What it’s really like to travel on the Orient Express train
Inside the world’s most famous train

The Orient Express was the dream of a Belgian man named Georges Nagelmackers. Launched in 1883, it made its maiden journey from Paris to Romania, providing high society with a luxury train experience of rich tapestries, velvet curtains and fine crystal glassware. The original trains and their present-day stunning successor have carried famous passengers and featured in many movies including the new Murder on the Orient Express. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime desire for many to say they've travelled on this legendary service, but what’s today's version really like on board? loveEXPLORING editor-in-chief Dom Eames went to find out.
The golden age of travel lives again

In 1977, Kentucky businessman James Sherwood purchased some of the old Orient Express train carriages at an auction in Monte Carlo. He eventually spent five years and over $16 million (£12m) restoring 35 historic sleepers, Pullmans and restaurant cars to revive a luxury train voyage from the golden age of travel. Today's Venice-Simplon-Orient Express is owned by Belmond, who offer similar luxury train journeys in the UK, Scotland, Ireland, the USA, Peru and even East Asia.
You don't actually start on the Orient Express

Historic carriages

Sitting in the shadows of greatness

The splendour of the carriages is simply breathtaking. There’s exquisite detailing, including sandalwood patterned panels, offset by a mahogany border, featuring an antelope leaping between palm trees. The service is all warm smiles, good humour and nothing is too much trouble – it’s an instantly relaxing environment. If you’re lucky, you might just end up sitting where Nelson Mandela spent his journey on the Orient Express – an exciting detail, until fellow passengers want to take pictures of the seat.
It all begins with brunch

You get red carpet treatment

The cabins are sumptuous

The train has 89 double cabins and 16 singles, as well as three restaurant cars. You’re shown to your cabin by a steward. It’s all Art Deco marquetry, Art Nouveau lamps, plush velvet upholstery and gorgeous antique detailing from the 1920s. A door allows two adjoining cabins to be turned into a mini suite for families or groups of friends who want to share a larger space. But if you crave even more luxury, in 2018 there will be Grand Suites available, with double beds and a small living space, complete with en-suite bathrooms.
The level of detail is incredible

The ingenuity of the 1920s cabin design is a marvel in a carriage nearly a century old. Underneath the complimentary, high-end toiletries the table transforms into a fully working washbasin, complete with hot and cold running water. Robes and slippers are supplied should you want to lounge in your cabin before dressing for dinner, and there are electric plug sockets to charge your mobile devices overnight. There’s a bell to call the cabin steward who’s there to help you throughout the journey.
The bar is a relatively new fixture

You’ll have to mind your drinks bill

Dining is a truly exceptional experience

Dessert is just as delectable

These tiny kitchens provide impressive dinners

You can get a surprisingly good night’s sleep

You get breakfast in bed

The highlight, though, is what’s outside

There's just one drawback...

Beyond the eye-watering price tag, the most unpleasant thing about the Venice-Simplon Orient Express is leaving the train on arrival in Venice. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, but the wonders of Venice are very good compensation for disembarking one of the world’s most fabulous train journeys. You arrive at Venice’s Santa Lucia Station in the early evening, just under 32 hours after leaving London, in time to sample the culinary and visual delights of this famous city. If you liked this, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more travel inspiration.
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