original route for the Orient- Express was from Calais and Paris to Bucharest, passing through France, Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Romania. By the 1920’s the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and later the Nostalgic- Orient- Express began running, making the Orient-Express the most international trains of Europe—and of the world for that matter—the "Orient Express” travels to and through thirteen countries. So, it is no surprise that their journeys continue to expand. In May 2007, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express announced adding its first foray into Poland, on an elegant 8-day, 7-night journey from Venice to Vienna, Krakow, Warsaw and Prague. "This will be a real voyage of adventure and discovery for many people who have yet to explore the hidden treasures this part of Europe has to offer," says Nick Varian, Chief Executive of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Meals on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are freshly prepared onboard by French chefs. The chefs prepare all the meals with fresh foods brought on board during the train's journey.
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© Melt Magazine 2007 |