Who hasn't dreamed of experiencing, at least once in their life, an epic rail adventire aboard the legendary Orient Express? Watching landscapes slowly pass by. Feel the magic of suspended time. Lounging in a luxurious, comfortable cabin.
Almost one hundred and fifty years after its inauguration, this iconic train returns with a design inspired by the 1920s, rethought by interior designer Maxime d'Angeac. "For this mythical train, whose name conjures up dreams and fantasies, it wasn't a question of copying and pasting the original Orient Express, but rather of recreating the atmosphere of the original Orient Express.but rather to recreate the atmosphere of an exceptional train that would convey the same spirit, in a 21st-century version," explains the architect. Embark on a journey through history by exploring the rich past of this legendary train, a luxe hotel on wheels... Why not even plan a trip on board?
What makes the Orient Express train so iconic?
It all began with heartbreak. In 1867, Georges Nagelmackers, a young Belgian engineer, went into exile in the United States to escape disappointment. While there, he discovered the world's first sleeping cars. Inspired by his stay, he returned to Europe and founded the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits in 1872. His ambition? To integrate beds into trains, offering his wealthy clientele the comfort of a hotel.
In October 1883, the first trip of the Orient-Express - as it was dubbed by journalists - was inaugurated. It left the Gare de Paris-Est for Constantinople. For the first time, the famous train allowed passengers to cross Europe without a connection. In a single journey, geography was turned upside down; the notion of travel was redefined.
The daring Georges Nagelmackers didn't stop there. In 1894, he launched the Compagnie Internationale des Grands Hôtels, opening sumptuous palaces along the Orient Express route to extend the luxury experience. In the 1920s, decorators René Prou and René Lalique added an Art Deco touch to the lounge cars. Agatha Christie then published "The Crime of the Orient Express" (1934), a detective story that fuelled the imagination of travellers. But these innovations were not enough. The rise of aviation and the arrival of high-speed trains marked the decline of the Orient-Express, too slow to keep pace with the revolution that was underway. On May 20, 1977, the train sadly made its last journey between Paris and Istanbul. The legendary carriages were auctioned off, converted into museum objects or renovated trains. An era came to an end.
Today, the Orient Express is reborn. "By stepping into the shoes of its creators, from René Prou to Suzanne Lalique, I've tried to reinterpret the history of this legendary train, without any nostalgia.gende train, without any nostalgia, but with the desire to prolong its history," explains Maxime d'Angeac, who designed the décor for the Accor hotel group's new Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express train. Comprising seventeen carriages, this legendary machine offers sumptuous suites combining leather, wood, mother-of-pearl and bronze. Inside, Art Deco fixtures and carpets meet. The restaurant, under a mirrored ceiling and dark wood arches, evokes the tapestries of Suzanne Lalique. The musts? The Voiture-Bar in warm green hues and the spectacular Suite Présidentielle.
Routes of the Orient Express train in Europe
In 2025, the Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient Express will inaugurate its rail cruises throughout Europe, including the legendary Paris-Istanbul route. Parallel to its launch, the La Dolce Vita-Orient-Express train, evoking the glamorous Italy of the 1960s, will welcome its first passengers in 2024. Panoramic views, personalized historical and gastronomic experiences... Eight distinct routes will allow passengers to explore Italy's most emblematic regions. Of these, six depart from Rome, where passengers will stay at the Hotel Orient-Express Minerva, Italy's first signature Orient-Express hotel. And before leaving the Roma Termini station, they'll have the privilege of relaxing in the luxurious Orient-Express private lounge:
- Rome-Venice-Portofino (3 days, 2 nights), to explore Venice
- Rome-Venice-Siena (3 days, 2 nights), for an immersion in Siena
- Rome-Palena-Matera (3 days, 2 nights), to admire UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Rome-Maratea-Taormina-Palermo (3 days, 2 nights), for a swim on idyllic beaches
- Rome-Montalcino (2 days, 1 night), to discover Tuscany's renowned vineyards
- Rome-Nizza Monferrato (2 days, 1 night), for a gourmet wine and truffle adventure
Two other Orient Express itineraries start in Sicily:
- Palermo-Taormina-Maratea (3 days, 2 nights), for a journey along the Sicilian coast
- Catania - Palermo - Taormina (2 days, 1 night), for a trip to the slopes of Mount Etna.
How much does an Orient Express ticket cost?
The Orient Express is determined to maintain its prestige. For an experience aboard the La Dolce Vita-Orient Express train, fares start at 3,500Euros ($3,780) per passenger for a night in a cabin, rising to 4,700Euros ($5,100) for a night in a suite. This price includes sumptuous accommodation, gourmet dining, on-board entertainment and carefully selected excursions. As for the Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient Express train, scheduled for launch in 2025, it will offer a similar price range, continuing the legend of the Orient Express.
Where to buy tickets for Orient Express?
To board the La Dolce Vita-Orient-Express train, reservations have been open since April 2, 2024, and can be made by telephone on 01 87 21 29 40 or directly on the official Orient-Express website. Tickets for the legendary Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express are still available. orient-express.com
