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Orient Express

Train service

About

The Orient Express is a legendary luxury train service that connected Europe and Asia, offering an unparalleled travel experience. Established in 1883 by Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, it initially ran from Paris to Constantinople (now Istanbul), traversing multiple countries including Belgium, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria. The train became synonymous with luxury and sophistication, featuring opulent carriages and fine dining. Over time, the Orient Express expanded its routes, including the Simplon Orient Express, which utilized the Simplon Tunnel to reduce travel time. The train's heyday was in the 1920s and 1930s, attracting royalty and celebrities. Despite its decline due to air travel and geopolitical changes, the Orient Express remains an iconic symbol of luxury rail travel. Today, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express continues this legacy, offering restored vintage carriages for a nostalgic journey through Europe.