Bond, James Bond
Who hasn’t heard of the Orient Express Train? Agatha Christie wrote the book in the 1930’s. Three movies were released based on the book The latest movie was just released. The mystery and the decadent furnishings of the train sleeping cars were alluring to be certain. James Bond even rode on the Orient Express in “From Russia with Love”. The proper name of the train is the Venice-Simplon Orient Express.
Lincoln, Bob Lincoln
Then we vacationed in Vermont and toured Abe Lincoln’s son’s estate. Bob Lincoln was CEO of Pullman Train Cars. Pullman sleeping cars are displayed at his estate. Seeing those Pullman sleeping cars seemed to draw us closer to a new adventure.
A vacation on a train is hardly one’s idea of comfort and luxury, especially if the same one had experienced the horrors of commuting into Manhattan on Metro North each day for many years.
Venice to London
We researched the idea some more and found the Venice-Simplon Orient Express had recreated the luxury train as it was from 150 years ago, with modern electronic and comfort upgrades. The journey we selected was from Venice to London, slightly less than the original journey in 1883 which was from Paris to Istanbul. That journey lasted for 80 hours, when our journey was only 36 hours, excluding the un-scheduled stop and train change in Paris.
We set out to build a vacation around the 2 day train journey, a week in Venice before and a week in London after.
All set!
Venice-Simplon Orient Express Team
The Venice-Simplon Orient Express team started their superb service in Venice, where they met us at our apartment door and escorted us to a waiting water taxi on the Grand Canal. We then taxied to the Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia, where we were met by another Orient Express Representative. Our luggage disappeared with yet another orient Express team member. We were escorted to our specific train car, where we were met by our butler for the trip. He showed us to our suite and explained all the nuances. Immediately we were served caviar and champagne. This must be a dream. I don’t remember it being so opulent in the movie, the Murder on the Orient Express. We had entered the decadent world of Grand Suites where handcrafted interiors, caviar and free-flowing champagne are simply a way of life.
Travel’s Golden Age Reborn
We were swept away in an indulgence known only to the royalty of travel’s golden age. Furthermore, we discovered in the Grand Suites’ living quarter’s you may dine in private, should you wish. A marbled en-suite bathroom with a full shower is in the suite, so you can refresh in style. We have our own 24-hour butler on hand to make all of our wishes a reality. Hmmmm!
Our suite was the Prague Suite with diverse European scenery and glorious colours, patterns and textures, plush fabrics and furnishings created by famed Art Deco designers, such as Dufrene and Lalique.
All of this and we have not even left the station in Venice. Yikes!
Our Journey’s Route
Once the journey starts, our route out of Venice is westerly towards Verona, where we then head north along the
eastern side of Lake Garda towards Innsbruck, Austria. There at Innsbruck, we will head west through Liechtenstein and overnight through Switzerland and France to Paris.
Dining
At several way stations on the journey, the train briefly stops to take on fresh provisions for the next meal.
But before all that, a lavish lunch is ready for us in one of the dining cars. We carefully walk through the moving cars to our chosen dining car and prepare to partake in a three-course meal of freshly prepared dishes using locally sourced ingredients. There is, of course, a sommelier to pair each course with the perfect bottle of wine. As if that isn’t enough, our Butler brings coffee to our cabin.
In our cabin, we relax and watch the train’s gradual entry into the Alps from our suite windows. The scenery is spectacular, but lasts for only a brief moment as the train races towards Innsbruck, Austria.
Evening Activities
We dress In our evening formal wear for drinks in the Bar Car. There, a pianist sits ready at a grand piano to entertain the assembled guests. Waiters walk between the tables, taking orders for hors d’oeuvres and beverages. The sound level crescendos and the merriment begins. Champagne flows and pate d fois gras is served. This is just incredible. How are we going to make it through dinner, after diner drinks, and midnight snacks? The music is now from a three-piece ensemble playing a selection of swing classics as well as contemporary music. What time is breakfast?
It’s Morning
Knock! Knock! This is your Butler Mr. and Mrs. Kohrs, I wish to serve you breakfast in 30 minutes. Oh, My! Shower, shave, get dressed and repack for our arrival in Paris! What happened to a good night of sleep!
Unfortunately, we need to stop in Paris at the Gare d’Est and transfer to Gard de Nord for the Eurostar to London due to construction on our route. Originally, we were to make the connection in Calais for the channel crossing. Since we had a few hours in Paris, we walked to the Rue de Rivoli for a chocolate chaud at Angelina’s.
Ah, Springtime in Paris….
London
No time to relax, onward to London. We board the first class cabin of the Eurostar, and we are off. In no time, we arrive at St. Pancras Station in London, where a driver waits to whisk us away to the Lanesborough Hotel.
At some point, I will awake from this wonderful dream and return to reality.
