The Renaissance of the Orient Express: A True Icon

If there’s one train synonymous with luxury and opulence, it’s undoubtedly the Orient Express. A true icon of high-end travel in the 19th century and a central figure in Agatha Christie’s novel Murder on the Orient Express, this legendary train was created by Georges Nagelmackers. An engineer by trade, Nagelmackers was inspired to create the train after a trip to the United States, where he found sleeper cars to be uncomfortable.

Returning to Europe, he decided to design a train inspired by the world’s finest hotels, founding the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits in 1872. In 1883, the first Orient Express made its inaugural journey between Paris and Constantinople. A new route was introduced in 1919, bypassing Germany and passing through Switzerland and Italy. The final journey between Paris and Istanbul took place in 1977.

However, the Orient Express did not disappear that year. In 1982, the Belmond Group revived the luxury train, restoring cars for service between Paris and Venice, as well as London. Today, the Venice Simplon-Orient Express still operates, traveling to several European cities, including Rome, Florence, Verona, Brussels, and Amsterdam.

The Venice Simplon-Orient Express remains as magnificent as ever, with passengers traveling in an ambiance adorned with Art Nouveau marquetry and Art Deco glasswork, evoking the Belle Époque and Roaring Twenties. A journey that is also gastronomic, with three fine-dining restaurants onboard.

A New Project on the Tracks

A new chapter in the history of the Orient Express was written in 2022 when the Accor Group acquired the brand from SNCF. This year marks the beginning of a new era with the upcoming launch of Orient Express La Dolce Vita. Developed in partnership with the Italian group Arsenale, this new-generation luxury train will travel the former...