The Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Fans of the Agatha Christie mystery “Murder on the Orient Express,” which has been recently adapted into a star-studded film, will be excited to know that they can take a ride on the actual train. Now known as the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, it took its first journey in 1883 on a ride from Paris to Vienna. From then to now, it has been the peak of royalty, fanciness, and top-notch service.

Inside the train, it has the original sleeping beds from the 1920s and 1930s as well as three dining cars and a bar car with a grand piano and boutique, as well as polished wood and antiqued fixtures. You will feel like a luxury traveler while dressed to the high nines as you socialize with the other elite riders.

How you dress is an important aspect of this train ride, where they insist that “you can never be overdressed.” Think about wearing suits, ball gowns, kimonos, or anything embellished in gold. Top hats, monocles, pearls, rubies, high heels, and everything in between are encouraged on this ride. Even though you won’t be solving a murder mystery, socializing with your fellow guests is highly encouraged. Think of it as a fine wine party, but on wheels.

There are numerous rides and journeys you can take on the express, with multiple European cities that you have the option to visit, including London, Paris, Venice, Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest. When it comes to your accommodations, you can choose between suites, twin, or single cabins to go with your high-class service. And if that’s not enough, be prepared for a gourmet menu, including scallops in squid ink, chicken with shitake mushrooms, and tangerine cheesecake.

When you become a guest of the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, you will join the list of historic visitors who have ridden the train, including Lawrence of Arabia, Marlene Dietrich, and Trotsky. You will also be riding the train that was used as the setting for several famous films such as The Spy Who Loved Me, starring Sean Connery, and Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

According to the Express’ website, the journey from London to Venice takes 24 hours and costs £2,210 per person one way, including meals. It’s actually two trains, a historic British Pullman train from London to Folkestone and a Continental train of classic 1920s sleeping-cars from Calais to Venice.

Jody’s Travel Inc